Sri Mariamman temple

Sri Mariamman temple

Sri Mariamman temple is one of the most important temples in Karur. This temple, situated towards the center of Karur, is the 2nd largest Amman temple in Tamil Nadu.

The most auspicious occasion at Sri Mariamman temple is the annual festival which is held during the month of May. In this festival, 'Kumbam' is brought out of the Amman temple, is carried to River Arkavathi, accompanied by a huge procession. This Kumbam is then lowered to the river bed with due respect. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and gaiety regardless of religion and caste at Karur. 

Festivals in Sri Mariamman Temple in Karur

There are various festivals celebrated in the Mariamman temples. Infact the Mariamman festivals are the most celebrated festivals all around the state of Tamil Nadu. As soon as the summer winds begin to blow, Mariamman festivals start being celebrated all across the state. Karur too takes a different turn with the festive aura settling over the whole town. 

Vaikasi
The most auspicious and the grandest festival of the Sri Mariamman temple in Karur is ‘Vaikasi’, celebrated in the month of May. The festival and its rituals last for 21 days. During this period the kumbam, the sacred stem (of the neem leaves), is taken from the temple and is brought to the river Amravathi. A huge procession follows the kumbam. You would witness lakhs of people, even the non-Hindus, being a part of this ceremony with lots of devotion and prayer. The kumbam is then lowered into the river. Also, cooking Pongal and serving it is one of the ceremonies. When the deity is taken out to be a part of the procession various folk dances and art forms like Mayilaatam, Oyilattam, Kalayattam etc are performed. And finally the spectacular display of fireworks, when seen from the banks of the river Amravathi is just breathtakingly beautiful. If you ever get to be present there at that moment, surely those sparkles in the skies of Karur would be etched in your memory for several years.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=14nGcGJFLtI