| Temples & Legends Of Kerala |
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| Temples & Legends Of
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A TEMPLE FOR KANNAKI |
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| On Makara
Sankranti the people belonging to the community of Kudumis (Konkani-spea king people,
their main occupation being making of pappads) from and around Kodungallur gather here in
large numbers with their offerings. Then a big fireworks display takes place, which mark
the inauguration of the festival. From the next day onwards, for four successive days,
there are elephant processions both in the morning and in the evening. The procession starts from a small shrine dedicated to Kurumbayamma
(supposed to be the original seat of Kodungallur Devi) about half a kilometer away. A
feature of the procession is an array of the gaily dressed women carrying talam (trays)
with coconuts and rice accompanying it. Another is the central elephant carrying a kolam-a
flat plate with a small umbrella instead of thidampu, a miniature of the idol used in
procession in other temples.
The procession with the usual paraphernalia-silk umbrellas, alavattom and chamaram-hold
aloft on the back of the elephant and accompanied by beat of drums and other musical
instruments is a gorgeous sight. As it reaches the eastern side of the temple ethirelpu or
reception is hold to the Goddess by the Chieftain of Kodungallur and priests of the temple
with the cries of 'Amma': (Oh mother!) rending the air. |
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