Sathyanatha Swamy Temple,
Thirukalimedu – Worship Practices & Festivals
Worship
Practices:
The
temple priests perform the puja (rituals)
during festivals and on a daily basis. The
temple rituals are performed two times a day; Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m
and Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: Abhishekam (sacred
bath), Alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering) &
deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Sathyanatheswarar and Brahmarambigai.
Festivals:
Margazhi Thiruvadhirai during the Tamil
month of Margazhi (December – January), Aippasi Annabishekam
during Aippasi (October – November) and Maha Shivarathri during Masi
(February – March) are the three festivals celebrated in the
temple. There are weekly rituals like Somavaram (Monday) and Sukravaram
(Friday), fortnightly rituals like Pradosham and monthly festivals
like Amavasai (new moon day), Kiruthigai, Pournami (full
moon day) and sathurthi. During Wednesdays, devotees take a holy dip in
the temple tank located outside the
temple and worship Shiva with green pulse, which is considered a
sacred aspect for Budha (Venus).