The celestial wedding of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, a key event of the Madurai Chithirai Festival, was held with grandeur in Madurai. Thousands of devotees gathered to witness the sacred ceremony, which began with the ceremonial flag hoisting at the Meenakshi Amman Temple on April 19. The Thirukalyanam, a significant part of the festival, occurred at a grand stage on North Aadi Street.
Devotees started assembling early in the morning, filling the streets to observe the sacred rituals. Free access through the South Tower was arranged for devotees, while those with special passes entered through the West Tower. The processional deities were brought to the wedding stage, including Lord Murugan, Lord Sundareswarar with Priyavidai, Goddess Meenakshi, and Lord Perumal.
Rituals began at 8.15 a.m. with the Vinayaka pooja, followed by Vedic chanting and various wedding rites. The tying of ceremonial threads, ritual offerings, and attire changes were part of the sacred proceedings. At 8.55 a.m., the sacred ‘thali’ was tied to Goddess Meenakshi, signifying the divine union, amidst emotional devotion and chants from the devotees.
Women devotees, deeply moved, touched their thalis to their eyes in reverence during this auspicious moment. Many women wore new dresses, and Goddess Meenakshi was adorned in a green silk saree, a diamond nose ornament, and a crown symbolizing prosperity. The green attire is believed to represent fertility and growth, conveying a message of prosperity for the upcoming year.
After the ceremony, the deities were taken to the old wedding hall. The event was witnessed by thousands in person, while others watched on large LED screens outside the temple, ensuring broader participation in the divine celebrations.
