Vadapalani
It is carnival time during Thai Poosam at Vadapalani, the abode of lord Muruga in vibrant Chennai. ‘Kanda Sashti Kavacham’ was aired as early as 5 a.m. and devotees thronged the temple to witness the marriage of Muruga.
The abishekam started in the morning and devotees offered rose water, milk, honey, tender coconut water and sandalwood paste for his holy bath. The icons of Muruga and his consorts were decorated with fragrant rose garlands. New dresses were offered by the devotees and mangala aarthi was performed to the lord. He was seated on the flower bedecked swing, flashing a smile and blessing the devout. The processional deity was taken out in the streets and the chant of ‘Vetrivel Muruganukku Arohara’ rent the air. Panjamiritham and milk were distributed as prasadam.
Vallakottai Murugan
 Nestled in the environs of pulsating Chennai, Vallakottai is synonymous with lord Subramanya. The icon of Muruga is ages old. Devotees carrying kavadi danced their way to the temple and offered milk to the god for abishekam.
After the holy bath, Muruga , Valli and Devasena were bedecked with exquisite jewels and brocaded sarees. Many women brought seer varisai as offerings to the lord. It consisted of paruppu thengai, sweets, murukku, tamboolam, dhotis, sarees, garlands, etc. it looked like a veritable marriage hall as the priests chanted mantra for the wedding. Anna prasadam was then served to the gathering.
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