Navaratri 2025 Celebrations Begin at Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli

Navaratri 2025 Celebrations Begin at Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli

Tiruchirappalli (Tamil Nadu), September 24, 2025 (ANI): The grand Navaratri festival 2025 began at the historic Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirappalli with divine celebrations. Goddess Ranganayaki was adorned with special decorations and taken in a majestic procession around the temple in a beautifully designed silver palanquin.

Goddess Ranganayaki’s Procession and Rituals

The sacred idol of Goddess Ranganayaki was carried around the temple prakaram before reaching the Kolumandapam, where special Navratri pujas and the traditional Mangala Aarthi were performed. Adding to the uniqueness of the celebrations, the temple elephants Andal and Lakshmi participated in a special form of worship at the mandapam of the goddess’s shrine.

Navaratri Significance and Traditions in Tamil Nadu

Navaratri, also known as Navarathiri, is one of the most revered Hindu festivals, celebrated for nine days during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September–October). The festival symbolizes the triumph of Goddess Durga (Parashakti) over the demon king Mahishasura, culminating in Vijaya Dashami, the tenth day that marks the victory of good over evil.

In Tamil Nadu, a central tradition of Navaratri is arranging Golu, a thematic display of dolls that depict scenes from sacred Hindu stories. These figurines are beautifully placed on a stepped platform covered in silk cloth. Devotees invite neighbors and friends to view the Golu, sing devotional bhajans, and offer prayers together. Guests are later served prasadam such as boiled pulses and are given return gifts, including coconuts, betel leaves, flowers, turmeric-kumkum, bangles, and jewelry.

Saraswati Puja and Statewide Celebrations

The ninth day of Navaratri in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Saraswati Puja, where books, musical instruments, tools, and machines are worshipped. Prominent Amman temples like Kanchi Kamakshi Amman Temple (Kanchipuram), Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai), and Samayapuram Mariamman Temple (Trichy) also witness grand Navratri celebrations with thousands of devotees participating in rituals.

Devotion Beyond Tamil Nadu

Navaratri fervor is not limited to Tamil Nadu. At the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, devotees continue to line up for darshan despite heavy footfall. The Shrine Board, along with local administration, has arranged smooth facilities for yatris to ensure safe and comfortable worship during the nine-day-long Shardiya Navratri.