While Tamirabarani Pushkaram will be celebrated once in 12 years, the Mahapushkaram will be celebrated once in 144 years when Guru Bhagawan (Jupitar) moves from Thula to Vrichika Rasi (Libra to Scorpio) and Tamirabarani is the holy river that corresponds to this rasi. 

Further, there’s a belief among devotees that a holy dip in the river on such occasions would provide positive energy.

Tamirabarani is a perennial river, which originates from the Agasthiyarkoodam peak of Pothigai hills of the Western Ghats above Papanasam in Ambasamudram taluk, Tirunelveli district. The 128-km long river flows through Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts before entering the sea at near Punnaikayal in Tiruchendur taluk in Thoothukudi district.

Governor Banwarilal Purohit took part in the ceremonious Mahapushpakaram at Papanasam, Tirunelveli district. Amidst tight security, the Governor got down to the river and took holy dip. Priests poured Tamirabarani water on the Governor and performed rituals on the occasion. After taking part in the Mahapushkaram, the Governor said, it was a moment of pride for him. Referring to significance of this Mahapushkaram , the Governor said, “rivers serve as cradle of the country’s civilization and hence they should be protected and maintained clean.” Most of the ritual festivals of caste Hindus were being performed in 12 major rivers across India. Now, this grand festival was being celebrated in the Tamirabarani. 

 Later in evening, the Governor performed aarathi at Manimoortheeswaram and Thirupadaimaruthur temples in Tirunelveli.

Earlier, Tirunelveli Collector Shilpa Prabhakar Satish welcomed the Governor.

The auspicious event was being celebrated in 149 venues along the banks of the river. Adequate facilities such as dress changing rooms and mobile toilets have been put up. Moreover, boundaries have also been demarcated in the river at several places to ensure safety of devotees taking a holy dip. Sign boards instructing devotees to be cautious while entering the river, boards listing ‘dos and donts’ have also been installed.

 In Thoothukudi district, the event was witnessed in Srivaikuntam, Eral, Mukkani and Murappanadu.

Several priests of Sringeri Mutt also took part in the celebrations on Thursday. The Shankaracharyas would also be present for the rituals on Friday (October 12). It was in 2006, Pushkaram was celebrated in Tirunelveli.