AMAVASA

Every month on “Amavasha” (new moon day), special poojas were conducted in grand manner, starting from 5 o’clock in the morning. The pooja start with “Abishegam”, “Aarathi” and “Aarathani” for “Santha Kali Amman” (Moolavar) which is performed by Sri Sundaresa Swamigal. The Santha Kali Amman is decorated with flowers and garlands along with the jewels. The lemon offerings made by the devotees were collected and garlands using those lemons were made for 60 feet Rajakaliamman and poojas were performed for the magnificent Amman. Some of the offerings made by the devotees are presented at the divine feet of the statue by Swamigal’s decipels, which in turn considered as the devotees prayers heard by Rajakaliamman.

Yaga Pooja Sri Sundaresa Swamigal performs the holy yaga, by igniting the sacred fire and offerings like fruits, ghee, sweets, and silk clothes were dropped in the “Yaga Goondam”. Chanting of Vedic hymes is done with the help of the sadhus and priests. It is greatening to see that whatever the differences in language, culture or attitudes, the people come out of extreme love and devotion, and even dance in faith by offering prayers for the well being of their near and dear ones.

Parivattam “Patha pooja” (cleaning or purifying the feet) is performed for Swamigal and “Poorna Kumbha” given to him in order to show the great respect for Rajakaliamman’s son, who sacrificed his entire life for her. After the parivattam, a grand procession takes place with the idols of Kaali carried in a special “Pallakku”, from “Yagasala Mandapam” to “Santha Kaali amman” prahara.

Annadhanam More than 7000 devotees take part in this procession and free noon meal for them is provided in the afternoon as a part of “annadhanam” activity that takes place inside the temple premises. Thus, the “Amavasha Pooja” is performed every month by following all sacred rules and without missing the special features.

CHITIRAI FESTIVAL

A number of festivals are celebrated in the temple, some for just one day and others lasting many days. The famous “Chithirai Festival” is a bigger festival celebrated for 13 days in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April) every year. This is a very important and spiritually significant festival.