In a colourful ritual ceremony, Prof Sarit Kumar Chaudhuri (Director, IGRMS) on Thursday inaugurated the newly-built Terracotta idol of Aiyaanar (guardian deity) riding on white horseback with his companion ‘Surapadman’ (fierce demon) with colourfully decorated rice pots of Tamil Nadu, installed at Manav Sangrahalaya premises on Thursday.
On this occasion, traditional artisans from Pudukkottai district Tamil Nadu performed ‘Kutirai Etuppu’ (Horse Dedication) and Pongal rituals prior to inauguration of the idols in IGRMS campus.
Seven traditional potters led R Kumaresan, Son of legendary potter of Tamil Nadu Rengaswamy from Pudukkottai district Tamil Nadu gave shape to sixteen foot tall Aiyannar Dev riding Horse votive.
On this occasion, R Kumaresan said, “This votive is the tallest horse votive, we have never attempted build such tall one ever before.”
He also mentions that the guardian deity of Southern part of India, Aiyanar will go around Bhopal on his majestic white horse (kutirai) to protect Bhopal from evil spirit and bring more prosperity to this region.
The second phase of Pottery Tradition of India project is being presently coordinated by Soma Kiro (Assistant Curator) and assisted by Section in-charge, K Seshadri.
On this occasion, Seshadri informed that in Ayyanar temple complex an annual festival is usually organised between April and July, and villagers donate painted terracotta animals for good fortune or for specific requests - and in thanks when those requests are granted.
They are placed in lines looking into the sacred space. Horses (in Tamil - Kuthirai) are most popular, because Ayyanar protects the village on a horse.