Palakkad: Tens of thousands of devotees from various parts of the state scaled the Rayiranelloor Mountain today, continuing the tradition inspired by Naranath Branthan, the revered sage known as “The Madman of Naranam.” The climb is held annually on Libra 1 (Thulaam 1). The favourable weather helped the visitors to climb easily.
The Rayiranelloor mountain ascent, a pilgrimage observed each year, commemorates the Panthirukula legend Naranath Branthan. Thousands of devotees flock to Rayiranelloor to ascend the mountain, reviving the sacred memory of the sage Naranath Branthan’s vision of Goddess Durga, which was described in Parayi Petta Panthirukulam.
Devotees, commencing their climb at dawn, make their way to the Durga Devi temple atop the mountain, paying respects to the towering statue of Naranath Branthan. It is believed that traversing the mountain from the initial step at Kaipuram, ascending the steep path to the temple, and descending the westward path expels all evil forces. The Branthachala temple near the Rayiranelloor hill, where Naranath Branthan is believed to have undertaken penance, also witnessed a significant crowd.
Naranathu Bhranthan, born as the son of the renowned scholar Vararuchi in the Parayi Petta Panthirukulam, was raised in the Naranathu Mangalathu Mana in Chethallur, Palakkad. Choosing Thiruvegappura for mastering the Vedas, he frequently resided in Thiruvegappura and the nearby Rayiranelloor Mountain, known as ‘Branthachalam.’ Due to his peculiar behaviour and unconventional activities, he was perceived by the community as ‘mad.’
Naranath Bhranthan had a strange practice of rolling large stones up the hill, letting them roll down, and laughing loudly. This act, often regarded allegorically, has been applied as a social critique in various contexts.
The Naranathu Branthan Mala (mountain) is situated at Rayiranelloor in Palakkad district on the Valanchery-Pattambi road after Thiruvegappuram Shivan’s temple. The climb takes approximately 1.5 hours, with many enthusiasts undertaking the pilgrimage on the 1st of Thulam, typically falling in mid-October.
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