Puthiyakavu - Battle-ground of goddesses

Puthiyakavu bhagavathy temple is located near Thripunithura, 11 kms from Ernakulam. It celebrates a seven-day festival every year. The third and fourth days are very auspicious for unmarried women and they come to offer thalams. On the last night Thookam is performed followed by a fire works display to conclude the festival.

According to the myths, long time ago there was a temple called 'Periyakavu'. The temple was that of a ferocious merciless Goddess. This temple was on the premises of the Manadatu Illam. The temple was under neglect, after the Illam merged with the 'Allugal Illam'. The neglect caused the Goddess to hurt or injure the passers-by. Once a little Namboodiri boy went that way and even he was not spared. He was killed atrociously and his nails, hair and tooth were dropped for everyone to see. The father of the boy went in search of him. He came to know from passers-by that his boy had met a horrific fate.

The father turned revengeful and barged into the temple. He sweared that after 41 days of the death of his child, only one would live, either him or the goddess. After finishing the death ceremonies the father left for Kodunagaloor and spent 41 days there singing the glories of the Kodungallooramma. On the 41st night the Kodungallooramma came to his dreams and told him that on the next day, when he takes bath, he will come by a stone in the pond . This stone is verily the Kodungallooramma herself. He must carry the stone with him and install it only at the appropriate location. If he leaves the stone on the ground the Goddess will stay there permanently.

On his way home Valamthurithi Bhattadiri saw him and joined him on his journey. Not very far from the temple of the fierce Goddess the Namboodiri wanted to relieve himself and handed over the stone to him. The Namboodiri narrated the entire story to the Bhattadiri and told him not to leave it on the ground. The Bhatrtdairi promised that he will not keep it down. Even if a situation comes so that he has to leave it down he will call the Namboodiri 3 times . As fate would have it, the Namboodiri did not come back in 3 call so the stone was placed where it it now (Puthyakavu).

The Goddess thus installed came to be called as PuthiyaKavu devi and she drove away the wicked Goddess. She also brought everyone peace and happiness to people who lived there. She is worshipped as Sarawathi in the Morning, Kali at noon and Parvathi in the evening.

Parakkad - Devi who slayed Parasura

Parakkad is situated on the banks of River Gayathri. The Bhagavathi is enshrined in a beautiful temple situated in the middle of Parakkad, an evergreen forest and is showering blessings on her devotees.

The Devi has done miracles over the past 200 years. The legend says that the demon ‘Parasura’ who was born during the Mookasura-Devi battle had lived in the forest and Devi killed him. Since the Parasura was killed in the forest, the place was called ‘Parakkad’. After killing the Asura the Devi became peaceful and stayed at ParaCheri. But soon she left the place and went to the Moolasthana at Kootala. Thereafter the Brahmins brought her to the present place. The specialty of the temple is that devotees irrespective of the cast and creed participate in all the rituals of the temple.

Parakkad is situated near Alattur town in the district of Palakkad. Alattur is on the Palakkad-Thrissur NH47. The place can be reached by road from either Thrissur or Palakkad. The annual festival of the temple takes place every year in the month of Meenam . Besides this the Navarathri festival and the Ramayana Months are also celebrated every year. At the end of every month 'Annadhanam' is also distributed.

Manarcad - Devi who butchered the yakshi

Manarcad temple is situated in the district of Kottayam, and can be seen at a distance of 1.5 km northwards from Manarcad junction on NH 220 (former K.K road) along Manarcad-Kidangoor road.The Devi here is worshipped as the manifestation of Kurumba Kali of Kodungalloor.

