In Hindu iconography, positive
aspects of the vahana (vehicle) are emblematic of the Deity that it carries. In
this procession as well as the Lord having the horse as his vahana, each of the
panchamoorthies also carry a whip in their hand.
The main characteristic of the
horse is its loyalty, industriousness and swiftness. It is symbolic of energy
and effort and also symbolises the air or prana which runs through the channels
of the body and is the vehicle of the mind. That means, with God as driver,
there is the possibility of controlling the mind and guide it in any direction and at any speed. The neigh of a horse is also symbolic of
the power to awaken the tamasic mind for the practice of sadhana and
righteousness.
 |
| Throughout the Deepam Festival preparations for decorating Temple Shrines, Deities and Vahanas continue |
 |
| Banana Trees for decorating a Shrine |
 |
| Alangaram Aarti on Day 8. Night of the Panchamoorthies |
 |
| The Panchamoothies being carried on palaquins around the Siva Shrine (3rd Prakaram) |
 |
| Lord Somaskanda at the Yagasala Shrine (3rd Prakaram) for adornment of Pottu |
 |
| The Panchamoorthies giving darshan at the Alankaram Mandapam in front of the Temple and adjacent to Car Street |
 |
| Lord Somaskanda on Big Horse |
