Chennai: Mylapore, the centre of religious activity, witnessed a grand procession of palanquins carrying 63 Nayanmars or Arubathimoovar - the saints who were responsible for creating a wave of devotion in south India.
This dazzling procession accompanying the Lord Siva and His divine Consort Karpakamba at the ancient Sri Kapaleshwar temple, falls on the eighth day of the annual Panguni festival in Mylapore which derives its name from the legend of the Goddess Uma worshipping Siva in the form of a peacock (or mayil in Tamil).
Seeing the palanquins proceeding in rhythmic movement one behind the other, carrying the bronze idols of the Nayanmars was a sight to behold. Several thousand devotees lined up on either side of the streets to catch a glimpse of the idols during the ritual glorifying the role of the saints.
Over 1,500 police personnel were deployed on the occasion and 16 CCTV cameras installed to monitor the entire procession, besides 22 cameras were kept inside the shrine to maintain vigil. Once the annual festival concludes, the temple authorities will gear up for the Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Kapaleeswarar temple April 3. The rituals preceding the consecration ceremony are scheduled to commence this month end.
The temple has been renovated at a cost of Rs. 60 lakh. Nearly 90 per cent of the renovation works, which began in September 11 last year, have been completed. According to sources, repair works were also undertaken for the five wooden chariots including the big one that is taken out in processions during the Panguni Peruvizha after a gap of 30 years.
