Navarathri finale marked with gaiety and fervour at New Kathiresan Temple, Bambalapitty

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life – think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success, that is way great spiritual giants are produced.”

~Swami Vivekananda, (Indian Spiritual leader of the Hindu religion (Vedanta). Disciple of the famous 19th century mystic-saint Sri Ramakrishna of Calcutta. Founder of the Ramakrishna Order of Monks. 1863-1902)

At the end of Navarathri festival, Maanam Poo or Vazhai Vettu (destruction of Aanavam and killing of the Mahisasuran) is celebrated today-September 28th 2009.

Bell, Thavil, Nathaswaram @ New Kathiresan Temple on Maanam Poo Day

Temples are decorated and devotees thronged the temple in the twilight. Goddess is taken on an elaborate procession to destroy “Aanavam” (ego and ignorance). Mahisasuran, a demon. He who was causing untold hardships to the Thevars.

According the mythology the Goddess fasted for ten days, and at the end of the tenth day she destroyed the demon king. It marks the ending the rule of evil force. The Mother Goddess is called Mahisasura Marthini after defeating the demon king. Cutting of the Banana tree denotes the end of evil-Mahisasuran.

The objective of celebrating the Navarathiri festival is to remind us of the need to destroy all negativity within us, and thus achieve bliss.

The chief priest of Naattukottai Nagaraththaar (New Kathiresan) temple Nagarajah Kurrukkal of Naattukottai Nagaraththaar New Kathiresan temple in Bambalapitty is dressed in white Dhoti with red and gold border and red shawl wrapped around his waist walked along with the Goddess.

He led the procession while carrying a metal saw with a lime stuck on its top. He started to chop the leaves of the Banana tree one by one, while the beautifully dressed up Goddess was taken around the four corners by men, and surrounded by the devotees.

The Sun began to set, and the cloudy sky changed its colour to orange. Once the culmination ended rain poured and blessed us all.

Bells at New Kathiresan Temple and nearby Sammankodu temple toll on Sep 28, 2009, Maanam Poo day

Celebrating the end of evil spirit

The temple is decorated for the festival

There have been many incarnations of Gods since the beginning of mankind

Beautifully decorated Goddess is brought out for the culmination

The Goddess who dispels all kinds of doubts and imparts correct perception

Hindus have a vast ancient religious literature

The horse carries the Goddess and the men carry the horse

Fasting is observed till the end of the festival for ten days

Navarathri is celebrated with great gaiety and religious fervour

When one is devoted and observes discipline the resolution becomes effective

Retreat to Goddess I

“If you know how to love, you are a Hindu. All great people have become great because of their love for others. They gained greatness because they learnt to love” said Swami Chinmayananda