Scores of devotees witness Soorasamharam of Kanda Sashti festival in Tiruchendur
It's believed that Lord Murugan defeated demon Surapadman on the occasion of 'Soorasamharam', which is observed annually to mark the victory of good over evil.
Lakhs of people gathered to witness Soorasamharam
MADURAI: Scores of devotees from various parts thronged Tiruchendur on Thursday evening and witnessed ‘Soorasamharam’, the highlight of the Kanda Sashti festival celebrated at the sea-facing Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy temple, the second of six abodes (AruPadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan.
It's believed that Lord Murugan defeated demon Surapadman on the occasion of 'Soorasamharam', which is observed annually to mark the victory of good over evil.
Scores of devotees gathered at the beach near the Tiruchendur temple to witness the ‘Soorasamharam’, the significant event of the festival, which commenced around 4.30 pm. A decked-up Jeyanthinathar was taken out in a procession before the enactment of the killing of demon Surapadman with a ‘vel’ (spear).
Initially, the deity killed the demon, in the guise of an elephant and lion, while the real demon was killed later in the midst of devotees who chanted 'Vetrivel Muruganukku arogara, Veeravel Muruganukku arogara, Kandahanukkuarogara'.
The deity sliced a mango tree, from which emerged a cock and a peacock, and then made the cock his battle standard and the peacock his mount before going on to slay the demon.
The temple's sanctum sanctorum was opened to devotees around 1 am, and the vishwaroopa deeparadanai took place around 1:30 am, later followed by udhayamarthanda abishekam, yagasala pooja, and yagasala deeparadanai.
The six-day festival began with the yagasala pooja on October 2. Devotees had observed fasting and were involved in prayers to have their wishes fulfilled. They also took dips in the sea at Tiruchendur and offered prayers. Many also engaged in a padayatra and performed 'kavadi' rituals.
Ahead of the festival, the district administration had made all necessary arrangements for the devotees.
Unlike previous years, the Thoothukudi police had also introduced a QR Code system which would connect pilgrims with Police Helpline, First Aid centres, public transport, temporary bus stands, and traffic diversion routes.
A police force was also deployed for the festival with Superintendent of Police Albert John inspecting security arrangements.
Over 3,000 police personnel were deployed in the vicinity of the temple alongside CCTV surveillance.
Moreover, ten teams of Coastal Security Force were deployed to respond to any emergency, sources said.