Once upon a time, there lived a pious Brahmin in Thanniyil Ellam in the place named Elambanakkadu. He was a great devotee of Kodungalloor Devi. Once in every month, he used to visit Kodungalloor Temple for prayers. Once during his usual visit, he prayed to Kodungalloor Amma "Due to my old age and failing health, I may not be able to come again to Kodungalloor Temple to worship. So, Amma please help me to continue my devotion towards you". That day night Amma gave told him in a dream "When you wake up, you will find a Kuda (traditional umbrella made of palm leaves) near you. You go home with that and I will be with that Kuda. You will never again need to come to Kodungalloor to worship me". When the Brahmin woke up, he found the Kuda near him and as directed by Amma, he went home with that. When he reached near Elambanakkadu, he broke his journey to take some rest placing the Kuda on the ground. But after taking rest, he was not able to lift the Kuda. He met the local ruler and informed the matter. An astrologer was summoned and he detected the holy presence of Kodungalloor Amma. The Brahmin again got Amma’s direction in his dream to build a Bhagavathi Temple in the nearby Choorakkadu (bamboo forest) which was the abode of a Nagaraja (Snake God). Thus the Bhagavathy Temple was built with popular support.

During that time, a Yakshi (Feminine form of yaksha who prey on males after seducing them) named 'Elambi' was creating problems in that area. Devi killed Elambi and her cronies. Elambi’s 'Mani' (bell) was thrown southwards. Since the Mani was thrown, Elambanakkadu came to be known as Maniyerkadu and later became Manarcad.

Parappukkavu - Devi who frightened the sultan of Mysore

Sree Parappukavu Bhagavathy Temple is situated in Parappukavu Desham of Eranellur Village, Kechery, in Trichur. The famous Pooram of this temple is celebrated every year in the malayalam month Meenam as a local festival.

In ancient times, near the river Karuvannur in Irinjalakkuda, a famous and very pious Thandan worshipped Devi Bhagavathy for a very long time. The king at that time has given him a Kalari and a place of worship with due respect. He is respectfully called Muthappan as he protected that place as his own Thattakam. From Karuvannur as per the invitation of the King Sri Muthappan reached Parappukavu. The real Devi Bhagavathy was pleased with the piousness of Muthappan and came here under his umbrella’s shelter worshipped with earnest belief in ‘Kali Devi’ and established a ‘Kalari Sangham’. Thus he became ‘Parappuparambil Thandan’. Apart from other poorams, thalappoli is considered as an important item of the celebrations. It is known that thousands of devotees have been visiting Devi and returning home with satisfaction. Sree Thazhathekavu Bhagavathy and Chathan are the other deities worshipped by Muthappan. The customs and traditions of the Kalari have been meticulously done by Muthappan and after his ‘Samadhi’ his followers have been continuing the same even to this day.

A small fort was built on the North-Eastern side of Parappukavu by the soldiers of Tippu Sultan. Soldiers could not reach Thattakam of Parappukavu because of the immense power of Bhadra Kali.

During the reign of Sakthan Thampuran the temple and its suburbs have been freely surrendered to the temple authorities as he knew the divinity of Parappukavu Bhagavathy.

Palappuram - Chinakkathur Pooram

Harvest season is over. Once again the granaries of the peasants have shown bountifulness. In the mind of the country-folk who savour traditional communion, it's time for a jubilation. Vela is the name they have given for this social recreation which falls on in the later half of the month of March every year. Among a hand-full of Velas, Chinakkathur pooram takes the lion's share of the rejoicement.

Chinakkathoor kavu is situated in Palappuram(Valluvanadu) which is at a distance of 5kms east of Ottappalam in the Palghat district. The temple is famous for 'pooram', a name given for the festivities in Malabar region, more renowned as Chinakkathoor pooram, esteemed high by every nook and cranny of God's own country. The festival is conducted in the month of Kumbham on Makom day every year.

Amidst of thousands of witnessing devotees, a flag is hoisted as the sign of the commencement of Pooram sacrament. From this day to the eve of the Pooram, Tholppavakkoothu, a ritualistic shadow puppet show, is presented at the temple premises every evening. The highlights of the Pooram includes a grand procession of 33 tuskers in the evening, and pulsating Panchavadyam classically orchestrated by leading percussionists and various other folk art-forms like Vellattu, Theyyam, Poothavum Thirayum, Kaalavela(Mounting enormous artificially-made decorated bulls) , Kuthiravela(Raising artificial horses), Karivela, and so on. Another beautiful sight is the procession of sixteen models of the ‘Kuthiras’ (Horses) brought ceremoniously to the temple by devotees of seven deshams (Regions).

