A grand procession was held on Sunday evening in Kancheepuram town, marking the Rathothsavam of the newly completed 25-feet-tall golden chariot of the Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple.
The chariot, measuring 13 feet long and 10 feet wide, is one of the biggest golden chariots in the country and carries the idols of Sri Ekambaranathar and Sri Elavarkuzhaliamman. It was dedicated to the temple by the pontiff of the Sankara Mutt Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal in December last year, coinciding with the shrine’s kumbhabhishekam.
The golden chariot was first conceived by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal, who blessed the commencement of its making and collection of gold and its wooden frame. Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal ensured its completion and was present during the event to launch the chariot on Sunday, a Pradhosham day.
The occasion was graced by Ministers S. Ramesh, R.V. Ranjithkumar, and S.P.K. Thennarasu. A cultural performance by 108 nadaswaram and thavil vidwans, Kailasha Vadyam, and chanting of Vedas and Slokas were organised as part of the celebrations.
The procession of the golden chariot through the Raja veedhi and mada streets of Kancheepuram town marked a significant event in the temple’s calendar, with the chariot being taken out on a procession through the streets, a rare occurrence for a golden or silver chariot of this size.
