[Guruvayur/Guruvayoor] Evoor Utsavam ( Annual Festival ) .

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Hari Om, Dear Krishnadaya, Sitting in Saudi Arabia I saw Evoor Krishnaswamy's Kodiyettam,Utsavam,Seeveli,Sewa,Pallivetta,Arattu,"Kodimara chottile urulal,Vedikkettu and Kodiyirakkam through your vivid narration. Thanks a lot for sharing the experience of soul touching bhakthi with us. Regards Prasanna Kumar.N krishnadaya <krishnadaya wrote: Hare Krishna ! Dandavat Pranams to Bhagavan Sri Krishna and all Vaishnavas , The intensity of the "living aura " (Jeeva Chaithanyam) in and around the Deity is of prime importance in a vedic temple . It is natural for the "aura" to overflow or radiate when the Deity is consecrated by great Yogis and Rishis . At Evoor , the Deity was consecrated by Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself in the presence of Arjuna, Agni-Deva and Kanva-Maharshi . As a result , the "living aura " here overflows and floods all around the entire surroundings . Also, Tantri's meditation, chanting of Vedas, `Pushpaanjali' and `Abhishekam'

with vedam, the Poojari's discipline ; and earnest performance of rites and rituals, special festivals like "Utsavam " (annual festival), and distribution of food, have further irradiated the Deity . "Utsavam" is for the restoration of divine "Chaithanyam", by performing necessary purification and energization rituals . Culturally, it consists of various processions , illumination, fireworks, art-forms, etc . Evoor "Utsavam" lasts for ten days . Beginning the first day of `Makaram' (January) it ends after the "Aaaraattu" (Holy Bath) . All ten days , the place wears a festive look, streets dressed up with arches, festoons, etc. Every building is tastefully decorated with lights, plantain trunks, bunches of coconut and arecanuts . The Gopuram and courtyards are decorated with illuminations . Many lamps, "deepasthambams" and "vilakku" are all lighted . The "Utsavam" rituals include "Prasaada Sudhhi" (purification of Murthy) , "

Rakshoghna Vaasthu Homam ", "Prasaada Raksha ", " Chathassudhhi ", "Dhaara", "Navakam", "Panchakam", "Panchagavya Kalasam", etc. (theses are "Abhishekams"), "Kotiyettu" (Flag hoisting) , "Pallivetta" (Holy Hunting ) , "Aaraattu" (Holy bath) , "Kotiyirakku", "Pallikkuruppu" etc.,

and in between "Sreebhootha Bali " and " Utsava Bali ". Because of my stay overseas, I couldn't attend the " Utsavam" last 13 years . Thanks to Bhagavan's grace, this year I could reach on time . "Kotiyettam " (Flag Hoisting) . It was during the midnight of 14 th January . The Tantri

first invoked the Deity by tantric rituals such as ` Kalasam ' and other poojas ; and then infused `aura' on to the Flag bearing `Garuda' emblem . After further poojas , the consecrated Flag was hoisted on the golden Flagstaff . Amid loud cries of "Narayana, Narayana" , the divine Flag played around a little and then flew up resembling a bird taking off to the sky . A supplementary Flag was hoisted atop the wooden Flagstaff , manually erected in front of "Bhutanathaswamy' (Upa-devan) . A large crowd of Devotees happily witnessed , the auspicious completion of "Kotiyettam" . "Utsavam" ( Days 1 to 8 ). The events of first five days are sponsored jointly by Travancore Devaswom board and specific groups of devotees . Three `Karas' (village sectors) namely Evoor North, Evoor south and Evoor west conduct the events of days 6 , 7 and 8 respectively . Each `Kara' competes with others to make own " Utsavam"

the best . I belong to "Evoor south Kara " ; and this time my friend was it's President . I had requested him to ask what he lacks . However, the intense participation of people exceeded all expectations. Even militant Communists of the past , came forward with generous offerings to Bhagavan . Finally , what needed from me was couple of tins of Oil only . After the poojas , tantric rituals and day-time cultural programs such as "Ottanthullal" etc, thousands of oil lamps were lit all around the temple . Upon completion of " Deeparadhana" , two hour long `Seva" started at

