Scores of devotees witness Theppa Thiruvizha in Madurai

Thousands of devotees gathered at Vandiyur Mariamman Tank in Madurai on Sunday to witness the grand ‘Theppa Thiruvizha’ (float festival) of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. The event, which coincides with Thai Poosam, also marked the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, the 17th-century ruler who built the massive 16-acre tank.

Thousands of devotees gathered at Vandiyur Mariamman Tank in Madurai on Sunday to witness the grand ‘Theppa Thiruvizha’ (float festival) of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. The event, which coincides with Thai Poosam, also marked the birth anniversary of King Thirumalai Nayak, the 17th-century ruler who built the massive 16-acre tank.

The 12-day festival reached its peak as the idols of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar were placed on a magnificently decorated float. The tank was transformed into a sea of light, adorned with thousands of colorful lamps that illuminated the night sky.

In keeping with the centuries-old tradition, youth from Devendrakula Vellalar community of Anuppanadi pulled the massive float using heavy ropes. The deities went around the central mandapam twice in the morning and once in the evening.

Before reaching the tank, the presiding deities were taken on a solemn procession through the Chithirai and East Masi Streets. After reaching Sri Muktheeswarar Temple for special rituals, they were carried to the float amidst chants and traditional music.

With crowds pouring in from across the district, Madurai City Police and Fire and Rescue Services personnel maintained a heavy presence. Traffic diversions were implemented around the tank area to manage the massive influx of visitors.