Devotees in large numbers took a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank at Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district on the occasion of Masi Maham festival on Tuesday.

As part of the 10-day festival, deities of the Lord and his consort from 12 Shiva shrines — Adhi Kumbeswarar, Kasi Viswanathar, Abhimukeswarar, Gowthameswarar, Baanapureeswarar, Amirthakalasanathar, Kambatta Vishwanathar, Kodeeswarar, Ekambareswarar, Nageswarar, Someswarar and Kaalahastheeswarar — were taken out in a procession from the respective shrines along with Panchamurthis to the four banks of the holy Mahamaham tank.

Special abhishekams were thereafter performed to the Asthradevar of the respective temple at the tank.

A large number of devotees took a holy dip at the Mahamaham tank.

Devotees thronged the tank for the Theerthavaari from the early hours to take a holy dip. Security was stepped up and basic amenities were provided by revenue and municipal authorities.

Car festival

The car procession of Sri Chakrapani Temple in Kumbakonam was also taken out on the occasion of Masi Maham brahmothsavam.

The 10-day brahmothsavam started on February 11 and the car festival on Maasi Maham festival was part of it.

The decorated idols of Sri Chakrapaniswamy, Goddess Sudharsanavalli and Vijayavalli were kept on a specially decked temple car, which was pulled by a large number of devotees.