Thirunavaya, Kerala: The ashes of renowned Malayalam writer Jnanpith MT Vasudevan Nair were immersed in the Nila River (Bharathappuzha) on Sunday, marking a poignant moment in the writer’s journey back to the stream of time. The ceremony, held at the sacred meeting place of the Trimoorthis (with three temples of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva on either side of the river) in Thirunavaya, was a deeply emotional event for the writer's family and close friends.

A spiritual tribute to MT Vasudevan Nair

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As the urn containing MT's ashes was lowered into the river, the words of a sacred mantra echoed: ‘Gange cha Yamune chaiva, Godavari Saraswathi, Narmade Sindhu Kaveri, Jalesmin sannidhim Kuru…’ This ancient chant invoking the holy rivers symbolised the return of the writer’s soul to the flow of time and the natural world.

The ceremony began at 8 am at the western ‘Balikkadavu’ (offering shore) of the Navamukunda temple, with senior Devaswom ‘karmi’ (ritual performer) CP Unnikrishnan Elayath leading the rituals. Family members, including MT's daughter Aswathy V Nair, grandson Madhav, and relatives, gathered to honour the late literary icon.

The intimate ceremony was attended by close family members and friends. MT’s elder brother’s family, sons-in-law, and other relatives were also present during the occasion. Thirunavaya Devaswom Executive Officer Parameswaran K Athavanad welcomed the family on behalf of the Devaswom. The remaining rites will be conducted on January 8, marking the 15th day of M.T. Vasudevan Nair's passing.