Nellaiappar Temple – Festivals
Navarathri, Thirukkalyanam in Aippasi, (Oct 15 - Nov 15)
and Arudra Dharisanam are some of the important festivals here. Arudra Dharisanam
attracts huge crowds here. The temple chariot is a massive one, second
supposedly only to Tiruvarur.
The Brahmotsavam here lasts for an extended period of
time during the Tamil month of Aani (June 15 - July 15). Also, a Golden
Temple car (First Inaugural run of Nellaiappar Temple Golden Car is
November 2, 2009) will run during important festivals like Thirukkalyanam,
Kaarthigai, and Aaruthra Festival etc.
During Thaipoosam festival in Thai, Lord Shiva and Parvathy are
taken to the banks of Thamirabarani River in Tirunelveli junction called "Thaipoosam
mandapam". Special rituals are undertaken there and the Lord returns to
the temple at night.
Pradosham Pooja, Masi Magam, Thiruvathirai, Karthigai
Vazhipadu & Chitra Pournami are other important festivals celebrated here.
Nellaiappar Temple car is the third largest car in Tamilnadu. And it is the first car to be driven fully
automatically. Car festival is the most auspicious festival of this temple that
is celebrated during Aani (June- July). Temple has 5 cars for Vinayakar,
Murugan, Nellaiappar, Kanthimathi, and Sandikeswarar. Weighing 400 ton and
having steel wheels, Nellaiappar car is the 3rd largest car in Tamil Nadu and
is the first car to be driven fully automatically.