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> Kodikkan Ratha Yatra Sep 2006
Kodikkan Ratha Yatra - procession of deities of Anandeshwar and Anandeshwari
- Flagging off ceremony - 24 Sep 2006, Thiruvannamalai, Tamilnadu
24 Sep 2006 witnessed a historic flagging off of the procession of the deities of Lord Anandeshwar and Goddess Anandeshwari at Thiruvannamalai in Tamilnadu. The deities were flagged off in a ratha chariot, by Swamiji amidst great celebration and will be taken around in procession throughout Tamilnadu and parts of Karnataka before they are consecrated as the presiding deities at the Temple of Anandeshwar at the ashram in Bangalore.
Over 50,000 people gathered to witness this joyous event. Following are pictures from the event. The schedule of the procession which would last 2 months may be got by clicking here.
Swamiji upon invitation from the authorities of the Temple of Arunachaleshwara in Thiruvannamalai, plants the Pandal Kaal inside the temple. The Pandal Kaal is a symbolic structure, erected by great Seers hailing from Thiruvannamalai upon invitation from the temple authorities at the temple, to mark the start of important temple functions. Today's erection was for the Maha Kaarthigai Deepam festival - a grand festival of lights that happens once a year - to be celebrated later this year.
Swamiji is welcomed by temple priests at the Temple of Arunachaleshwara with due honour and respects. The temple elephant is part of receiving prominent people inside the temple.
Swamiji is behind the screen of the chariot, taking a final look at the deities before unveiling them for public darshan.
The chariot is seen here in the picture.
Swamiji unveils the deities and the people raise their hands fervently in a namaskar, paying obeisance to the deities.
Swamiji after offering arati to the deities, offers the same to the people to partake of it.
