22nd-year Kadal Poojai at Thava Bhoomi, Dhanushkodi
Kodi Swamigal's divine instructions for this year Kadal Poojai
Every act carried out by our trust is directed by the divine presence of Kodi Swamigal. The What, When, Where and How of every function is given by Kodi Swamigal himself. Every year Kadal Poojai's key components are said well in advance and we strive to implement them.
Mulaipaari Procession
In 2022, with his divine guidance, Kodi Swamigal called upon us to undertake a special procession at Dhanushkodi—one that would revive the ancient Mulaipari ritual in a way we had never imagined. He instructed us to carry 115 Mulaipaaris and offer them to the Indian Ocean, which is on the right side of his temple, at the very spot where the daily Padayal offerings take place. We were puzzled by the number 115. It seemed so specific, yet it held no clear meaning to us then. But we followed his words faithfully.
Dance performance by the kids of the fishermen's community
The 22nd year (2022) of Kadal Poojai consisted of cultural programs on the previous day of Kadal Poojai. As per Kodi Swamigal's instructions, include the fishermen community in the celebrations to bring hidden talents to the spotlight. Mrs. Ganga, whose ancestors were natives of the Dhanushkodi fishing hamlet, runs Peacock Dance Academy, and her mission is to take classical dance form to all classes of people. The kids are handpicked from the fishermen's community, and they are trained in the art form. It was a sight to see the kids express themselves in the art form which is considered a privilege to certain classes of people.
Maru poojai
Marupoojai, an offering to the Sea Mother, is a sacred tradition once practised by the fishermen of Dhanushkodi. This ritual was their heartfelt expression of gratitude to the sea for blessing them with abundant harvests throughout the year. However, over time, this ancient custom had faded into history. With Kodi Swamigal's divine guidance, the members of the trust have revived it from this year; it is the closing ceremony ritual the day after Kadal Poojai.
Sand from Arichal Munai
Every year, after the culmination of Dhanushkodi Kadal Poojai, two members from the trust walk to Arichal Munai at Dhanushkodi and collect sand from where the two seas confluence, as per Kodi Thatha's Instructions. This sand is brought to Thabovanam temple in Chennai. This is given as prasadham for those who seek deseprate help or divine intervention in their life.
FEBRUARY 18, 2022
22nd year kadal poojai pictures, Dhanushkodi
Kodi Swamigal Moola Vigraham (Main Deity)
Welcoming Peacock Dance Academy students
Invocation dance by the students
The kids impressed the audience with their performance
Honouring the students for their exemplary performance
Devotee singing and offering her devotion
Floral arrangements for the grand function
Sankalpam on Kadal Poojai day
Gho poojai
Offering Vastram ( Dress) to the Ghomatha
Prasadham for the Ghomatha
Morning Pooja Aarthi
Morning padayal ( Offering to the sea)
115 Mulaipaaris inside the shelter
The Main kalasam being given to Mrs. Bama Balaji, Managing Trustee
Volunteers helping in transporting the mulaipaaris to the starting point
115 devotees like a swarm of bees
Festive spirit filling the air
Mulaipaaris reaching the final point
Ceremonial dance before offering to the sea mother
Kadal padayal for Kodi Swamigal
Sea of devotees on the shores of Indian Ocean
115 Mulaipaaris were offered to the sea.
Volunteers in preparation of Annaprasadham
Volunteers in preparation of Annaprasadham
Annaprasadham and blessings for everyone who stepped inside the shrine
Kodi Swamigal's Vibhuti Prasadham for everyone
Feburary 18, 2022
Why 115 Mulaipaaris ?
While working on the souvenir for the Dhanushkodi Kadal Poojai a week after the event, we stumbled upon a piece of history that connected everything back to Kodi Swamigal’s mystical instructions. On December 23, 1964, a massive tidal wave swept away a train at Dhanushkodi, tragically claiming the lives of 110 passengers and 5 railway staff—a total of 115 souls.
Suddenly, the number made sense. Kodi Swamigal, with his divine insight, honoured those lost lives through the Mulaipaaris, offering a silent prayer for their peace. It was a moment of awe, as we realised how the mystics perceive and understand what ordinary eyes cannot see. Another interesting piece of information: It is only in the year 2022 that the Central Government commenced the work on the feasibility of resumption of Railway service to Dhanushkodi.
Feburary 18, 2022
115 Mulaipaari procession for Kodi Swamigal at Dhanushkodi
On the day of the procession, it was a sight to behold. Devotees—young and old alike—walked along the beautiful yet scorching coastline, carrying the sacred Mulaipaaris, their hearts overflowing with devotion. The ocean breeze mingled with the chants, as Kodi Swamigal’s grace seemed to envelop us all, infusing every step with a deep sense of purpose and reverence.
As Kodi Swamigal's divine prophecy came true, it was memorable for all those present. Even the tourists who were visiting Dhanushkodi witnessed something special and they were busy clicking pictures.
115 Mulaipaari procession at Dhanushkodi during 2022 Kadal Poojai for Kodi Swamigal
Feburary 17, 2022
Day 1 cultural program at Thava Bhoomi, Dhanushkodi