CHENGANNUR - BHAGAWATI TEMPLE

Procedure:

Normally, the priest who attends to Nirmalayam - removing of the previous day's flowers etc.. at the opening of the temple doors examine the petticoat of the deity. If he finds the signs of bleeding on the petticoat, it is sent to the head priest's house for confirmation by the priest's wife. When confirmed, 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. the Triputtu Ceremony - bathing ritual is performed with great fanfare. The image then is taken out to the nearby Pampa river on female elephant in procession. 

Thousands of devotees, particularly ladies join this lending colour to it. The returning of the deity of the temple is awaited at the Mahadwar 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, but nasthikas belittle, or deliberately denigrate it on the grounds of agnosticism. And they are punished forthwith. History with abundant evidence recorded the consequences of desecration of this practice with names and dates. 

The hecklers realising the sacredness of it made ample amends, besides the petticoat that bearing the marks of the blood is deemed auspicious and 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. And it is a great occasion, when huge crowds assemble to participate in bidding and avail that rarity imbued with mysticism. Listen to the plight of one who deliberately pooph-poophed the practice and stopped it using his power.

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