Friday, September 23, 2016

Kandhaswamy Temple, Cheyyur – Worship Practices & Festivals

Kandhaswamy Temple, Cheyyur – Worship Practices & Festivals

Worship Practices:

The temple follows Saivite tradition. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at 7:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:30 p.m., and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. During the Arthajamam between 8:30 - 9:00 p.m, Kandhaswamy is believed to offer his worship Somanatha along with the 27 Bhootaganas and it is enacted every day. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) & Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Kandhaswamy and his consorts.

Festivals:

The temple has many festivals in its calendar, with the Vaikasi Visakam, Aadi Krithikai, Kandasashti, Sura Samharam, Karthigai Deepam, Thaipoosam and Panguni Uthiram are the festivals being the being the most prominent. During Kandha Sashti, the Vel Vaangum Vizha is celebrated behind the Mahodhara Bootha Vethalam belonging to Pooradam star. Theipirai Ashtami, Shivaratri and Karthigai Deepam are other festivals celebrated here.

Periyandavar Pooja is performed during Shivaratri, Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays in this temple. Sarva Vadhyam is a music instrument used in the temple from historic times during the festive occasions. Chengalvaraya Sastri, a historical musician is believed to have composed songs praising the presiding deity. The practise of singing his songs during the rituals is continued in modern times.