Procession

During festivals, especially the Chitharai Brahmotsavam, a procession of the idols of the temple deities is taken out. While on many days the procession travels inside the temple premises, but on the chithirai nathathiram the theerthavari or the big chariot festival takes place when the gods travel through the city streets. Starting from the temple on the West Main Street, the chariot goes around the four main streets of the ancient city. It halts at six spots for special pujas before returning to the base mandapam. Several people join in to draw the chariot while several others, including members of organisations and philanthropies offer buttermilk, panagam (a jaggery drink), other cool drinks and Pongal to those drawing the temple car.

Procession

During festivals, especially the Chitharai Brahmotsavam, a procession of the idols of the temple deities is taken out. While on many days the procession travels inside the temple premises, but on the chithirai nathathiram the theerthavari or the big chariot festival takes place when the gods travel through the city streets. Starting from the temple on the West Main Street, the chariot goes around the four main streets of the ancient city. It halts at six spots for special pujas before returning to the base mandapam. Several people join in to draw the chariot while several others, including members of organisations and philanthropies offer buttermilk, panagam (a jaggery drink), other cool drinks and Pongal to those drawing the temple car.