Preparations are in full swing for the Aanayoottu and Astadravya Mahaganapathy Homam to be held at Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple here on July 21.
The Mahaganapathy Homam, which used to be held at the beginning of the month of Karkkidakam, is conducting on Karkkidakam 5 this time. It is because the first of Karkkitakam fell on total lunar eclipse.
The Mahaganapathy Homam led by temple Tanthri Puliyannur Sankara Narayanan Namboodirippad will begin at 5 a.m. on July 21.
In all, 10,008 coconuts, 2,500 kg of ‘avil’ (flattened rice), 2,500 kg of jaggery, 300 kg of ‘malar’ (puffed rice), 150 kg of sesame seeds, 150 kg of ghee, and sugar cane will be used for the homam. The ritual is being done to propitiate Lord Ganesha.
Aanayoottu (feast for elephants) will begin at 9 a.m. Around 70 elephants will participate in the feast. Elephants from various parts of the State will reach the Thekkinkadu maidan to participate in the annual ritual.
Sree Vadakkunnathan Temple Melsanthi Animangalam Raman Namboodiri will inaugurated the Aanayoottu by giving a rice ball to the smallest of the elephants.
Elephants in Masth and those with unruly behaviour will not be allowed to participate in the festival.
Fitness certificate is must for the elephants. A team of veterinary doctors will examine the elephants before bringing them to the ritual.
Ayurvedic medicine
Around 500 kg of rice mixed with turmeric powder and jaggery will be given to the elephants.
In addition to it, they will be fed with pineapple, plantain, cucumber, and other fruits. Ayurvedic medicine, prescribed by elephant treatment expert Avanapparambu Maherswaran Namboodirippad, will be given to the animals to aid digestion.
There will be barricades between the elephants and devotees. The function of Aanayoottu has been insured for an amount of ₹1 crore.
Annadanam will be organised for 5,000 people at the Annadana Mandapam attached to the temple.
