Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple,
Nachiyar Koil – Religious Practices & Festivals
Religious 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), naivethanam (food offering)
and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Srinivasa and Nachiyar.
During the last step of worship, Nadaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil
(percussion instrument) are played, religious instructions in the sacred
texts Vedas are recited by priests, and worshippers prostrate
themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and
fortnightly rituals performed in the
temple.
Festivals:
Brahmotsavam is a 10-day
festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January).
Garuda Seva is celebrated during the Tamil month
of Panguni (March–April). During both these festivals, the festive
images of Kal Garuda are taken out around the streets of the
temple. There is a unique specialty regarding the stone idol of
Garuda.
When taken out for a procession,
until a step out of his Sannathi he can be easily carried by 4 persons. As the
Lord goes out of each layer and prakaram, he is said to increase in weight,
that 8 people, 16 and then 32 people are required to carry Lord Garuda out of the
temple. Finally, when the Lord is taken outside the
temple, Garuda increases in weight so much that 64 people are required to
carry the Lord.
On his way back, it is said that
Garuda mount decreases in weight and finally when he is back in the Sannidhi,
only 4 people are required to carry him. The aspect is treated magical as drops
of sweat are also observed on the image of Kal Garuda during the six-hour long
procession. During the festive occasion, Garuda receives honors from Srinivasa
Perumal (presiding deity) in the form of dress and ornaments.
Jewels and dress are also
presented to Garuda by Ranganatha, the presiding Vishnu form of Srirangam
Ranganathaswamy Temple. Vasantotsavam or spring festival is celebrated
during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May–June). The Thirukalyana
Utsavam or the wedding festival is celebrated in the 100-pillared hall during
the Tamil month of Aavani (September–October).
