Tamil Nadu: Grand Deepawali celebration at Kancheepuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple

The day began with a divine abhisheka the morning, followed by a procession in the evening that traversed the four mada veedhis (streets) surrounding the Kancheepuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple. The air resonated with the rhythmic chanting of Varada Vardha, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Devotees, young and old, added to the spectacle by bursting crackers and lighting up the night with an array of colourful fireworks, transforming the entire street into a mesmerising display of lights.

The Kancheepuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple holds a significant place among the 108 Vaishnavite Divya Shetrams, as sung by the revered saint Alwazars. As the 43rd temple in this esteemed list, it attracts devotees from all corners of the country. The temple town is renowned for its religious significance and the intricate Kancheepuram Silk sarees with elaborate designs, pallu, and zari works.

According to legend, the 10-feet-long idol of Lord Varadar was intricately carved from an “Athi” tree, an Indian Fig tree. In the Treta Yuga, Lord Vishwakarma played a pivotal role in naming the idol Athi Varadar. Worshiped by luminaries such as Ramanujacharya, Vedanta Desikan, and Manavala Mamunigal, the original idol underwent minor damage and was subsequently replaced, adhering to the Agamas. The Athi Varadar idol is kept in the temple’s pond, Anantha Saras, and is raised once every 40 years for devotees to witness the venerated Vigraham.

During the annual Deepawali procession, the uniqueness of the celebration is heightened as devotees burst crackers, creating a dazzling display that illuminates the night sky with multi-colored brilliance. The day begins with a special abhishekam for the idols of Lord Varadar and his consorts, followed by the adornment of diamond and gold jewelry, accompanied by multi-colored flower decorations.

The evening procession sees the adorned deities, Varadar, Perundevi Thayar, Sri Devi, and Bhoodevi, seated on a lavishly decorated vahanam. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire (Panch Kacha) and sporting religious marks on their foreheads, participate enthusiastically in carrying the vahanam. The procession is accompanied by the melodious tunes of Nadaswaram, vibrant band music, chanting of Vedas, and songs from Nalayira Divayaprabhandam sung by the Alwars.

Leading the procession, devotees contribute to the grandeur by setting off a cascade of fireworks, including 1000, 5000, and 10,000-wala crackers. Flower pots, sparklers, zamir chakra, Vishnu chakara, and other pyrotechnics light up the night, creating a magical ambiance. The entire area is bathed in a radiant glow, symbolising the joyous occasion of Deepawali.

This unique tradition symbolises devotees welcoming their beloved gods into their homes. As the gods traverse the streets, going door to door, the devout believe they are receiving blessings on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali.

Devotees enthusiastically carried the pallakku, housing the idols of Parathasaray Swamy (the charioteer of Arjuna) and goddess Vedavalli, along the procession routes. The air resonated with religious fervour as fireworks lit up the night sky, adding to the joyous atmosphere of the occasion.

On the contrary, in Kumbakonam’s Sarangapani Temple, a unique tradition unfolds on Deepawali. The temple, dedicated to Sri Sarangapani, refrains from Deepawali celebrations. Legend has it that an ardent devotee named Lakshmi Narayanaswami, who dedicated his life to serving the Lord, passed away on a Deepawali day with no heirs. In a remarkable display of divine intervention, Sri Sarangapani himself performed the funeral rites for his devotee.

Since that poignant day, every Deepawali, the Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam performs shraddha in honour of Lakshmi Narayanaswami. This act of remembrance, rather than a grand celebration, underscores the temple’s unique expression of devotion and gratitude towards a loyal follower.

While fireworks and festivities illuminated the streets of Triplicane, the Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam embraced a solemn and sacred observance, symbolising the profound connection between the deity and his devoted follower.

The Deepawali celebration at Kancheepuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple is a blend of spirituality, tradition, and grandeur. The vibrant festivities, coupled with the religious fervour of the devotees, make this annual event a truly enchanting experience for all who witness it.