Saturday, April 7, 2007

The annual festival of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam began with hoisting of the "Nanthi" flag on March 23 rd 2007. Special poojas were held during the festival time. The temple was decorated with fresh flowers, mango leaves, "Thoranam" (young coconut leaves were plaited together by fingers) and "Kolam".

Devotees gathered at the temple in the morning and evening to participate in the special poojas and procession with the idols.

Sapparam was held on March 30th 2007 ,tenth day of the annual festival at night, after the animal pilgrimage. Sivakami Amman accompanied by Swarnasabeswarar, Pillaiyar, Murugan accompanied by Valli Ammai and Theivayanai Amman, and Sandeswarar were taken on a colourful procession on inner and outer routes of the temple
Devotees arriving at the temple at dusk
Thavil (traditional drum) is being played in the temple
Devotees worship in the temple
Religious rituals are being held outside the temple
"Arthanareswarar"-half male and half female traditional figure
Idols on pillar are decorated by the devotees with flower garlands
Lotus flowers are offered to the idols in front of the Yagasaalai
Lotus flowers are offered to the idols in front of the Yagasaalai
Male devotess at the temple
Sapparam in procession on outer route of the temple at night
Rajan Sharma of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Devasthanam accompanying Sivakami Amman and Swarnasabeswarar in Sapparam
Sivakami Amman and Swarnasabeswarar are decorated with fresh flowers, leaves,silk and jewelleries
"Theevatti" (flame) which is lit on oil and carried during the procession of idols
Sapparam is decorated with fresh flower garlands and lights
Female devotees carrying camphor flame
Pillaiyar, Murugan with Valli Ammai and Theivayanai Ammai are being carried by male devotees on their shoulders,Sivakami Amman and Swarnasabeswarar are in procession in a Sapparam
Sculpture at a corner of the roof covered with Ponnochchi in the foreground
Sivakami Amman accompanied by Swarnasabeswarar, Pillaiyar, Murugan accompanied by Valli Ammai and Theivayanai Amman, and Sandeswarar are on colourful procession inside the temple
Devotees sing devotional songs
Sapparam is being pulled by devotees in the night