Friday, September 9, 2016

Narasimhaswamy Temple, Namakkal – Festivals & Religious Practises

Narasimhaswamy Temple, Namakkal – Festivals & Religious Practises
The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Kalasandhi at 7:00 a.m., Uchikala Poojai at 12:30 p.m., Sayarakshai at 4:30 p.m., and Arthajama Pooja at 7:45 p.m. Each ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for the presiding deities. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The temple is open from 7:00 am – 1:00 pm and 4:30 - 8:00 pm on all days except during festive occasions when it has extended timings.
The major festivals of the temple is the fifteen day Panguni Uthiram festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni (March - April) when the image of presiding deities are taken around the streets of the temple in a temple chariot. Other festivals of the temple include Chittirai Tamil New year, Vaigasi Visagam, Telugu New Year, Avani Pavitrotsavam, Narasimhar Jayanthi, Vaikunta Ekadasi and Thai Pongal during various months of the year. In modern times, the Namakkal district administration has identified the temple as one of the prominent tourist attractions in the district. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.
The pujas are performed as per Vaikhanasa agama. Thayar is offered with jewels, Sarees and garlands in abundance by devotees. The three festivals of importance are Dasara festival for ten days in Purattasi; Car festival is the main attraction with all colors and festivities drawing thousands of devotees from all over Kongu region; Anjaneya Jayanthi is another famous celebration during Margazhi.
Nrusimha Jayanthi:
On Nrusimha Jayanthi, the processional icon of Shri Narasimha is taken from the sanctum to visit Lakshmi in her shrine and together they give a darshan to devotees. This happens only on this day. The car festival is celebrated the next day.
Thaligai for Lord Narasimha:
On the occasion of his Thiru Kalyanam, Devas wanted to feed Thirupathi Srinivasa, who referring to this place as ‘Mel’ Ahobilam, asked them to feed the Lord here. Hence, presenting Thaligai to Lord Narasimha here is very special and is equivalent to feeding Thirupathi Lord Srinivasa. On Pradosham, presenting Thaligai and Panagam (sweet drink made with jaggery) will liberate one from all troubles.
List of Festivals:
·        New Year in April (Chithirai)
·        Telugu New Year
·        Vaigasi Visagam (April – May)
·        Aadi - 18 in August
·        Aadi Pooram Sri Namagiri Thayar in swing
·        Aavani Pouthira Urchavam (September)
·        Sri Narasimmar Jayanthi (September)
·        Sri Krishna Jayanthi (Sep - Oct)
·        All 4 Saturdays in Puratasi (Sep - Oct)4
·        Navarathri Urchavam (Oct)
·        Vijayadasami
·        Karthigai Dheepam in December
·        Hanuman Jayanthi in Margali (On full moon day in Margali Moolam star)
·        Special poojas in full month of Margali
·        Vaigunda Ekadasi (Special pooja for lord Aranganathar)
·        Harvest Festival (Pongal) in January
·        Varuda Urchavam in Panguni