Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar Temple, Thenthiruperai,
Thoothukudi – Festivals
The Garuda Sevai utsavam (festival) in the month of Vaikasi (May-Jun)
witnesses 9 Garudasevai, a spectacular event in which festival image idols
from the Nava Tirupathis shrines in the area are brought on Garuda vahana (sacred vehicle).
An idol of Nammalvar is also brought here on an Anna Vahanam (palanquin)
and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these 9 temples are
recited.
The Utsavar
(festival deity) of Nammalvar is taken in a palanquin to each of the 9 temples,
through the paddy fields in the area. The paasurams (poems) dedicated to
each of the 9 Divya Desams are chanted in the respective shrines. This is the
most important of the festivals in this area, and it draws thousands of
visitors. Another major festival is Vaikunta Ekadasi.
