Ulagalantha
Perumal Temple, Thirukovilur – Worship
Practices & Festivals
Worship
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), neivethanam (food offering)
and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Ulagalantha Perumal and
Poongothai. During the last step of worship, Nadaswaram (pipe instrument)
and tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions
in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and worshippers
prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast.
Festivals:
There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals
performed in the
temple. Various festivals are celebrated in the
temple, with the 15 day Panguni Brahmotsavam in March–April with Sri
Pushpavalli Thayar Oonjal, being the most prominent one. During the Masi Magam
festival celebrated in February–March, the festive deity is carried on the
shoulders of devotees to Cuddalore. Pongal, Deepavali, Tamil and English
New Year days are also observed with special pujas to Lord Trivikrama.
Other festivals are Purattasi Pavithra Utsavam, Navaratri, Srirama
Navami, Sri Ramanuja Jayanthi, Vasantha Utsavam in April–May, Vaikasi Visakam
Garuda Seva, Nammazhvar Satrumurai in May–June, Aani Periazhwar Satrumurai in
June–July, Aadi Thiruvaadipooram, Andal Utsavam in July–August, Avani Sri
Jayanthi, Uriyadi Utsavam in August–September, Aipasi Mudalazwar Satrumurai,
Sri Manavala Mamunigal Utsavam in October–November, Karthikai Kaisika Ekadasi,
Tirukarthikai in November–December, Margazhi Raapathu, Pagal Pathu
and Vaikunta Ekadashi in December–January.