The temple is devoted to Sree Durga who showers wealth, knowledge and peace to all her devotees and rescues the villagers from all adversities.

Urakam - At mother's feet

Ammathiruvadi Temple is located about 12 Km away from Thrissur town in Kerala, in the village of Urakam. The 'Valayalayam' or Urakam Ammathiruvadi Temple is situated here and is one of the ancient 108 Durga temples, constructed by Lord Parasurama. Urakam, the small but renowned village is 12kms away from the city of Thrissur along the royal street heading to Kodungallur. It is believed that a body part of Sati (spouse of Lord Shiva), hand which had the conch, fell at Urakam, named as Shankhodarapeeta, as per the Devi Bhagavatha.

According to the Kerala folklore, Poomulli Namboothiri (also sometimes referred to as Thiruvalayannur Bhattathiri) founded Ammathiruvadi temple about 700-1000 years ago. The site at which the temple is situated now was once the place where the Namboothiri's household was. Urakam, then was a part of the Peruvanam village (one of the 64 villages of ancient Kerala). Legend has it that Namboothiri went to Kanchipuram to visit the Kamakshi Temple and pleased with the devotion of the Namboothiri, Kanchi Kamakshi decided to come to Kerala on his palm leaf umbrella. He reached back home and placed the umbrella on the floor of his home. When he came back later, he was unable to take back the umbrella. It was heavily grounded to the floor. Later, upon further investigation, it was revealed that Kanchi Kamakshi was residing on that umbrella. The goddess came in Namboothiri’s dreams that night and let him know that he is supposed to build a temple for the goddess. She also let him know that he was to find an idol in a well far away and he should reinstate the goddess from the umbrella onto that idol. Namboothiri did as the goddess wished and he built the temple and left all that he owned to the temple and gave the administration to the Kingdom of Kochi. From then on the goddess was known as the Ammathiruvadi who is considered as Sri Maha Lakshmi.

The descendents of Valaya Bhattathiri are none other than the famous Poomully Namboothiris of north Kerala. The idol, obtained from the well and installed in the temple is the one, it is believed, worshipped by Lord Sree Rama before killing Ravana. Members of a nearby Menon family called Vazhappilly Tharavadu, were the strong devotees of Ammathiruvadi. Devi was very pleased with them and made a member from their family as a guard for the Devi (Kakkara Menon), whereever she go out for various rituals. Kadalayil Namboodiri and Komarath Menon who accompanied Thiruvalayannur Bhattathiri to Kancheepuram  also built devi temples nearby. Kadalayil Namboothiri built Durga temple at Kadalassery and Komarath Menon built Bhadrakali temple at Pallissery. It is believed that both goddesses Durga and Bhadrakali accompanied Urakathamma on her way to Kerala.

The majestic and lofty 'Gopuram (ornamental gateway), the befitting 'Mathilkettu' (compound walls), 'Ootupura' (feeding hall), Naalambalam (building immediately sorrounding the sanctum sanctorum) and the double-storeyed 'Srikovil' (sanctum santorum) herald the magic lustre of the building architecture. The deity is also known as Sri Valayadheeshwari, who faces west inside the Sanctum sanctorum. The idol is made of 'Anjana Sila'(collirium stone) with 'sankh (conch) and 'chakra' (the holy disc of Lord Vishnu) on two hands. The bottom-right hand shows the 'Abhaya Mudra' while the other is placed on idol's hip. The sub-deities of the temple are Ganapathy who faces East, Sastha who faces East, Subrahmanya who faces west. It is also believed that there happens to be the divine presence of Kodungalloor Bhagavathy and the Trinity inside the temple.

The festival is in the month of Meenam which starts with the hoisting of temple-flag on the Makeeram day. The Makeeram Purapadu is one of the grand events of the Temple. It is regarded as beginning of Ammathiruvadi’s journey for the Arattupuzha Pooram. Ammathiruvadi plays an important role in the pooram. Ammathiruvadi returns back only after days of festivities.

Niram Kaitha Kotta - Abode of family deities of Thattari Kovilakom

Niram Kaitha Kotta Temple complex is situated in Vallikunnu village at the northern extremes of Malappuram district of Kerala. This is about 20kms south of Calicut city.This is an important pilgrim centre of Malabar.

