Lakhs of devotees witness Lord Kallazhagar entering Vaigai river

Devotees flocked in huge numbers to witness the entry of the idol of Lord Kallazhagar of the nearby famous Azhagarkoil temple to the Vaigai riverbed in Madurai. The ritual was observed as a part of the 20-day long annual Chithirai festival.

Madurai: Over two lakh devotees witnessed the entry of Lord Kallazhagar into the Vaigai River on Friday, as part of the 20-day long annual Chithirai festival.

The devotees flocked to the Vaigai riverbed from all directions to view the ritual, marked by the entry of Lord Kallazhagar's idol of the nearby famous Azhagarkoil temple draped in green silk cloth, as has been the tradition.

Special 'abhishekams' were performed on Thursday night to the idol of the Lord, which was brought from Alagarkoil, a hill temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, 20 km from here.

As per the legend, the Lord comes to Madurai to attend the celestial marriage of his sister Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. No sooner he reaches the Vaigai river bank, the Lord learns that the marriage was over and hence returns.