Margazhi Ashtami Sappara Festival Held at Madurai Meenakshi Temple
The Margazhi Ashtami Sappara Festival, which symbolises the divine act of the Lord measuring and providing sustenance to all living beings, was held yesterday at the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple with traditional fervour.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple is known for festivals throughout the year, with the Chithirai car festival being the most prominent. Following that, the Ashtami Sappara Festival held during the waning phase of Margazhi is considered highly significant and spiritually meaningful.
On the festival day, Sundareswarar with Piriyavidai and Meenakshi Amman set out from the temple early in the morning and reached Keezha Masi Street, where they mounted separate chariots. The procession then moved through Yanaikkal, Keezha Veli Street, South Veli Street, Crime Branch Road, Tirupparankundram Road, Mela Veli Street, Goods Shed Street, and Vakil Pudhu Street, before returning to the temple.
A unique highlight of the festival was that the Amman chariot was pulled by women, a tradition that draws large participation and devotion. During the procession, rice was scattered along the streets, symbolising the Lord’s grace in feeding all living beings.
Devotees believe that collecting this sacred rice and keeping it at home brings abundance of food and relief from hunger-related suffering. The belief continues to attract thousands of devotees every year.
Ahead of the festival, the temple administration completed all preparatory works, including road repairs and route arrangements, ensuring the smooth movement of the chariots. Devotees appreciated the efforts taken to improve road conditions along the procession path.
