Hundreds take part in Kavutheendal ritual

Thrissur: The major ritual of Kodungallur Bharani, Kavutheendal, was held Tuesday afternoon. Oracles from across the state had reached the Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Devi Temple to take part in the ritual. The 'Aswathy Kavu Theendal' ceremony is part of the seven-day annual Bharani. The sword-wielding oracles clad in vermilion costumes with anklets on their legs and ringing the waist bells performed a mad run around the temple. They threw objects inside the temple mainly sticks which signifies the Kavu Theendal. 

The oracles also sang numerous songs associated with the legend of the Goddess and farming, culture and mother earth. Exemplifying the intense devotion, they struck the swords on their forehead before the idol and split blood. During the ceremony, their faces were seen smeared with the blood flowing down the forehead. Symbolically the festival is dedicated to the raw and untamed energy.  It also provides an opportunity to the repressed sections in the society to vent their anger.

The belief is that the goddess accepts all their frustrations and anger. Before the Kavu Theendal they took a dip at the Kara beach. They believe the festival provides the oracles, most of them belonging to the lower strata of the society, a chance to vent out their anger in the form of catharsis by smiting their foreheads and hurling abuses at the deity and the people around. The temple will close to the public for the next one week for 'purification' rituals. The Bharani fest is on Wednesday.