|
Page20
Thereafter
father and son take a round of the temple and then the equally touching farewell takes
place at the northern gate. The rendering of Khandara or Neelambari ragas lands pathos to
the occasion.
Koodi Pooja
The next day the holy bath ceremony (arattu) takes Place at the tank (arattu Kulam) about a kilometer from the east nada. For this function also the Lord of Udayanapuram comes to Vaikom. After the arattu, a Koodi (joint) Pooja takes place for both father and son in the sanctum. This ritual is again unique and not seen in any other temple in Kerala. There is no more auspicious occasion for the devotees than the Koodi puja and naturally they gather in there thousands, with whole families. Annaprasanam. Thulabharam and various other vazhivadus also take place at this time. After the ceremony Vaikathappan also goes to the son’s place and has his holy bath there. There again Koodi Pooja takes place.
It is significant that on Ashtami day there is pooja or naivedyam at Vaikom temple. Vaikathappan himself observes a fast, prays for his son's success in battle, while
feeding thousands -as an act of penance. The feast on Ashtami day is particularly grand. It i' rule that everybody must be fed sumptuously on this day.
|
