BHAGAWATHI OF GHENGANNUR

As promised, Lord Parameswar visited with Parvathi at his asram and blessed him for doing that Jagadodharan Karya. While staying there, Parvathi had her menses. The divine couple, therefore, dwelt there till the purificatory bath. To keep this alive in memory a temple wash built later, and the image of Lord Parameswar and Parvathi were installed and worshipped with reverence due. 

To mark this event, Triputtu Arattu - bathing ceremony is conducted regularly since then. On account of the occurrence of this here, the Panchaloha Vigrah representing her figure menstruates even today. So the tradition is maintained with. great reverence. Normally the priest who attends to the Nirmalayam - removing of the previous day's flowers etc. at the opening of the temple doors examines the petticoat of the deity.  If he finds the signs of bleeding on the petticoat, it is sent to the priest's house for confirmation by tire chief lady - the priest's wife. 

On confirmation, the Srikoil is kept closed for three days. During this period, a small Vigraha is installed in a secluded room, and regular worship is offered to it. On the fourth day Triputtu Ceremony - bathing ritual is performed with great fanfare. The image then is taken out to the nearby Pampa river on a female elephant. Thousands of devotees; particularly ladies attend this. The returning of the deity to the temple is awaited by Lord Parameswar mounted on elephant. Receiving her at the portal, they go back to their respective seats. Then regular pujas are conducted. This is a monthly occurrence, yet asthiks attach great sanctity and celebrate it with utmost devotion. If nasthiks belittle it, or deliberately denigrate, they are punished forthwith.. History with abundant evidence recorded the consequences of desecration of this practice along with .names and dates. Besides, the petticoat that bears the marks of blood is sold in auction, and the bidders being many including intellectuals and officials, it fetches thousands of rupees. Among the buyers, one may be surprised to find-the names of ex-president V .V Giri and Sir. C.P Ramaswamy Iyer to quote a few.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]