The complex consists of an Ayyappa shrine as well as a Devi shrine. The Ayyappa temple is thought to be about 1000 years of old. The temple is one among the most important Dharma Sastha temples of Malabar region. The Pattulsavam in every 'Makaram' performs in the premise of this temple with special rituals and ‘Seeveli’. So many monkeys are living near this temple. The well which provides the holy water (theertham) to the temple also have some special features. The holy water from this well which never dry or overflow is believed that the water is from the holy river Ganges. The water in the well never get sunlight. There is a way to this under ground well from inside the temple for collecting the holy water. A few many feets higher than this temple the famous Mekkotta Bagavathy Temple situates on the top of the hill. One really feels mental peace and solace when he worships here at the temple.The summit of the hill and the river which encircles the hill will infuse pleasure into our hearts.

At the foot of the hill which streatches 50 Acres and the peak has a 500 feet hight from the sea level. There is a huge construction with copper sheets covering the roof known as 'Pattukottil'. Here is the encarved structure of 'Balakanda' of Ramayana in wood. In the next there lies one of the importnat Ayyappa temple aged 1500 years approximately.The Ayyappa image is believed to be 'Swayambhoo '.

It is believed that Vilwamangalam Swamiar had started the practice of worshipping Lord Sri Rama during every mid-noon and there are so many monkeys wandering around(considered as soldiers of Srirama). The hill was the fortress and capital of the Parappanad Kingdom. The Machil Bhagavathi of this Kingdom later became the image for worshipping in this temple. One of the Kings of Parappanad Kingdom named Kerala Varma after completing his education left palace for worshipping Mookambika. The goddess appeared before him and advised to go south. Where he met the Ugra (Ghora) moorthy image of Kali and after pleasing her he requested to go with him as ‘Machil Bagavathy’ of his Kingdom. After Kerala Varma returned, Kali appeared before him in the same image in the ‘Machintakam’ or 'Machakom' (a special room provided for god of a family-Kuladevatha).

It is also believed that when the Bagavathy reached at the Thalappoli thara (the earlier place for Kalari gods) her sister goddess on saying that she became out casted, accepted it for her permanent stay. The Mekkotta Bagavathy once in every year visits her sister at thalappoli thara. This practice is the festival of Thalappoli in which the women who bears Arithalam rushes to mekkotta temple and shower the thalam there after completing the three rounds around the temple. When there was a conflict between the Kingdom of Parappanad, Kurumbanad and Beypore, East India Company intervened and given the temple to Samoothiri Raja .

The Pattulsavam with five or more ‘Kalams’(each day a Kalam) performs in the month of ‘Makaram’ with Seeveli and special poojas and entertainments programmed by Festival Committee. The general practice of Kodiyettu is not performed in this festival. Instead the ‘Homa’ is performed to commence this festival. Each day the Kshethra Komaram ‘Kurup’ draws the image of lord Ayyappa in the ‘Kalam’ using various powders like Arippodi(rice powder),Krishnappodi etc.

Thalappoli festival is the most important and the local festival of this area. The believe that the Mekkotta Bhagavathi visits her sister at Thalappoli Parambu, lies about 1.5Kms south of this temple is the story behind this festival. The ‘Thiru Udaval’ -the weapon of the Bhagavathy, is tied up with ‘Thiru Udayada’-dress of Bhagavathy, is brought on the elephant back along with the gold mirror image(there is no idol in this temple) at midnight and returns with the thalappoly . The thalappoly begins when Komaram(The oracle) after 3 rounds ‘Pradakshina ’ takes rice from the thalam. The running of the woman bears thalam is a beautiful sight and is a special feature of this festival. The Kalam of the Devi drawn using various powders is shattered before the closing of the temple for seven days.

