Yesterday,4 March 2014,Vijaya Masi Thritheeyai Revathi,is Day-1 of Tirupallioda Utsavam(Theppotsavam). This is not a Brahmotsavam and thithi is taken into consideration for the start of the Float Festival. Yesterday Vishvaksena and Hanamunan came in Purappadu to Thayar Sannidhi for Tirumulai. Mud is collected from under the Bilvatree in Thayar Sannidhi accompanied by archakarswami’s chanting of Bhu Suktham.
In the Morning around 7.30 a.m, the cracker was burst signalling the start of NamPerumal Purappadu from Moolasthanam. He came on Tholukuiniyan wearing white silk dhoti, Kasturitilakam, kasumalai and gemstudded abhayahastham. After reaching Rangavilas mandapam, honours were done to the ubhyakarthas, Tiruvehndikaapu was done and NamPerumal stayed in killikoondu from 8.00a.m. – 4.15p.m. Killikoondu means a parrot’s cage. Made of wood with perforations on either side and a dome with three kalasams it leaves us wondering why NamPerumal wants to stay in a parrot’s cage of all places? The parrot occupies a pride of place in the history of SriRangam. We owe the very discovery of SriRangam to a parrot. That is why there is a mandapam dedicated to parrots called killimandapam where parrots used to cry Ranga Ranga. Now we have a cage with a toy parrot. Perhaps NamPerumal’s stay in Killikoondu is to remind us about the service done by the parrot. But whatever NamPerumal does invites a second look- Standing under the beautifully crafted silver prabhai He seemed to tell us to be like parrots that is learn exactly what is taught by our acharyas.
In the evening at 6.30 NamPerumal left on Hamsavahanam to make a sojourn on the four uttharaveedhis. Clothed in layers of silk garments He was holding a blue velvet rein tied around the neck of the huge silver Hamsam with its plumage spread at the back. Hamsam is a bird known for discretion, it can separate milk and water. It tells us that we have to learn to grasp the essence and get rid of the gross. Hamsam reminds us of Acharyas who are referred to as Paramahamsas and they alone can make us reach the Supreme Reality.Today  purappadu started at 6.30 a.m. in pallaku.
