Paramapadavasal opened at Srirangam festival

For the second consecutive year, the event was held without devotees, due to restrictions imposed in view of the pandemic

The Paramapadavasal of the Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple was opened in the early hours of Tuesday, marking the highpoint of the 22-day Vaikunda Ekadasi festival in the temple town.

For the second consecutive year, the event was held without devotees, due to restrictions imposed in view of the pandemic. The event usually draws devotees in droves as the temple is considered the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams. Devotees were however allowed darshan from 7 a.m. onwards.

Earlier, the processional deity, Lord Namperumal, attired in 'Ratnangi' (gem studded armour) was taken in a procession, after rituals at the sanctum sanctorum, through the Raja Mahendran Thiruchutru and Kulasekaran Chutru before reaching the Vraja Nadhi Mandapam - a few metres ahead of the Paramapadavasal, also referred to as the sorgavasal (gateway to heaven). Vedic hymns were rendered by pandits at the Vraja Nadhi Mandapam where the processional deity halted for some time.