We reach around 6am. Homam is already underway, kalasas all set up. Some of the Ubhayakaras object to our use of “professional cameras” in the mahamandapam, so we lay off. Rest of the time with no incident. The man from Ellaiamman puja tells us to go upstairs and zoom to take photos. Another who helps carry the vahanas takes me further upstairs for roof level images of the gopuram etc. (he is one of a handful who comes to do the Sripadam work, if that is what it’s called in a Sivan Koyil context, of his own accord).
All the murtis are out and dressed for the event, sitting on tables in the area to the left of the dhvajastambha. The astra murti is on a small stand in front and to the bare left of the dhvajastambha. Eventually this area is cordoned off, so only the priests, players and odhuvars have access.
Once the flag is up, there is a long bali peetham process. At each peetham the priest declares a ragam to be played by the Nadaswaram, and a talam to be played by the Thavil. These are followed by a few chants seemingly in praise of the deity, and concluded with the odhuvars singing a partial verse. Only then are each of the ashtadigbalis presented rice-balls.
Somaskanda and all the panchamurtis sets out on a veethi purappadu. I have to leave in between as it’s my mother-in-law’s birthday and we’ve to go carry a cake to her. We’ll have to let our photos do the talking until we have time to sit and write full notes about what the Brahmotsavam is and means in Pondicherry. Mornings and evenings are full, and there’s the family and work at home in between. Notes take a back seat.
Brahmotsavam Day 1 Schedule:
6:00 AM - 8:15 AM - Dhvajarohanam (Flag Hoisting) and Panchamurti Purappadu
7:00 PM - Rishabha Vahanam Procession