Adi Festival, Arulmigu Arapaleeshwarar Temple, Namakkal

The fourth month of the Tamil calendar is "Aadi", which falls between the months of July and August, beckons the temples of the state for many auspicious celebrations.  The Arulmigu Arapaleeshwarar Temple is located in Kolli Hills, Namakkal. This temple celebrates the whole month of Aadi with various occasions.The Arulmigu Arapaleeshwarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Arapaleeswarar, Aramvalarthanayagi(Thayammal), Vinayaka, and Murugan. Various poojas are performed here during the Aadi month, and worshippers also offer the Goddess sweet Pongal, a sweet dish made of rice and jaggery.Aadi Pirappu - The first day of the sacred month is celebrated as “Aadi Pirappu” (Aadi Onnu). A special drink is made on this day to embrace the month and is offered to the Goddess Aramvalarthanayagi. It is known as "Aadi koozh," a porridge that is made of raw rice and ragi flour with onions, chilies, and other ingredients.Aadi Perukku - The 18th day of the Aadi month is celebrated as Aadi Perukku. The newly wedded couples gather in the temple and add gold coins to their “Thaali” (nuptial thread). Along with flowers, turmeric, and a yellow thread, the offerings also include a "maavilakku" (a lamp made by a dough of rice flour and jaggery) that is lit on mango leaves. The women let the lamps float in the sacred pond of Panchanadhi.