| Uthsavar | |
|---|---|
 Kumbeswarar temple Masi Magam festival |
Uthsavar or Utsavar is derived from the Sanskrit word, Utsavam, a festival predominantly referring to Hindu religion. In Hinduism, it is referred to the festival deity's moorthi usually taken during temple festival processions. Utsavar moorthis are generally made of metal,[1] and Moolavar murthi is usually made of stone.
Tradition
The metal images of Uthsavar or the Uthsava moorthis are usually placed in the sanctum sanctorum during the day time of worship. During the last worship practice, called Ardhajamam, in South Indian temples, there is a lengthy proceeding with sacred verses praising the deities are recited. The Utsava deities are carried in palanquins, after which the doors of the sanctum are shut. The utsava deities are taken to a decorated room, anointed with sandal paste and decorated with silk and after the proceedings, the milk offered to the deities are given to the devotees. Some of the Shiva temples have swings designed for the images while some have rooms decorated with mirrors.[2]
See also
References
- ↑ Baldev Raj, C. Rajagopalan, C. V. Sundaram. Where gods come alive: a monograph on the bronze icons of South India.
- ↑ Flueckiger, Joyce Burkhalter (2015). Everyday Hinduism. John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. p. 106-7 – via ProQuest Ebook Central.
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