Kottayam, July 18, 2013: Bringing out the ancient cultural ties between two States, a unique temple tradition came to life on Wednesday. The legend is that after Vishu, the deities of Moothedathu Kavu near Vaikom Mahadevar Temple and Moothedathu Kavu Temple at Karikulangara at Kudamalur near Kottayam in Kerala visit Tamil Nadu to meet Lord Siva in his incarnation as Sreesundareshan of Madurai. The two temples had remained closed since Vishu (May 14) when the Devis were believed to have left for Madurai.

After three months, the temples reopened after a simple ceremony when the respective Melsanthis lit the lamp in the sanctum sanctorum. Pujas commenced after that.

The tradition is also linked to the Kannaki legend, it is pointed out. The ritualistic thottam pattu recited at the Moothedathu Kavu in Vaikom tells the story of Kannaki, say the temple authorities.

Source: The Hindu, DT. July 18, 2013.