7.15 PM . The Poojari carried atop the male elephant , Bhagavan's "Thidambu" ( direct manifestation of the Deity) . Renowned musicians played "Nadaswaram'" ( a wind instrument) supported by percussion instruments, to sing devotional songs in praise of Bhagavan . It was a beautiful devotional feast for the eye, ear and heart . And was followed by popular cultural programs like `Kathakali' , etc. 9th Day "Utsavam". On this day, in addition to the regular items , "Kala-kali

" ( decorated effigies of Bulls) is a special event . " Kala-kettu " is a thanksgiving offering by farmers . This time , there was a "twin-Kala" from my home . After the traditional feast , the group proceeded to the temple to join the procession . Small `Kala-effigies' are hand carried whereas the big ones are mounted on wheels. The colourful "Kala-kali" completed 3 rounds around the temple , wildly swinging in the air amid thunderous cheers of "Arppoooo … Irrooooo" . Later, while I and younger son were praying inside the temple, he wanted to take part in the lighting of oil lamps . But , I discouraged him saying "No. Those people who are responsible will do it " . While we were coming out , two elderly Bhakthas struggling to lit the lamps on time , were saying about the unwillingness of people to help . Having been knocked out by this comment , I silently apologized to Bhagavan . Immediately, I and son climbed on the elevated floor to lit the wicks . We managed to lit all lamps on time for "Deeparadhana" . When I was taking my son from the floor ,

the appreciative smiles of Poojaris gladdened our hearts . After witnessing the "SEVA" , we had a quick dinner and then came back at 11 AM for "Paliivetta" . " Pallivetta " (Holy Hunting) . "Pallivetta" is the traditional yearly event , wherein Evoor Bhagavan proceeds to the distant banyan tree (300 m away at the entry point ) to hunt down evil forces . According to the tradition , "Jeevatha Ezunnallathus " of two nearby Bhagavathy temples (Kannamballil and Kalloorath) arrived together . They are Bhagavan's sisters . In response to their greetings in front of the `Sreekovil ' ( sanctum sanctorum ), they were accorded a traditional welcome . (Note : The word "Jeevatha" connotes that the "jeeva chaithanyam" (living aura) of Bhagavathy has been invoked and She comes out to visit other Deities . "Jeevatha" is constructed in the model of the temple structure itself

.. This box-like carriage for the Bhagavathy rests on two teakwood poles about two meters long, and is in the form of a palanquin ("Pallakku") . The front resembles "Thidambu" behind which is a kind of small chest ("pettakam") built according to `saastras' . Up front is a woollen cloth embroidered with shining, colourful pictures and gold trinkets. Behind that is kept Bhagavathy's holy dress, starched and pleated, and decorated with small mirror pieces. Four Brahmana Poojaris carry "Jeevatha" on their shoulders . They dance to the rhythm of percussion and wind instruments . The rhythms used during "Jeevatha Ezunnallathu" (procession) are quite noteworthy. Several "Thaalams" (beats) such as Lakshmi, Atantha,

Chembata, Thriputa, Panchaari and Vishama kundalam are used . Starting with very slow beats, it builds up a crescendo and ends in express beats . The ensemble consists of `Veekkan chenda', `Uruttu chenda' (both drums), `Elathaalam' (cymbals),`Kombu' and `Kuzhal` (both, wind instruments) . The "Chuvadu Vechu Kali" (a ritualistic dance with unique steps) is a divine sight ) . Evoor Bhagavan's "Thidambu " was ascended atop the gold caparisoned elephant . Having been accompanied by servants and devotees , He started for the `Pallivetta' . Upon reaching the spot beneath the banyan tree , a

