Astrologers find cause of decline in divinity

CHOTTANIKKARA: On the second day of the Ashtamangala Thamboola Prashnam at the Chottanikkara Devi Temple, the astrologers found that highly polluted temple surroundings and toilets have caused a sharp decline in the divine power of the deity.Even in the Thidappilly (temple kitchen), instead of traditional utensils made of bronze and copper, steel and aluminium utensils are used.This is against the ritualistic practice.They also found lapses in corrective rituals to the damage caused to the flag staff. A mentally unstable person had entered the sanctum sanctorum of the Keezhkaavu Temple.But the authorities did not do necessary corrective measures in this regard.The Thidambu used for ritualistic processions is not suitable.The Thidambu, donated by a devotee, was not inspected for its sanctity or metal of make.This too has caused the decline of divinity in the temple.The gravel used for Ashtabandham was not pure.Brought earlier from Periyar, the gravel used now is brought from Kanyakumari and is of low quality.