The Simha Vahana (Lion vehicle of Shakti) and a thoori appears majestically at the entrance. There is a sculpture for Sage Parasurama. The Car of the temple has paintings of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga. The car is designed as if it is borne by four elephants on four sides.
All the Mariammans join together from day one of the car festival in which all communities transcending religion and caste gather together for the celebration and this is the unique feature in the Erode Peria Mariamman festival.
People gather in groups, organize music performances, plays, debating forums called Pattimandran on religious topics and epics, Kavi Sammelans, Seminars, Bommalattam-an event played with dolls and such other cultural programmes etc. From beginning to end during the festival fancy dress events also takes place and the final day Manjalneer (water mixed with turmeric) is a replica of the Holy festival in North.
When the posts-Kambams- are removed on the final day, thousands of women gather to bathe them with the Turmeric water was before leaving them in the canal. |