Friday, February 26, 2016

Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple, Nachiyar Koil – Religious Practices & Festivals

Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple, Nachiyar Koil – Religious Practices & Festivals
Religious Practices:
The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day: Ushathkalam at 7 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 7:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Srinivasa and Nachiyar. During the last step of worship, Nadaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the sacred texts Vedas are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple.
Festivals:
Brahmotsavam is a 10-day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January). Garuda Seva is celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March–April). During both these festivals, the festive images of Kal Garuda are taken out around the streets of the temple. There is a unique specialty regarding the stone idol of Garuda.
When taken out for a procession, until a step out of his Sannathi he can be easily carried by 4 persons. As the Lord goes out of each layer and prakaram, he is said to increase in weight, that 8 people, 16 and then 32 people are required to carry Lord Garuda out of the temple. Finally, when the Lord is taken outside the temple, Garuda increases in weight so much that 64 people are required to carry the Lord.
On his way back, it is said that Garuda mount decreases in weight and finally when he is back in the Sannidhi, only 4 people are required to carry him. The aspect is treated magical as drops of sweat are also observed on the image of Kal Garuda during the six-hour long procession. During the festive occasion, Garuda receives honors from Srinivasa Perumal (presiding deity) in the form of dress and ornaments.
Jewels and dress are also presented to Garuda by Ranganatha, the presiding Vishnu form of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple. Vasantotsavam or spring festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June). The Thirukalyana Utsavam or the wedding festival is celebrated in the 100-pillared hall during the Tamil month of Aavani (September–October).