Thousands take holy dip

Thousands of pilgrims took holy dip in the Padma Pushkarini, the temple tank of Goddess Padmavati, on the occasion of Panchami Theertham, the most important festival of annual Karthika Brahmotsavams at Tiruchanur, on Sunday.

Panchami Theertham marks the birth of Goddess Padmavati in a golden lotus in Padma Sarovaram on Sukla Panchami in Karthika month.

Snapana Tirumanjanam, holy bath with milk, honey, turmeric, coconut water etc, to Sudarshana Chakrattalvar and the processional deity of Goddess Padmavathi were performed in a colourful manner at the specially decorated mandapam in Padma Pushkarini.

Priests adorned the deity with garlands of cardamom, Kuruveru and American raspberry and cherry fruits.

Sudarshana Chakram was later taken into the Pushkarini for a holy dip.