As we enter the temple, there is a private bhajanai group singing before the Pandarinathar shrine. Apparently they gather here every Sunday from 6 to 7, and it’s open for anyone to join. They come from different parts of town, and on Saturdays, they have longer bhajanai sessions at the Pandarinathar shrines close to their respective homes.
Thiruvonam nakshatram today, Perumal’s nakshatram–marks the formal close to the Ramar Utsavam. We go at 7pm. Puja is a simple one, no special alankaram for Rama, simple (gorgeous!) veshti, a few malli malais and a strand of malli tied around his crown – it was the most beautiful. We are told to come back day after tomorrow, April 14 for “Laksha deepam” in the evening – it’s Tamil New year that day.
After the puja we sit (Aruna Mami from Chetty koyil is here and keeps a space for me) and everyone gets a leaf. Panakam comes directly in bare hands only, just enough to catch and slurp in reverence. The rest is a simple Kosambari and a thair saadam which is more rice than curd but delicious.
Monday, April 13 begins 10 days of the Ramanuja utsavam. Not a moment to spare!