Ulaa

With a monumental seven-storeyed tower of pale granite etched in a tapestry of stone, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple, is an edifice that harbors not just an ancient shrine with vaults of immense riches, but also a treasure trove of tales that are a mix of legends, folklore and history. The much-famed temple is an elegant coming together of the Kerala and Dravidian style of architecture, with its ornate gopuram, splendid murals, traditional sloping roofs, ‘mandapams’ supported by musical pillars, a towering golden ‘Dhwajasthamba’ (flagmast), a traditional ‘chuttambalam’ (outer enclosure) and a ‘Sreekovil’ (sanctum sanctorum) that houses the dramatic 18-foot reclining idol of Sri Padmanabha (Vishnu) made of 12008 ‘Saligrama’ stones. While no definitive age can be ascribed to the temple, popular belief is that Divakara Muni, a Tulu Brahmin hermit, built it centuries ago.
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Come February, the Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) is carried out at Manapullikavu Temple in Palakkad, Kerala, marking the beginning of the annual festival in honor of 'Manapulli Bhagavathy’. A week of poojas and festivities set the pace for the grand finale - the Vela (procession). Thousands flock to the temple to get a glimpse of the 'Chaandh Abishekam', among the most important poojas held during the Vela (grand finale) day. Towards evening, the eagerly awaited procession sets off with the Vela Ezhunnullethu (the start of the procession) held with great aplomb with 15 caparisoned elephants accompanied by panchavadhyam in front of the Palakkad Fort. Following age old tradition, several small velas from neighbouring villages join the Manapallikavu Vela for the grand finale. The procession, an array of colourful floats, folk dances, veshangal (costumes), music and elephants travels through the byways of Palakkad, enthralling spectators.

Pic Courtesy: Sreehari

vela

A tryst with nature, along boulder-laden pathways and steep climbs, amidst heavily wooded surroundings. A trek to the Meenmutty waterfalls at Wayanad, would entail all this and ofcourse a chance to dip your feet in crystal clear, cool water in the small pools that gather in coves, as the water flows down from the hills, along three tiers.

Those who brave an adventurous steep climb to the top, are in store for a magnificent view.

A shout out to highly-motivated creative enablers out there!!!