Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra Festival
This year, the Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra festival will commence with flag hoisting on October 3rd. The Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekarapattinam, located in the Thoothukudi district, is renowned for its annual Dussehra celebrations. During this festival, millions of devotees will fast and worship the goddess dressed in various costumes. This year, the festival will last for ten days, during which the goddess will manifest in different forms and vehicles each day, blessing the devotees as she parades through the streets.
Significance of the Temple
The Mutharamman Temple is famous worldwide, situated just 11 kilometers from Thiruchendur on the route to Kanyakumari. While many associate Dussehra with the grand celebrations in Mysuru, the Dussehra festival in Kulasekarapattinam is celebrated with equal grandeur in Tamil Nadu. A key event during the festival is the ritual where Mutharamman defeats the demon Mahishasura.
Unique Features of the Temple
The temple is known for the divine manifestation of Goddess Mutharamman, who is said to have appeared in a self-manifested form (Swayambhu) along with Gnana Murthy Swarar. This unique aspect captivates devotees and deepens their faith. The goddess is believed to grant a blessed life to her worshippers.
One significant feature of this temple is that both the goddess and Lord Gnana Murthy are seated together in a single sanctum, which is rare in temples. Unlike in other temples where the focus is on the lingam worship, here, the deity is portrayed in human form, symbolizing the divine with a moustache, holding a spear in his right hand and a holy ash pot in his left.
Dussehra Festival Celebrations
The Dussehra festival celebrated in this temple is globally famous. It starts with flag hoisting on the day after the new moon in the month of Puratasi. On the night preceding the flag hoisting, offerings are made to the deities. The celebrations unfold as follows:
- First Day: The goddess appears in the form of Durga.
- Second Day: In the form of Vishwakarma.
- Third Day: As Parvati.
- Fourth Day: In the form of Palasap Brahmaniyar.
- Fifth Day: As Navaneetha Krishna.
- Sixth Day: As Mahishasura Mardhini.
- Seventh Day: As Ananda Nataraja.
- Eighth Day: In the form of Alaimagal.
- Ninth Day: As Kalaimagal.
- Tenth Day: On this day, the goddess will make a procession towards the Chidambareswarar temple by the seashore, culminating in the Mahishasura Mardhini ceremony.
Mahishasura Vadam (Destruction)
On the tenth day of the Dussehra festival, the Mahishasura Vadam takes place, where the goddess is believed to slay Mahishasura. The rituals involve cutting off the demon’s head, followed by that of a lion, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. This dramatic portrayal is a highlight of the festival.
Why Do Devotees Dress Up?
During the Dussehra festival, thousands of devotees dress in various costumes, going from house to house to collect alms. This tradition is rooted in the belief that Mutharamman once took a disguise to seek righteousness among the people. Consequently, those who are suffering seek her blessings by performing this custom.
The Glory of Kali Costumes
In Kulasekarapattinam during the Dussehra festival, it is common to see men dressed as Kali. Upon seeing these devotees, others believe that the goddess has come down to bless them, prompting them to worship and offer donations. Devotees dressed as Kali undergo a rigorous 48-day fast, consuming only vegetarian food once a day during this period.
Conclusion
The Kulasekarapattinam Dussehra festival is not just a cultural and spiritual event; it is an opportunity for community bonding. Devotees, along with their families, gather to celebrate the festival with joy, reinforcing their connections with the divine and each other.
Key Highlights
- Temple Significance: Mutharamman’s self-manifestation and blessings.
- Dussehra Festival’s Essence: A celebration of traditions and values.
- Devotees’ Belief: Offering costumes as a means of seeking blessings.
This year’s Dussehra festival promises to be a remarkable event in Kulasekarapattinam, offering spiritual experiences and cultural festivities that will resonate deeply with all who partake in it.
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