2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Day 4. Day—Lord Chandrasekhara on Naga Vahana

On the morning of Day 4 of the 2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival, the vahana for Lord Chandrasekhara is the naga.

The use of the word naga usually refers only to mythological serpents while snakes living in nature are called sarpas. However the word naga is also used to represent the cobra.

The cobra which is seen coiled around the neck of Lord Shiva, represents power over destruction and creation. It primarily represents rebirth, death and mortality—due to the casting of its skin thus being symbolically "reborn". The snake also represents Kundalini Shakti and as a vahana of Lord Shiva depicts desires kept under control of the Divine.

Alangaram of Lord Chandrasekharar

Lord Chandrasekharar on his Naga Vahana

Procession of the mada veedhis (perimeter streets of Arunachaleswarar Temple)

Procession of the Panchamoorthies

Large crowds of pilgrims are attending each function

Drummer on Big Street (in front of the Alankaram Mandapam)