Vettiver chapparam at Thiruvallikkeni ~ Sapthavarana purappadu 2014

Heard of ‘Chrysopogon zizanioides’ and wonder what is has to do with a Temple related post, especially one on the last day of Sri Parthasarathi Swami Brahmothsavam at Thiruvallikkeni.

‘Chrysopogon zizanioides’ is commonly known as vettiver – a type of grass of Poaceae family, native to India. Understand that it is known as ‘khus’ in some parts of India.   In western and northern India, it is popularly known as khus. Vettiver can grow up to 1.5 metres high and form clumps as wide. The stems are tall and the leaves are long, thin, and rather rigid; the flowers are brownish-purple. Unlike most grasses, which form horizontally spreading, mat-like root systems,  vetiver's roots grow downward, 2–4 m in depth.  This is not intended to by any post on its characteristics..

On the 10^th day of Brahmothsvam is Sapthavaranam – on 24^th Apr 2014 (election day  here)  there was the ‘Dwadasa Aradhanam’ and ‘Thiruvaimozhi Sarrumurai’ – and in the night there was the purappadu in china Thiruther.   

‘Chinna Thiruther’ is  famously known as ‘Vettiver Chapparam’…  the properties are there in the initial paras.  This fragrant herb is a powerful coolant too.  One could feel the divine fragrance from a distance itself.   Understand that the stem of the grass vettiver is cut, smoothened and made into a mat.  These mats were earlier even used in houses and as the air passes through it, there would be fragrance and natural cooling of air. 

Here are some photos  taken during the purappadu. ~ and a photo of kudai made of vettiver that is kept atop the thiruther too...

Adiyen Srinivasadhasan.