Tamil Nadu - Thanjavur   

Devotees throng ‘Uriyadi’ at Varagur temple

— Photo: M. Srinath

SCALING THE HeightS: Devotees making their way up the ‘Vazhukkumaram’ on the occasion of Krishna Jayanthi at Sri Venkatesa Perumal Temple in Varagur in Thanjavur district on Wednesday.

THANJAVUR: Hundreds of devotees participated in the Uriyadi festival held on Wednesday at Sri Venkatesa Perumal Temple at Varagur near Thirupunthuruthi in Thanjavur district.

Uriyadi is held at the temple every year during Krishna Jayanthi. Devotees try to climb up the Vazhukkumaram — a sticky pole — and try to snatch the bundles of eatables and butter tied at the top. As they venture up the pole, water is thrown at them from all sides, thus making climbing difficult. The exercise continues throughout the night till the devotees succeed in snatching the bundles.

In the evening, the Utsavar — decorated fin the form of Balakrishna in a golden vennaithazhi garb — was taken in a procession to the Kalindi to the accompaniment of nagaswaram, Vedha parayanam and bhajans. Special Thirumanjanam was performed to the idol. At midnight, the idol, seated on a silver kedyam and decorated in the form of Yuva Krishna, was taken in a procession with fireworks and tharangam bhajans.

The devotees divided themselves into three groups. One group performed angaradakshana to the temple courtyard from the river, the second participated in Edayar vesham, headed by a chief yadavar, and the third participated in ‘Chappanis’ . ‘Vazhukkumaram eruthal’ and ‘Uriadithal’ followed this. The idol was taken back to the temple early morning.

Rukmini Kalyanam is held on Thursday. The festival began on August 29 and will conclude on September 7. Vedaparayanam and reading of Srimad Bhagavatham is held on all days during the festival.

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