KUTALAMANIKYAM TEMPLE-BRINJAL NAIVEDYAM

Among the sixteen rites - sodasopacharas offered to the divinities in the daily worship in almost all ancient major temples, naivedyam is an important one and it is believed the adored accepts it and relishes, though this act to the mortal eyes is invisible. It is an indispensable vupachara and great significance is attached to it. More than the adored desires it, the archakas priests insist on the adorers and collect fabulous sums for preparation and offering to the adored. Preparation of this is normally made by the priests and they enjoy lion's share of it. After offering, of course, a part is given to the sevarthi, which he arranges for distribution among the bhaktas visiting and witnessing it.

In the preparation of it, several items of superior quality are used; for, it is to be relished by that august divinity to whom it is offered. Are the tongues of the adorable divinities lies accustomed to mediocre, or common place quality? Aren't the celestials relishing the best and finest dishes spiced and flavored and made with A' quality ingredients showering boons? It mirrors their refinement and exalted status. Mouthing certain authorities and quoting some books, the priests exact high sums from the sevarthis, but who the real beneficiaries, the world knows better. They are thriving by thieving, aren't they? Gullible theists loosen the strings of their purses, supply the quantity and quality quoted with tight lipped mouths.

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