Koil Alwar means '
Holy Shrine'. Alwar means
“
Devotee”. Tirumanjanam means “
Cleaning
with aromatic ingredients”.
Koil Tirumanjanam is purification ceremony of sanctum santorum and temple premises
by devotees. During the ceremony all the deities and other articles are removed
from santum santorum and cleansed while the “Mula Virat”
is covered with a water- proof covering.
The entire Garbha Griham, including floors, ceilings and walls, sub-shrines inside
the sanctum, puja articles are cleaned with water and Tirumanjanam which is a composition
of camphor, sandal paste, saffron, turmeric Kicchili Gadda (a root vegetable) etc.
is smeared, which acts as a disinfectant.
The covering of the main deity is then removed and the deities, deepam and other
articles are replaced inside. Special pujas and Naivedyams are then offered to the
presiding deity.
This ceremony is performed strictly as per the agamas and is conducted four times
year viz. before Ugadi, Anivara Asthanam, Vaikunta Eakadasi and Annual Brahmotsavams.