Nine lemons auctioned for Rs 1.43 Lakh

Nine lemons offered during the Panguni Uttiram festival fetched a total of Rs 1.43 lakh at the Rathinavel Murugan Temple in Ottananthal village near Thiruvennainallur in Villupuram district.
The temple, situated on twin hillocks and known for having only a sacred vel in the sanctum, has been witnessing large crowds since the festival began with flag hoisting on April 1.
As part of the celebrations, lemons offered during daily rituals were auctioned during the Idumban puja held at midnight.
The first lemon fetched Rs 45,500, while the remaining eight were auctioned for amounts ranging between Rs 15,000 and
Rs 16,000.
Devotees believe that consuming these sacred lemons brings blessings such as marriage, childbirth and resolution of family issues. Participants from Villupuram and neighbouring districts took part enthusiastically in the auction. Rituals included devotees pouring water over themselves and kneeling before the priest to receive the lemons.
Prasad in the form of karuvattu kuzhambu rice offered to Idumban was distributed to all attendees.