I went for this in the evening. Simple affair–Thayar brought out in simple alankaram around 5pm, 3 times pradakshina, taken in and placed on the swing (accompanied by Lalli paattu on the nadaswaram: lalli is a type of ritual/ceremonial composition, often played or sung when the deity is being put to rest, especially toward the conclusion of a temple or domestic ceremonial sequence). Sat down for prasadam, and appear to have left my umbrella there. Lost Umbrella Stories #1.
Today was the last day of the Vaishnava Navaratri utsavam, and we thought we’d not miss the ambu poduthal here for sure – but we were wrong. The patrikai said 7pm, but for some…
We went next to Perumal – it’s the last Saturday of Purattasi, and the last of his major alankarams. Moolasthanam just opening. Hanuman in a charming embroidered green suit.…
Perumal Koyil starts Navaratri on Dwitiya, unlike everyone else–we cannot figure out why, since amavasya (associated with pitru karma) is long over by the time of sunrise. We…
We go after 9pm. Dance in the makeshift mandapam outside, invoking the Dashavataras. Temple doors only left slightly ajar as everything closes down inside. We are called for the…
It is the second Saturday of Purattasi, and the temple is thronging. When I reach the temple around 730pm, Desikar was on the first round of his ul-purappadu. He was rounding the…