Nine lemons from Tamil Nadu's Lord Murugan temple sold for nearly Rs 2.5 lakh. Read Why
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
Synopsis
In Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, nine sacred lemons from Lord Murugan's temple were auctioned for Rs 2.36 lakh, drawing attention to their mystical properties. Believed to cure infertility and bring prosperity, these lemons are highly sought after, especially during the Panguni Uthiram festival. The auction tradition, spanning nine days, culminated with one lemon fetching Rs 50,500, underscoring the cultural significance of the event.
By ET Online
Last Updated:
In a tradition that dates back years, the sacred lemons adorning the spear of deity Lord Murugan in a temple located in Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district have once again drawn attention. At an auction held on Tuesday, nine such lemons fetched a staggering amount of Rs 2.36 lakh.
A villager remarked, "The temple is famous for its sacred lemons. People strongly believe that the lemons spiked in Lord Murugan's spear have magical powers."
During the annual Panguni Uthiram festival, which draws scores of devotees, especially childless couples, to the small temple nestled amidst the convergence of two hillocks in Tiruvanainallur village, the auction of these lemons takes center stage.
Explaining the fervor behind the auction, another villager stated, "Childless couples buy the lemons as there is a strong belief that the lemon cures infertility. Traders and businessmen buy the lemon seeking prosperity in their business ventures."
The ritual unfolds over nine days of the festival, with a lemon being spiked on the spear each day. The culmination of this tradition occurs on the final day, marked by the auction conducted by the temple management. Among the spate of lemons, the one pierced on the first day of the festival holds special significance, believed to be the most auspicious and potent.
Highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the event, it was revealed that a couple from Kulathur village secured the prized lemon for a hefty sum of Rs 50,500. Those who successfully bid for these revered fruits undergo a ceremonial bath and receive them after reverently kneeling before the temple priests.
The festival, steeped in tradition and faith, continues to be a significant cultural event in the region, perpetuating age-old customs and beliefs.
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The significance of these lemons extends beyond their monetary value, as devotees firmly believe in their mystical properties. According to local beliefs, consuming lemonade made from these sacred fruits is said to hold the key to curing infertility and ushering prosperity into families.A villager remarked, "The temple is famous for its sacred lemons. People strongly believe that the lemons spiked in Lord Murugan's spear have magical powers."
During the annual Panguni Uthiram festival, which draws scores of devotees, especially childless couples, to the small temple nestled amidst the convergence of two hillocks in Tiruvanainallur village, the auction of these lemons takes center stage.
Explaining the fervor behind the auction, another villager stated, "Childless couples buy the lemons as there is a strong belief that the lemon cures infertility. Traders and businessmen buy the lemon seeking prosperity in their business ventures."
The ritual unfolds over nine days of the festival, with a lemon being spiked on the spear each day. The culmination of this tradition occurs on the final day, marked by the auction conducted by the temple management. Among the spate of lemons, the one pierced on the first day of the festival holds special significance, believed to be the most auspicious and potent.
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Highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding the event, it was revealed that a couple from Kulathur village secured the prized lemon for a hefty sum of Rs 50,500. Those who successfully bid for these revered fruits undergo a ceremonial bath and receive them after reverently kneeling before the temple priests.
The festival, steeped in tradition and faith, continues to be a significant cultural event in the region, perpetuating age-old customs and beliefs.
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