Tamil Nadu: Thousands of devotees flocked to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Trichy on Friday to commemorate the Vaikuntha Ekadashi festival, when the ‘Paramapadha Vaasal‘ was opened and Lord Namperumal was carried in a magnificent procession.
The procession of the god Namperumal went through the “Paramapatha Vaasal” (gate of heaven) during the event as the singing of “Ranga Ranga Namperumal” continued.
Early on Vaikuntha Ekadasi, devotees flocked to the famed Ranganathaswamy Temple to see the holy procession of Lord Namperumal, the temple’s esteemed processional deity. The Srirangam Temple’s processional deity, Lord Namperumal, came out of the sanctum sanctorum via the Santhanu Mandapam at around 4:15 in the morning.
Wearing gem-studded armor, kilimaalai (parrot garland), and the Pandian crown, the god passed via the Naazhikettan Gateway, Kulasekaran Suttru, and Rajamahendiran Thirusuttru (corridor). Thousands of followers took part in this joyous event.
The procession stopped momentarily at the Vraja Nadhi Mandapam to hear Vedic hymns recited. Later, when the Paramapatha Vaasal, also known as Sorgavaasal, was ceremoniously opened at 5:15 am, the air was filled with the enthusiastic chanting of “Ranga Ranga” from the throng. After that, the god stopped at the Thousand Pillar Hall, where followers had a unique darshan.
As part of the Vaikuntha Ekadasi celebrations, the Paramapada Vasal, popularly referred to as the seventh doorway of heaven, at the Perumal Temple in Tallakullam, Madurai, will open today.
As the day when the gates of Vaikunta, the home of Lord Vishnu, are said to open, the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival is a significant occasion in the Hindu calendar. On this day, devotees pray and fast in an effort to receive the Lord’s favor.
One of the most respected temples in South India, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is well-known for its many festivals and customs. One special and important part of the temple’s festivities is the Mohini Alankaram procession, which highlights the area’s rich cultural legacy.
