Trichy, Aug. 1 -- Jyeshtabhishekam (Aani Thirumanjanam), the annual sacred bathing ritual, was held in grandeur at the famous Kamalavalli Nachiyar Temple, Woraiyur, one of the 108 Divya Desams and revered as the second among them. The temple is especially known for removing obstacles in marriage through the blessings of Goddess Kamalavalli.

Following the tradition at the Srirangam Ranganathar and Ranganayaki shrines, the sacred bath was performed for Goddess Kamalavalli this year as well. Holy water for the ritual was fetched from the sacred river Kaveri in both golden and silver pots and carried in a ceremonial procession through the streets by temple priests and devotees.

Inside the temple, accompanied by the sounds of mangala vadhyam...