Thu Nov 07 15:52:15 UTC 2024: ## Palani Celebrates Soorasamharam Festival with Thousands of Devotees

**Palani, November 7, 2024:** Thousands of devotees flocked to Palani on Thursday to witness the grand ‘Soorasamharam’ festival, a celebration of Lord Muruga’s victory over evil. The festival, which began on November 2nd with the ‘Kappu Kattudhal’ ceremony, culminated in a dramatic reenactment of the Lord’s slaying of the four Asuras (demons).

The highlight of the day was the procession of Lord Chinnakumaraswamy, who received the holy lance from Malai Kozhunghu Amman at the hill temple. The Lord, mounted on his peacock, ascended the four Giri Veedhis (temple streets) with his army, engaging in a fierce battle with the Asuras.

The enactment saw Veerabahu, Lord Muruga’s war general, attempt peace talks with the Asuras, which failed. The Lord then engaged in a dramatic fight, ultimately vanquishing Tharakasuran on North Giri Street, followed by Banugopan on East Giri Street.

Devotees who had observed a fast for the festival ended their fast by partaking in ‘prasadam’ of fruits like banana, apple, and orange.

The triumph over evil was celebrated at Ariyar Mandapam, near Padhavinayagar temple, with special pujas performed to calm the Lord. He then ascended the Indra Vimanam, giving darshan to devotees.

The six-day Kanda Sashti festival will conclude with the ‘Tirukkalyanam’, the celestial wedding, on Friday.

Minister for Food and Civil Supplies R. Sakkarapani, along with other officials, were present during the procession.

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