People start hitting each other with sticks at midnight!!!
The Mahalakshmi temple of Karur district of tamil Nadu, which is located in Mettu Mahadhanapuram, attracts the attention of thousands of devotees every year during the tamil month "Adi". At this special time, people come to the temple and participate in the unique ritual of breaking coconuts, in which they break coconuts on their heads. This ritual is a symbol of an old tradition and belief, which is still celebrated with reverence and faith.
What is the history of breaking coconuts on the head?
The roots of this strange custom are linked to the time of the british Raj. At that time in the british Empire, a proposal was made to lay a railway track in india and its route passed through the Mahalakshmi temple. The local people were very upset and worried by this proposal, as they wanted to protect their temple. Given the religious and cultural importance of the temple, they fought to prevent the railway track from passing over the temple. In such a situation, the british officials put a unique challenge to test the devotion and faith of the local people. They told the villagers that if they are able to break a coconut on their head, the railway track will not be allowed to pass near the temple. This challenge was a serious test for the local people, but they accepted it on the strength of their faith and belief, since then this tradition continues.
How is the tradition of breaking coconut performed?
This tradition of breaking coconut has become a way to demonstrate the devotion and faith of the devotees. During the month of Adi, people gather at the Mahalakshmi temple and break coconuts on their heads to offer their devotion. It is believed that through this ritual they can get the blessings of the temple and Goddess Mahalakshmi and get good luck in their life.
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