Vadamala Pooja is a deeply religious and devotional offering in Hanuman temples of Tamil Nadu, though it is not classified as a festival in the traditional sense like Hanuman Jayanti or Rama Navami. Instead, it is a highly revered ritualistic offering and a form of personal or collective worship.
🛕 What is Vadamala Pooja?
- “Vadamala” means a garland made of vadai (crispy lentil fritters, typically urad dal vadai).
- Devotees prepare hundreds (sometimes thousands) of vadais and string them into long garlands to adorn the deity of Lord Hanuman.
- It is an act of devotion, believed to please Lord Hanuman, who is fond of vadai.
🙏 Religious Significance in Tamil Nadu Hanuman Temples:
- Regularly performed in major Hanuman temples like:
- Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple
- Nanganallur Anjaneya Temple (Chennai)
- Suchindram Anjaneya Shrine
- Alwartirunagari Hanuman Temple
- Vadamala Pooja is often performed:
- On Saturdays (considered auspicious for Hanuman worship)
- On Hanuman Jayanti
- During special votive offerings (nerthi kadan) by devotees
🌟 Key Features:
- Devotees perform the pooja with devotion, chanting Hanuman Chalisa or other hymns.
- Believed to remove obstacles, grant courage, and protect against evil forces.
- Vadamala can be offered individually or collectively by groups or temple trusts.
So while Vadamala Pooja is not a “festival” per se, it is an important and vibrant religious practice in Hanuman worship in Tamil Nadu, forming a significant part of temple rituals and devotional traditions.