After
each ablution decoration and dressing different poses are done like the
dress of a Vyadha (hunter), Prince Balayogi and the like. The various alankaras are (1)
Raja alankar, (as a prince); (2) Vedan (hunter); (3) Sandal paste; (4) Balasubrahmanya.
(Boy); (5)
Vibhuti (ascetic or a recluse). These decorations alter the figure of the idol to a
romantic spiritual sphere. There was also an alankaram as a female, which has
now been discontinued.
Festivals: The principal festivals are Tai Poosam
in January,' Panguni Uttaram in April, Agni Nakshatram in May, Visakham in June, Skanda
Shashthi in November, besides other periodical and monthly festivals of the Saivite
calendar. The temple car is dragged thrice in the year, in Vaikasi, Tai, and Panguni
festivals. Also the Silver Ratha is, drawn round the town
temple in Tai and around the hill in Panguni. The Panguni Uttaram.Celebration of ten days
duration in April is by far the most crowded and the chief festival of
the year. |
