In the tranquil village of Kandadevi, situated in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s Sivaganga district, a highly anticipated event unfolded on February 11, 2023. The Swarna Moortheeswarar Temple, a 350-year-old architectural marvel dedicated to Lord Shiva, experienced the revival of its majestic chariot after a hiatus of 17 years.
As the sun emerged over the horizon at 6:10 AM, the chariot commenced its ceremonial procession, accompanied by special yagyas and pujas. The occurrence was nothing short of a miracle, considering the past controversies and legal challenges that had plagued the temple.
The revival of the chariot festival was a significant achievement, bearing the weight of years of tension and discord among the villagers. Previous denial of rights to Scheduled Caste (SC) individuals in pulling the chariot had caused widespread unrest.
Over 2,000 policemen were deployed to ensure security during the procession, guaranteeing a peaceful and harmonious celebration for all.
The Swarna Moortheeswarar Temple, celebrated for its distinctive Chettinadu style architecture, is a spiritual haven for devotees who flock to the temple during the Tamil month of Ani. The chariot festival, discontinued in 1998 due to factional disputes, briefly resumed from 2002 to 2006 before facing further hindrances.
As the chariot traversed the village, the air resonated with the fragrance of incense and the rhythmic chants of devotees. The spectacle served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith and unity in the face of adversity.
Today, as the sun sets on the Swarna Moortheeswarar Temple, the memories of the resurrected chariot festival continue to reverberate in the hearts of the villagers. The temple, once a battleground for conflicting interests, now stands as a symbol of unity and shared heritage.