MANJULA , the Bhakta

MANJULA , the Bhakta

Manjula was a virtuous and devout Variyar caste girl. Every night she used to bring garlands for Guruvayoorappan. One day she was late and the temple got closed. She could reach only up to the banyan tree (from where elephant race starts during Utsavam, and started feeling guilty. Sri Poonthanam Namoothiri on his way back from the temple saw her crying near the banyan tree. He comforted her and said that she could place the garland on the stone at the foot of the banyan tree, since Bhagavan is everywhere.

She was convinced, kept the garland there and happily went home. Next day morning, the Melsanthi removed all the garlands from the Deity, but one garland remained stuck on the Deity. The devotees were puzzled but Poonthanam realised last night's event. It was the garland, which Manjula had placed on the stone at the foot of the banyan tree.

Poonthanam told the story to everyone and then the garland slipped down from the Deity. Devotees started chanting the name of Bhagavan and struggled to collect the flower from the garland. Worshipers went to the banyan tree to make their obeisance. Since then, the banyan tree came to be known as Manjulal.