Marking the end of Navarathri festival: Destruction of Aanavam (ego and ignorance) and killing of the Mahisasuran

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

"Religion, like poetry, is not a mere idea, it is expression. The self-expression of God is in the endless variety of creation; and our attitude toward the Infinite Being must also in its expression have a variety of individuality - ceaseless and unending."
~ Rabindranath Tagore - the well-known Hindu poet, playwright, philosopher, composer, artist and Nobel laureate (1861-1941)


Navarathri festival ended with Maanam Poo or Vazhai Vettu (destruction of Aanavam and killing of the Mahisasuran) at the Hindu temples on September 28th 2009.

An idol of Goddess is decorated and taken on a parade outside the temple. Men carried her on their shoulders. She was brought out by the men at twilight.

An Asuran named Mahisasuran has ill -treated the Thevars. The Thevars complained it tot the Goddess. Mother Goddess assured destroyed the Mahisasuran, and freed the Thevars from his ill treatments on the tenth day (Vijayathasami)of Navarathri festival.

Devotees thronged the temple in the evening. The Chief Priest Sitsabesa Kurukkal (also known as Mani Iyer) of Sammankodu Sri Kathirvelaiyutha Swamy temple in Bambalapitty ( also known as Maanikka Pilliyar Thirukoyil) dressed in Red Dhoti, walked along with a metal saw and a lime on top of it, sat in front of the sanctum at the main entrance, and performed a special pooja.

The Blue sky began to change its colour to dark Grey, and clouds began to gather immediately. She was carried on the shoulders; men began to walk faster towards the four corners in the compound as the Chief priest started to chop the branches of the Banana tree. Musical instruments kept playing.


As se faced the East facing the temple while being seated on the shoulders of the men, the Chief Priest Sitsabesa Kurukkal cut the Banana tree into two pieces, pretending the Goddess killed Mahisasuran. Rain drops touched us all, many devotees began to chant “Amman blessed us, Amman blessed us”.

An old male devotee mentioned to his friend “Nalla Sagunam” (Auspicious time).

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Lord Vinayagar removes all obstacles confronting the devotees

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A fresh Banana tree is depicted as Mahisasuran

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Charming Kolam by Pratheepan Sharma

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Ash Pumpkin is decorated and kept t be cut in order to chase away the ill evils

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Active Pigeons among the carvings

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According to Kularnvatantra, "They are called flowers, because they promote purity; they shun sin and bear special fruit"

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The deity is accompanied by the priest and devotees

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Fire is the most powerful of all energies

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Enchanting parade of the Goddess

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A female devotee is invited to decorate the oil lamp

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It is believed that one takes on the body of a humanbeing only after 84 lakh births

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It is believed that one takes on the body of a humanbeing only after 84 lakh births

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Rites and rituals promote happiness

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Torch bearers of the festival

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One can feel the flow of peace within, when entering a pace of worship

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Happy memories lead to divinity

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A speed procession begins

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Fall of evil spirit

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Vermilion is applied to depict blood

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Every achievement brings happiness

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Metal saw and a piece of Banana tree are taken as a token of the success of the ceremony

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Festivals are occasions to convey our gratitude to the supreme spirit
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