11-day Dasara celebrations ended on a grand note with Soorasamharam at the famous Mutharamman Temple in Thoothukudi district on Tuesday

With the "Soorasamharam" (the defeat of four demons, including Mahishasuran, signifying the triumph of good over evil) at the renowned Mutharamman Temple in Kulasekarapattinam in the Thoothukudi district on Tuesday, the eleven-day Dasara celebrations came to a spectacular close. Since early in the morning, a sizable contingent of worshippers from nearby and far away had gathered at the temple. To see the "samharam" at Sri Chidambareswarar Temple, a sea of worshippers marched towards the shore starting in the evening while shouting "Jai Kali," "Om Kali," "Thaye Mutharamma," and other phrases.

The magnificent "Soorasamharam" was conducted between 12.10 and 12.30 a.m., while the god was being carried in an adorned "Simha Vahanam" from the temple to the seaside after 10.30 p.m. On Wednesday at around 4 p.m., the deity will be returned to Mutharamman Temple, and the celebration will then come to a close.

The priests conducted special abishekams earlier in the day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. As part of their promise, several ladies dressed like the presiding god, Mathuraramman, and tied the sacred "kaapu" on their hands. They would observe a fast for the entire 11 days, continuing a long-standing practise.