Gopala: My note- In Vishnu temples also the word Ganesha or Vinayaga used for the deity Thumbikkai Alwar. KR: Who used it? Where is it marked in any temple? Google may also add there THUMBIKKAI AZHWAR CHADURTHY is celebrated. 2 The temple was first constructed by Kulothunga Chola I <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulothunga_Chola_I>(1070-1125 A.D.), with bricks and mortar, indicated by various stone inscriptions found in the site. The innermost sanctum here is about a thousand years old although the first stone structure here was built only during the reign of *Kulottunga Chola* I (1113 AD); this temple is also referred to as *Kulottunga Chola Vinnagaram*. Most of the outer structures date back to the later Vijayanagara period marked by a spate of temple construction projects in Tamilnadu. The place Mannargudi is termed Sri Rajathi Raja Chathurvedhi Mangalam and the town started to grow around the temple. Successive kings of the Chola empire <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chola_empire>, Rajaraja Chola III <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajaraja_Chola_III>, Rajendra Chola III <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajendra_Chola_III> and kings of Thanjavur Nayaks <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur_Nayaks>, Achyuta Deva Raya <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achyuta_Deva_Raya> expanded the temple. The temple contains inscriptions of the Hoysala <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoysala> kings and some Vijayanagara <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vijayanagara> grants, and many records of the later Nayaks and Marathas <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marathas>.The Thanjavur Nayaks made the temple as their dynastic and primary shrine and made significant additions.The current temple structure, hall of 1000 pillars, main *gopuram*(temple gateway tower) and the big compound wall around the temple was built by the king Vijayaraghava Nayak <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanjavur_Nayak_kingdom#Vijaya_Raghava_Nayak>(1532-1575 A.D.).Raghunathabhyudayam <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raghunathabhyudayam>, a doctrine by Nayaks <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nayak_dynasty> explains the donation of an armour studded with precious stones to the main deity by the king.He erected the big tower in the temple so that he can view theSrirangam Ranganathaswamy temple <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Srirangam_Ranganathaswamy_temple> from the top of Mannargudi. The Nayaks were specially interested in music and it was promoted in both the temples. Instruments like Mukhavina, Dande, Kombu, Chandravalaya,Bheri and Nadhaswaram <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nadhaswaram> were commonly used in the temple service. This temple is located facing east. But, there is also a saying that the temple might have been facing west direction and because of this the gopuram which is called as "MelaVaasal" (Merku - west), there is a Mandapam by named "MaaligaiMedu", where the Tanjore kings used to come and stay to worship Sri Rajagopalaswamy. And also the Sangu and Chakram Theerthams are interchanged. But anyway, at present the temple is located facing the east direction A proverb, which explains the greatness of Mannargudi, is
*"KovilPaadhi, KulamPaadhi"* This proverb explains that half (Paadhi) of this MannargudiKshetram is surrounded by temple (Kovil) and rest by Kulam (Pond). Mannargudi is found on the Southeast part of Tanjore and there are lots of bus facilities are available from Tanjore, Kumbakonam etc. In this Mannargudi, other saivam temples are also found which are also said to be greatest. In Telugu, "Gudi" means temple. Since, Sri Rajagopalaswamy who is also called with the name "Rajamannar", this sthalam is popularly called as "RajamannarGudi". The Moolavar of this sthalam is Para Vasudevar. He is found in NindraThirukkolam along with Sri Devi and Bhoomadevi. The Moolavar is also called with other names as "Sri Vidya Rajagopalan". He is found in a gigantic posture wearing silver kavacham along with Sanghu, Chakkaram and Gadhai in Standing position. <https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5223353260949903246>The Utsavar of this sthalam is Sri Rajagopalaswamy, whose posture and beauty is unexplainable. He is giving his seva in standing position and his legs slightly bent alongside of the cow. He is found along with the Sengkol (an instrument which is found in the hands of the Kings). The shape of the sengkol also needs to be explained. We can see a long, straight golden sengkol in which