Thoothukudi: Lakhs of devotees thronged Kulasekarapattinam, in Thoothukudi district, on Tuesday, to witness Soorasamharam, the grand finale of the 10-day Dasara festival at the Mutharamman temple, where Goddess Mutharamman slays the demon Mahishasura. The ritual was enacted along the seashore at midnight.
The festival began with the flag-hoisting ceremony on October 11. Thousands of devotees observed religious vows by donning elaborate costumes depicting Hindu deities, including Kali, Bhadrakali, Karunkali, Sudalaimadan, Karuppasamy, Siva, Perumal, Murugan and Hanuman. They collected money and other offerings from the public during the festival and presented them to the temple on the concluding day.
Many devotees undertook the pilgrimage on foot, while children and elderly people travelled in bullock carts, vans and mini lorries. Roads leading to Kulasekarapattinam from Tirunelveli, Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi and Kudankulam witnessed a steady stream of devotees in colourful costumes, dancing and singing as they made their way to the temple.
Devotees began gathering at the temple and the Kulasekarapattinam beach from Monday night onwards to witness the much awaited Soorasamharam on the midnight of the following day. After the climactic event of the Mahishasura samharam, the devotees conclude their religious vows by taking a holy dip in the sea.
The festival drew devotees from across Tamil Nadu, many of whom undertake the pilgrimage every year as part of their religious vows.
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