bow and arrows were used for `Pallivetta' . When the victorious Bhagavan turns around to return , the "Jeevatha Ezunnallathus " of His jubilant Bhagavathy-sisters welcomed Him . The priestly Brahmana dancers, clad in the traditional style holding the heavy "Jeevatha "on shoulders , performed the divine dance. The dance began with "Kotti Urayikkal" (drumming to make the dancers possessed). The drumming in different rhythms accompanied by scintillating music coaxed the performers to dance to each rhythm, creating a holy atmosphere. Each circumlocution was regulated by a different "Thaalam" (beat) . This was very touching with thousands of devotees watching with tearful joy, Evoor Sri Krishna's both Bhagavathy-sisters playing about wildly in front of Him who lovingly appreciated them by swaying gently atop His elephant . The "Jeevathas " danced just in front of Bhagavan , then running back to dance at a distance , holding hands to dance in unison , etc, etc . Each "Ezhunnallathukaaran" (Lead dancer ) was directing his group according to Bhagavathi's revelation to him . ( It is a wonder of wonders how such fragile Brahmanas could dance wildly like this bearing weight . No mortal human being can do this . One could see red lumps of flesh building up on the dancers' shoulders ; but they don't show any signs of pain or fatigue at all . In reality, it is Bhagavathy who is dancing , in the form of Her Priests ) .

Upon reaching the temple , Evoor Bhagavan stood on the eastern courtyard facing west . Both His sister-Bhagavathis danced wildly raising the tempo to supreme ecstasy . Finally , after bidding farewell to brother Sri Krishna , they quickly completed the `pradakshina' , bowed down once again in front of the `Sreekovil' and ran outside . Being sad at the separation , a silent Bhagavan returned to His Sri-Kovil . " Aaraattu " ( Holy Bath) The 10 days long "Utsavam" culminates with a grand "Aaraattu" procession, with the "Utsava Deity " being carried to the " araattu palace tank " at ` Muttam ` which is 3 Kilometers away . ( This was where Kanva-Maharshi used to worship the Deity before it moved to Evoor temple ) . "Aaraattu" refers to the sacramental ablution of the Deity in the sacred

tank . In the morning , I and sons joined other devotees take a dip in the temple tank and perform the traditional `urualal' ( "sayana-pradakshinam " beneath the Flagstaff and entrance doors ). I was on the traditional fast to take part in the, "Aaraattu " to be held at midnight . Father and I returned to the temple at 4 PM . The "Kettukazhcha" procession was held with participation from 3 " Karas " around the temple and several communities . Decorated effigies of bulls, and epic figures circumbulated the temple. The marvelous as well as magical effect of the combination of numerous percussion and wind instruments was most thunderous, spectacular and dazzling . The enthusiasm and dedication all around revealed supreme Bhakthy to their Ishta-Devan, Evoor Bhagavan . After the "Kettukazhacha" procession , thousands of oil lamps were lit all around the temple . Devotees waited in anticipation for Bhagavan's arrival . The Tantri ritually transferred the"living aura" from principal Deity to the "Utsava Deity" to be boarded on the "Thidambu " . Among ecstatic cheers " Arppooo…. Irroooo " from thousands of Bhakthas , Mel-Santi (lead Pujari) came out with the "Thidambu " . The huge mail elephant bowed low for the Melsanti (head Poojari) and other three

brahmanas to sit on his top . When the majestic elephant stood up , it was a sight for Gods to behold! . Bhagavan Sri Krishnaswamy in all His glory !!! . Many "Theevettis" (oil lit multi-fires) being held aloft by men on the floor illuminating Him ; "Muthukkuta" (ornamental silk umbrella ) covering Him ; "Alavattam" (couple of circular hand-fans made of peacock feathers) and "Venchamaram" (couple of white feather-sticks) fanning from His back ! . Amid huge cheers from devotees, Bhagavan's elephant escorted by two other elephants ( Poojaris carrying `Muthukkutas' atop them) , proceeded to the

main gate and stood there facing the sea of devotees on the east. Then came the magnificent display of thunderous fireworks . It was indeed grand and extremely colourful . Gracefully Bhagavan's elephant started moving for "Aaraattu" procession . Then came the traditional recitation of "Kuchelavruthm-Vanchippattu" in front of Bhagavan . An inner-voice made me join that group .

