Devotees flock to watch Onam feast offered to monkeys at Sasthamkotta temple

Sasthamkotta: Onam celebrations at the Sree Dharma Sastha Temple here began with a sumptuous Onasadya specially prepared for its resident troop of monkeys on Uthradam day, Thursday.

The feast, complete with traditional vegetarian delicacies such as kuthari rice, lentil curry, pappadam, thoran and more, was neatly served on plantain leaves. The monkeys waited patiently in the treetops until the last item of the meal was laid out. Following this, the senior members of the troop descended first, tasting each dish and licking their fingers with approval. Once the elders signaled that everything was fine, the rest of the troop rushed down to join in.

Meanwhile, the monkey chieftains were also seen chasing away some of the younger ones, who were later treated to a separate serving at another spot. Payasam and bananas turned out to be the favourites of most. With bouts of playful food-throwing and little skirmishes, it took the troop nearly two hours to finish their grand feast.

The unique sight drew a large crowd, with devotees and curious onlookers travelling from distant places to witness the Onam sadya for monkeys. The elaborate meal was prepared by M V Aravindakshan Pillai of Sreesailam House, Manakkara. The troop was also treated to another equally lavish feast on Thiruvonam day.

According to local belief, the presence of the monkeys has deep mythological roots. Devotees say that the vanara sena, the monkey army of Lord Rama, once halted at this shrine on their way to Lanka during the Ram-Ravana war.