the edge is 3 times coiled. This golden sengkol is found on the right hand of Sri Rajagopalaswamy and his left hand is placed over the shoulder of Sri SathyaBhama who is found on the left side of the Perumal. Towards the Perumal, we can find other four types of Perumals such as: - YagaMoorthy - BhalaMoorthy - SnanaMoorthy - SayanaMoorthy We can also find a small golden Navaneedha Krishnan idol on Garuda Vahanam close to the Perumal and a small idol of SanthanaGopalan is also found. It is believed that any person who doesn't have children, are blessed with the worship of this Perumal. None of the *Alwars* have sung of the glory of this shrine, as this temple came into existence only at a later date. However, *Manavala Maamuni* has sung praises of this temple; so has *Muthuswamy Deekshitar* (18th century)- one of the revered composers in the *Karnatic* Music idiom. *Oothukkaadu Venkatasubbaier*, (who preceded the Carnatic Music trinity), another composer in the *Karnatic* Music idiom made *Rajagopala* (Krishna) of Mannargudi the center of the multitude of his compositions (as did *Jayadeva* with *Jagannath* of *Puri*, <http://www.templenet.com/krishna.html#Puri> in his *Geetha Govindam*). Labeled *Krishna* *Gaanam*, several of *Oothukadu Venkatasubbaiyer*'s compositions in Tamil and in Sanskrit have attained popularity during this century. *Muthuswamy Deekshitar*'s kriti *Santhaana Gopala Krishnam* in the *Raga* *Khamaas*, eulogizes this shrine at Mannargudi, as do his kritis *Sree Rajagopala* in the *Raga Saveri*, the kriti *Sree Venugopala* in the *Raga Kurinji *and the kriti *Sree Vidya Rajagopalam* in the *Raga Jaganmohini*. *Deekshitar* refers to the annual float festival in the *Haridranadhi* tank, and to the *Mohini* *Alankaram* in the annual *Iraappattu Utsavam* in his *kritis*, and also describes *Krishna* as an embodiment of the *Srividya Mantra*. K RAJARAM IRS 19825 On Tue, 19 Aug 2025 at 09:46, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < [email protected]> wrote: > RAJAGOPALASWAMY TEMPLE, MANNARGUDI, THIRUVARUR DISTRICT- TAMILNADU- > Compiled > > Dear friends, > > The most famous temple in Mannargudi, Thiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu > (formerly part of Tanjore) is the Sri Rajagopala swamy Temple, dedicated to > an incarnation of Lord Krishna. It's also known as Dakshina Dwaraka. > > I received a response yesterday suggesting to write about temples in > Thanjavur area. So next few postings from me will be about temples in > Thanjavur, > Tiruvarur, Kumbakonam and Sirkazi areas honouring the suggestion. > > Hope a divine reading. > > Gopalakrishnan 19-08-2025 > > Here are some key facts about the Raja Gopala swamy temple: > > Deity: Lord Rajagopalaswamy (Lord Krishna) is the main deity, accompanied > by his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. > > Significance: It is a major Vaishnava temple in Tamil Nadu, recognized > for its historical and architectural importance, as well as its festivals. > It is also considered one of the *108 Abhimana Kshethram in the > Vaishnavate tradition.* > > History: The temple's origins trace back to the 10th century CE with > Kulottunga > Chola I, and it was expanded in the 16th century by the Thanjavur Nayaks. > > Architecture: The temple complex spans 23 acres and includes numerous > gopurams, prakarams, shrines, mandapams, and sacred theerthams. The > impressive Rajagopuram reaches a height of 192 feet. A notable feature is > the thousand-pillared hall. > > Haridra Nadhi: The temple tank, known as Haridra Nadhi, is one of the > largest in India and covers 18 acres. > > Mythology: According to legend, *Lord Krishna appeared in 32 forms to > sages Gopila and Gopralaya in Mannargudi*, a place referred to as "South > Dwaraka". These forms are depicted in the temple's art. > > Festivals: The major festival is the 18-day Panguni Brahmotsavam in > March-April. Other important celebrations include Vaikunta Ekadashi, > Navaratri, and the uri adi ceremony. > > Location and Timings: The temple is situated in Mannargudi, *near > Kumbakonam and Thanjavur*. