Thiruvadhirai Kali.... & 7 curry Kootu
For Thiruvadhirai, its a usual practice to make a special food called Kali, and its served with 7 vegetables kootu (curry). I was told my one of music teachers that Thiruvadhirai signifies that God does not discriminate people by caste. In the olden days in Chidambaram, people from lower caste were not allowed in the temple. There was a very pious man by name Sendhanaar. He was upset of not allowed to have a darshan and he prayed at home offering God with Kali and 7 veg curry in his house. On Thiruvadhirai day, Chidamabaram car festival is conducted. But, the temple car did not move an inch. The priests and the crowd gathering were shocked. There was a noise in the sky that said that only if Sendhanaar comes and sings the temple car will move. Sendhanaar came and sang Thiruppallandu. (9th Thirumurai) and the temple car procession continued. When the priests opened the temple next morning, they found Kali and 7 veg curry in the Lord's mouth. So, with devotion, we continue to s...