The people of Madurai eagerly wait all year for the grand festival of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam and Kallazhagar's journey to the Vaigai River. Even people from other states wish to witness this vibrant tradition at least once in their lifetime. The Chithirai Festival in Madurai is one of the most popular and spiritually significant celebrations in Tamil Nadu, held during the Tamil month of Chithirai. This splendid festival is rich in history and fascinating facts, let's explore in this article.
Significance of Chithirai festival
The Chithirai Festival, also known as Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, is an annual celebration held in Madurai by the Tamil people. Observed during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May), it marks the sacred wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshwar, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Spanning an entire month, the festival's grandeur is elevated by the symbolic journey of Kallazagar (Alagar), a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who travels from his temple at Alagar Kovil to Madurai. Each year, this deeply emotional and divine reenactment touches the hearts of lakhs of devotees, evoking tears, joy, and unwavering spiritual fervour. It also serves as a social thread that unites people from all walks of life, transcending religion and creed.
Meenakshi Thirukalyanam
According to the scriptures, Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, was born to King Malayadhwaja Pandya and Queen Kanchanamalai of Madurai. Raised as a fearless warrior, Goddess Meenakshi expanded her kingdom by conquering distant lands. Her life took a divine turn when she encountered Lord Shiva, who descended to earth in the form of Sundareswarar. Their sacred union, known as Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, symbolizes the cosmic harmony between Shakti and Shiva.
The people of Madurai celebrate this divine marriage with great devotion and joy, treating it as a wedding within their own families. The festival is marked by vibrant Tamil classical music and dance performances, elaborate rituals, and grand, colourful processions through the city. Adding to the festive spirit, many devotees—especially children—dress up as Goddess Meenakshi and other deities, bringing mythological stories to life and deepening the spiritual connection. This sacred celebration not only unites the Madurai people but also draws visitors from across states who come to witness the divine splendour of Meenakshi’s celestial wedding.
1. Kodi Yetram
The Chithirai Festival at Madurai’s Meenakshi Temple begins with Kodi Yetram, the ceremonial flag hoisting. The temple’s chief priest hoists the sacred flag, officially marking the commencement of this month-long celebration.
2. Pattabhishekam
Pattabhishekam marks the grand coronation of Goddess Meenakshi as the sovereign queen of Madurai, signifying her divine rule over the city.
3. Dikvijayam
Dikvijayam commemorates the victorious expedition of Queen Meenakshi as she set out to conquer the world.
4. Meenakshi Thirukalyanam
At the heart of the Chithirai Festival lies Meenakshi Thirukalyanam—the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. The event begins with prayers to Viboothi Vinayakar. Following the ceremony, the newlyweds are taken out in a grand procession through the streets—Goddess Meenakshi on the Yannai Vahanam (elephant mount) and Lord Sundareswarar in the Pushpa Pallakku (flower palanquin)—captivating thousands of devotees with a visual spectacle of devotion and tradition.
5. Ther Thiruvizha
After the divine wedding, the festivities continue with Ther Thiruvizha—the grand chariot festival. The divine couple ride on a magnificently decorated chariot through the streets of Madurai. Devotees gather in large numbers to pull the chariot with devotion, seeking blessings from the newlywed deities.
Kallazhagar’s Sacred Journey
The most awaited event of the Chithirai Festival is the journey of Kallazhagar, a deeply spiritual and emotional experience for devotees.
Kallazhagar, the presiding deity of the Alagar Temple located about 20 km from Madurai, is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. His divine descent into the Vaigai River during the festival is a sacred and much-revered moment. The journey begins at the Alagar Temple, where the deity is adorned in the Kallar form—a symbolic gesture that portrays him as one among the common people, coming to visit and bless his devotees.
In this form, Kallazhagar accepts offerings (Neivediyam) from the people along the way, reinforcing his bond with them. It is often said that witnessing this divine event once creates a longing to experience it every year—such is the spiritual magnetism and grace of Lord Vishnu as Kallazhagar.
Historical story
The people of Madurai believe that the divine wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareshvara took place in Madurai. Her brother, Lord Aḻagar, was invited to attend the ceremony. He began his 20-kilometre journey from Aḻagar Hills. To protect himself and his valuables, Aḻagar disguised himself as a common person (Kallar). Throughout his journey, he frequently had to show up his devotees and bless them, further delayed his arrival. By the time Alagar reached the Vaigai River, he learned that the wedding had already taken place. Feeling saddened and angered, he refused to proceed further.