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM > and again from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. These timings apply every day of the > week, including weekends. > > Raja Gopalaswamy is also told as Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy > > > > Introduction > > Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy temple is a Vaishnava shrine located in the > town of Mannargudi in the District of Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu. *The > presiding deity is Rajagopalaswamy, a form of Krishna with his consorts > Rukmini and Sathyabhama*. The temple is spread over an area of 23 acres > and is an important Vaishnava shrines in India. The temple is called > Champakaranya Kshetram, Dakshina Dwaraka (Southern Dvaraka) along with > Guruvayoor > by Hindus. It is considered first among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of > Vaishnavite tradition. > > My note-There are certain repetitions, the style of my compilation, to > emphasise information. I hope my friends might appreciate the style. > > > > Legend > > The Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy Temple is known as Dakshina Dwaraka > (Southern Dwaraka) because of a legend involving Gopila and Gopralaya > Rishi. They wanted to see Lord Krishna in Dwaraka, but by the time they > arrived, Krishna's earthly presence had ended. > > Narada then instructed them to go to "South Dwaraka," which led them to > Mannargudi. There, they prayed to Lord Narayana, who appeared before them as > Bala Gopalan (a child Krishna) and re-enacted Krishna's pastimes. This > event is why the temple is considered a southern counterpart to Dwaraka. > > > > History > > Originally this ancient temple was first constructed by Kulothunga Chola > I at 10th century and Chola Kings Rajaraja Chola III, Rajendra Chola III > and later expanded by Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century. The temple > has three inscriptions from the period and also mention in the religious > texts. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and > *seven > of its nine bodies of water*. The temple has a 47 m (154 ft) Raja > gopuram, the temple's gateway tower. > > The temple contains inscriptions of the Hoysala kings and some > Vijayanagara grants, and many records of the later Nayaks and Marathas. The > Thanjavur Nayaks made the temple as their dynastic and primary shrine and > made significant additions. The current temple structure, hall of 1000 > pillars, main gopuram (temple gateway tower) and the big compound wall > around the temple was built by the king Vijayaraghava Nayak (1532–1575 CE). > > Raghunathabhyudayam, a doctrine by Nayaks explains the donation of an > armour studded with precious stones to the main deity by the king. He > erected the big tower in the temple so that he can view the Srirangam > Ranganathaswamy temple from the top of Mannargudi. The Nayaks were > specially interested in music and it was promoted in both the temples. > Instruments like Mukhavina, Dande, Kombu, Chandravalaya, Bheri and > Nadhasvaram were commonly used in the temple service. > > > > Architecture > > The history of Mannargudi is cantered around the Rajagoplaswamy temple. > The temple has a large gopuram (gateway tower) facing east with a temple > tank in the north eastern direction. The central shrine is located axial to > the gateway and the flag post and approached through a series of pillared > halls. > > The Mahamandapam (Sabha) in front of the sanctum has ornate brass-plated > pillars and opens into the first circumambulatory path, Thiruvaimozhi > Prakara, considered the most sacred passage around the sanctum. > > Moving westward from the sanctum, the Ardha Mandapam and additional > mandapas house associated icons and are used for daily and festival rituals > > There is a big tank at the entrance of the shrine where rain water is > collected. The temple complex has 16 gopurams (tower gateways), 7 > prakarams (outer courtyard), 24 shrines, seven mandapams (halls) and nine > sacred theerthams (temple tanks). > > Haridra Nadhi, the temple tank associated with the temple is outside the > temple complex and is considered one of the largest temple tanks in India. > > Shrines and Temple Orientation > > The temple complex of Mannargudi Rajagopalaswamy Temple includes 24 > shrines, primarily dedicated to Vishnu in various forms, Sri Lakshmi as > Sengamala Thayar, and numerous Alwars and Vaishnava acharyas. > > Poojas and festivals > > The temple priests perform the puja (rituals) every day, including > festivals. Like other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to > the Vaishnavaite Brahmin caste. > > The temple rituals are performed four times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:30 > a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at > 8:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises three steps; alangaram (decoration), > neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for the > presiding deity. > > The worship involves religious instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) > read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. > > There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals. > > MAIN DEITY > > The central sanctum enshrines Sri Paravasudeva Perumal, accompanied by Sri > Devi and Bhu