30 November 2017

2017 Arunachala Karthigai Festival: Day 7. Procession of The Goddess and Chandikeswarar



The 7th day of the  Arunachala Karthigai Deepam Festival is probably the most popular of all the ceremonial processions of the Deepam Festival. It is the day the Radhams are hauled by devotees around the mada veedhis of Arunachaleswarar Temple.

This day all the panchamoorthies participate in the procession, each in their own wooden chariot. The first two chariots are those of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Murugan (with both His wives). The third chariot procession is that of Lord Chandrasekhara and is known as the Maharadham (Wooden Chariot). 
 

The last two chariots to proceed around the perimeter streets of Arunachaleswarar Temple are those of the Goddess, and Chandikeswarar (Chandesa) i.e. steward to the Gods.

The final two chariots of the panchamoorthies arrived at their starting place on Car Street just before 10 p.m. yesterday night, Wednesday 29 November, 2017.


The Giant chariots on Car Street awaiting the return of the last two Chariots of the panchamoorthies

The Maharadham returned to its spot on Car Street at the end of its procession

Large crowds of devotees engaged in bringing home the last two Chariots

Late on the night of Wednesday, 29 November, 2017

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