Still,
old-timers who know the past glory of Travancore say the present-day murajapams are not
even a shadow of the very first one hold in .1750 or the last full-scale one hold' in
1960.
While murajapam is still hold every six years, Uttupuras have become a thing of the past.
The giant bellmetal cauldrons, which require elephants to keep them in Position over the 5
to 6 feet high ovens are still seen in the temple courtyard. Several of them, we are told,
have been sold. What remain are relics of a bygone era. They remind the visitors of the
pomp and grandeur in which the rituals, ceremonies and festivals were once conducted.
Today, though the Maharajas are no longer the
rulers, the temple continue to be owned by the erstwhile princely family. Due to the
changed circumstances, drastic economy in expenditure 'and changes in external
paraphernalia and trappings and in the hereditary duties and functions of temple staff'
had to be effected. Care is, however, taken to ensure that the daily rites, rituals and
festivals are not affected-these are still conducted strictly according to the Agamas and
Shastras. |
