Vaikunta Ekadasi: Thousands throng Perumal temples

The processional deity Lord Namperumal, clad in the glittering Rathna Angi (gem-studded armour), exited the sanctum sanctorum at 3.30 am amid reciting of Krishna Yajur Veda hymns and other Vedas by the temple priests and Vedic scholars.

The deity was taken in a procession to the flower-decked Vraja Nadhi Mandapam.Lord Namperumal passed through the Paramapada Vaasal, when it was opened at the auspicious time of  4.45 am with a huge stream of devotees chanting Govinda, Govinda and Renga, Renga surging behind the idol.

The deity was thereafter taken to Thirumamani Asthana Mandapam for public darshan.Over 10 lakh devotees were estimated to visit the temple.The presiding deity Lord Ranganatha Swamy was adorned with the traditional Muthangi (pearl robe) in view of the festival.

The opening of the Paramapada Vaasal, also popularly called as Sorga Vaasal (Gateway to Heaven), on the Vaikunta Ekadasi is the highlight of the 21-day Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.The 236-feet high Raja Gopuram of the temple was adorned with a giant garland prepared from 600 kg of flowers, including yellow marigold (samanthi) and holy basil (thulasi).

A comprehensive security cover was thrown over the holy town of Srirangam by the police in coordination with various departments. Besides, anti-sabotage teams were also deployed at vantage points in and around the temple complex.

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation plied special buses from various parts of the State to Srirangam.The Tiruchirappalli district administration had declared a local holiday on Monday in view of the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.