We decide to briefly drop by Varadaraja for the Ramar Purappadu (Punar Poosam nakshatram – birth star of Rama). For once we get to observe a purappadu without the burden of trying to document whatever we see (but we do document it nonetheless though, just with some more laidbackness, while being more present in the experience). And oh is it beautiful. So gracious. He’s going to do 3 rounds of the temple. There will be a saattrumurai etc once the rounds are done.
We note just how much commitment and voluntary labour goes into making such a purappadu possible. It’s most often the same devotees, coming time and again to help carry out the procedures. Makes one realise how much personal effort and love goes into making these processions possible.