Madurai, April 28 (IANS) The celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, the highlight of the world-renowned Madurai Chithirai Festival, was conducted with grandeur and deep devotion on Tuesday, drawing thousands of devotees to the temple city.
The annual festival commenced on April 19 with the ceremonial flag hoisting at the iconic Meenakshi Amman Temple. The Thirukalyanam, considered the most significant event of the celebrations, took place at a specially erected grand stage along North Aadi Street.
Devotees began gathering as early as 6 a.m., filling North Aadi Street and Chithirai Street to witness the sacred ceremony. Authorities had arranged free access for devotees through the South Tower, while those holding special passes priced at Rs 500 and Rs 200 were permitted entry through the West Tower to reach the main venue. By around 8 a.m., the processional deities of Lord Murugan, Lord Sundareswarar with Priyavidai, Goddess Meenakshi, and Lord Perumal were brought ceremoniously to the wedding stage.
The rituals commenced at 8.15 a.m. with the Vinayaka pooja, followed by traditional Vedic chanting and a series of sacred wedding rites, including tying of the ceremonial threads, ritual offerings, and change of attire.
At the auspicious moment around 8.55 a.m., the sacred ‘thali’ (mangal sutra), blessed by Chokkanathar, was tied to Goddess Meenakshi, marking the divine union. The moment was met with chants and emotional devotion, especially among women devotees who touched their own thalis to their eyes in reverence and prayer.
Many women also wore new dresses as part of the ritual significance. Goddess Meenakshi was adorned in a striking green silk saree, complemented by a diamond nose ornament and a dazzling crown, symbolising prosperity and abundance.
Temple traditions hold that the green attire signifies fertility and growth, conveying a message of prosperity for the world in the coming year.
Following the ceremony, the deities were taken in procession to the old wedding hall.
Thousands witnessed the event in person, while many others watched the ceremony on large LED screens installed outside the temple premises, ensuring wider participation in the divine celebrations.
–IANS
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