Goddess of wealth - Lakshmi.

Ghee lamps are lit.

Navaratri is divided into sets of three days to adore different aspects of the supreme goddess. On the first three days, the Mother is invoked as powerful force called Durga in order to destroy all our impurities, vices and defects. The next three days, the Mother is adored as a giver of spiritual wealth, Lakshmi, who is considered to have the power of bestowing on her devotees the inexhaustible wealth. The final set of three days is spent in worshipping the mother as the goddess of wisdom, Saraswati. In order have all-round success in life, we need the blessings of all three aspects of the divine mother; hence, the worship for nine nights.

A special Pooja was offered to the Goddess Lakshmi on the fourth day of Navarathri.

These are "Kodi " ,Kudai", "Aalavattam", which are offered to the Gods.

The first three days are devoted for Goddess Durgai, who showers courage, the next three days are devoted for the Goddess Lakshmi, who showers wealth, and the last three days are devoted for the Goddess Saraswathi, who showers knowledge. And the last day is called "Vijayathasamai". On "Vijayathasami" tots are taught for the first time to write Tamil alphabets either on sand or rice or paddy.

"Kolam" - A traditional figure-drawing; "kolam" skills are considered a mark of grace, dexterity, discipline and concentration.

Sri Kunchchithapatha Kurukkal , chief priest of Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade.

The main "Kumbam" , which is kept in the temple during "Navarathri".

Goddess Lakshmi along with the "Kumbam".

Goddess Lakshmi along with the "Kumbam".

The "Palliyarai" in the temple.

The "Nanthi" in the temple along with the "Kodimaram".

The "Nanthi" in the temple along with the "Kodimaram".

An elderly devotee reads "Abhrami Anththathi" in the temple.

"Panchcharaththi" is being offered by Kurukkal Bala to the Goddess Lakshmi, who showers wealth.

"Kalanchchi" is being offered by Kurukkal Bala to the Goddess Lakshmi, who showers wealth.

The devotees worship "Panchcharaththi", which is lit on camphor.

The devotees worship "Panchcharaththi", which is lit on camphor.

The devotees worship "Panchcharaththi", which is lit on camphor.

The devotees worship "Panchcharaththi", which is lit on camphor.

The devotees at the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade.

The devotees at the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade.

The devotees at the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade.

The devotees at the Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchcikade.

The devotees at the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade.

The devotees at the Sri Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple in Kochchikade.

The "Kolu", a traditional display of dolls on an improvised staircase - is kept in the temples and homes for nine days, during Navarathri.

The "Kolu", a traditional display of dolls on an improvised staircase - is kept in the temples and homes for nine days, during Navarathri.

The "Kolu", a traditional display of dolls on an improvised staircase - is kept in the temples and homes for nine days, during Navarathri.

A child from the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple religious school speaks about the speciality of Navarathri.

The children of the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple religious school perform a dance programme on "Gokulam".

A child acts as Kannan.

The children of the Sri Ponnambalawaneswarar Temple religious school sings songs related to Navarathri.

Tot devotee react to the camera, as they are being photographed.

Tot devotee react to the camera, as they are being photographed.