A unique custom, believed to have originated during the British period more than a century ago, continues to be practised in the temple town of Vriddachalam, located on the banks of the Manimuktha in Cuddalore district, during the Tamil month of Aadi (mid-July to mid-August) every year.
The Public Works Department and the Revenue Department of the Tamil Nadu government come together to play the role of “in-laws” (sambandhis) on the day of the Aadi Pooram festival, conducting the Thirukalyanam (celestial wedding) of the presiding deity Lord Viruthagireeswarar (Pazhamalainathar) and Goddess Viruthambigai.
