வரதநகர மவடட நடடர வழபடட மரபகள

Worship has always been an integral part of the lives of ancient Tamils, with the belief that it can ease one’s suffering, a tradition that has been passed down through generations and continues today. This article aims to examine the rural worship practices observed by the people. In Virudhunagar district, various rituals dedicated to local deities are common across temples, including offerings of Pongal, hair donations, carrying fire pans, rolling on the ground, presenting milk pots, offering flour lamps, placing figurines, and making monetary donations. However, there are distinct rituals, Kuzhi Maatrik Kuduththal which are unique to the Aavudaiyapuram Sandhanamariyaman Temple. Other special rituals like the sugarcane cradle worship (Karumbu Thottil) and child cradle worship (Pillai Thottil) are also observed in the Aavudaiyapuram Sandhanamariyaman and Irukkan Kudi Mariamman temples. Additionally, there are temples where certain rituals are performed exclusively by men on specific days, such as at the Rajapalayam Neer Katha Ayyanar Temple and Sengkunrappuram Sri Vairavanathan Temple. This article highlights the distinct and enduring nature of the rural worship practices in Virudhunagar district.