at our local Chettikulangara Devi Kshetram (Mallu for Temple). The last time I had the
pleasure of seeing this was in 1988 during my pre-university days in Kerala.
So, instead of just going to Kerala for the weekend, I took the Friday (23rd Feb 2007) off.
The TVM mail dropped me at Mavelikara on time (well almost) and after a quick bath, I
headed off to the place where they assemble Bhiman (Bhim of Mahabharata). Each kara
(a kind of parish) has one deity and for us at Mattom North, it is Bhiman. The assembly
takes place near a huge banyan tree (aal thara) with a steel crane like structure erected only
for this purpose. Work starts in the morning itself to assemble his limbs and torso all made of
wood. The head is attached and then the structure is dressed.
From morning, people come to offer vazha kula (bunch of bananas) to Bhima, which are hung
around his fingers and all around him. These are auctioned off by the temple the next day.
By around 2PM or so, Bhiman is fully ready to be towed to the temple which is like 2kms away.
Enroute we have Hanuman and Draupadi and the various therugal (temple cart) joining him to
the temple. By evening, the roads are all blocked by people walking along with these deities.
It is something to be seen and experienced. Photos cannot do justice to the event. Still, posting
a few snaps for those that cannot make it to the actual event.
1) Bhiman getting readied for the occasion
2) A close up of Bhiman
3) People offering banana bunches
4) Hanuman getting finishing touches
5) Draupadi dressing up for the big day that comes only once a year
6)The theru from Anjilipra at the temple grounds
7) In this pic, the crane used to put up Bhima can be seen.
8) Bhiman being led to the temple in a procession.
9) The theru from Pela being led in procession to the temple.
10) The theru from Kaitha North being led in procession to the temple.
11) Friends from Chennai infront of the temple on a rainy day
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