It was after a long time that we all got together to do this temple programme. As usual with our house 'saroj vihar' running at full blast, it took us a while before all of us got into the car. By around 7.45Am we were off , Ammama in the front seat me driving and a crammed full house with Chachi,Amma. Chutaunty and Nisha packed like sardines in the back. As usual no complaints.
Valayanad Bhagawathy temple is one of the oldest and comes in the category of "maha" temples . Times back when the Zamorins used to rule these parts it was said that before his army went out for any tussles they would first come to bhagawathy temple for pooja. I was told that animal sacrifices were there too. But then its from a bygone era.
This temple and a lot of its perimeter is kind of frozen in time. It feels like the moment you come here all touch with time etc goes out. You are first of all really taken back by the drive way , old trees and all. Then once you enter ( all men have to wear a dhoti ) kind of equalizes you inside. I don't much use a dhoti other than in temples so its a touching experience to be there in just your dhoti and no shirt.
This morning my present to all was 4 "mollams" of fresh jasmine flowers. I know all of them love it and all through my memory i have somehow connected Jasmine flowers and temples...The moment we reached the temple it was time for the morning bursting of "Kadhenas" or these extremely loud crackers which all through my life has frightened the living daylights off me. I always associated them with a deep fear for the reason that the explosion always comes a bit after the guy lights it. And in my entire life was there ever a bearable khadheena. This morning anyway it was nice. It was like going into the temple with a blast literally...