LORD SIVA OF ETTAMANUR

THE EPISODE OF VALI VILAKKU

As you enter through the main gate, you come to Balikapura, where you sec an unusual big size Valivilakku - a celebrated lamp burning bright with five wicks. Normally every devotee offers prayers first to this, as it is associated with divine connections. And it came into this place under circumstances that impel instant genuflexions.

It is, as word goes round was installed in 1545 AD and is burning since then without a minute's break. Of the many kinds of offerings to the temple, pouring oil with rituals is one, and its given top importance. 

It is so big that it contains nearly 3 liters of oil. As every visitor invariably worships it with oil offering, it is seen always overflowing! The excess is collected in vessels. Miraculously the quantity that is preserved is quite adequate for burning all the lamps on festive occasions, requiring scores and scores of tins, in addition to daily use.

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