Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Mystic air of Pongala

Attukal Devi temple this morning

Women lighting naranga vilakku















Come to Attukal Devi temple and you will inhale the mystic air of pongala, even though the holy rite is months ahead, and that's the divinity which lingers around this unique ritual, the Attukal Pongala is on March 7, 2012. Today being the first day of Malayalam month Thulam, the temple witnessed a moderate rush of devotees.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Ponninchingam

Mandaram flower




















Welcome 1187.Attukalpongala wishes all the readers a happy and prosperous new year

Friday, August 5, 2011

Niraputhari at Attukal temple



The Niraputhari day at Attukal

Devotees getting the rice stalk from the temple counter


A young devotee with the Niraputhari

























The Niraputhari that announces the commencing of harvest season and symbolises plentititude and prosperity was celelebrated with rituals at the Attukal temple at 6 AM in the morning. A number of devotees gathered to worship Attukal Amma, to pray for prosperity and blessings.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Online registration of Kuthiyottam for
2012 Attukal Pongala festival

The online registration of Kuthiyottam for 2012 Attukal Pongala festival to be held on March 2012 will begin at 10 AM on 17 August 2011 (1 Chingom 1187). More details can be found at the temple website http://www.attukal.org/. Contact numbers are 0471-2463130 / 456456. Online registration can be done also through the temple trust office.

Kuthiyottam - file photo

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Sree Padmanabha: The Lord of Wealth and Prosperity

The search for treasure in the Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, following the Supreme Court order, has so far discovered gold, diamonds and silver worth over rupees 75,000 crores making the temple overnight to the richest temple in India. Two more cellars has to be opened which will be done on Monday. It is assumed that the 'B-vault' with a very strong metal door similar to that of present-day strong rooms, would contain treasures more than that discovered in 'A-vault' which amounted to rupees 30,000 crores. Temple authorities and historians say that the 'B-vault' was last opened 136 years ago. The story of the treasure hunt has eclipsed the fables, and the whole world is now looking into the hidden treasures in the temple. The Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple which has well maintained records in palm leaves as early as the 9 th century AD had recieved gold and money as offerings from ardent devotees which included kings, local chieftains and the common people. The Travancore dynasty which is well renowned for their honesty and devotion to people and above all with their submision to Lord Padmanabha has kept the treasure intact on strong belief that the treasure belongs to the diety. Any how the treasure has becaome a matter of concern not only for the devotees but also for the government. The government has ordered for providing a three tier security for the temple, in the light of the discovery.

The press and the police take a vigil outside west gate of the temple

Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in the morning shine















Attukal darshan



























The darshan of Attukal Amma in the early morning fills the soul with peace and the inner eye with tranquility,
scenes from the Attukal temple

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Vishu celebrated

The Vishukkani


















Vishu was celebrated throughout Kerala with much enthusiasm and religious gaeity. All the important temples in Thiruvananthapuram witnessed a haevy rush right from the morning. It is believed that the planetary changes during Vishu will bring changes in life, thus Vishu is also astrologically significant event. The most important rite during Vishu day is to see the Vishukkani. The elder members of the family will give Vishukaineettam to all the members of the family.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Painguni festival

Idols of Pandavas in front of the temple

A view from the temple

Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple

Painguni Festival at Sreepadmanabha Swamy Temple

Dharmaputra

Bhiman

The idol of Bhiman showing intricate works

Arjunan

Nakulan

Sahadevan
The major attractions of the Painguni festival of Sreepadmanabha Swamy temple here are the display of huge idols of Pandavas, in the front of the temple and the aarattu by the Maharaja of Travancore as the concluding rite.  As children we used to visit temple during these times, to have a look at the Bhima. Bhima to our little minds was the strongest, but here Dharmaputra is the biggest idol. The idols are crafted beautifully and retain their pristine look.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Procession of Mukkolakkal Devi


 

Scenes from the procession
 The annual festival of Mukkolal Devi temple will come to a close tomorrow with Pongala and other rituals. Mukkolakkal Devi is considered as the younger sister of Manacaud Dharma Sastha, and hence she comes in procession to pay tributes to her brother. Attukal Devi is regarded as the elder sister of Manacaud Dharma Sastha.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Thookkam: For blessings of Devi

In Devi's faith: Thookkakaran cuddles baby to his bosom

Up.....

Up in the air

The dance after Thookkam

Preparing the Thookkakaran







Pachalloor Thookkam

The cart in front of pachapandal

Padakshinam around the temple

Pulling the cart

Thookam on top

Pulling the cart for blessings of Devi




















































































Pachalloor Thookkam during the festival of Pachalloor Devi temple is famous. A cart is pulled encircling the temple. The cart has a long pole that shoots up to the sky and is pulled by thick coir ropes by people who participate in the festival. The men who volunteer to undertake Thookam (Thookkakaran~Malayalam) are tied to the tip pole that shoots up to the sky; they cuddle the children who have the nercha in their hands. After finishing one circle around the temple, the cart is stopped in front of Devi, who sits in the pachapanthal during the festival and the Thookkakaran is brought down along with the child. The Thookkakaran now performs a dance in front of the temple along with the parents of the child.