Temple Laughter Ritual

 Peculiar type of worship at Chennamangalam

In this section we are discussing how Temples in India have rituals incorporated for the health of common man.  In modern stressful life we have forgotten to laugh, the music of the soul due to tension created in the mind. More Scientific research shows that laughter is the best Medicine  to increase immunity and cure and prevent diseases. Thanks to the many  Laughter clubs  that are formed in many cities to help people laugh and relax and relieve stress.

Having understood the importance of laughter, a temple in Kerala (Chennamangalam Temple (near Kochi) has incorporated as a unique ritual to worship God.

Long ago some children found a peculiar stone structure in their huge tarawad (family lineage) compound. In their playfulness, they called the Stone Devi and started singing bhajans clapping their hands in rhythm and going round the stone.

After each round they laughed aloud and continued the Bhajan clapping their hands going round the stone. This continued for a long time. People thought of lifting the stone and thus stopping the fun-cum-worship. They found that the stone was so heavy that they could not lift it. Then they realized that the stone had become a swayambhoo Deity ( attained Chaithanya without the usual rituals.) The family then built a temple around it.

The main offering (daily) at the temple is kottumchiri (clapping and laughing) in which the family members take part even now. They go round the deity singing bhajans, clapping their hands and after each Pradakshina laugh loudly. They now have faith and they say they are successful in their enterprises if they offer “kottumchiri”at this temple.

Our thanks to valluvanad.bravepages.com for this information.

Please click here to continue  reading about Thiruvizha temple Rituals and health