Tiruchendur , 15 Nov (H.S.):

Lakhs of devotees gathered along the seashore at the Subramaniya Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur on Sunday to witness Soorasamharam, the highlight of the annual Kanda Sashti festival, amid elaborate security arrangements.

The ritual enactment of Lord Murugan’s victory over the demon Soorapadman drew pilgrims from across Tamil Nadu. Chants of “Vetri Vel, Veera Vel” reverberated across the beachfront as the deity, adorned with colourful garlands and bearing the sacred spear, was brought to the shore.

The six-day festival began on November 10 with Yagasalai pujas. Special prayers, processions and abhishekams marked the celebrations, with devotees observing the Sashti fast and participating in worship throughout the festival.

On Sunday, the temple opened at 1 a.m. Viswaroopa Deeparadhana was performed at 1.30 a.m., followed by other scheduled rituals. Following the Yagasalai ceremonies, Swami Jayanthinathar, accompanied by Goddesses Valli and Deivanai, was taken in a golden palanquin to the Shanmugavilasa Mandapam.

Special abhishekams and deeparadhana were subsequently conducted at the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam Kanda Sashti Mandapam.

In the evening, figures representing the demons and their retinues were brought through the main streets to the beach. The ceremonial battle unfolded before the assembled devotees, depicting Murugan’s triumph over the forces of evil.

More than 4,000 police personnel were deployed under Thoothukudi Superintendent of Police Sivaprasad to maintain security and regulate crowds.

Buoys were placed in the sea to discourage devotees from venturing into deeper waters while bathing. Fire and rescue personnel and police teams were also stationed in boats as a precaution.

Special buses operated from various parts of Tamil Nadu to accommodate the rush. A special train service was also arranged on the Tiruchendur–Tirunelveli route.

The celebrations will continue on Monday night with the ceremonial wedding of Swami Kumaravidanga Peruman and the goddess at the mandapam near the temple’s Rajagopuram, drawing devotees for another major ritual.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman