Guruvayur Ekadashi - Coffee Paining on Canvas
Kerala, is not just a state, it is an enlivening experience. It feeds one's mind and soul with its richness of culture, loving fellow beings and an enchanting flora and fauna. Especially, the state animal of Kerala- the Elephant! Elephants are intelligent and tolerant animals. They are said to form a close bond with their keepers and fellow elephants. Kerala is incomplete without these noble creatures. No wonder, it is themed as God's Own Country and one of the ten paradises in the world.
It was 13 years back, when I visited the beautiful haven of Guruvayur town in Thrissur district of Kerala. I happened to witness the most exotic and elaborate elephant processions at one of India's oldest and most renowned, Lord Krishna's Temple - The Guruvayur Temple. I must say, I was blessed to visit the temple on the Guruvayur Ekadashi Day. This day is special for a lot of reasons. First, it is believed that on this day, the Bhagavad Gita was rendered to Arjuna by Lord Krishna. Second, this day holds a special rememberance for the temple's most noble and friendly elephant, The Guruvayur Kesavan, who served the temple for most of his life. He passed away on an Ekadashi Day.
Before an early morning Puja in the temple, my eyes were treated to these majestic elephants, standing tall and proud. The elephants were decorated with gold-plated caparisons (Nettipattam), gorgeous necklaces and long bells. The mahouts, mounted atop their elephants, were holding silk parasols (Muthukuda) high up in the air.
The elephants were lined up for a grand procession to the nearby Parthasarathy temple. Also, to commemorate The Guruvayur Kesavan, many elephants were groomed and lined up before his statue, to pay their tribute to him. These elephants, I came to learn, belong to the Guruvayur Dewaswom.
It was indeed a sight to behold. It is still afresh in my memory and will remain so for years to come. Here it is, from my memory to yours!