Grand Chariot Festival in Madurai

The Masi Perunthiruvizha chariot procession at the Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple in Madurai was held on Sunday morning as the highlight of the annual festival that commenced on the 21st. Following daily processions of the presiding deity in different vahanas since the start of the festival, the therottam—considered the pinnacle event—began at 10.20 a.m. in accordance with traditional customs. Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar and Naduvoor Nayagi Amman (Madhyapuri Amman), adorned in special decorations, were taken in separate temple cars, which were pulled by a large number of devotees.

Event Details and Procession Routes:
Immayilum Nanmai Tharuvar Temple, Netaji Street, Mela Masi Street, traditional circumambulatory routes.
Chariots flagged off at 10.20 a.m., reached designated halt at 11.05 a.m., accompanied by auspicious music and Vedic chants.
Ritual worship as per tradition, special alankaram, farewell ceremony, devotees pulling the ropes.
Participation from devotees and Saivite followers across Madurai district, arrangements by Sivaganga Samasthanam Devasthanam authorities.

Special poojas were performed for both the presiding deity and Naduvoor Nayagi Amman prior to the procession. Following the ceremonial send-off, the deities were mounted on the temple cars in festival attire. The main deity was placed on the first chariot, while the goddess was enshrined on the second.

After conducting rituals in accordance with temple traditions, the chariots were pulled through Netaji Street, Mela Masi Street and other customary routes. The air resonated with the sound of traditional musical instruments and the chanting of Vedic hymns as devotees enthusiastically drew the cars along the designated path, completing the procession within the scheduled time.

A large number of devotees and Saivite adherents from various parts of Madurai district participated in the event. The arrangements were overseen by Temple Supervisor M. Veluchamy (in-charge) and officials of the Sivaganga Samasthanam Devasthanam, along with temple priests.

Temple authorities stated that the festival events are being conducted in strict adherence to tradition while ensuring the spiritual sanctity of the occasion.