At Kilimanoor(Trivandrum), there is an Ayyappan Kavu temple where Niramkaithakotta Sastha and Mekotta Bhagavathy is also worshipped along with the principal deity, Ayyappa (Ayyappa here is in a standing posture with bow and arrow which is a rareity). This temple belongs to the Kilimanoor Palace which gave birth to legendary Raja Ravi Varma. It is said that Niramkaithakotta deities are the family deities of Thattari Kovilakom of beypore, which got shifted to Kilimanoor in 1705 AD. Later Marthanda Varma constructed an Ayyappa temple for the shifted family in 1753 and enshrined their family deities also.

Valayanadu - Devi who is worshipped by the Samoothiris

Kerala temples are well renowned for it architechtural beauty. Sree Valayanadu bhagavathy temple in calicut is one of them. The temple is located 6kms away from Calicut city with its unique architecture, and it is in harmony with the natural resources and the climatic conditions of the region.

Sree Valayanad Bagavathy is the family diety of Zamorin Swaroopam. Despite the great army and financial strength of the Zamorin Raja, he could not subjugate Valluvakkonathiri who as his political foe in their struggle for power. The Zamorin who could not win his battle against Valluvakkonathiri understood that the reason for his failure in the battle was due to the high spiritual strength possessed by konathiri. Konathiri acquired this power because of his intense worship of Devi. Therefore the Zamorin Raja also started worshipping Devi intensely. Devi was immensely pleased with the Zamorin and appeared before him. The Zamorin pleaded with the Devi to come over to his place and settle there. Devi who agreed to do so was ceremoniously led to his place and consecreated at Valayanad in Kozhikode. After this he worshipped Devi permanently from Valayanad. This is the traditional belief relating to this temple.

This Devi temple at Valayanad had its own distinct identity and is different in several respects from other Devi temples in this country. The Valayanad Devi Temple in Kozhikode one of the rate "Saktheya Temples" where pooja is performed in accordence with practice of "Rurujit" worship. The presiding diety of this temple is the goddess from Kashmir, known as "Chandika" which is also called "Mahartham" and ‘Kalasarppini’. The priests of the temple who perform pooja according to "Saktheya" injunctions are Moosads who follow Kashimiri way of worshipping. Another peculiar aspect of this temple is that the "Sreechakra" designed by the great Sivayogi Thayyavur Sivasankar remains in the sanctum. Sumctorum where the presence of the goddess believed to be ever present. Those who worship this powerful goddess are sure to realise their desires. The extermination of their foes is also certain. Another particular feature seen in this temple is that there is Saptha School of architure. Idols of Siva, Bhagavathi, Lord Ayyappa, Vigneswara also remain consecreated in this temple. An important ritual conducted from this temple is the "Guruthy Tharpanam" done from the path way of "Kshethrapalan".

Annual festival of this temple will commence every year on the day of Karthika of Makaram and continues for seven days. There will be "Kalamezhuthupattu" from 1st Vrichikam for forty one days during the Mandala season.

Kadambuzha - Devi who loves flowers

Sree Parvathy reigns supreme as Goddess Vana Durga at Kadambuzha and is considered as one of the most prominent Devi temples in Kerala. The term 'puzha' which means 'river' is a misnomer here since the otherwise sylvan surroundings and verdant greenery around the glade has no river skirting it. The idol in the Sanctum Sanctorum is abstract in shape but it is 'Swayambhoo' or natural in manifestation. The temple is very simple in architecture without any imposing edifices or a gold-plated flag-mast. There are no festival processions or drum concerts. But the multitude of birds nestling on the verge of the green belt provide a natural ambience with their continous chirping and it is fully in tune with Kerala's temple culture as an epitome of preservation of ecological balance.

Legend about the origin of the temple is associated with the popular episode in the Mahabharatha where Arjuna does penance to appease Lord Siva to obtain the divine weapon Pashupathasthra(The divine arrow of shiva/pashupathi). Lord Siva approaches Arjuna as a hunter (Kiratha) with his consort Sree parvathi escorting him as a huntress. When Arjuna tried to hunt down a wild boar with his arrows, Shiva also aimed his mighty arrows at the animal. A squabble started for the better part of the hunt and within no time got accentuated into a fearsome battle. Parvathi turned the arrows which Arjuna showered on Lord Siva into flowers. Arjuna stood awe-struck as he couldn't believe his eyes. He understood that the person whom he has been fighting to is not a silly hunter and the lady who is seen by the hunter's side is not a mere jungle-woman and prostrates before them. Pleased by this, both Shiva and Parvathy revealed their true form. Having found Arjuna worthy of the deadly weapon, Shiva gave him the same as well as the hymn to empower it.