Devi. > > The image of the presiding deity is 156 inches tall and sported in a > seated posture with his consorts Satyabhama and Rukmini on his sides. The > utsava MOORTHY (festival deity) is a bronze figure from the Chola > period. > > Sub deities > > Within innermost prakara are shrines for *Vinayaka (Ganesha) and Durga, > the latter venerated locally as Vishnudurgai and Gajendra Azhwar, a rare > feature shared with temples like Srirangam*. > > > > My note- In Vishnu temples also the word Ganesha or Vinayaga used for the > deity Thumbikkai Alwar. > > > > The second prakara, known as Garuda Prakaram, features shrines for > Garuda, Jaya and Vijaya the guardians of Vaikuntha, and the Utsava Murti of > Perumal. This precinct also includes sanctums for various Vishnu avatars > and forms such as Venugopala, Lakshmi Narasimha, Ananta Padmanabha, > Lakshmi Narayana, and Gajendra Varada, highlighting the theological range > of Vishnu’s roles in Vaishnavism. > > At the northeastern edge of the prakara, shrines for Vishvaksena, the > commander of Vishnu’s army, and Sutravati Devi are present, along with a > vahana mandapa for housing the temple’s gold and silver mounts. > > The third enclosure, Champaka Prakaram, named after the champaka groves > that once flourished here, houses numerous shrines and ritual structures. > Prominent among these are shrines for *Andal, Nammalvar, Manavala > Mamunigal, Periyalwar, Kulasekhara Alwar, Tirumangai Alwar and Kumudavalli, > as well as Thondaradippodi Alwar and Anjaneya, who is worshipped alongside > Chakkarathazhwar. *A mandapam nearby is used for Kodai Utsavam and > Vasantha Utsavam celebrations. The sacred Madappalli (temple kitchen), > associated with Madaipalli Nachiyar, is also situated in this prakara. > > > > The shrine of Sri Sengamala Thayar, a central and independently celebrated > deity of the temple, is situated in the southern section of this prakara. > It houses the Moolavar (Sri Shenbagavalli Thayar) and Utsavar (Sri > Sengamala Thayar). > > The shrine complex includes the Nritya Mandapam, the Glass Mandapam, the > Vaikunta Sabha (Rohini Mandapam), and the Flag mast with sculptures of > Garuda and Suparni, a rare representation. On Fridays and during festivals > like Mattaiyadi Utsavam, Thayar Adhyayana Utsavam, and Ekasimhana Utsavam, > Thayar receives special abhishekam and darshan rituals, often accompanied > by the chanting of the Gadya Traya composed by Ramanuja. > > Extending from this zone is a shrine complex for Sri Rama, with > associated mandapams including the Nritya Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Artha > Mandapam, and the Sri Paduka Mandapam, alongside the Paramapada Entrance > and Pancha Parva Utsava Mandapam. The sacred Punnai Tree, identified as the > temple’s sthala vriksha, stands nearby, along with the Yagasala, used for > Vedic sacrifices and rituals. > > In front of the main sanctum lies the Vadya Mandapam, featuring *historic > depictions of Achyutappa Nayak, Vijaya Raghava Nayak, and Rani > Champakalakshmi*. Nearby, the Uttara Mandapam and Perarulalan shrine are > used during Pagal Pattu and Brahmotsavam festivities. > > The fourth prakara, Kasi Prakaram, includes the grand Thousand-Pillared > Mandapam, the Tirumamani Mandapam—central to Vaikuntha Ekadasi rituals—and > mandapams for Vedic discourse and public worship. Shrines for Kurattalwar, > Udayavar (Ramanuja), and Sri Nigamata Maha Desikan—the only Vadakalai > shrine in the temple—are located here. > > A public drinking water well and other practical structures are also > situated in this area. > > The fifth circumambulatory path, Nachiyar Prakaram, is unique in that it > hosts the chariot procession of Sri Sengamala Thayar, a rare tradition > where the goddess, rather than the lord, takes part in a separate ratha > utsavam. The prakaram includes multiple gopurams, such as the Western > Gopuram used historically by Thanjavur kings, and sacred tanks reserved for > Thayar’s worship. It also contains the Elephant shelter, Cow Shed, > Sixteen-Pillared Mandapam for the Tiruvandikkappu ritual, and the Yoga > Narasimha shrine. > > A newly constructed mandapam offers a prominent view of the Krishna > Gopura, adding to the temple’s ceremonial architecture. Together, these > shrines reflect a vibrant ecosystem of Vishnu devotion, Lakshmi worship, > Alwar veneration, and rich liturgical tradition. The spatial arrangement, > iconography, and ceremonial use of each shrine contribute to the temple’s > status as a significant centre of Sri Vaishnavism in Tamil Nadu. > > Several circumambulatory paths—such as Tiruvunnazhi Prakaram, Garuda > Prakaram, Champaka Prakaram, Kasi Prakaram, and Nachiyar Prakaram—are known > for their spaciousness