Thiruvallikkeni Sri Parthasarathi Thavana Uthsavam 2013

Thiruvallikkeni is replete with Festivities.  After the Theppothsavam, comes the Thavana Uthsavam.  It would amaze one to understand the significance of each Uthsavam and the care with which our elders have designed them.  There are palaces [bungalows] specially built for providing rest to Perumal on different occasions ~ at Thiruvallikkeni, there is Thavana Uthsava Bungalow situated in Thulasinga Perumal Koil Street, Komutti Bungalow in Peyalwar Koil Street and Vasantha Uthsava Bungalow in Venkatrangam Street ~ sad that the big spacious sprawling premises of Vasantha Uthsava Bungalow is no longer there……..

Perumal coming out of Thavana Uthsava Bungalow

Thavana Uthsava Bungalow derives its name from the Thavana Uthsavam that occurs for 5 days starting Masi Krithikai. This Bungalow as I could recall from my young days, had a big well with steps inside,  trees of rose Nerium Oleander [Arali] and a differently looking  structure having two ‘goris’ [minars] ~ one can reach the top of the minars through the steps provided one is not afraid of bats.  Enthusiastic residents would draw water from the well, sprinkle on the sands that surround the raised structure, colourful kolams will be drawn adding to the religious atmosphere. 

During this Uthsavam, Perumal takes rest under the roof made of thavanam – an aromatic herb.   Dhavanam (Tamil: தவனம்) [Artemisia pallens], is an aromatic herb, in genus of small herbs or shrubs, xerophytic in nature.  This herb pervades great aroma and provides coolness.  Now a kooralam [roof] made of Dhavanam is set up over the resting place of the Lord.

Sri Parthasarathi reaches the Bungalow in the morning, has Thirumanjanam inside the premises, has purappadu inside the Bungalow in the evening and then has ‘periya maada veethi purappadu’. 

Here are some photos taken during the Thavana Uthsava purappadu today at Thiruvallikkeni

Adiyen Srinivasa dhasan

19^th Mar 2013