Thousands of worshippers flocked to Madurai to partake in the revered Chithirai festival, where they bore witness to the sacred procession of Lord Kallazhagar granting redemption to sage Manduga Maharishi. The Chithirai festival in Madurai is usually held for a span of two weeks and this year the festivities began on April 12. 

The event, touted as one of the longest celebrations globally, drew several thousand devotees from across the state and the world.


According to ANI, Thousands of devotees offered prayers and witnessed the procession of Lord Kallazhagar providing redemption to sage Manduga Maharishi as part of the Chithirai festival in Madurai.






 


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In Hindu mythology, Mandooga Maharishi was tasked with a penance at Noopura Gangai after being cursed by sage Durvasa to transform into a frog for ignoring his presence. The curse could only be broken if Lord Kallazhagar appeared at the banks of the river Vaigai.














Two prominent events of the Chithirai festival in Madurai are the chariot procession at the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the descent of Lord Azhagar into the Vaigai River.


On April 23, 2024, devotees congregated along the northern bank of the Vaigai River near Alwarpuram in Madurai to witness a significant highlight of the Chithirai festival: the symbolic entry of Lord Kallazhagar into the sacred waters of the Vaigai River.


Following special rituals and prayers performed in the Vaigai River, the procession of Lord Kallazhagar made its way to Rama Rayer Mandapam. Amidst the fervent devotion of thousands of worshippers, a traditional ritual unfolded as devotees showered water upon the divine deity Lord Kallazhagar.