Today is Vaikasi Moola Nakshatram, which marks Thirugnanasambandar’s mukti-day. Thirugnanasambandar’s utsava murti, identifiable by his index finger pointing towards Siva and Parvati in the heavens above, is brought to the Naalvar shrine. They are given a fairly long abhishekam, following which Thirugnanasambandar moves out and straight across to Natarajar Mandapam, where he will be dressed and adorned. With him also moves the modest crowd present. Once ready, he is presented an aradhanai, taken on a purappadu around the prakaram, and then taken straight into the sanctum of his Lord. There’s a woman we see often who is telling me about this – he will receive now the jnana paal, or the milk of wisdom from the Divine Mother. He first faces his Lord, and then diagonally faces the Ambal murti there who gives him the milk of Siva’s wisdom – Siva Jnanam. Lights go off completely for this. The Garbhagriha is filled with lamplight. It’s one of those unforgettable moments, which is unforgettable because it’s there and gone in a blink.
Brahmotsavam Day 12, Vidaiyatri Day 2 Schedule:
9:00 AM - Naalvar Abhishekam, Thirugnanasambandar Festival
7:00 PM - Indira Vimanam Procession.