Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, Karaikal – Festivals

Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, Karaikal – Festivals

The Mangani Thirunal festival (the festival of the mango fruit) is observed in the Tamil month of Aani on the full moon day. The belief is that Karaikal Ammaiyar gave Annam (food) to Bhikshatana during his tour around the world begging alms. Since she gave him with curd rice and mangoes, those items are distributed on the festival day, in a big hall adjacent to the temple.

Lord Shiva comes in a procession as Bikshadana with his begging bowl and devotees throw mangoes from a higher level. Those seeking child boon catch them in their sari ends. The event of Karaikal Ammaiyar reaching Kailash in her ghost body is celebrated the next day. Lord Shiva, on this day will be outside the temple. The two hymns Rettai Mani Malai and Tiruvandadhi by Karaikal Ammaiyar would be recited.

After the chanting, all the lights in the place would be put off. A torch near Lord Shiva and one near Ammaiyar would be lighted. The torch of Ammaiyar would be taken to that near Lord Shiva and put together marking the reaching of Ammaiyar to the Lotus Feet of Lord in a Jyoti form. This festival is celebrated in Panguni (March-April) also.