Visit Vadakkumnatha temple, Thrissur this July and you will witness a very special
feast. Any guess? If not, you will be wonderstruck with the sight of tuskers lined
up, with men feeding them affectionately. Anayoottu, literally meaning ‘feeding
the elephants’ is a ritualistic ceremony which takes place in the famous Vadakkumnatha
temple, Thrissur. It is held on the first day of the Malayalam month Karkidakam.
The domestic elephants are fed with specially prepared medicinal food which will
help to enhance their well-being. The month of Karkidakam, that falls in the monsoon
season of Kerala is considered to be the best time for rejuvenation therapies
in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about a km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur
