The main aspects of the Thai Poosam festival are Sakthi Malai (IRUMUDI), Velvi and Jyothi Darshan (worshipping the divine flame). Sakthi Malai (Irumudi) involves Sakthis (devotees of Amma) putting the Sakthi malai (beaded garland with a blessed dollar coin) around their neck in their Mandrams and observe fasting and penance for 3-5 days. They then travel to the Siddhar peetam and complete their Irumudi by performing Abishegam (milk anointment) to the Swayambu.
Amma in Her oracle has said, “Those who sincerely think of ME and pray to ME, by wearing Sakthi Malai, observe fasting, doing Angapradhakshanam (circumambulation of the temple) at Siddhar Peetam and completely surrender themselves to me, will find their wishes fulfilled and problems solved.”
Hundreds of thousands of devotees and their families have benefited by wearing Sakthi Malai and carrying Irumudi. The main aspects of Thai Poosam festival as celebrated at Maruvathur by Arul Thiru Amma, consist of Sakthi Malai and Iru MudiVelviJothi Darshan (lighting of the holy flame by Arul Thiru Amma).