Fragile elders sang the "vanchippattu " melodiously and we youngsters repeated at the top of our lungs . Loud "Vanchippattu" and ecstatic dancing to it's tune together with the music of percussion and wind instruments enlivened the procession . Bhagavan's Deity atop the elephant was gently swaying in appreciation ; and this divine sight motivated us infinitely . Bhaktas welcomed the `Aaarattu procession' at various points by dazzling fireworks and other offerings . When the procession reached the paddy field ahead of the `Aaarattu palace' , Bhagavan was ceremoniously welcomed by the `twin-Bull" effigies and associated rituals belonging to His

traditional labourers . Upon reaching the Aaarattu palace , the "Thidambu " was seated at the designated place . We sang the last lines of "Kuchela-vrutham" and then sought Bhagavan's permission to leave , singing " Adiyangal vidakollan Bhagavan anuvadikkane… !!" ( Please permit us to leave , O Bhagavan !!) . After conducting the poojas by 1 AM

, the Tantri and Mel-santi brought the "Utsava Deity" to the tank platform and performed further poojas . Finally , carrying the Deity , they took three dips in the water and completed the ritualistic "Aaraattu" . Afterwards, the "Utsava Deity" was seated at the palace for Darshan . Immediately , we Bhakthas jumped into the tank and after taking (3) dips , performed "Urualal" (Sayana-pradakshinam) around the palace to submit ourselves entirely to Bhagavan . "Kotiyirakkam"

(Lowering of Flag) . After the "Aaaraattu " , we reached home by 2.00 AM and broke the fast by eating the feast . Although , the "Kotiyirakkam" was much later , I didn't want to sleep and therefore came back to join Bhagavan's return journey . Even in that midnight , so many people stayed awake in front of their houses to make offerings to the returning Bhagavan . When the procession reached Evoor temple , many devotees were patiently waiting to submit their offerings

.. After accepting everything , the rituals of "Kotiyirakkam" started at 5.00 AM . The Tantri performed tantric-rituals to restore "aura" from Flag to the "Utsava Deity" . After this , he lowered the Flag to complete "Kotiyirakkam" . Later, the "Utsava Deity" was moved to the "Ardhamandap" inside temple for His "Pallikkuruppu" (sleep) . The pleasant smiles on the faces of Tantri and

other Poojaris showed their happiness at the auspicious completion of the sacred rituals. "Pallikuruppu" (Holy Sleep) . After returning from "Aaraattu" , Bhagavan slept nicely on the "Ardhamandap" in front of Sanctum Sanctorum . A small calf (young cow) had been tied to the pillar and the main temple was closed . Bhagavan would wake up only after hearing the cry of the calf . Tantri, Poojaris , staff and devotees waited outside in anticipation . We (my self , wife and two sons )

had reached the temple at 7 AM and stood in the long Queue for a Darshan . It was uncertain when the temple would open or whether or not we could get a Darshan within the short period before next closure . Nevertheless, we continuously chanted Bhagavan's names . When the uncertainty continued for long several people walked away from the Queue . At about 8.50 AM , the calf cried . Tantri and Mel-santi entered the temple to transfer Bhagavan's `living aura' (chaithanyam) from the "Utsava Deity" to the principal " Deity".

Then the temple door was opened , and the queue of devotees rushed forward . While moving, we had a few glimpses of Bhagavan . When I had climbed on the bottom frame of the door to inner temple , the movement was stopped for the Pooja in place . Standing on that elevated frame , I had continuous vision of Bhagavan to my heart's content until the Pooja was over . My inner-mind wispered that Evoor Bhagavan is responding to me . I couldn't control my tears . Afterwards, my wife and children too were blessed with good darshan within the short period before next closure of temple . Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya !!!Krishnadaya.

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