Nithyakalyana Perumal Temple, Thiruvidandai – Worship
Practices & Festivals
Though
the temple is an archaeological site, the temple is active in worship
practises. The temple follows Thenkalai tradition of worship based on Vaikasana Agamic
tradition. The temple is open from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
to 9:00 p.m. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis.
The temple rituals are performed four times a day: Ushathkalam at 8
a.m., Kalasanthi at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at
5:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:00 p.m.
Each
ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food
offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Nithyakalyana
Perumal and his consort Komalavalli. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly
rituals performed in the temple. Various festivals are celebrated in the
temple, with the Chittirai Brahmotsavam during the Tamil Month of Chittirai (during
April - May), and Vaikuntha Ekadashi during Margazhi (December - January) being the
most prominent. During Brahmotsavam festival, the festival deities of
Nithyakalyana Perumal and Komalavalli are taken in procession around the streets
of the temple.
The
annual festival, Thaipusam, is celebrated with much pomp and splendor. Panguni
Ultram, celebrated for 9 days, is another major draw. Thousands of devotees
visit the shrine every year. All days are auspicious in this temple. Vaikunda
Ekadasi is very devotionally celebrated in the temple in December-January.
Vaikunta Ekadesi:
Vaikunta
Ekadasi is the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi (11th day of the waxing moon fortnight)
that occurs in Margazhi/Dhanurmasa (December-January). It is believed that
‘Vaikuntha Dwaram’ or ‘the gate to Lord Vishnu's world’ is opened on this day.
Special prayers, yagnas, discourses and speeches are arranged at Vishnu temples
across the world on this auspicious day.
Brahmotsavam:
The
Annual Brahmotsavam is conducted in Chittirai (April-May).
Garuda Sevai:
Garuda
Sevai, the special procession of the Lord on his vehicle the kite bird called
Garuda, is held during the months of Aani (June-July), Aadi (July-August), Thai
(January-February) and Maasi (February-March).
The
temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment
Board of the Government of Tamilnadu. The temple is one of the most visited tourist
destination in the Chennai - Mahabalipuram region.