Thousands gather along the riverbanks as Lord Kallazhagar’s symbolic descent into the Vaigai marks the climax of Tamil Nadu’s iconic Madurai Chithirai Festival.
Madurai (Tamil Nadu), May 12, 2025 – In a spectacular display of faith and cultural grandeur, thousands of devotees gathered along the banks of the Vaigai River in Madurai today to witness the sacred moment when Lord Kallazhagar entered the waters—marking the climactic conclusion of the famed Chithirai Festival.
The annual festival, which began on May 8 at the revered Kallazhagar Temple in Thirumaliruncholai—often called the “Southern Tirupati”—is one of Tamil Nadu’s grandest religious celebrations and a major Vaishnavite event. The temple, nestled at the base of the Alagar Hills, is counted among the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest shrines of Lord Vishnu.
The symbolic entry of Lord Kallazhagar (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) into the Vaigai River, dressed in resplendent green silk and mounted on a golden horse vahanam, is the spiritual high point of the festival. According to tradition, the deity makes this annual journey to attend the celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. Arriving late, he symbolically offers his blessings from the river instead of the wedding mandapam.
Chants of “Govinda Govinda” echoed through the air as thousands of devotees lined the riverbanks from the early hours of dawn, many taking ritual dips themselves in the sacred waters. The event was marked by devotional songs, traditional music, and tight security arrangements by the district administration to ensure a smooth and safe experience for pilgrims.
“This festival unites people of all backgrounds in devotion and tradition. It is not only a celebration of faith but also of Madurai’s rich cultural identity,” said a temple official.
The Chithirai Festival is celebrated with equal fervor by both Shaivites and Vaishnavites, highlighting the spiritual harmony of the region. Earlier highlights of the festival included the celestial wedding (Meenakshi Thirukalyanam) and the coronation of Goddess Meenakshi.
The procession and Vaigai entry of Lord Kallazhagar is also seen as a dramatic enactment of mythological episodes, offering devotees a glimpse into divine lore.
As the festivities draw to a close, the spirit of devotion and unity continues to echo across Madurai, with devotees bidding a reverent farewell to their beloved deity until his return next year.