Date:31/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/31/stories/2006123109560400.htm

Tamil Nadu

Vaikunda Ekadasi at Srirangam temple

Staff Reporter

TIRUCHI: Thousands of devotees thronged Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy temple on the occasion of `Vaikunta Ekadasi' on Saturday.

Processional deity Namperumal was taken out of the `Paramapadavasal' at 4.15 a.m., marking the most important part of the 20-day festival. An hour earlier, Namperumal, adorned with stone-studded `rathnangi', was brought from the sanctum sanctorum in the `Thanga Tholukiniyan', amid religious fervour. Sri Ranga Narayana Jeer, the `kainkaryas' and `sthalathars' initiated the rituals in `Thula' lagnam. The deity was taken through the Sandanu mandapam, the second praharam of Raja Mahendran Chutru, Nazhikettanvasal and the third praharam before finally reaching the Vrajanadhi mandapam near the Paramapadavasal.

Crowd regulation

The new computer-aided crowd regulation arrangements made by the temple authorities ensured there was no stagnation at the Paramapadavasal.

Joint Commissioner of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, T. Rajamanickam, said the setting up of blocks eased the movement of the devotees.

The police had made tight security arrangements. Using a long nylon rope, the personnel formed a ring around the VIPs and other pass-holders at each block thereby eliminating the entry of others.

HR and CE Minister K. R. Periyakaruppan, Congress leader and the former Union Minister, S. R. Balasubramanyom were among those who offered worship.