Introduction
In Karaikal town there is a Siva temple and, on the other side of the road, a separate
shrine for Karaikal Ammayar. At this temple Karaikal Ammayar attained salvation. The festival known as Mangani Tirunal (the festival of the mango fruit)
is observed in the month of Ani on Pournami (full-moon) day. The belief is that Karaikal
Ammayar gave Annam (food) to Bhikshatanar (Siva) during his, tour round the world begging
alms, with curd rice and mangoes.
To commemorate this incident this curd rice with mango is
distributed on this festival day, in a big hall adjacent to the temple. Another festival
is also performed from Phalguni month Swati Nakshatram day.
Author :
R.K.Das
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