Thirukkurungudi Dhivya Desam – Festivals
The
temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and
follows Pancharathra agama. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis.
As at other Vishnu temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals
are performed four times a day: Kalasanthi at
8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at
12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., and Ardha
Jamam at 8:00 p.m.
Each
ritual has three steps: Alankaram (decoration), neivethanam (food
offering) and Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Vaishnava
Nambi and Thirukurungaivalli. During the last step of worship, nagaswaram (pipe instrument) & tavil (percussion instrument) are played, religious
instructions in the Vedas (sacred text) are recited by priests, and
worshippers prostrate themselves in front of the temple mast. There are weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals
performed in the temple.
The Chittirai
Utsavam (festival) in the month of Chittirai (April - May), Vaikasi
Jestabishekam during June, Aavani Pavitrotsavam during Aavani (August -
September), Float festival during Thai (January - February) and Brahmotsavam
during March–April are the major festivals in the temple. Garuda Sevai on the
fifth day of Panguni is a special occasion. Kaisika Ekadesi is one of the big
highlights at this temple. Onam is celebrated in this Divya Desam.