Thousands gather for special pujas and the deity’s passage through Paramapada Vasal at Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple in Chennai on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: S.R. RAGHUNATHAN
Over one lakh devotees had darshan of Sri Parthasarathi Perumal at Triplicane on Vaikuntha Ekadashi on Tuesday. Darshan started at 2 a.m. and the Sorgavasal was opened by 4 a.m. when the idol of the utsava deity was brought via the grandly decorated doors.
The temple administration had made elaborate arrangements to ensure safe darshan for all devotees. Separate queues were provided for senior citizens. Over one lakh water bottles were distributed to visitors. Laddu, kalkandu, Tulsi and a small book on the Gita was also distributed.
As the day also marks the commencement of the Raa Pathu, the deity was decked up in a Muthuangi (a dress sewen with pearls). For nine more days the Sorgavasal will remain open from 4 p.m. for devotees.
According to religious exponent Thirumalai Vinjamoor Venkatesh, the practice of Vaikuntha Ekadashi began in Srirangam, where it is believed that Sri Rangamatha agreed to listen to the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
During the preceding Pagal Pathu and ensuing Raa Pathu festivities, the 3,000 songs of the Prabandham will be chanted. On the last day, the Iyarpaa, the remaining 1,000 songs will the chanted, he added.
Published – December 31, 2025 12:44 am IST
