A Year of Festivities: Highlights of Celebrations at Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple

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In the sacred Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, the air is always alive with festivity. Every single day feels like a celebration, as this divine abode hosts an array of vibrant festivals throughout the year. Delving into the details of every single day's celebration would require an entire series of its own. For now, let me offer a high-level summary of all the festivals.

Chithirai Festival

As the Tamil New Year dawns in the month of Chithirai, the deities Swami Nellaiyappar and Goddess Kantimathi make their way to Kailasa Parvatha Sannidhi, where the New Year’s Panchangam (Hindu calendar) is ceremoniously recited. The full moon of Chithirai witnesses the grand Theerthavari Festival at Sindhu Poondurai Thaipoosa Mandapam, with a divine procession featuring Swami, the Goddess, and other celestial figures. The festivities continue for ten days with the enchanting Vasanta Utsavam at the Vasanta Mandapam.

Vaikasi Festival

On Vaikasi Visakam, the temple comes alive with rituals like the 1,008-conch abhishekam. In the evening, the Pancha Murthis (five deities) parade the streets in splendid style.

Aani Festival

The grand Aani Perun Tiruvizha begins under the Aani Moolam star, marked by the flag hoisting. The majestic Ratotsavam (Chariot Festival) is a visual delight, while the celebrations culminate with a grand abhishekam for Somaskandar and mesmerizing performances at Nedumaran Hall.

Aadi Festival

The Aadi Pooram celebrations honor Goddess Kantimati. The festival begins with flag hoisting and includes the Valaikappu Utsavam (bangle ceremony) and Theerthavari (holy bath) at the Golden Lotus Tank. The unique Mulai Kottu Utsavam (sprouting ceremony) adds a spiritual touch.

Avani Moolam Festival

This ten-day spectacle begins under the Avani Magam star. Swami Chandrasekarar’s visit to Manur Ambalavanar Temple and the annual abhishekam for Nataraja in the Tamira Sabha are its highlights.



Purattasi Festival

During Navaratri, the deities preside over the magnificent Kolu Darbar in the Somavara Mandapam. The nine-day celebration concludes with the grand Parivettai Festival on Vijayadashami.

Aippasi Festival

The Aippasi month brings a divine union with the Tirukkalyanam (celestial wedding) of Swami Nellaiyappar and Goddess Kantimati. This 15-day festival reaches its peak during the grand wedding ceremony at the Ayirangal Mandapam.

Karthigai Festival

The glow of Karthigai Deepam illuminates the temple on Karthigai Bharani star. The festivities include special abhishekams and pujas, especially on Mondays.

Margazhi Festival

The mystical Margazhi Tiruvathirai spans ten days, with the divine Arudra Darshanam as its highlight. Devotees gather to witness Lord Nataraja’s celestial dance in the Tamira Sabha.

Thai Festival

Thaipoosam unfolds over 12 days, featuring a mesmerizing procession where Swami blesses Goddess Kantimati. The divine dance of Lord Soundara Shaba Pathi on the eleventh day is a sight to behold.

Masi Festival

On Masi Maham, the temple celebrates the splendid Teppam Festival at the Golden Lotus Tank, followed by a majestic procession of the deities on golden chariots.

Panguni Festival

The year concludes with the vibrant Panguni Uthiram. Starting with the flag hoisting under the Panguni Karthigai star, the ten-day festival is a grand spectacle, filled with rituals and devotion.

At Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple, every month weaves its own divine tapestry, making it a timeless center of spirituality and celebration.

Happy travelling.

This article is Part 49 of the series of articles I write about Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple. 

The other parts of the series can be accessed through the below-listed links.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Part 13

Part 14

Part 15

Part 16

Part 17

Part 18

Part 19

Part 20

Part 21

Part 22

























Location: 162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006, India

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