We had designs of focusing on Angalamman for the Annabhishekam as the only other significant abhishekam we’ve seen here has been the Theipirai Ashtami Kali Abhishekam and we’ve never seen the Sivalingam here worshipped, but clearly the Goddess had other plans for us. Patrikai time was 7pm, and we were undoubtedly late, but hopeful that this temple had been slightly delayed–but no, abhishekam was done, saris screens pulled while alankaram was going on. Okay, we thought, at least we can see the annabhisheka-alankaram. Rather than wait, however, Arun went home for a quick poori dinner and I did my runs to Chetty and Sivan Koyils. We reached back almost at the same time, a bare 40 minutes later – only to find it was all done, and the screens were up again, but not for the annabhishekam, more for the final alankaram and deeparadhanai. So disappointing! These weren’t even kept visible for a half hour, as they were at Chetty or Nandhikeswara. It was a lovely scene though, with mostly women and children in attendance, everyone in a neatly tied sari, and no pushing, rushing, everyone making room for everyone else (I love this town and these temples). Vasanth who runs the Angalamman Instagram page promised to send me photos, so at least a “digi-darshan” may be possible, though I shall have to pursue him for them as I’m yet to send him Navaratri photos myself.
The puja itself was a simple one, prasadam was the kalachified annam turned into curd rice, and served with a side of what looked like sambar-rice. Handed out by Sriram Gurukkal and a helper who looked rather worse for the day’s wear. I cannot imagine how they manage all the work, and shepherd the crowds, and still manage to keep their composure at all times (but for scolding some rowdy kids here and there).