Latest news with #Karkidakam
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Thousands gather to witness jumbo feast at Vadakkumnathan temple
A sea of devotees flocked to the Sree Vadakkumnathan temple, Thrissur, on early Thursday morning, the first day in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, as the temple courtyard came alive with the spiritually significant Aanayoottu, a ritualistic feeding of elephants. The clear skies after days of rain added to the festivity, drawing thousands to witness the majestic event. The ritual began by offering the first 'urula' (ball of rice) to Poothrukovil Savitri, a female elephant, symbolically initiating the feast. The Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam and Aanayoottu were performed under the leadership of the temple Tantri Brahmashri Puliyanur Sankaranarayanan Namboothirippad as an annual offering for the blessings of Ganesh and the well-being of all devotees. Elephants venerated This year also featured Gajapuja, a ceremony that takes place only once every four years, held under a special canopy where elephants, draped in yellow silks, were venerated. The ganapathi homam was performed near the Simhodara deity within the temple complex, while the Aanayoottu took place near the southern gopuram. This year, the highlight of the Aanayoottu was the presence of female elephants, who captivated the crowd with their gentle grace. Around 60 elephants participated in the ritual, including seven brought in from the Guruvayur Devaswom. Ayurvedic mix As part of the offering, the elephants were fed large rice balls, which contained a carefully prepared Ayurvedic mix in it. The feast also included sugarcane, watermelon, jackfruit, bananas, and cucumber, specially selected for the well-being of the animals. The homam prasadam was prepared using an impressive array of ingredients, including 12,008 coconuts, 2,500 kg of jaggery, 200 kg of ghee, 1,000 kg of flattened rice, 100 kg of puffed rice, honey, and Ganapathi lemons, making it one of the most grand and spiritually charged offerings of the season. The Vadakkunnathan temple Aanayoottu is more than a visual spectacle—it is a blend of devotion, tradition, and reverence for elephants.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Aanayootu and Gajapooja at Vadakkumnathan temple
The Ashtadravya Mahaganapathi homam and Aanayoottu (feeding of elephants), traditionally held on the first day of the Malayalam month of Karkidakam, will take place on Thursday on the Sree Vadakkumnathan temple premises in Thrissur. These rituals, conducted every year to seek the blessings of Ganesha for prosperity and well-being, are being led by the temple's chief priest. The ceremonies include the Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam, followed by the Aanayootu. Notably, Gajapooja, which occurs only once in four years, will also take place this time. Inside a specially prepared pandal, elephants will line up ceremoniously. The elephants are worshipped as living embodiments of divine strength. The Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam will be conducted near the Simhodara deity inside the temple premises. The Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam prasadam is prepared using 12,008 coconuts, 2,500 kg of jaggery, 200 kg of ghee, 1,000 kg of flattened rice (avil), 100 kg of rice flowers (malar) along with honey and Ganapathi naranga. Rice balls Anayoottu will be held near the Thekke Gopura Nada. The elephants will be fed rice balls along with specially prepared herbal mixtures, sugarcane, watermelon, jackfruit, ripe plantains (kadali pazham), and cucumber. This year, a special highlight is the participation of female elephants. Of the 70-odd elephants to participate in the Anayootu, nine are female elephants. Seven elephants from the Guruvayur Devaswom will also join the procession. To ensure a smooth flow and crowd management, authorities have erected a temporary flyover near the western entrance of the temple. The elephants will enter through the west nada and exit through the east nada, ensuring safe and orderly movement.