and architectural elegance. The mandapams located > along these paths play a central role during major temple events, > especially the annual Brahmotsavam and the Adhyayana Utsavam. > > > > Halls of the Temple > > The Rajagopalaswamy Temple complex features a series of richly constructed > mandapams (pillared halls) that serve as both architectural highlights and > focal points during temple rituals and festivals. > > Thousand-Pillared Mandapam-These halls are strategically located across > the prakarams (circumambulatory enclosures), contributing to the functional > layout of the temple and enhancing the visual and devotional experience of > devotees. > > The temple features seven principal mandapams, each associated with > specific utsavams and traditions: > > Vallala Maharaja Mandapam: This hall is actively used during the Pagal > Pathu portion of the Adhyayana Utsavam and during the Kollatta Utsavam, a > unique local celebration. It is also a point of royal historical interest, > reflecting regal patronage. > > Thousand-Pillared Mandapam: One of the most iconic halls in the temple, > it hosts the Raa Pathu segment of the Adhyayana Utsavam and major > celebrations like the Navaratri Utsavam. It is known for its vast space and > rows of intricately carved granite pillars, exemplifying Nayak architecture. > > Garuda Vahana Mandapam: This mandapam plays a key role during the Garuda > Sevai on the twelfth day of the Panguni Brahmotsavam, where the utsava > murti of Perumal is brought here before being seated in the Chapparam > (processional canopy). > > Yanai Vahana Mandapam: During the Panguni Brahmotsavam, most vahana > processions commence from this mandapam. It acts as a preparatory area for > the various festival mounts of the deity. > > Lattice-Window Mandapam (Palakani Mandapam): Known for its elegant stone > lattice work that allows for a balcony-style view, this mandapam is used > during Rohini Nakshatram when the Utsavar Sri Perumal proceeds here for > Thirumanjanam (ritual bathing ceremony). > > Butter and Pot Mandapam (Vennai Thazhi Mandapam): Associated with the > Vennai Thazhi Utsavam, a Krishna-themed celebration during the > Brahmotsavam, this mandapam is where Sri Rajagopalan is taken in procession > to recreate the divine play of Krishna stealing butter. > > Mast-Wood Vehicle Mandapam (Punnai Vahana Mandapam): This hall is central > to the Punnai Vahana Utsavam during Brahmotsavam, in which the deity is > taken across the temple’s sacred precincts, traditionally even symbolizing > a journey across the Kaveri River. > > Additional functional mandapams found throughout the temple include the > Nritya Mandapam, Maha Mandapam, Artha Mandapam, and the Sixteen-Pillared > Mandapam (Sri Paduka Mandapam), each of which plays a role in ritual > recitations, darshan arrangements, and seasonal ceremonies. The Pancha > Parva Utsava Mandapam, Paramapada Entrance, and Yagasala further support > the temple’s extensive festival calendar and Vedic rites. These mandapams > not only reflect the temple’s rich architectural legacy but also form the > sacred stage upon which the temple’s ceremonial life unfolds throughout the > year. > > Annual Utsavams > > The temple witnesses a vibrant array of Brahmotsavams, Utsavams, and > annual festivals, uniting the community in devotion and tradition. These > celebrations span all twelve months of the Tamil calendar and are deeply > rooted in Vaishnavite liturgical heritage. > > The most significant is the eighteen-day Panguni Brahmotsavam, culminating > in the Rathotsavam (Chariot Festival) on Panguni Rohini, commemorating the > Thirunakshatram (birth star) of Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy. Each month > features unique festivals such as Garuda Sevai, Theppotsavam, Navaratri, > Vaikunta Ekadashi, and various Theerthavari rituals. > > These utsavams are marked by processions, traditional music, Vedic > recitations, and distinctive forms of divine worship, drawing devotees in > large numbers and sustaining the temple’s vibrant religious life throughout > the year. > > Panguni Brahmotsavam Dwajarohanam-The major festivals celebrated in the > temple are 18-day Panguni Brahmotsavam in honor of Sri Sri Vidhya > Rajagopalaswamy’s Thirunakshatram. > > The Chariot Festival, celebrated on Panguni Rohini, marks the > Thirunakshatram (birth star day) of Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy and is the > most prominent festival of the temple. It falls on the 17th day of the > Panguni Brahmotsavam and is celebrated with grandeur by the temple and the > surrounding villages. > > Chithirai (April–May)-During the Tamil month of Chithirai, the temple > observes the Chithirai Kodai Utsavam, a spring