Sthala Sayana Perumal Temple (Arulmaakadal Perumal
Temple), Tirusirupuliyur – Festivals & Religious Practices
The
temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Vaikanasa
Aagama. The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. As
at other Vishnu temples of Tamilnadu, the priests belong to the Vaishnavite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals
are performed three times a day: Ushathkalam at 7
a.m., Uchikalam at 12:00 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m.
and Ardha Jamam at 7:30 p.m.
Each
ritual has three steps: Alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food
offering) and Deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for both Sthala Sayana
Perumal and Thirumagal Nachiyar. During the last step of worship, 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.
Chithirai
Tamil New Year Day falling almost on April 14; Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam in
May-June; Aadi Perukku and Aadi Pooram and Jestabishekam in July-August; Gokulastami
in August-September; Navarathri Pavithra Utsavam in September-October; Aipasi
Manavala Mamunigal Utsavam on Moola star day in October-November; Tirukarthikai
in November-December; Margazhi Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January; Makara Sankaranthi-Pongal
falling almost on January 14; Masi Shukla Paksha Ekadasi in February-March and
Panguni Uthiram in March-April are the festivals celebrated in the temple.