Maasi Festival
Maasi Festival
Temple History
During the 18th century, there was only a small peeta and the idol of the
deity. The army men of Tippu Sultan built a small mutt and installed the idol,
which today is the Kottai Mariamman and guardian deity of the people of
Dindigul. There are three special entrances to the temple. The processions are
arranged through the front entrance. Other entrances are close to the Fort. The
temple celebrates a 20 day festival each year.
Festival
Soon after the new moon day in the month of Masi, (February-March), on the
fifth day, the festival flag would be hoisted for a 20 day celebration in the
temple. The festival continues for 30 days.
With the hoisting of temple flag that has a beautifully-sketched portrait of
the Goddess Mariamman, the 20-day Masi festival commenced at Sri Kottai
Mariamman Temple here on Tuesday.
At the outset, special pujas were performed to the main deity and to the holy
flag.
Flag brought
Priests tied green sedge grass in the middle of the 'dwajasthambam (flag post)'
and covered it with new white dhotis. After special pujas, the yellow colour
holy flag was brought from the sanctum sanctorum to inner 'prakaram.'
Later, the chief priest performed the eye-opening ceremony (drawing eyes on the
portrait of Goddess Mariamman drawn on the flag).
With music from percussion instruments, and chanting of holy hymns rending the
air, the chief priest of the temple hoisted the flag on the flag post as large
numbers of devotees witnessed the proceedings.
A group of devotees from nearby villages carried 'palakombu' (holy pole) and
installed it before the 'dwajasthambam.'
Thousands of devotees poured water on the 'palakombu' and took part in the
special pujas performed to the main deity.
Date: 16-02-2023
Venue: Sri Kottai Mariamman Temple, Dindigul
