BHAGAWATHI OF GHENGANNUR

MUNRO EPISODE

This happened around 1811 A.D., when the temple was under the administration of Tranvancore Maharaja. The person involved was a European by name Col. Munro, who was affiliating as the Resident Divan of Travancore. During his checking of this Temple accounts, he laughed at the item of expenditure incurred on Triputtu - the pacificator bath ritual conducted monthly.

Deeming the monthly bleeding of the metal idol was absurd, he cut out the provision with his official pen - he scoffed at-the meaningless practice, but the Goddess chuckling to here self, as it were, decided to make the officer bite the dust for, on the same day, the Mother menstruated. According to Munro's ruling ceremonies - rituals woe suspended. Devout theists despaired. Priests cursed their fate under breath. Mother then demonstrated her might. Her target, of course was the alien. 

Soon the officer's wife experienced excruciating pains due to heavy bleeding, started on the day of suspending the centuries-old practice. And his children too took ill. Attempts by doctors could not .bring relief. He consulted. astrologists but learnt to his stupefaction that it was due to his atheistic action - stopping of Triputtu ceremony. Better counsel prevailed, and he ordered for its resumption. Needless to prolong, there was instant stopping of the bleeding of his wife. Children too become alright. 

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