Annabhishekam was celebrated in a grand manner at Sri Appar Swamy Koil, Royapettah High Road, Mylapore on Sunday.
This temple is over 170 years old – built in 1850s by Chidambaraswamy swamigal, disciple of Appar Swamy who was a siddhar who is said to have lived in this area in early 19th century.
This festival is celebrated every year on pournami day of the ippasi month in all Sivan temples. For raising paddy, all the five natural elements of nature are important. Lord Siva who has all the five elements under his control is worshipped by covering the lingam with the freshly-cooked rice that has been harvested. The rice is then distributed as prasadam. This is a long standing tradition.
The Mylapore temple was packed with devotees. As part of the festival, a devotional musical concert was presented by the Nageswara Rao Park Singers Group – directed by Ram Surendar.
- Report by Parantharami Mani
