POOJA - KURUTHI POOJA

Kuruthi Pooja

This Function is conducted on the last day night of Makaravilakku Festival Season.  We believe that that said God (Vana Devatha) is safeguarding the living beings of the forest.  For allowing the devotees, etc., through the forest safely we are giving some Offerings as a reward to the God of the forest. This is called Kuruthi Pooja.    After this Pooja the Temple Shrines will be closed (both Manchamaatha & Ayyappan).

The successor of the Maharaja of Pandalam will be present for this Pooja.  Also the Thanthri and both the temple Melshanties along with other temple authorities will be present for this Pooja.  Only a particular community will be performing this Pooja.  Separate temporary temples will be installed in a ground at Sabari Hills.  Many traditional lights would also be lit.  Then the appointed man from the particular community will conduct the Pooja.  It will not be just like other Poojas.  Finally, the Deepaaraadhana will also be conducted.  The Poojari will then give prasadams to the Maharaja and the Maharaja in turn has to give a bag of money (Dakshina) to the Poojari.   Thereafter Kuruthi would be arranged for the said God.  One big Pumpkin duly decorated would be placed before each of the Gods installed there. 

The chenda melam (kerala music) along with the hunters’ music would be performed. Suddenly complete silence will be spread all over the area.  By this time the Thanthri and the Melshaanties will go back to the temple.  They should not be there at that spot of Kuruthi at that time otherwise they have to take bath and do necessary Pooja to the Deities.  That is their custom.  In very olden days, the Poojari used to give offerings to the said Vanadevathas by killing the Sheep or Buffalo, etc.  Since it is not possible today they are giving the Offering like Pumpkin.  Slowly the Poojari will dance himselves receive a sword from the Maharaja and cut the Pumpkin one by one.  With only one stroke, that too very forcibly, the Poojari will slowly cut the pumpkins into halves. While cutting down that a blood like solution will come out and it will be spread out.  This is just like the blood coming out when you cut the living being. After that he will keep camphor duly lit in front of each Vanadevathaas.  Immediately all have to go back to their places without turning and seeing back. The Maharaja will go back to the place of his stay (near Manimandapam at the Manchamaatha Temple complex).  He will take bath and come to the Ayyappan Temple.  Then the Deepaaraadhana will be performed.  The Melsaanthi will lock the Sannidhi and all would be coming down.  Then the Melsaanthi will handover the Sannidhi key of the temple along with Prasaadams to the Maharaja.  The Maharaja will hand over the key to the Temple Authorities and he will start for Pandalam.

 

And this is the Kuruthi Pooja.