Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam – Viruppan
(Chithirai Ther) Festival
One of
the Grandest Festival celebrated in this temple in Tamil month Panguni
(March-April), which can purify the professional blemishes. In the Vijayanagara
dynasty one of the king name Viruppanna Udayar established the Chithrai
festival in 1383. After Muslims invasions Lord Ranganatha brought to sanctum
sanctorum in 1371 (17th day Vaikasi month). In that time temple was under very
much dilapidated condition. On 1377 the King Viruppannan donated Seventeen
thousand gold coins for renovation of temple.
In the
year of 1383 after renovation Chithrai festival started after 60 years.
Viruppannan handed over 52 villages for Temple welfare. In 1383 Chithrai
festival being celebrated nearest villagers thronged in the Srirangam. In this
festival 8th and 9th days are being celebrated by villagers very much.
Villagers used to donate more number of cattle and cereals from their fields.
This
festival starts eight days earlier to Revathy asterism. The Chithrai car
festival is being celebrated on that day.
Ankurarpanam (Sprouting the seeds):
The
Vishvaksena (Chief of the Lord‘s army) and Anjaneya brought to the Thayar Sannathi
accompanying some priests. They perform poojas under the Vilva tree sand some
priests go to the river bed to take sand with “Bhusukta” both sands are mixed
in the stage of moisten kept in the pots. Seeds are sowed in that pots and then
kept in Yagasala. Within few days it gets sprouted.
Nagarasothanai (Street Investigation):
Vishvaksena
is being brought to all the four Chithirai streets. He inspects the entire four
streets before Lord Visits. This inspection is to ensure that there is no
untoward incidents happened. It called as Nagarasothanai.
First day (Flag hoisting):
In the
first day the flag (Garuda picture drawn in the Canvas cloth) will be brought
to the four Chithirai streets in early morning. Then it is hoisted in the
presence of Lord to indicate temple festival going on. After the flag hoisted
Lord is brought to the Mirror Chamber (Public worship can be allowed only in
1st and 7th day of the festival). In the evening the Lord with Ubaya Nachiyar
brought to the Chithirai streets. In presence of Lord Poigai Alwar songs are
being recited.
Second day:
Namperumal
is being brought in Palanquin in four Chithra streets in morning. In the same
day evening Namperumal comes in Karpagavritcham (A wish yielding tree) vahana
in four Chithra streets. In presence of Lord Boodathalwar songs are being
recited.
Third day:
In
Morning used Leonine (Simha) Vahanam and evening in Yali (Imaginary animal)
vahanam. In presence of Lord Peyalwar songs are being recited.
Fourth day:
Morning
Namperumal brought in Double prabha vahanam and in the evening in Garuda
vahanam. In presence of Lord Thirumazhisaialwar songs are being recited.
Fifth day:
Morning
Namperumal brought in Serpentine (Sesha vahanam), evening in the Hanumantha
vahanam. In presence of Lord Nammalvar songs are being recited.
Sixth day:
Morning
Namperumal brought in the Hamsa (Cygnet) vahanam, and in the evening coconut
water being offered to Lord then Namperumal are being brought in the
Elephantine vahanam. In presence of Lord Nammalvar songs are being recited.
Seventh day:
In the
morning devotees allowed to have Seva in the Mirror chamber. In the evening
Namperumal with goddesses visit Thirukkottaram (Granary) heaps of paddy being
verified as a customary practice. Then Lord takes procession in the Chitra
streets and reaches Thayar Sannathi Thirumanjanam being performed. Then reach
the Mirror chamber in midnight. In presence of Lord Thirumazhisaialwar songs
are being recited.
Eighth day:
In the
morning Lord comes in the Silver Equestrian (Horse) vahanam. And in the evening
Lord comes in the Golden Equestrian vahanam. When it comes near Chithra car
shed unique event being witnessed, Namperumal seated on horse ridden in
galloping speed. In presence of Lord Thirumangaialwar songs are being recited.
Ninth day (Car Festival):
Early
morning Namperumal is installed in Chithra car, car being pulled in the four
Chitra streets. Then Lord brought to the Revathy Mandapam, Thirumanjanam being
performed. In presence of Lord Thirumangaialwar songs are being recited.
Tenth day (Sabthavaranam):
Morning
in Sandhanu Mandapam Thirumanjanam is being performed to Lord. In the evening
Namperumal’s procession takes place in quite manner (avoiding musical
instruments being used for the obvious reason) of Lord hearing Ramanuja’s
songs. Namperumal visits to Ramanuja’s temple, there cordially welcomed by
Ramanuja. And Ramanuja offers coconut water to Namperumal. After Namperumal
offered it’s being offered to Ramanuja.
Eleventh day:
Morning
in Garuda Mandapam Thirumanjanam is being performed to Lord. In the evening
Namperumal’s procession takes place in the decorated palanquin with full of
flowers rounds in Chitra streets.
This
festival narrates Lord will bless not only human being but animals also. An
elephant named Gajendra daily picks flowers from a pond then it offers to lotus
feet of Lord and prays without any expectation. Elephant is very much fond in
this service. So it doesn’t ask anything from god Lord Vishnu likes the
elephant very much.
Unfortunately
one day elephant’s leg was caught severely by crocodile while it picks flowers.
Even though elephant is not able to tolerate the pain it feels worried the
absence of service to Lord. It begs the Lord to do service continually, but it
didn’t ask the Lord to relive from the pain and pangs. Lord rushed to the spot
and pierced the crocodile and blessed the elephant. This incidental memorandum
is being performed in the holy Cauvery river bed.