The Vijayadashami festival will be held today, October 21, at 4 p.m. at the Kallazhagar Temple in Azhagar Kovil, near Melur in Madurai district. As part of the celebrations, Lord Kallazhagar will appear in elaborate decorations on a horse vahana and proceed from the inner temple precincts towards the ceremonial arrow-shooting pavilion. Special rituals will be performed by temple priests, followed by an arrow-shooting event symbolising the defeat of a demon.
Procession and Ceremonial Arrow-Shooting Ritual
The Vijayadashami celebrations are expected to draw devotees who wish to witness the traditional procession and offer prayers to Lord Kallazhagar. The deity’s ceremonial appearance on the decorated horse vahana is one of the key events scheduled for the occasion.
- Festival timing: The Vijayadashami celebrations are scheduled for October 21 at 4 p.m.
- Decorated deity: Lord Kallazhagar will appear in elaborate ceremonial adornments on a horse vahana.
- Procession route: The procession will begin in the temple’s inner precincts and proceed via the Pathinettampadi Karuppanasamy Temple and the southern fort entrance.
- Main ritual: At the pavilion designated for the arrow-shooting ceremony, priests will perform special worship accompanied by Vedic chants before the symbolic arrow-shooting event.
Special Poojas and Devotional Observances
At the ceremonial pavilion, the deity will be received with traditional rituals and special offerings. The arrow-shooting event represents the symbolic destruction of evil and forms an important part of the festival observances described in the temple’s programme.
A large turnout of devotees is expected for the occasion. Visitors from Madurai and surrounding areas may attend the celebrations to witness the procession and receive the blessings of Lord Kallazhagar.
Thailakappu Festival Also Begins
Separately, the Thailakappu festival at Azhagar Kovil is also scheduled to begin today, October 21, at the Navaneetha Krishnan shrine mandapam. The festival will commence with the Paramapadanathan Seva, according to the information provided.
The two religious observances add to the day’s devotional activities at the temple complex. However, detailed schedules for the Thailakappu festival beyond its opening event have not been specified in the available information.
Devotees Expected to Attend
The Vijayadashami procession and arrow-shooting ritual are expected to attract devotees seeking to participate in the traditional celebrations. Visitors are advised to follow temple management instructions and any arrangements put in place for orderly darshan.
The Vijayadashami programme is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. today, while the Thailakappu festival will open with the Paramapadanathan Seva at the Navaneetha Krishnan shrine mandapam.
