Vairavar Madai: An ancient ritual continues with a traditional touch in Jaffna
Lord Vairavar is one of the most terrifying aspects of Lord Siva. And, Lord Vairavar is also considered a God who safeguards villages and his devotees. He is the fierce manifestation of Lord Siva associated with annihilation. He is a folk deity who safeguards the devotee on all eight directions. Lord Vairavar himself has eight manifestations: Kala (black) Vairavar, Asitanga (with black limbs)Vairavar, Samhara (destruction)Vairavar, Ruru (hound) Vairavar, Krodha (anger)Vairavar, Kapala (Skull)Vairavar, Rudra (storm) Vairavar and Unmatta (raging) Vairavar.
He is one of the most important deities in Sri Lanka. Lord Vairavar means "Terrible" or "Frightful". Vairavar worship is very popular in Jaffna district. Every few households share a Vairavar temple in their compound, and daily poojas are performed. Vairavar Madai or Mass Pongal with special poojas takes place annually in these temples dedicated to Lord Vairavar. These temples either have the idol of Lord Vairavar or a trident. Friday is reserved for annual Vairavar Madai.
Konaavalai Vairavar temple, which is situated in Kokkuvil on Thirunelvely-Kokkuvil road is believed to be very powerful, and passers-by take a quick stop and worship. The annual Vairavar Madai or Mass Pongal of the Konaavalai Vairavar temple was held on July 2nd 2010 at dusk. Ardent devotees from Kokkuvil have gathered on this day to take part in special poojas, make sweet rice and offer it to Lord Vairavar along with Vadai, Pal Rotty,Murukku and variety of fruits. The offerings were shared by the villagers.Animal sacrifice during the Vairavar Madai used to take place earlier at Konaavalai Vairavar temple, but it is not practiced now.
Lord Vairavar stands tall on the roof top
Brass pot is kept on burning fire outside the temple
The community pongal gets underway
Boiling over or spill over from the pot
Most people of Kokkuvil are ardent devotees of Konaavalai Vairavar
Pots are in a neat row
Vijayaratnam Vijayanesan from Kokkuvil puts rice in the boiling water
A scene outside the temple
Devotees are taking part in special poojas
Another view of the beautiful sculptures at the temple
Smoke covers the pots during a heavy wind
Sun sets its rays over the temple
The chief priest of the temple performs the rituals in the Vasantha Mandapam (ceremonial hall)
Trident outside the temple
A conch with the holy ash (Vipoothy) hangs at the main entrance of the temple
Traditional musicians at the temple for the festival
Dog is the divine vehicle of Lord Vairavar
Devotees thronged the temple for the festival
Colourful celebration for the guarding deity
Another offering by a devotee
A fast is observed for the whole day during the Madai
A view of the Jaffna Medical College
Konaavalai Vairavar temple is one of the oldest temples in Jaffna
Ganeshwary Mahadeva from Kantharoodau is seen offering the food to the God
Sanctum (Moolasthaanam) of the temple
"Paal Rotty" is offered to the God. "Paal Rotty" is a must offering in a Vairavar Madai
Sculptures at the Vasantha Mandapam
Dressed up Lord Vairavar for the festival
Devotees from the area gathered to fulfill their vows
Offerings to the God
He is one of the most important deities in Sri Lanka. Lord Vairavar means "Terrible" or "Frightful". Vairavar worship is very popular in Jaffna district. Every few households share a Vairavar temple in their compound, and daily poojas are performed. Vairavar Madai or Mass Pongal with special poojas takes place annually in these temples dedicated to Lord Vairavar. These temples either have the idol of Lord Vairavar or a trident. Friday is reserved for annual Vairavar Madai.
Konaavalai Vairavar temple, which is situated in Kokkuvil on Thirunelvely-Kokkuvil road is believed to be very powerful, and passers-by take a quick stop and worship. The annual Vairavar Madai or Mass Pongal of the Konaavalai Vairavar temple was held on July 2nd 2010 at dusk. Ardent devotees from Kokkuvil have gathered on this day to take part in special poojas, make sweet rice and offer it to Lord Vairavar along with Vadai, Pal Rotty,Murukku and variety of fruits. The offerings were shared by the villagers.Animal sacrifice during the Vairavar Madai used to take place earlier at Konaavalai Vairavar temple, but it is not practiced now.
Lord Vairavar stands tall on the roof top
Brass pot is kept on burning fire outside the temple
The community pongal gets underway
Boiling over or spill over from the pot
Most people of Kokkuvil are ardent devotees of Konaavalai Vairavar
Pots are in a neat row
Vijayaratnam Vijayanesan from Kokkuvil puts rice in the boiling water
A scene outside the temple
Devotees are taking part in special poojas
Another view of the beautiful sculptures at the temple
Smoke covers the pots during a heavy wind
Sun sets its rays over the temple
The chief priest of the temple performs the rituals in the Vasantha Mandapam (ceremonial hall)
Trident outside the temple
A conch with the holy ash (Vipoothy) hangs at the main entrance of the temple
Traditional musicians at the temple for the festival
Dog is the divine vehicle of Lord Vairavar
Devotees thronged the temple for the festival
Colourful celebration for the guarding deity
Another offering by a devotee
A fast is observed for the whole day during the Madai
A view of the Jaffna Medical College
Konaavalai Vairavar temple is one of the oldest temples in Jaffna
Ganeshwary Mahadeva from Kantharoodau is seen offering the food to the God
Sanctum (Moolasthaanam) of the temple
"Paal Rotty" is offered to the God. "Paal Rotty" is a must offering in a Vairavar Madai
Sculptures at the Vasantha Mandapam
Dressed up Lord Vairavar for the festival
Devotees from the area gathered to fulfill their vows
Offerings to the God
posted by DushiYanthini at 5:48 AM
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