However, many believe that this is not the only story associated with the Chithirai Festival. According to another legend, Aḻagar came to the Vaigai River to help a sage named Manduka, who had been cursed.
The tale goes that Sage Manduka was once taking a sacred bath in the Nubura Gangai stream, located in the Aḻagar Hills. At that time, the short-tempered Sage Durvasa passed by. Manduka, unaware of his arrival, failed to greet him. Offended, Durvasa cursed him to become a frog and live in the Vaigai River. When Manduka pleaded for forgiveness, Durvasa told him that only Lord Aḻagar could release him from the curse, if he sincerely prayed to him in the Vaigai River. Hearing Manduka’s heartfelt prayers, Lord Aḻagar descended to the river and lifted the curse.
Kallazhagar’s Journey
Departure from Alagarkoil: In his majestic warrior form as Kallar, Lord Alagar departs from Alagarkoil, seated in a splendidly decorated golden palanquin, beginning his sacred journey.
Ethir Sevai – Ceremonial Welcome : Upon reaching Moondru Mavadi near Madurai, the Lord receives a traditional welcome from devotees, signifying his revered entry into the city.
Arrival at Tallakulam Temple: At Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple in Tallakulam, a special Thirumanjanam (abhishekam) is performed using holy Nubura Gangai water. Ritual offerings (neivediyam) are presented to the Lord.
Procession to the Vaigai River: Mounted on the horse vahanam, Lord Alagar sets out in a grand procession towards the Vaigai River, accompanied by chants and cheers from thousands of devotees.
Aḻagar Vaigai Yeluntharulal : The pinnacle of the Chithirai Festival is reached as Lord Alagar ceremoniously steps into the Vaigai River. This moment, known as Aḻagar Vaigai Yeluntharulal, symbolizes his divine arrival in Madurai to bless the people, despite missing his sister Meenakshi’s wedding.
Ritual at Ramarayar Mandapam: At the riverbank’s Ramarayar Mandapam, fasting devotees sprinkle sacred water upon the Lord in a deeply devotional gesture, expressing gratitude for his presence.
Journey to Vandiyur: Another sacred abhishekam is performed, followed by the private Ekanta Seva and the Vairamudi Seva, where the Lord is adorned with a diamond-studded crown.
Lifting Sage Manduka’s Curse: At Thenur Mandapam, Lord Alagar performs a spiritually significant ritual to relieve Sage Manduka’s curse, as narrated in the Puranas.
Dashavatara Performance: That night, the Dashavatara – the ten divine incarnations of Lord Vishnu – is portrayed through a vibrant performance at Ramarayar Mandapam, drawing large crowds.
Reception at Ramnad Sethupathi Mandapam: Lord Aḻagar halts at the Ramnad Sethupathi Samasthanam Mandapam, situated opposite the 18-step Karuppanasamy Temple. As part of a unique and ancient tradition, all the jewels and ornaments adorned by Lord Aḻagar during the festival are formally surrendered to Lord Karuppanasamy, who is regarded as the guardian deity of Alagarkoil and the protector of the divine treasures. During this ritual, each jewel is named and accounted for aloud before Karuppanasamy, symbolizing both reverence and trust. This practice has been followed for generations and holds deep significance.
Cultural Grandeur and Festive Atmosphere
- Streets are filled with devotional songs, traditional music (nadaswaram and thavil), dance, firing crackers, and colourful kolams
- Local communities offer annadhanam (free meals) and Buttermilk to pilgrims.
- Shops sell religious items, flowers, and traditional clothes, adding to the vibrant local economy.
Chithirai Festival Dates
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Kodiyetram – 16th day of Chithirai month
Date: Tuesday, April 29 -
Pattabhishekam – 23rd day of Chithirai month
Date: Tuesday, May 6 -
Dikvijayam – 24th day of Chithirai month
Date: Wednesday, May 7 -
Meenakshi Thirukalyanam – 25th day of Chithirai month
Date: Thursday, May 8 -
Therottam (Car Festival) – 26th day of Chithirai month
Date: Friday, May 9. -
Kallazhagar Ethirsevai (Welcoming Azhagar) – 28th day of Chithirai month
Date: Sunday, May 11 -
Alagar Aatril Eranguthal (Alagar entering the river) – 29th day of Chithirai month
Date: Monday, May 12 -
Return to Alagar Hills – 1st day of Vaikasi month
Date: Thursday, May 15