festival marked by > processions and special alankarams. The highlight of this festival is the > Golden Garuda Sevai, held on Akshaya Tritiya, an auspicious day in the > Vaishnavite tradition. > > Vaikasi (May–June)In the Tamil month of Vaikasi, the temple celebrates > the Vasanthotsavam, a spring-themed festival signifying freshness and > divine grace. The festival includes daily processions and floral > decorations, invoking the spirit of rejuvenation > > Aani (June–July)-TheppotsavamThe Tamil month of Aani is marked by the > celebration of the Aani Theppotsavam, the annual float festival of the > temple. The highlight of this festival is the Theppam (float procession) > held at the Haridra Nadhi Teppakulam, the temple’s sacred tank. On the day > of the event, the festival deities are placed on a beautifully decorated > float and taken across the tank, accompanied by Vedic chanting, musical > performances, and the illumination of oil lamps along the tank’s perimeter. > > Aadi (July–August)Sri Thayar Ratnangi Sevai-In the Tamil month of Aadi, > the temple observes two important festivals: the Thiruvadipuram Utsavam and > the Jyeshtabhishekam. The Thiruvadipuram Utsavam is celebrated in honor of > Sri Sengamala Thayar’s Thirunakshatram, during which she is venerated in > the form of Andal, considering Sri Rajagopalan as Raja Mannar, reflecting > the divine wedding theme central to Vaishnavite devotion. > > > > Aavani (August–September)The Tamil month of Aavani at the Sri Vidhya > Rajagopalaswamy Temple is marked by two important observances: Uriyadi > Utsavam and Thirupavithrotsavam. In connection with Sri Krishna Jayanthi, > the Uriyadi Utsavam is celebrated with great enthusiasm, featuring the > symbolic recreation of Lord Krishna’s leelas—particularly the playful act > of breaking butter pots. > > Purattasi (September–October)During the Tamil month of Purattasi, the Sri > Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy Temple observes the Navaratri Utsavam, a > significant festival dedicated to Sri Sengamala Thayar. > > Aippasi (October–November)-In the Tamil month of Aippasi, the temple > celebrates the Deepavali Kolatta Utsavam, a ten-day festival held in > connection with Deepavali. Sri Rajagopalaswamy, in his Krishna avatar, is > taken in procession within the temple precincts, adorned in festive > alankaram. The event features Kolattam performances by women. > > Karthigai (November–December)In the Tamil month of Karthigai, the temple > observes the Karthikai Deepotsavam, coinciding with the sacred Karthikai > Deepam, an important festival in Tamil Vaishnavite tradition. The temple is > adorned with rows of agal vilakku (oil lamps), symbolizing the triumph of > divine light over darkness. On this occasion, Sri Rajagopalaswamy, with Sri > Sengamala Thayar, Rukmini, and Satyabhama, blesses devotees in a special > Kalyana Alankaram. A prominent feature of the festival is the ceremonial > lighting of the Sokkappanai, a towering structure made from dried palm stems > . > > Margazhi (December–January)The Tamil month of Margazhi is dedicated to the > Adhyayana Utsavam, one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in > the Vaishnavite tradition. At the Sri Vidhya Rajagopalaswamy Temple, the > festival spans twenty days and is divided into Pagal Pathu (first ten days, > observed during the day) and Ra Pathu (last ten days, observed at night). > Each day features the recitation of hymns from the Nalayira Divya > Prabandham, venerating the Alvars and their devotional contributions > > Thai (January–February)In the Tamil month of Thai, the temple celebrates > the Thai Utsavam with a series of events. It begins with the Makara > Sankranti > > Maasi (February–March)The Tamil month of Maasi is primarily marked by the > celebration of the Kannadi Unjal Sevai, also known as the Maasi Dolotsavam, > which serves as the main festival of the month. As part of this utsavam, > the deities are seated on a beautifully decorated swing adorned with > mirrors and lights, creating a reflective and visually striking devotional > setting. > > Administration > > The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and > Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. > > > > -- > You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups > "Thatha_Patty" group. > To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an > email to [email protected]. > To view this discussion visit > https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1373766048.784143.1755577005037%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1373766048.784143.1755577005037%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. 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