Aanayoottu at Vadakkumnathan Temple
It is hard to find a place in the world where
elephants are loved, revered and groomed as in Kerala. Elephants are an
integral part of Kerala culture. The presence of richly adorned elephants
transforms many festivals in Kerala into a lively and grand affair, attracting
thousands of people. Here is a testament to Keralites love of jumbos. This
ritualistic feeding ceremony (locally known as Aanayoottu) takes place
inside the premises of the famous Vadakkumnathan temple, dedicated to Lord
Shiva, situated in the heart of Thrissur city.
On the festival day, which is usually marked by intermittent
rains, elephants are brought inside the premises of the Vadakkumnathan temple
for the special feast. Here, the elephants are lined-up in a single row and
facing them would be thousands of people in an excited mood and ready with
offerings in their hands to feed the elephants. The special feed for the
elephants is basically made of sugarcane, rice, ghee, coconut, jaggery and
Ayurvedic medicines. This is prepared as per Ayurvedic principles, enhancing
the well-being of the domesticated elephants.
The ceremony is also rooted in the belief that worshiping the elephants and giving them delicious and healthy food is a way to propitiate Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced God, who removes obstacles in one's life.
The ceremony is also rooted in the belief that worshiping the elephants and giving them delicious and healthy food is a way to propitiate Lord Ganesha, the elephant-faced God, who removes obstacles in one's life.
Keywords: Aanayoottu at Vadakkumnathan Temple
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt was nice to read your detail on Vadakkumnathan Temple of Thrissur district of Kerala. I am also sharing another resource of Vadakkumnathan Temple of Thrissur. With this page you can find famous temple of Thrissur district of Kerala. Check this site Astrolika for more temples.
ReplyDelete