‘Soorasamhaaram’ enacted at Kulasekarapattinam

A devotee dressed as Goddess Kali at Kulasekarapattinam on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: N. RAJESH

Thousands of devotees witnessed soorasamhaaram, the annihilation of a demon by Goddess Mutharamman, on the beach of Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothkudi district on Tuesday night.

Ever since the flag-hoisting on October 11 to mark the commencement of Dasara celebrations, Kulasekarapattinam wore a festive look with devotees converging in large number on Mutharamman Temple to witness the abhishekam and deepaaraadhana performed between 7.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. everyday and offer special prayers. The cultural events, folk arts and devotional lectures organised at the shrine added more colour to the celebrations.

Soorasamhaaram, the grand finale of the Dasara celebrations, was enacted on Kulasekarapattinam beach on Tuesday night, which attracted thousands of devotees. The devotees will end their fasting on Wednesday.

Special buses were operated from various southern districts to Kulasekarapattinam.

Led by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tirunelveli Range, R. Thirunavukkarasu and Superintendent of Police R. Shiva Prasad, a 3,700-strong police contingent was part of the elaborate security arrangements in and around the small coastal town for the past 10 days. Armed with drones and CCTV cameras fitted at vantage points, the police monitored the crowds round-the-clock and took immediate steps to regulate devotees thronging the temple for the celebration.

The police marked the boundaries on the land and inside the sea to ensure the safety of devotees. Those who took a holy dip in the sea were not allowed to go beyond a rope tied across the waters. Since the sea was rough on Tuesday evening, police intensified their surveillance.

The temporary bus stands and parking spaces created around Kulasekarapattinam and the meticulous regulation of devotees going to the temple and coming out of the shrine after offering prayers made things easier for the visitors.