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The Elai Kaatha AmmanTemple Festival
The Elai Kaatha Amman Festival, which occurs in September, is a unique and significant event. During this temple festival, devotees observe a 15-day fast, refraining from cutting or breaking coconuts, lemons, trees, or engaging in construction activities (such as mixing cement or mud).
The festival involves the selection of seven young girls, typically around 1....
The Elai Kaatha Amman Festival, which occurs in September, is a unique and significant event. During this temple festival, devotees observe a 15-day fast, refraining from cutting or breaking coconuts, lemons, trees, or engaging in construction activities (such as mixing cement or mud).
The festival involves the selection of seven young girls, typically around 10 years old and in the pre-puberty phase, to represent the Daughters of Elai Kaatha Amman from more than 65 villages. These girls are held in high regard as embodiments of the goddess, and they undertake sacred duties for the entire 15-day duration. The selection process for these girls is conducted by the priest of the Elai Kaatha Amman Temple, known as the Poosaari or Melavalasai.During the festivities, unmarried female devotees carry small clay dolls, while married women fill pitchers with milk and adorn them with coconut kernels, creating 'Madhu Kalayam' (milk pots mixed with Padhaneer). In a traditional procession, the revered Ambalakara is carried under an umbrella during the evening ceremonies. Following this, the seven girls dress as "Amman" - the Goddess and bestow blessings upon the people.The Elai Kaatha Amman Festival is a remarkable celebration that holds deep cultural and religious significance for the communities involved.
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Activities
• During this temple festival, devotees observe a 15-day fast
• Selection of seven young girls, typically around 10 years old and in the pre-puberty phase, to represent the Daughters of Elai Kaatha Amman and they undertake sacred duties for the entire 15-day duration.
• Unmarried female devotees carry small clay dolls and married women fill pitchers with milk and adorn them with coconut kernels, creating 'Madhu Kalayam' (milk pots mixed with Padhaneer).
• Ambalakara is carried under an umbrella during the evening ceremonies. Following this, the seven girls dress as "Amman" - the Goddess and bestow blessings upon the people
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Organized By
Trustees of Elai Katha Amman Temple
Tourist Officer, Madurai
No.1 west Velli Street, Madurai 625 001
9176995868
touristofficemadurai[at]gmail[dot]com
How to reach
The nearest airport is Madurai International Airport,
which is 40 KMs away.
The nearest convenient railway station is Madurai Junction,
which is 37 KMs away.
The nearest major city is Madurai,
which is 35KMs away.