At Meenakshi Amman Temple, the tenth day of the Chithirai Festival on April 28, 2026, witnessed the grand celebration of the divine wedding (Thirukalyanam) and floral palanquin procession, attended by thousands of devotees from early morning until late night. The day began at 4:00 a.m. with the deity’s ceremonial procession on a silver throne through the four Chithirai streets, culminating in the sacred wedding ceremony held between 8:35 a.m. and 8:59 a.m. under the auspicious Rishabha Lagna.
Event Highlights and Locations
Madurai, Meenakshi Temple, Thirukalyana Mandapam, Chithirai Streets, Masi Streets, Muthuramayyar Mandapam, Thiruparankundram Subramanya Swamy, Nagappasidetty Mandapam
Morning procession, divine wedding ritual, Kanni Ainjchal ceremony, floral palanquin procession, night elephant vehicle procession, large-scale devotee participation
Traditional Agamic rituals, auspicious timing, temple administration arrangements, security measures, ceremonial protocols
Festival concluded at 11:30 p.m., Anandarayar floral palanquin, silver throne, spiritual discourses, devotional performances
During the morning rituals, Lord Sundareswarar’s ceremonial procession began from Thiruparankundram, traversing the Chithirai streets before reaching Muthuramayyar Mandapam for the Kanni Ainjchal ritual. The divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar was then solemnized at the Thirukalyana Mandapam following Agamic traditions.
In the evening, at around 7:30 p.m., the deity mounted on an elephant vehicle in the Anandarayar floral palanquin proceeded through the four Masi streets, drawing massive crowds of chanting devotees. The festival concluded at approximately 11:30 p.m. with the deity returning to the temple premises.
Temple authorities stated that the divine wedding symbolizes cosmic balance and prosperity, and devotees participating in the ritual are believed to receive spiritual and worldly benefits.
