At Thanjavur Periya Kovli, also known as Brihadeeswarar temple (a Shaiva temple)the celebrations of Ashad Navratri for Varahi Amman commenced on July 5. Goddess Varahi is one of the seven goddesses in the Hindu religion. She bears the head of a sow and is the feminine energy of Varaha, the boar avatar of Lord Vishnu. In Thanjavur Periya Kovli, she is placed on a separate shrine and will be worshipped for the next few days till the Navratri ends. Every day, the goddess will be decorated in different ways with a special lamp worship.
The Brihadeeswarar temple is located on the south bank of the Cauvery River in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu and is one of the largest Hindu temples. It is a great example of Tamil architecture.
The temple includes shrines dedicated to Nandi, Parvati, Murugan, Ganesha, Sabhapati, Dakshinamurti, Chandeshvara, Varahi, Thiyagarajar of Thiruvarur, Siddhar Karuvoorar and others making it one of the most famous tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu.
Following the celebrations, there will be various art and culture programs like Bharatanatyam dance and music programmes as a part of the celebrations on the sixth day of the festival, the Goddess is adorned with pomegranates.
Despite the temple being related to Shaivism, it also preaches Vaishnavism and Shaktism. This Adi Navratri festival, dedicated to the Shakti, for Varahi Amman, is celebrated exclusively in Thanjavur. It holds great significance for the devotees there. The devotees believe that participating in the events of the 10-day worship of the goddess can help in removing obstacles to marriage, bring prosperity and help fulfil dreams. During this time, devotees from across the country, visit the temple to seek the blessings of Varahi Amman. What makes this festival unique at the grand and extravagant decor items.
From pomegranates to various grains, a variety of fruits and vegetables, and of course flowers for stunning decorations. Over the next few days, one would be able to witness the gods being offered various foods and being decorated with different ornaments. If you are visiting
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