Aravindalochanar Perumal Temple (Irattai Tirupati
Temple), Tholavillimangalam, Thoothukudi – Festivals
The Garuda Sevai utsavam (festival) in the month of
Vaikasi(May-Jun) witnesses nine Garudasevai, a large event in which festive images from the Nava
Tirupathi shrines in the area are brought on Garuda vahana (sacred vehicle)
to Alwarthirunagari Temple. An idol of Nammalvar is also brought on an Anna Vahanam (palanquin)
and his paasurams (verses) dedicated to each of these 9 temples are
recited.
The Utsavar (festival deity)
of Nammalvar is taken in a palanquin to each of the nine
temples, through the paddy fields in the area. The paasurams (poems)
dedicated to each of the nine Divyadesams are chanted in the respective shrines. This is the
most important of the festivals in this area, and it draws thousands of
visitors.
The
temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and
follows Pancharathra Aagama. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis.
There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals and festivals performed in
the temple.
Vaikunda
Ekadasi in December-January (the 11th day from the New Moon day) in Tamil month
Margazhi is grandly celebrated in the temple.