Dasara Festival - Arulmigu Kulasai Mutharamman Devi Temple

Dasara, the festival of triumph over evil is celebrated as a lavish occasion at the village of Kulasekarapattinam, in the Thooththukudi district. Every year, lakhs of devotees throng at the Arulmigu Kulasai Mutharamman Devi Temple to witness this unique festival. The festival is celebrated during the Tamil month of Avani(between August and September). The Arulmigu Kulasai Mutharamman Devi Temple is a 300-year-old temple that was built in the port city of Kulasekarapattinam during the reign of King Maravarman Kulasekaran. It is believed that the goddess guards over the village and its residents and will protect her worshippers in times of need. In contrast to how the rest of the state celebrates Dasara, the temple celebrates the festival for 12 days. The Goddess Mutharamman is taken in procession and rested upon various vahanams (vehicles) on all days of this festival. The devotees who participate in this festival, follow "viradham"(fasting) by maintaining utmost purity of body, mind and soul. The devotees also pledge to collect donations in accordance with an ancient custom while portraying various celestial deities, including the goddess Kali, Kings, monkeys, and beggars. The donations collected are offered to the goddess Mutharamman. The devotees who portray cosmic deities carry on an act as though they possess divine power and deliver predictions to the worshipers. Every year, lakhs of devotees congregate at this temple to witness, rejoice, and take part in this distinct festival.