Early this morning Saturday, December 10, 2016, Puja was performed on the Deepam Cauldron in the 4th Prakaram of Arunachaleswarar Temple. Lovely Rukku was in attendance. After the Cauldron was blessed, it was lashed up with poles and then carried out of the Temple by (as tradition dictates), men of the fishing caste.
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| Lovely Rukku in attendance at the early morning puja |
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| 2016 Arunachala Deepam Cauldron |
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| Cauldron tied to poles and carried by men of the fishing caste |
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| Cauldron leaving Arunachaleswarar Temple |
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| Crossing Pey Gopuram Street and on the other side of the street (under the white banner) will start their ascent of Arunachala |
Will sweet Rukku get her annual vacation in the forest going forward?
ReplyDeleteA couple of days before the death of the Chief Minister Jayalalitha, there was a report in the newspapers that all arrangements regarding the Elephant Camp had been made and were only awaiting an official "nod" to activate the programme. If it happens think the Camp is intended to take place in January.
ReplyDeleteHave to keep our fingers crossed that in spite of the demise of the Chief Minister (the person who originally created this yearly Camp), that her successors keep true to her wish and continue with this yearly programme.
Best of all is if Courts rule that elephants should not be kept in Temples, circuses or as street performers. That case continues. In Tamil Nadu there are brave and vocal activists working hard for this to happen.