Agnipureeswarar Temple,
Thirupugalur – Festivals
Vaikasi Brahmotsavam:
Vaikasi Pournami Brahmotsavam
during the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May - June) is the most
important festivals of the
temple. It commemorates the event of Lord Shiva in the form of
Chandrasekara granting darshan to Lord Agni. Float festival is also celebrated during
the Tamil month of Vaikasi.
Appar Festival:
Appar attained salvation
(Mukthi) at the age of 81 on a Chithirai Sadayam star day. To commemorate this
event, a grand festival is celebrated every year on this day called Appar
festival. Appar festival begins 10 days before Chithirai Sadayam Star day in
April-May. The events includes his home coming from the Jains, the greatness of
his Uzhavaram, dance of celestial nymphs and his merging with Lord Shiva. On
the 10th day, Homam and Abhishekam is performed. Appar goes out on a
procession on the Pushpa Pallakku at mid night. The next day morning at around 4.30 am, after
the presentation of ‘Ennugey Ennugey’ Padhigam, Appar merges with Lord Shiva.
Thai Poosam:
Lord Shiva makes a procession to
Saranyapuri, located at about 24 Kms from this
temple, on Thai Poosam. Saranyapuri is the place where Theerthavari
takes place on the Rishaba Vahana. He makes his way back to the
temple at 11.00 pm same night.
Muruga Nayanar Guru Puja:
Muruga Nayanar Guru Puja is
celebrated in the Tamil month of Vaikasi (May-June).
Other Festivals:
Aani Thirumanjanam (Jun-Jul), Aadi
Pooram (Jul-Aug), Aavani Vinayakar Chaturthi (Aug-Sep), Purattasi Navaratri
(Sep-Oct), Aippasi Skanda Shashti (Oct–Nov), Aippasi Annabishekam (Oct–Nov), Thiru
Karthikai (Nov-Dec), Karthikai Somavaram (Nov-Dec), Markazhi Thiruvadhirai
(Dec-Jan), Thai Makara Sankranti (Jan-Feb), Masi Shivrathri (Feb-Mar), Panguni
Uthiram (Mar-Apr), Monthly Pradosha days (13th day from New Moon or
Full Moon days), Amavasya, Pournami, Krithikai, Sankatahara Chaturthi, Deepavali
and Tamil & English New Year days are the other festivals celebrated here.