Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple, Thirukkolur, Thoothukudi
– Festivals
The Garuda Sevai utsavam (festival) in the month of Vaikasi (May-Jun)
witnesses 9 Garudasevai, a spectacular event in which festival image idols from
the Nava Tirupathis shrines in the area are brought on Garuda vahana (sacred vehicle).
An idol of Nammalvar is also brought here on a 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 9 temples,
through the paddy fields in the area. The paasurams (poems) dedicated to
each of the 9 Divyadesams are chanted in the respective shrines. This is the
most important of the festivals in this area, and it draws thousands of
visitors. Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January is grandly celebrated in the
temple.
