|
V. R. Gopala Menon
|
|
VR Gopala Menon was an ardent devotee of Lord Ayyappan and involved with the tradition in the singing of Harivarasanam at Sabarimala Sabarimala was located in the deep jungle area, and in the past a few prayful devotees managed the difficult pilgrimage. The temple opened during the Sabarimala season (November to January) but otherwise was only open on the first day of every Malayalam month. VR Gopala Menon, from Alapuzha used to accompany Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri, the Melshanthi (head priest), to Sannidhanam every time, and would stay there by himself even when the temple was closed, remaining undisturbed by the wild animals. Later, when Devaswom Board was formed, it is believed that he was asked to move out. He eventually passed away at a tea estate at Vandiperiyar.. Gopala Menon used to recite "Harivarasanam" with devotion during his time at Sannidhanam, and when Thirumeni Eashwaran Nampoothiri heard about the passing away of the Revered Menon, he was deeply saddened. At the end of the day's rituals, the Nampoothiri was about to close the doors of the Sannidhanam when he remembered the dedication and sacrifice of the Revered Gopala Menon and he then began to recite "Harivarasana"' starting a nostalgic tradition that remains unbroken to this day. Today, as the final verses are being sung, all the assistant Santhis (priests) leave the Sreekovil one by one. As the song ends, only the Melsanthi is inside. He extinguishes the lamps one at a time and closes the doors for the night. 
|
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
Main Menu
| Home |
| Articles |
| Search |
| Submit Article |
| Contact Us |
| Donate to Wikibin |
