| Temples & Legends Of Kerala |
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| Temples & Legends Of
India |
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CHOTTANIKARA |
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One can hear
the altercation in different tones though one and the same afflicted person utters it. It
something like this: The spirit utters: "No, No, I will go." But the Goddess
insists: "Go you must."
Usually minor cases are disposed of at the nearby Sasta shrine. A nail is driven into one
of the pillars in front and the exorcised spirit is thus bound preventing it from
affecting others.
The more serious ones are dealt with by the Devi directs the patient to the Bhadrakali at
Kizhkavu. The fierce goddess sees to it that the person is freed from the affliction when
he or she falls unconscious. If necessary, Guruthi is also offered. One or more nails
offered by the priest, depending on the severity of the case, is thrust into the paala
tree on the north side of the shrine by the devotee with the fist and also hitting the
head against it. One is indeed amazed by the countless number of nails driven into or
plates fixed to the tree, giving an indication of the vast number of people cured. |
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