This vibrant celebration, dedicated to Lord Shiva, honors elephants, revered as sacred animals in Kerala, and invokes the blessings of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity known for removing obstacles.
Aanayoottu, which translates to "elephant feeding" is a centuries-old tradition that symbolizes auspiciousness and devotion. The festival is held during the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July/August), a period considered auspicious for spiritual growth and renewal. By feeding the elephants, devotees seek to invoke the blessings of Lord Ganesha and express their gratitude for the sacred animals role in Kerala's cultural and spiritual heritage.
Aanayoottu ceremony is a grand affair, with elephants lined up in a single row within the temple grounds. The elephants are fed a special Ayurvedic diet, meticulously prepared to boost their health and well-being. The nourishing mix includes sugarcane, rice, ghee, coconut, jaggery, and Ayurvedic medicines. The ritual begins with the chief priest offering food to an elephant calf, marking the commencement of the ceremony.
Gaja Pooja and Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam
The event features elaborate rituals, including the Gaja Pooja and the Ashtadravya Maha Ganapathi Homam. These rituals are performed by 50 priests under the guidance of the temple Tantri and involve the offering of large quantities of traditional items, such as coconuts, jaggery, avil (beaten rice), malar (puffed rice), sesame, honey, sugarcane, and lemons.
Aanayoottu reinforces the spiritual and cultural importance of elephants in Kerala's temple festivals. Elephants have always played a vital role in Kerala's cultural and spiritual heritage, and this festival celebrates their significance. The event attracts thousands of devotees and tourists, making it a significant cultural and economic event for the region.
Location:
Vadakkumnathan Temple, Thrissur, Kerala, India
