The Deepotsavam at Sri Vedantha Desikar Temple on Friday, in connection with Karthigai Deepam was a stunner.
Over 30,000 oil lamps were lit by women over some seven hours leading to the evening. Then, hundreds of people streamed in to pray and admire the sight here in Mylapore.
Temple trustees said that the preparation for this festival start two days before the evening hour; wooden stands with planks are erected to hold the lamps.
Volunteers then used gingelly oil to fill all the lamps, put wicks and at the appointed hour, lit the lamps and ensured all of them kept burning.
In the evening, Perumal and Thayaar were placed are in the mandapam and after the mangala arthi, the chief priest started the lighting in the big brass villakku in a symbolic act.
Temple trustee Mukunthan says that plans for next year include setting up permanent brass stands for the lamps.
The temple is organising concerts here during the margazhi season.
