A special worship event featuring traditional Devaraattam was held at the Ethalappa Nayakkar Temple on Thirumoorthi Hill near Udumalaipettai, Tirupur district, honoring the freedom fighter's contributions and local traditions.
Tirupur: The Ethalappa Nayakkar Temple on Thirumoorthi Hill near Udumalaipettai in Tirupur district witnessed a special worship event on Friday, commemorating the contributions of Ethalappa Nayakkar, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement who was a formidable opponent to the British.
Every year, on the first Friday of the Tamil month of Purattasi, descendants of Ethalappa Nayakkar and local villagers gather at this temple to conduct special prayers.
This year's event began with a special puja, starting with an elaborate abhishekam to Jakkammal, the family deity of Ethalappa Nayakkar. The ritual involved the use of 16 different items including milk, curd, sandalwood paste, vibhuti (sacred ash), rose water, tender coconut water, and turmeric.
Following this, a special abhishekam was performed for the idols of Ethalappa Nayakkar, his wife, and other military commanders and warriors.
Devotees then had the opportunity for a divine darshan of the beautifully adorned idols of Jakkammal, Ethalappa Nayakkar, and his wife.
The highlight of the festival was the traditional Devaraattam, a ritualistic dance performed to the rhythmic beats of the urumi, a traditional percussion instrument.
This performance, deeply rooted in local culture and tradition, was presented by skilled artists and watched by a large gathering of devotees.
The event saw a significant turnout of the general public, with the descendants of Ethalappa Nayakkar taking charge of the arrangements for the festival. This annual celebration serves not only as a religious event but also as a means to keep alive the memory of Ethalappa Nayakkar and his contributions to the freedom struggle.