Lord Kallazhagar returns to his abode at Alagar Kovil

Madurai: Lord Kallazhagar, who was taken to Madurai for the Chithirai festival, reached his abode at Alagar Kovil temple on Tuesday morning.On Monday morning, Kallazhagar began the 17km return journey on his Poo Pallakku to Alagar Kovil. Thousands of devotees gathered in Madurai, following him outside the city as they performed special pujas and rituals. En route to the temple, the deity also stopped at several mandagapadis that were set up en route.The streets were filled with devotees surrounding the deity for the entire day, giving Madurai city a festive atmosphere. The procession reached Moondrumavadi at around 6pm. Loudspeakers set up playing "Vararu Vararu" blared into the night as Kallazhagar passed by.On Monday night, Kallazhagar halted at Appanthirupathi, where he spent the night, along with thousands of devotees who arrived to celebrate the deity's arrival. He then proceeded from the temple to resume his journey early on Tuesday morning.The deity finally reached Alagar Kovil, at around 11am on Tuesday. He was welcomed by devotees sprinkling flowers on him as he entered the temple premises. Pumpkins were smashed at the entrance near the Karrupasamy temple as a symbolic gesture to ward off the evil eye. Devotees also distributed prasadam.