Sowmya Damodhara Perumal Temple, Villivakkam – Festivals
Incarnation
festival of Lord Vishnu is celebrated in the month of Chithirai (April-May).
Gajendra Moksha (coming to the rescue of elephant Gajendra to save it from the
clutches of a crocodile) festival is celebrated on the full moon day in the
month of Aadi-July-August. Lord appears on his Garuda Vahana to save the
elephant. On Makara Sankaranthi day-Pongal, falling almost on January 14 or a
day before or after occasionally in some years, Lord appears as Raja Mannar as
in Srivilliputhur with Mother Sri Andal, a darshan the devotee cannot afford to
miss.
Reminding
the Mohini Avatharam of Lord to teach a lesson to the proud sages of Tharukavanam,
Lord appears as Mohini (an enchanting woman) in festival days in other Vishnu
temples. This Alankara – dressing is offered to Mother in this temple in a
festival on the fourth day in Thai month – January-February. Mother is seated
in the garden of the temple on this day for darshan.
The
birth star festival of the first three Alwars are celebrated for three days,
while festivals for Periya Azhwar, Nammalwar, Tirumangai Alwar, Sri Ramanuja,
Sri Desika are celebrated for 10 days. The festivals of Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam, Gokulastami,
Navarathri, Pagal Pathu and Raappathu in the Margazhi month and Masi Magam
float festival are celebrated with great joy at the temple. Apart from this,
Panguni Uthiram, the wedding festival is celebrated in the temple.