The shower of arrows turned into flowers quite miraculously is symbolised here by a unique offering to the Goddess, the Poomoodal. The Swayambhoo Sthanam being covered completely by flowers or petals of Thechi(Jungle flame) flowers as they resemble arrowheads. The quantity required is 12 Kutanna, one Kutanna being the capacity when two cupped palms are held together. During the divine couple's wandering in this forest, Sreeparvathi once felt thirsty and the Lord brought forth holy water from river Ganga through a well directed arrow ino the earth. This event is immortalised as Kaadan Ambu-eitha-ala where kaadan is hunter, ambu is arrow, eitha is shot and ala is hole. This became Katanambueithaala which was later colloquialised as Kadampuzha. Devotees thus worship the hole through which river Ganga sprouted and this is the idol sankalpa.

Shankaracharya during once of his frequent pilgrimages while traversing this forest area was attracted by an all pervading aura emanating from the dense undergrowth. Finding it difficult to approach the spot due to the immense heat generated by the radiation, he prayed Lord Vishnu as Narasimha and the Lord appeared. With the help of Sudarshana chakra of Lord Vishnu the great saint moved closer only to fmd the radiance shrinking and fmally vanishing into a hole on the earth's surface. Through deep meditation using the 'Divyachakshussu'(supernatural gift to know the unknowns), the Acharya discerned the nature of the phenomenon nothing other than
the divine presence of Sree parvathi in the forest. A temple was built at the place and in commemoration of 'shower of flowers' , Poomoodal gained prominence due to the inherent quality and power of flower petals to absorb heat. Lord Narasimha and Sudarshanachakra are honoured through depictions in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. There are enclosures for Sree Dharma Sastha and Nagakanyaka as upadevaas or subsidiary deities. Modalities of worship are as prescribed by Shankaracharya.

Goddess here is worshipped in three forms, Vidya Durga (Saraswathi), Vanadurga(Durga/parvathy) and Aadi Durga (Moola Durga Lakshmi). As Durga, She blesses the devotees with health, early marriage and domestic harmony. Saraswathi is invoked for education and career. Lakshmi is of course Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Another unique offering here is 'Muttarukkal' where coconuts brought by devotees are broken by the priest in front of Devi's idol in the presence of the devotees themselves and this is to ward off hostile influences plaguing them. One coconut for every obstacle is the system followed. The popularity of this ritual can be gauged from the figure of more than thirty lakhs of coconuts that are brought to the temple every year by the stream of devotees. The other important sevas are Kadinapayasam, Rakthapushpanjali, Choroonu (Annaprasam), Dehapushpanjali, Thrimadhuram, Thrikalapooja, Kettu-nira,Vilakkumala,Malapooja, Neyyu-vilakku, Ganapathi Homam, Niramala etc.

The temple is far from the bustle of city life, just about two kilometres east of Vettichira between Valanchery and Kottakkal on NH 17. Those who prefer train journey can alight at Kuttipuram or Tirur Railway Station from where there are buses to the temple which is 19Kms away.

Time to horse around - It's Mamankam at Machad

Machad Thiruvannikkavu temple is famous for its unique colourful festival 'Machad Mamankam' & 'Para'. Machad Thiruvannikkavu temple is situated in the heart of Machad - a group of villages enriched with evergreen mountains, mellifluent rivers, abundant paddy fields etc. at Thekkumkara 20kms away from Thrissur and 5kms away from Wadakanchery in Trichur district.

Thousands of devotees visit the temple to get the blessings of 'Thiruvannikkavilamma' during the festival season. The Temple which was under the control and ownership of "Avannaparambu Mana" once is now under the control of Cochin Dewaswam Board.

