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Lakhs Gather at Srirangam Temple for Sacred Vaikunta Ekadasi Celebrations

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam witnessed an immense gathering of devotees for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival. The spiritual highlight was the pre-dawn opening of the Paramapadha Vaasal, the symbolic gateway to salvation, through which the adorned processional deity, Sri Namperumal, passed. Elaborate rituals, including a grand procession through temple corridors, were conducted amid Vedic chants and floral decorations. The 22-day festival, which includes enhanced security and crowd management, will conclude with Nammazhvar Moksham on January 8.

Key Points: Vaikunta Ekadasi 2023: Devotees Throng Srirangam Temple

  • Opening of Paramapadha Vaasal
  • Grand pre-dawn procession
  • 22-day festival observance
  • Lakhs of devotees in attendance
2 min read

TN: Vaikunta Ekadasi celebrated with deep devotion at Srirangam temple

Lakhs of devotees celebrated Vaikunta Ekadasi at Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, witnessing the opening of the sacred Paramapadha Vaasal gateway.

"Amidst thunderous chants from thousands of devotees, the processional deity passed through the gateway. - Temple Ritual Account"

Chennai, Dec 30

The ancient town of Srirangam witnessed an overwhelming outpouring of faith and devotion as lakhs of devotees gathered at the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple to observe the sacred festival of Vaikunta Ekadasi on Tuesday.

Marking one of the most significant spiritual occasions in the Vaishnavite calendar, the day saw devotees from across Tamil Nadu and neighbouring States thronging the temple precincts to seek the blessings of Lord Ranganatha.

The sprawling temple complex, adorned with lights and floral decorations, reverberated with chants of "Govinda Govinda" and "Renga Renga" as devotees waited in long queues for darshan.

The highlight of the celebrations was the ceremonial opening of the 'Paramapadha Vaasal', symbolising the gateway to salvation, in the early hours of the morning. The rituals began before dawn, with the processional deity, Sri Namperumal, adorned in resplendent jewels and garlands, taken out in a grand procession around 4.30 a.m.

The deity was carried through the 'Raja Mahendran Thiruchutru' and 'Kulasekaran Thiruchutru' before reaching the 'Vraja Nadi Mandapam', where Vedic chants filled the air amid elaborate floral decorations.

At around 5.45 a.m., the sacred 'Paramapadha Vaasal' was ceremoniously opened, marking the spiritual high point of the festival.

Amidst thunderous chants from thousands of devotees, the processional deity passed through the gateway, followed by devotees who had waited patiently through the night to witness the auspicious moment.

The deity was later taken to the 'Manal Veli' and then to the 'Thirumamani Asthana Mandapam' inside the thousand-pillared hall, where devotees continued to offer prayers throughout the day. Many pilgrims had begun queuing from Monday night, braving the cold in anticipation of the sacred darshan.

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P.K. Sekar Babu and senior officials were present to oversee the arrangements. Elaborate security measures were put in place, with a large police deployment ensuring smooth crowd management and safety.

The 22-day Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, which commenced on December 19, is observed in two phases - 'Pagal Pathu' and 'Ra Pathu'.

The celebrations will conclude on January 8 with the observance of 'Nammazhvar Moksham', marking the spiritual culmination of the annual festival.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
The scale of devotion in our country is truly amazing. Lakhs of people braving the cold, waiting all night just for a few seconds of darshan. This is the real India that often doesn't make headlines. Jai Shri Ranganatha!
R
Rohit P
While the spiritual significance is paramount, I hope the temple administration and HR&CE are also focusing on basic amenities. With such huge crowds, clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and proper queue management are crucial. The article mentions security, but pilgrim comfort is equally important.
S
Sarah B
The cultural and architectural details in this report are fascinating. The thousand-pillared hall, the specific mandapams... Srirangam temple is a UNESCO heritage site nominee for a reason. It's a living piece of history and devotion.
K
Karthik V
Vaikunta Ekadasi is a beautiful reminder of our shared spiritual heritage that transcends state boundaries. Devotees from Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala all coming together in Tamil Nadu. In today's times, such gatherings promoting unity and peace are a blessing.
M
Meera T
Can almost hear the chants of "Govinda Govinda" through this article! 🕉️ The dedication of the priests who conduct these ancient rituals before dawn, maintaining the same procedures for centuries, is commendable. It keeps our traditions alive.

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