2016 Arunachala Deepam Festival. Day Nine—Day: Chandrasekhara on Purusha Meruga Vahana

On the morning of the 9th day of the 10-day Karthigai Deepam Festival Lord Chandrasekharar is mounted on the Purusha Miruga Vahana. 

This vahana known in Tamil as Purushamirugam (man-beast) has the body of a lion and the head of a human being. The sphinx-like creature supposedly has the power to avert evil influences and bad luck. It is also believed to be able to take away the sins of devotees when they enter a Temple and for this reason is often found in a strategic position at Temple gateways and near entrances to the inner shrine. 

The form of the purushamirugam adorns lamps used in puja ceremonies (diparadhanas) and plays an important role in daily and yearly rituals in Shiva temples. 

After giving darshan, Lord Chandrasekhara on Purusha Meruga Vahana starts off on the beginning of His procession around the Temple perimeter streets

As is usual in morning processions, Lord Chandrasekhara is accompanied by Vinayaka on His procession around the Temple

Lord Chandrasekhara on Purusha Meruga Vahana