The Hindu
7 days ago
- The Hindu
Come Karkidakam, pilgrims cover four temples in a day in search of solace
As Karkidakam, the final and most spiritually significant month of the Malayalam calendar, begins on July 17, thousands of devotees across Kerala are preparing for the sacred Nalambala Darshan, a unique pilgrimage that takes them to four temples dedicated to Lord Rama and his brothers, all in a single day. Traditionally viewed as a month of misery, marked by rain, disease, and hardship, Karkidakam is also revered for its spiritual richness. Believers turn to the Ramayana for solace and strength, often reading the epic throughout the month. It is said that sage Valmiki completed the Ramayana during this time. In this context, the Nalambala Darshan becomes more than a ritual, it is a symbolic journey of inner renewal and devotion. The pilgrimage of Nalambala Darshan is taken to the Sree Rama temple, Thriprayar; Bharatha temple, Koodalmanikyam; Lakshmana temple, Moozhikulam; and Sathrughna temple, Payammal. The temples have made elaborate arrangements to receive devotees for the pilgrimage. The pilgrimage begins at the Sree Rama temple in Thriprayar. The temple opens as early as 3.30 a.m., with devotees advised to complete their darshan before the early morning pujas begin at 5 a.m. Long queues are expected, but elaborate arrangements, including rain shelters, CCTV surveillance, mobile counters for offerings, and ample parking, ensure a smooth experience. Offerings like 'kathina vedi,' 'meenoottu' (feeding fish), and 'avil nivedyam' are part of the traditional rituals. Next is the Koodalmanikyam temple in Irinjalakuda, dedicated to Bharata. Devotees enter through the eastern gate, offer prayers, and exit through the western side. The devotees also make a circumambulation of the temple tank, Kulipini Theertham. The temple sees heavy footfall on weekends and offers rituals such as 'tamara mala' (lotus garland), 'neyvilakku,' and 'pushpanjali.' Free 'kanji' is served daily in the 'oottupura.' From there, pilgrims head to the Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal temple in Ernakulam district. This rare temple, where Lakshmana is worshipped, opens at 4.30 a.m. Devotees follow a specific prayer sequence, offering items like 'palpayasam,' 'unniyappam,' and 'elluthiri.' A massive shelter accommodates over 5,000 devotees, and 'annadanam' (free meals) is arranged for around 3,000 daily. The final stop is Payammal Shatrughna Temple, located near Irinjalakuda. The temple opens at 5.30 a.m. and remains accessible till 9.30 p.m. depending on crowd flow. Special rituals like 'Sudarsana pushpanjali,' 'chandanam charthal,' and 'shankhabhishekam' are performed for the removal of obstacles and blessings of prosperity. Full circle of devotion Interestingly, the pilgrimage both begins and ends at Thriprayar, a full circle of devotion. As devotees walk this spiritual path, they don't just traverse geography, they traverse the legacy of righteousness, loyalty, and dharma that the sons of king Dasharatha represent. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is conducting special services for the devotees for Nalambala Darshan.
New Indian Express
14-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
‘Navagraha' temple at Sabarimala consecrated
SABARIMALA: The newly-built 'Navagraha' temple at Malikappuram was consecrated near Sabarimala temple on Sunday. The new temple, built on a traditional architectural method with brass roof-top, was consecrated by thantri Kandararu Rajivaru between 11am and noon. The ceremony, which began with the installation of all nine 'Navagraha' idols, concluded with 'kumbabhishekam' on the 'thazhikakkudam' of the temple. Travancore Devaswom Board president P S Prasanth, member Ajikumar and devaswom commissioner Sunilkumar attended the ceremony. 'Kalabhabhishekam' was the special ritual performed at the temple. Other rituals including 'udayasthamana pooja' were held. The temple was closed at 10pm. The hill shrine will be reopened on July 16 for the five-day monthly pooja for the Malayalam month of Karkidakam.
New Indian Express
09-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
100th Vavubali fair begins today in Kanniyakumari's Kuzhithurai
KANNIYAKUMARI: The 100th edition of the annual Vavubali exhibition is scheduled to begin at the Kuzhithurai municipality ground on Wednesday. The event is held to coincide with Aadi Amavasya, when hundreds of people convege of the banks of Kuzhithuraiyaru river (Thamirabarani) to perform rituals to their ancestors. People from Kanniyakumari district and neighbouring Kerala visit the exhibition in large numbers. Through agriculture produce will be the main focus of the exhibition, entertainment programmes like merry-go-round, and dance performance have become part of it over a period of time. Recalling the history of Vavubali exhibition, V Ramachandran Nair (77), an advocate in Kuzhithurai, told the TNIE that the rituals for ancestors would be conducted on the banks of Kuzhithuraiyar river on the new moon day of the last Malayalam month "Karkidakam" (Aadi in Tamil). Local farmers and traders displayed their waressuch as banana, tapioca , yam etc during the period, and prizes were given to the best produce. It was conducted mainly to promote agricultural produce of the region." He added that TC Kesava Pillai, a pleader of Kuzhithurai bar, started promoting the exhibition, and later was conducted by Kuzhithurai bar association
