Friday, April 22, 2022

Ranganathaswamy Temple, Karamadai – Festivals

Ranganathaswamy Temple, Karamadai – Festivals

The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows Pancharathra agama. There are various daily, weekly, monthly and fortnightly rituals performed in the temple. The fifteen-day annual Brahmotsavam during the Tamil month of Masi (February - March), is the most prominent festival in this temple. During the Brahmotsavam, the temple car is drawn around the streets of the temple with the festival images housed in it. There is a particular celebration called Kavala Seva which is done on the Chariot day.  The devotees greet each other chanting the Lord’s name, offer prasadam made of sugar, fruit and honey, wash the feet of the Lord and hold lighted fire torches. 

Southern railways used to operate free services from Coimbatore to Mettupalayam till 1983 during the annual chariot festival. Navaratri, Purattasi Saturdays, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Tamil New Year, Rama Navami, Ramanuja Jayanthi, Nammalvar Thiru Nakshatram, Narasimha Jayanthi, Chakrathalvar Thiru Nakshatram, Dakshinayapunya Kaalam, Aandal Thiruvaadipooram, Senai Mudhaliyar Thiru Nakshatram, Manavala Mamunigal Thiru Nakshatram, Deepavali, Thirumangai Alwar Thiru Nakshatram Thiru Karthigai Deepam, Pagal Pathu, Ira Pathu, Pongal, Koorathazhwar Thiru Nakshatram and Panguni Uthiram are the other festivals celebrated in this temple.