It was only after walking down to Mylapore that I realised I had left my camera at home. This was after knowing from all the savoury scents emanating from the kitchen that today is Karthikai Deepam. So I had to make do with my cell phone camera.

Velleeswarar at the Karthikai Deepam
Velleeswarar at the Karthikai Deepam

Velleeswarar Koil was all abuzz with crowds. A huge Chokkapanai had been erected at the entrance. Inside, the drums and the nagaswaram ensemble were creating a festive atmosphere. I could imagine myself in Vijayanagar with Krishnadeva Raya coming out in procession. Sure enough, I was asked to make way and turning around witnessed the panchamoorthis coming out to witness the deepam.

Muthukumaraswami, Velleeswarar Koil, Mylapore
Muthukumaraswami, Velleeswarar Koil, Mylapore

I could not get good pics of the Goddess, Ganesa and Chandikeswara. The Chokkapanai was just being lit when I left. The thought of Adai, Appam and Manoharam was too tempting.