Miraculous healing: Foreign woman visits temple in Kerala, shaves head, and carries kavadi after recovery from cancer

KOLLAM: A French woman visited the Thrikkuzhiyoor Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple in Vilakkara, Kottarakkara, on Monday to fulfil a vow made during her battle with cancer. Accompanied by her husband, she shaved her head and carried the kavadi in gratitude for her recovery.

Sufinena, who had been undergoing cancer treatment for an extended period, learned from her Malayali friends in France that shaving her head at the Vilakkara temple could bring healing. She made the vow with faith, but her visit to India was postponed until her treatment was complete.

Fully recovered, she travelled to Ernakulam with her husband and reached the temple through a travel agency. Advance arrangements had been made for the head-shaving ceremony, during which her shoulder-length, black-and-white mixed hair was removed.

Three rounds in devotion
Dressed in saffron attire and with sandalwood paste applied to her freshly shaved head, Sufinena carried the kavadi and completed three rounds of the temple in devotion. She offered dakshina to the chief priest, received prasadam, and was presented with a small idol of Lord Subrahmanya by the temple authorities.

The Vilakkara temple is renowned for its Thaipooyam kavadi procession, which draws devotees from across the region, including foreigners who participate in the colourful festivities.