The Brahmotsavam at Hayagreevar temple reached a crescendo on the 7th day when the lord with his consorts sat inside the temple car - called ther - and took a ride around the town.
The wooden car looked elegant with carved wooden images adorning it. Flowers were strung on the images and horses which are on the car which seemed ready to take a plunge.
People devotedly pulled the huge rope of the car called ther vadam .Coconuts and fruits were offered to the deities.
Hayagreevar set off on a pallaku the next day. He is carried by paadam thangigal who consider it their blessing to lift the Lord. The pallaku is made of wood with flowers decorating it.
People from far off places witness in awe the Kudirai Vahanam. The aquiline creature looked modest with the lord on itss back.
In spotless white, the lord swayed atop the horse to get a feel of the horse-drawn chariot.
It was awesome to see the lord seated on a vibrant coloured cushion cloth with golden border on the horse’s back.
The story of Thirumangai Azhwar was enacted by the people who carried the lord.
Mattayadi utsavam was a visual treat. The goddess, angry with the lord for coming late every day, hits him with a stick and this is called mattai adi utsavam.
Punyakoti vimanam is a small vahanam which resembles a palanquin. The lord seated in it, blessed the devotees abundantly.
The concluding days coincides with Onam – Thiruvonam – the birth star of the lord when he is given a holy bath and decorated with new attire and garlanded with scented flowers.
(Concluded)
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