Tragedy at Kodungallur Bharani: Valiya Thampuran passes away

KODUNGALLUR: The Kodungallur Bharani Mahotsavam was marked by a poignant tragedy this year as the Valiya Thampuran of the Kodungallur Kovilakam, K. Kunjunni Raja, passed away at the age of 94 while presiding over the sacred Aswathy Kavu Theendal ceremonies. In an act of devotion to the deity, the ailing Thampuran had been brought to the temple from the Kotta Kovilakam on a traditional palanquin to lead the historic rituals. During the proceedings, he suffered from sudden exhaustion and was immediately transported to AR Hospital, where he later breathed his last.

Kunjunni Raja assumed the title of Valiya Thampuran in December 2020 following the demise of his predecessor, K. Ramavarma Raja. The son of Mundanad Narayanan Namboothiri and Kunjukutty Thampuratti of Puthan Kovilakam, he also maintained a professional career as an audit officer at the Cashew Nut Promotion Council.

He is survived by his wife, Haimavathy Thampuran, and his children, Raghuraj and Nandini Varma. He was the father-in-law to Rajan Varma and the late Sindhu Raja. The final rites and funeral will be held with traditional honours at 11:00 AM this Sunday at the Puthan Kovilakam crematorium in Kodungallur.