Pranaya Kalahotsava
There will be utsavas for the Lord of the Seven Hills on certain special days in the year. They are called Samvatsarotsavas. There will be Pranaya Kalahotsava (Lovers’ Quarrel Ceremony) every year for the Lord on the sixth day after Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
That day after the usual second bell naivedyam, Sri Malayappa Swami goes to the Pushkarini (Holy Pond) in a palanquin in Maha Pradakshina Marga (big circumambulation path), while His consorts on separate palanquins come there in an opposite direction face to face with the Lord. As the Puranas are recited, Jiyyengar beats the Lord with flower balls on behalf of the Goddesses.
The Lord pretends to be afraid and pleads with His consorts that He did not commit any mistake. Pacified Goddesses join Him on either side and receive Karupur Harathi along with the Lord. Asthanam is held after they reach the temple.
Vaikuntha Ekadashi
Shuddha Ekadashi in Dhanurmasa is called Vaikuntha Ekadashi. In the early hours of this day, the Vikuntha Dwaram (door) will be opened and again closed in the early hours of the next day, i.e. Vikuntha Dvadashi.
There will be a procession for the well-adorned Sri Malayappa Swami along with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi in the golden chariot, followed by Asthanam in the temple.
For more about Pranaya Kalahotsava (Lovers’ Quarrel) – click here
