Chennai: Thai Poosam is being celebrated in various Murugan temples and at Vadalur in Tamilnadu right now.
Dedicated to Lord Muruga, the festival is drawing devotees in large numbers to His temples in Palani and Tiruchendur.
According to reports, many people came by walk (pada yatra) from various cities of Tamilnadu to these temples. Many others came carrying kavadis and had pierced the cheek and tongue.
In Vadalur, where Ramalinga Adigalar, popularly known as Vallalar for his munificence, Thai Poosam marks the day when he became one with God. The day is celebrated by helping devotees have jothi darshan. The seven screens before a mirror are drawn back and deeparadanai is performed to the mirror, euphemistically meaning you have to realise yourself.
There is a heavy rush of people in Vadalur, which resembles a huge fair, to witness the jothi darshan that happens six times in all, including tomorrow morning.
In Madurai, the Vandiyur Mariamman theppam takes place today. The processional deity, Mariamman, is brought as part of the Panchamurthis to the theppakulam that is brimming with water. The deity would be taken around the tank on a beautifully decorated theppam (videos).
The theppotsavam is also happening at Kapaleeswarar Temple in Mylapore, Chennai, on account of Thai Poosam. Sri Singaravelar, with his consorts Valli and Deivanai, will be blessing the devotees from the richly decorated theppam that is floating in the tank situated in front of the temple.