Adi celebrations; Devotees from southern districts pulled the car (Ther) of the famous Lord Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Alagarkoil

A huge number of devotees from the southern districts dragged the vehicle (Ther) of the famed Lord Sundararaja Perumal Temple at Alagarkoil, as part of the 'Adi' celebrations, which began with the flying of the holy flag on July 24. The two most important celebrations for the temple's presiding deity are the 'Adi Ther', which occurs on the full moon day in the Tamil month of Adi (August 1), and the Chithra Pournami (full moon day which occurs in April-May), when the presiding deity enters the Vaigai in Madurai city as part of the Chithirai festival.

Devotees began arriving on the temple grounds on Monday evening in preparation for the cat festival, which was planned from 8 a.m. to 8.35 a.m. on Tuesday. They formed a circle around the mound before daybreak and joined forces to move the temple vehicle. Priests sang Vedic hymns and conducted 'aradhana', 'abishekam', and 'deeparathana' rituals.

Pathinettam Padi Karuppasamy Temple was opened in the evening, and 'padi' puja was done, followed by deeparathana. According to Temple Deputy Commissioner M. Ramasami, the 'Pusha chapparam' will be done on August 2, and the 'Urchava Shanti' will be performed on August 3, the final day of the celebrations.

A big number of police officers were there, led by Madurai Superintendent of Police Shiva Prasad. CCTV cameras were placed to help regulate the crowd. Since Monday, traffic has been diverted at Appan Thirupathi to make it easier for worshippers to walk around. Special buses were run by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation from Melur, Madurai Periyar, and Mattuthavani bus stops.