Aavani Moolam Festival to Begin at Madurai Meenakshi Temple on August 20
Pattabhishekam for the Deity on September 1
The world-renowned Madurai Meenakshi-Sundareswarar Temple will host the Aavani Moolam Festival, depicting the sacred Thiruvilaiyadal (Divine Plays) of Lord Sundareswarar, starting with the flag hoisting ceremony on August 20.
Festival Schedule:
- Aug. 20 – Sept. 6: Morning and evening Chandrasekarar Procession in the 2nd prakaram.
- Sept. 1:
- Morning – Valaial Virthal Leelai (Bangle-Selling Episode)
- Evening – Pattabhishekam (Coronation of Lord Sundareswarar)
- Sept. 2: Lord rides on a fox (Nariyai Pariyaakiya Leelai)
- Sept. 3: Carrying mud for the brick kiln (Puttukku Mann Sumandha Leelai)
- Sept. 4: Selling firewood (Viragu Virthal Leelai)
- Sept. 5: Morning – Chariot Festival (Sattath Ther)
- Sept. 6:
- Theerthavari (Sacred Water Ritual) and Festival Conclusion
- Night – Car procession followed by the Farewell Ceremony at the 16-Pillar Mandapam for:
- Thirupparankundram Subramania Swamy
- Thiruvedagam Manickavasagar
Highlights:
Out of Lord Sundareswarar’s 64 Thiruvilaiyadals (Divine Plays) in Madurai, 12 Minor Plays (Siru Vilaiyadals) are enacted during this Aavani Moolam Festival.
Temple authorities have made all the necessary arrangements for the grand celebrations.
