Devotees observe Tula Utsavam ritual in Mayiladuthurai

Devotees gathered at the Cauvery bathing area in Mayiladuthurai on Aippasi Amavasai for the Tula Utsavam theerthavari ritual. Deities from the Mayuranathar and Vathanyeswarar temples were brought to the riverbanks, where special abhishekam was performed for the astra devar.

With no water flowing in the Cauvery, the municipality arranged borewell water for devotees to bathe in.

Notable Points

• Aippasi Theerthavari at Mayuranathaswami Temple: During the 30-day Aippasi Theerthavari, processions take place daily. On Amavasai and the final day, Pancha Moorthis from five temples assemble at Brahmma Theertham, where 25 deities give darshan. Abhayambikai is carried as a peacock through the four temple streets to the Cauvery bank; tradition associates this procession with her symbolic union with Mayuranathar.
• Mayiladuthurai’s Cauvery bathing observance: The annual Muzhukku observance runs from the first day of Aippasi to the first day of Karthigai. It is also known locally as Mudavan Muzhukku, Kadai Muzhuku and Thula Snana.
• Mudavan Muzhukku legend: A Mayuranathaswami Temple legend tells of Natha Sarma and Anavidyambikai arriving after Tula Snanam had ended. Mayuranathar is believed to have instructed them in a dream to bathe before sunrise the next morning, before the new month began. Tradition observes Mudavan Muzhukku on the first day of Karthigai.