| Temples & Legends Of Kerala |
|
 |
| Temples & Legends Of
India |
|
|
|
A TEMPLE FOR KANNAKI |
|
|
| The month-long
Bharani festival opens on the Bharani asterism of the month of Kumbham (February- March)
when the temple flag is hoisted. It lasts for seven days after the next Bharani in Meenam
(March-April). The temple is widely known more for this festival than anything else. It is
the one temple in Kerala where non-caste Hindus were allowed entry during the festival
long before the Temple Entry legislation became effective in Kerala. Indeed, the festival opens with the symbolic ceremonial kavil
teendal or polluting the temple by a goldsmith of polluting caste going round the temple
three times ringing a bell at about 7 in the morning. After a few minutes the eldest
family member of the Pilappilly House attached to the temple announces that the temple has
been swept clean. Thereafter the Nambudiri priest enters the sanctum and conducts the
usual services.
The flow of pilgrims from other parts of Kerala commences some days before the Bharani day
in Meenam. The sacrifice of cocks is held on Avittam or Chatayam day i.e. six or seven
days before Bharani. From these days the temple is regarded as polluted. As mentioned
earlier the heads of cocks are severed by a sharp knife and blood spilt on the two stones
in the courtyard. It is on account of this ceremony (which is now stopped) the Bharani
festival came to be known as the Cock Festival. |
[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ] |
|
|
|
