According to Hindu Sanatana Dharma, “Kumkum” or Vermilion is considered to be most important, especially for married women, as it is applied by them over the forehead near the parting of the hair seeking the longevity of their husbands. Usually, Sindhoor or vermilion or kumkum is the symbolic representation of Goddess Shakti, who is also revered as Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Saraswathi and Goddess Parvathi.
So, before starting brahmotsavams or any mega religious event in a Hindu Goddess temple, the priests usually perform “Laksha Kumkumarchana” seeking the execution of the religious event in a smooth and successful manner by appeasing Mother Goddess with this unique ritual.
In the temple of Tiruchanoor, which happens to be the abode of Goddess Padmavathi Devi, the temple priests carried out “Laksha Kumkumarchana” from 7 am till 12 noon to the processional deity of Goddess Padmavathi seated on a finely decked Asan in Mukha Mandapam located opposite the Sri Krishna Swamy temple located within the main temple premises.
The priests recited “Lakshmi Astottaram”, “Lakshmi Sahasranamam” several hundred times and carried out “Laksha Kumkumarchana” with devotional fervour. Every time they were reciting the multiple names of the Goddess, an archana was done with vermilion to the processional deity. Hundreds of women devotees took part in this special ritual.
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