Place: Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur
Date: 16-07-2024

Vadakkumnathan Temple, one of the largest and ancient Shiva temples in Kerala is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture. Anayoottu, the ritualistic feeding ceremony of elephants is a unique festival of Kerala, held in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam in June/July on the premises of Vadakkumnathan Temple. As per Ayurveda, the month of karkidakam is meant for body rejuvenation and also the time for the body to respond to Ayurveda therapies. The ceremony is rooted in the belief that by worshipping and offering food to Lord Ganesha the elephant-faced god, devotees can remove the obstacles in one’s path. The ritual feeding of elephants is by the chief priest who makes an offering comprising sugarcane, rice, ghee, coconut and jaggery.

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