Our ancestors and Alwars have identified 108 Holi Vaishnavaite Shrines and places of worship situated in various parts of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and in North India. One of the most venerated center of worship amongst the 108 Holy centers is situated in Kancheepuram(Tamil Nadu) called Sri Yathothakari swamy temple. His consort is called Sri Komalavalli Thayar. Five Alwars and Sri Vedantha Desikan have paid rich tributes and composed hyms (Pasurams) extolling the virtues and ever flowing divine grace of Sri Yathothakari swamy in their Divya Prabandha Pasurams. Sri Poigai Alwar the first amongst the 12 Alwars was born in the holy tank (Poigai Pushkarini) of this temple.
After a long gap of 60 years, Devotees of this temple are witnessing for the past 2 years revival of Brahmotsavam, an annual event for 13 days in March – April every year. Many devotees throng during this annual event inspite of the hot weather. Two important festivals form part of this festival. One is Garuda Sevai which falls on the early morning of the 3rd day of the festival. Another is the Car festival (Thiru Ther) which falls on the 7th day of the festival. Exquisitely carved beatiful tall wooden charriot with the presiding deity seated in it is pulled by enthusiastic devotees on the main streets of the city of Kancheepuram, sinking all differences of age, status, caste and creed. This unique festival draws thousands of devotees from far and near to enjoy the grandure to seek blessings from the God. Unfortunately, this temple does not have a wooden Charriot on its own.
In accordance to the ardent good wishes of the devotees, reinforced by good gestures of philanthropists and ever willing donors, it has been proposed by the committee of active trustees to construct a magnificient tall wooden charriot 25 feet tall to be dedicated to Sri Yathothakari Swami temple at an estimated cost of Rs. 25 lacs approximately.
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