Utsava

Most of the temple towns in South India have prakarams and streets that accommodate an elaborate festival calendar in which dramatic processions circumambulate the shrines at varying distances from the centre.

More than the religious aspects, the utsavas are meant to celebrate along with the society and thanking the elements of nature.

There are weekly rituals like somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi when ablution and special poojas are performed.

[13] The temple prakarams and streets accommodate an elaborate festival calendar in which dramatic processions circumambulate the shrines at varying distances from the centre.

The festive images are carried out in various palanquins or mounts with figures of peacock, elephant, Garuda or large chariots.

[15] The city's axes were aligned with the four-quarters of the compass, and the four gateways of the temple provided access to it.