Legends of Melacceri Temple It has been said that in the Melacceri temple, Draupadi’s virginal character is emphasized by the extraordinary feature of having no male figures with her in the Garbhagriha. Draupadi is said to live forever in the Melacceri Forest in her "fierce form" as Virapanchali ("Heroic Panchali"), guarding her devotees which remains in their hearts and regional traditions of the kingdom of Gingee. According to its present schedule, the Melacceri temple attempts to hold its festival once in every 5 years, less frequently than it is said to have done in past days. When it does so, the buffalo sacrifice is scheduled to occur after the conclusion of the Draupadi celebration. Melacceri temple thus concedes the ceremonies of Draupadi’s birth, for which it is famous elsewhere, to this nearby community in Gingee town. No doubt that the tradition involves a way of retaining ties with a related community. But it also recommends the efforts to maintain the connections between the Melacceri temple and Gingee. This article is a stub. You can enrich by adding more information to it. Send your Write Up to content@indianetzone.com. |