Saturday September 8, 2012

Cobra finds its way back to temple again in Falim Indah

By IVAN LOH
ivanloh@thestar.com.my

A 1.8m-long cobra has found its way back to the Sri Maha Samundeeswary Kaliamman temple in Falim Indah, Ipoh and coiled itself on the head of the main deity, to the surprise of devotees.

The snake was seen coiled around the head of the deity on Wednesday at about 2pm.

Temple committee chairman S. Kesavan said a devotee watched as the snake slithered its way into the temple and went onto the deity.

Auspicious sign: The 1.8m long cobra that returned to the Sri Maha Samundeeswary Kaliamman temple in Taman Falim Indah coiling itself on top of a statue of the temple’s deity.

“She quickly called me up and I rushed to the temple.

“I also made calls to some devotees who had longed to see the snake since its first appearance late last month,” he said, adding that many devotees had brought milk as offering.

Kesavan said the cobra first came to the temple in Aug 23 but left four days later.

“The cobra has come back to the temple after 10 days.

“This is surely a good and auspicious sign. A sign from God,” he said, adding that cobras were revered by the Hindus.

Kesavan said in the first encounter, the snake had stayed on top of the deity for about eight hours and 45 minutes before slithering down to the Goddess’ waist and slept there.

He added that the snake had left the temple at about 3pm and made its way to a nearby river.

About 2,500 tourists and devotees have visited the temple since the snake first showed, said Kesavan.

“Some came from as far as Europe, Australia, Thailand and Singapore.

“I think more tourists and devotees will come here again,” Kesavan said, adding that he has also set up safety measures in the temple premises to prevent the snake and devotees from getting injured.

To a question on whether a “house” would be built for the snake, Kesavan said it was wrong to do so as the snake should be free to come and go as it please.

“It is not just a snake, it also symbolises one of our deities.

One devotee, only wanted to be known as Easwari, 45, said she wept after praying to the cobra.

“I am so happy to be able to see Amman (deity).

“I was so disappointed as I was not able to see the snake the first time,” she said, adding that she was praying for her family’s welfare.