A grand Kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony) took place early morning at the historic Thirupparankundram Subramaniya Swamy Temple, one of Lord Murugan’s six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu). The ceremony began at 5:30 AM, marking the first Kumbabhishekam at the temple in 14 years.
Renovation works worth ₹2.37 crore were completed ahead of the event. Rituals began on July 10 with yagasala pujas. On Saturday evening, the 7th kala puja was held, followed by the ceremonial covering (kaapu kattuthal) of the main deity (moolavar) at night.
On Sunday at 3:00 AM, the day began with mangala isai (auspicious music), followed by Vigneshwara puja and punyaha vasanam. The 8th kala yagasala puja concluded by 3:45 AM.
At 4:30 AM, after deeparadhana, sacred water stored in golden and silver pots was taken from the yagasala to the temple towers. Kumbabhishekam was performed for the Rajagopuram, Vallaba Ganapathi vimana, and Govardhanambikai Amman vimana. Deities in the temple’s inner shrines also underwent the ritual. After the Maha abhishekam to the main deity, special deeparadhana followed.
Devotees were then allowed to have darshan of the deities. Although the temple usually closes at 1 PM and reopens at 4 PM, today it remained open throughout due to the event.
Lakhs of Devotees Gather
Devotees from across Tamil Nadu flocked to Thirupparankundram for the auspicious ceremony. Loud chants of “Arohara to Victory Spear Murugan” and “Arohara to Brave Spear Murugan” filled the air during the rituals.
To manage the crowd smoothly, iron barricades were set up, and 26 mega LED screens were installed around the city for live viewing. Ten drones showered holy water on devotees, and over 3,000 police personnel were deployed for safety.
On behalf of Minister Murthy, food was arranged for 4 lakh devotees at marriage halls. Special prasadam bags containing turmeric root, sacred thread, an image of the main deity, sacred ash (vibhooti), and sweets were distributed, arranged by temple board chairperson Sathyapriya.
The city was fully equipped with drinking water stations, mobile toilets, first aid centers, and other facilities.
Meenakshi Amman’s Visit
In a special gesture, Meenakshi and Sundareswarar from the Madurai Meenakshi Temple arrived at Thirupparankundram on Saturday to take part in the event. They will return to Madurai after a farewell ceremony scheduled for 6:30 PM this evening.