Kollam: An offering to the deity at Malanada temple here has turned viral in social media - some 101 bottles of Old Monk rum!
The offering was given by a Non-Resident Indian, who is reluctant to disclose his name, as part of the temple festival known as 'Malakkuda' festival that commenced on March 15. The temple is also unique by having Duryodhanan, a mythical character in the epic 'Mahabharata', as the deity.
According to the devotee, the 101 bottles were offered for the entire members of 'Kaurava' family, starting from Duryodhanan to Dussala, the characters in 'Mahabharata'.
Liquor has been considered as a main offering before the deity affectionately called as 'Malayappooppan'. Word has it that Duryodhanan, who reached Malanada to trace the 'Pandavas' who were in exile, felt thirsty and was given toddy instead of water by a woman without identifying him.
The temple follows the custom in accordance with the myth. The temple even now pays the land tax in the name of the deity Duryodhanan.The picture of Old Monk rum bottles in front of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple has turned viral in social media attracting likes of Old Monk lovers.
