Guruvayur: The revered Illam Nira ceremony was held with great devotion at the Guruvayur Temple. As part of this traditional ritual, tender paddy sheaves were offered to Lord Sree Krishna. The sight of over 2,000 sheaves adorning the base of the flagpole was a breathtaking spectacle. The main priest, Melsanthi P S Madhusoodanan Namboothiri, offered the sheaves in prayer behind the ‘balikkallu’ near the shrine.
Lakshmi Puja was performed on Sunday in the presence of the chief priests, Chennas Dinesan Namboothiripad and Chenas Krishnan Namboothiripad. The first sheaf was presented to the sanctum sanctorum, while the remaining sheaves were distributed to devotees after being offered at the sub-shrines and the temple pantry. This year marked a significant departure from tradition as the Illam Nira was worshipped outside the temple complex for the first time. The sheaf was prominently displayed for public viewing in front of the lamp post.
The ceremony commenced at 6:15 am on Sunday. At the eastern entrance, the heirs received the paddy sheaves. The assistant priest, Telambata Narayanan, purified the sheaves with holy water, followed by a procession of around 70 assistant priests carrying sheaves on their heads and chanting Vedic hymns around the temple.
