Chennai, May 1 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Police is set to deploy substantial security measures around the Madurai Meenakshi Temple as the magnificent celestial union of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar is slated for May 8.

As per information from the Madurai district police, approximately 2,000 personnel will be present to ensure everything proceeds smoothly during this significant occasion.

The ‘Meenakshi Kalyanam’ will take place at the Thirukalyana Mandapam during the 10th day of the temple's annual Chithirai festival from 8:35 a.m. to 8:59 a.m.

The mandapam is expected to be packed with devotees, filling the atmosphere with the sounds of Panniru Thirumurai hymns and Vedic chants. A grand procession will bring Lord Sundareswarar and Piriyavidai to the beautifully decorated dais, followed by Goddess Meenakshi, who will be adorned in a lavish silk robe and embellished with gold ornaments. Furthermore, Lord Subramaniaswamy from the Tirupparankundram Subramaniaswamy Temple and his consort Goddess Deivanai, along with Lord Pavalakkanivai Perumal, will also grace the dais as distinguished guests.

The annual Chithirai festival commenced on April 29 with a traditional flag-hoisting ceremony.

Before this event, Vasthu Shanthi rituals were conducted, and the temple flag was hoisted at 10:48 a.m. in the presence of the processional deities.

Upcoming significant events during the festival include Pattabishekam on May 6, the Tiruvizha (Victory Procession) on May 7, the celestial wedding on May 8, and the grand car procession on May 9.

Temple officials have stated that devotees can register for the celestial wedding through the temple’s official website (maduraimeenakshi.hrce.tn.gov.in), with tickets available at Rs 200 and Rs 500.

Registration will be open until 9 p.m. on May 2, with ticket allocation done via a lottery system. Selected devotees will receive notifications via SMS and must present their confirmation at the temple office by 5 p.m. on May 6 to complete their payment in person.

On May 8, water from the Vaigai Dam is anticipated to be released into the river to facilitate Kallalagar's ceremonial entry.

This year, for the first time, media photographers and videographers have been denied access to cover the flag-hoisting ceremony at the Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, breaking from tradition where media personnel have previously documented key temple events.

On the wedding day, devotees are expected to start lining up outside the temple before dawn, with gates opening at 5 a.m. and the crowd remaining inside until 9 a.m., after the wedding procession concludes.