Rathotsava or Car festival of Suchindram

[Full title: Influence of legends on the customs and traditions of Sucindram temple (3) Rathotsava or Car festival of Suchindram]

According to Sucindrasthalamahatmya the famous Rathotsava or Car festival of Sucindram temple is introduced by Indra in gratitude for his absolution from sin of seducing Ahalya. Ratholsava [Rathotsava] is celebrated on the ninth day of Markazi festival, the most important among the three festivals which are celebrated in Sucindram temple. Car festival which is locally known as Terottam considered as one of the prominent festivals of erstwhile Travancore. The king of Travancore does not break his fast in the morning on the day of this festival until the cars reach their original place. The Ratholsavam [Rathotsavam] helps to remove the impurities in the soul leading to liberation. Indra, seated on a car (Ter) by his name Indran ter or Capra Ter and he took his place in the festival, which was introduced by himself. At about seven a.m. the car festival of Sucindram temple commences. All the four cars viz. Svamiter, Ammanter, PillayarTer and Indranter are decorated with festoons. A glittering gold plated Kumbha adorns the pinnacle of each of the cars. The svamiter about 60 feet high, is the highest of the cars in Sucindram, is formed of five layers or tiers. The Stanunathasvamy, flanked by uma on the left, is seated in this car. In the second car, ie, Ammanter, the goddess Parvati is separately placed. Lord Indra is placed in the smallest car ie, the Caprater. As the manager of Car festival he follows the procession. The procession circumambulates the entire temple complex through the main street and in brought back to their original position by about 11.a.m. 168