23rd 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
For the 23rd year, Kodi Swamigal called upon us to carry 151 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. With the second year in succession, everyone looked forward to carrying the mulaipaari on the occasion of Kadal Poojai
Colour coded dress
For the 23rd year, Kodi Swamigal instructed us to wear a specific colour like how the trust members were in their unified appearance during Guru Poojai. The theme for the 23rd year is Rose Pink.
Pournami Poojai
For the 23rd year, Kodi Swamigal told the members to bring the Oonjal Urchava Murthy (The deity) from Thabovanam to Dhanushkodi. he instructed us to perform the 3 AM pournami pooja at his Thava Bhoomi in Dhanushkodi.
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 since 2022 and every year, it is the closing ceremony ritual the day after Kadal Poojai.
March 08, 2023
23rd year Kadal Poojai pictures, Dhanushkodi
Kodi Swamigal Moola Vigraham (Main Deity)
Thava Bhoomi decked up with lights
Kodi Swamigal Thava bhoomi on the eve of Kadal Poojai
The Sounds of shiva on the shores of Indian Ocean
Oonjal Urchava Murthy of Kodi Swamigal was brought to Dhanushkodi
Kailaya Vaadhiyam in full flow
The Sounds of Shiva reveberated the skies of Dhanushkodi
Bommallatam ( Puppet Show) was a big hit with the Dhanushkodi Community
The Show engaged the audience and also taught values of life
The Bommallatam crew being honoured
Gho Poojai on Kadal Poojai day
Vastram being offered to Ghomatha
Sankalpam for smooth proceedings
Homam ( Yagna) to seek the blessings of divine
Members of the trust particpating in the Homam
Aarthi after Purnahudhi
Devotees at the shrine watching the abhishekam
Chanting and Singing in front of the Moola Vigraham
Close up shot of moola vigraham
Padayal being offered to Kodi Swamigal
Naivedhyam offered to urchava moorthy and moola vigraham
Morning Prasadham being taken to the sea for offering
patienly praying for the waves of grace to come and take the padayal
Padayal for 'Pitrus'( Ancestors) being taken to the Indian Ocean
Mulaipaaris kept near the shrine
Devotees carrying mulaipaaris and taking the procession
Festive spirit and full of devoted enthusiasm
Raja Alangaram before the padayal
The ' Kadal Padayal' on the occasion of Kadal Poojai
As the waves of grace swept the devotees and accepting the prasadham
For the second year in succession, during Marupoojai, Kodi Swamigal guided us on the steps and materials needed for the ritual and procession. We took three large sacks of nel pori (puffed rice) for offering to the fish as we walked toward the Bay of Bengal. Along the way, one of our group members scattered the pori on both sides of our path, symbolically feeding all the creatures in the water, from Thava Bhoomi to the shore.
When we reached the seashore, we presented sweet pongal as an offering (naivedhyam) to the Sea Mother, a gesture of respect and gratitude.
Through this sacred act, we continue to honor the Sea Mother and work tirelessly towards restoring Dhanushkodi’s spiritual and cultural legacy.
March 09, 2023
Pictures from maru poojai, Dhanushkodi
The Transgenders who participated in the function being honoured
Marupoojai morning padayal on the Indian Ocean side
The transgenders were given the honour of offering morning padayal
Padayal being offered
The members of the trust begin their walk to the Bay of Bengal side for performing marupoojai
Enroute along the backwaters of Bay of Bengal
Sweet pongal as padayal was offered to the sea mother on the shores of Bay of Bengal