Pandava Thoothar Perumal Temple (Thirupadagam),
Kanchipuram – Festivals & Religious Practices
The
temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Vaikhanasa
Aagama. 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 Vaishnavaite 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 Pandava
Thoothar and Rukmini. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (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. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals
performed in the temple.
The
major festival of the temple is Krishna Janmashtami, celebrated during
the Tamil month of Aavani (August - September).
The other major festivals of this temple are Deepavali in October-November;
Mukkotti Ekadasi; Panguni Uthiram in March-April; Sattrumurai Utsav for Arulala
Perumal Emperumanar on Karthikai Bharani star day in November-December.