Short visit here, to see the golu, Durga alankara (as Varahi today). The priest gave us the alankara lineup:
- Prathamai (Sunday): Chandrakantha
- Dwitiya (Monday): Mookambika
- Tuesday, today: Varahi
- Weds, will be something in the Perumal amsam, says the priest.
- Thursday: Siva Linga Puja, with one hand bent gracefully downwards
- Friday: Mahalakshmi (See the entry for Oct 17 for details)
To make time for the alankaram and to allow it to dry and then be visible to devotees all day, the priest does the abhishekam early at 6am. Pulls the screen and does the alankara himself or his son does – it’s quite impressive, painted. He tells me how he does it is a “rahasyam” like the Chidambara rahasya.
We stop by the Bala Mutthumariamman temple which is locked because the same gurukkal tends to that also. This temple is unique for having both the small head of Mariamman and the Parashakti figure behind her in black stone.
An Annadanam will happen at the temple at 11am today, as it always does on Tuesdays.
(from the chalk board) 3-aam Naal / 13.10.26 Chevvaikizhamai, Chevvaai Pagal 11 Mani "Annadhaanam" Nadaiperum Maalai 7.30 Mani Golu Mandapa Deeparadhanai Nadaiperum.Ubhayadhaarar: Sivathiru Satchithanandam Avl, Thirumathi Thamarai Avl, Illasuppettai
Navaratri Alankaram "Sri Vaaraahi Amman"