Kerala Shiva temple waits for floodwater to hold puja

As per the unique temple ritual, submerging the temple in floodwater is the natural arattu' bathing of the deity.

Update: 2018-07-16 20:14 GMT
Periyar river.

Kochi: The famed Aluva Mahadeva temple here celebrated ‘Arattu’ early on Monday as the flood water entered the temple and ‘embraced’ the idol with the Periyar river in spate following incessant rain for the last two days.

As per the unique temple ritual, submerging the temple in floodwater is the ‘natural arattu’ – bathing of the deity. Unlike in other temples, the deity is not given Jalabhishekam (a form of pooja in which water is poured over the idol) in the rest of the days and only turmeric powder is used. “The arattu of ‘swayambhu’ idol was held at 3.30 am when the temple premises almost got submerged. Following this, special poojas were performed,” a temple official said.

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