A once in a life-time opportunity just concluded recently in the ancient city of Kanchipuram in India. Commonly known as the Athi Varadar festival or ceremony, this is one of the most auspicious ceremony that takes place once in every 40 years. Millions of devotees from around the world thronged this temple to get the blessings of Lord Varadharaja or a divine form of Lord Vishnu. The deity, at 9 feet tall, is made of Athi wood or Fig tree wood. Awakening and rising from the depths of ‘Ananthasaras’ or the temple tank, Athi Varadar emerges to give darshan to mankind for only 48 days.
The Athi Varadar ceremony happens once in every 40 years. The idol or deity is taken out of the temple tank, cleansed and worshipped during the festival days. In 2019, the deity was brought to the surface and prayers were conducted for 48 consecutive days. It was raised from 01.07.2019 for 48 days. The last three appearances date were taken for analysis. Previously, Athi Varadar came to surface on 12.07.1939, 02.07.1979 and 01.07.2019.
R. S. Maniam
Clinical Instructor and Coordinator
Lincoln University College, Malaysia