Temples & Legends Of Kerala
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Temples & Legends Of India

A TEMPLE FOR KANNAKI

After this service the pilgrims are ordered out of the temple. Then the Valia or Senior Raja of Kodungallur stands on the platform of the peepal tree in front of the eastern portico and spreads a green umbrella. The crowds till then kept backrushes to the temple and circumambulate in a frenzied and wild manner and then retire.  Early next morning i.e. on the Bharani day around 3 A.M. the Atikal again goes to the temple and makes offering of payasam or sweet pudding, At 6 A.M. again cocks are sacrificed (now, of course, symbo4ic) and various offerings like turmeric, pepper, coconut, live cock etc. are thrown into the quadrangle.

On Karthika day, i.e. the day after Bharani, the promises of the temple are swept clean. The Nambudiri priests enter the temple and start the usual services after  performing purificatory rites. The hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who gather for the festival disperse quietly taking prasad like sandal paste mixed with turmeric, and chantu, black paint of burnt rice.

The timing of the Bharani festival is noteworthy. March-April-May is the hottest months in Kerala, which are also critical for agriculturists. The fields are ploughed several times after the preceding crops are cut in December-January. The farmers look skywards for merciful rains. The Bharani festival, which takes place now, is obviously to please the Gods for good rains and bountiful crops.

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About Kannaki
Introduction
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