As per the myths, it is heard that some 800 years ago, one ardent devotee, a Nair from Kongad, went to kodungallur to worship Goddess Kali. After the prayer and bhajan, when he returned, the Goddess accompanied him on the top of his palm-umbrella (olakkuda). On his way to home, in the evening, he reached Machad. He wanted to take rest and stay there for that night. He saw light from a house at a distant place. A Harijan helped him to reach that house. It was Pallissery tharavadu. He put his Olakkuda there and stayed there for that night.
Next day, early in the morning, when he was ready to leave, to his surprise, he could not able to lift his olakkuda . Suddenly it is heard from the space that the Goddess wished to settle there.
A 'devaprasnam' was arranged and as per the findings a temple was built and the Goddess 'Durga' had been installed in the Sreekovil and the goddess, then onwards, called as 'Thiruvannikkavilamma' . As the way to the house was shown by an Harijan, during the festival days, which starts with Parapurappadu ,the first Para to be taken is that of a Harijan. The tradition is still continuing after centuries and centuries.

'Kshethrapalakan' The God to guard the Temple and 'God Naga' are the sub-deities of the Temple. One of the earlier late Velichapadu 'Kandaman' has also been accommodated in the premises.

The renowned festival ' Machad Mamankam ' is also known as 'Machad Kuthira Vela'. It is entirely different in all it's rituals. Artificial gigantic horses (Poikuthiras) made up of bamboos and hay, dressed with flamboyant silky clothes and other ornaments, are used in the place of elephants as usually seen on other temple festivals. Hundreds of youths are required for the magic play of these horses.

The festival in conducted by three partener dhesams; Thekkumkara, Punnamparambu and Panangattukara in rotation. There are also four other participant desams; Mangalam, Karumathra, Viruppakka and Manalithara. Each participant desam comes to the temple to attend the pooram with their Poikkuthiras (folk horses) carried by the youth of that desam.

The Pooram at Thiruvannikkavu temple begin in the afternoon at around 2.30 pm. with the Manalithara Desam's Pooram Purappaddu with Kumbhakudam, one of the most important and spectacular events of the Mamankam, from Veerolippadam reaches the temple. Once it reaches the temple, the famous Panchavadhyam will start, followed by the famous Chenda Melam (traditional percussion music); followed by the most awaited spectacular unique Kuthirakali at 5.30 pm.

Thousands of devotees from various places gather at the temple. In the evening as well as in early morning of the following day, spectacular fireworks are arranged to bring joy to minds of the youth. Harijan Vela is another attracton of the Machad Mamnkam which will occur after the Kuthirakali in the Evening as well as in the night.

The festival Machad Mamnkam begin with the 'Parapurappad' which is on the first Friday of the Month Kumbham ( February) and the festival on the next Tuesday in each year.The first 'Para' to be taken is that of an Harijan and the last 'Para' is that of a Brahmin. Similarly the representative of the Goddess for receiving the most important offering 'Para ', and blessing the devotees is the' Elayath' instead of the 'Velichappadu' and Elayath is being taken on the shoulders of some youths known as 'Eduppanmar' and the pilgrimage of this is accompanied by 'Combu and Kuzhal'(Some traditional musical instruments) only and not by drums as in other Temples. The Koothu - showing the story of Ramayanam through leather puppets - is conducted for 7 days from the next day of completion of the festival.

Uthralikkavu - of poorams and velas

Uthralikkavu, situated in the halcyon pastures of Enkakad desham(aka 'place'), is famous for poorams and velas. There is a story told by the elders about the temples in Enkakad. According to them, the name Enkakad derived from the word Thinkalkadu(The hair of siva aka thirujada in which moon resides). Veeranimangalam temple at the heart of Enkakad Village is known to the local people as Siva Temple. Lord Siva begged rice from the hill nearby called Uriyarikunnu (Uriyari—About 150 ml of rice) with the rice so received, he prepared his dinner at a nearby place. This place was called Vechanad, which later became Machad. Lord Siva gave places to the two goddesses (Bhagavathis) in this area, one at the north east i.e., Akamala for Rudrakali (Rudhiramahakali or Uthrali as known now) and the other at south i.e., Machad for Thiruvaani (Vaani means voice, speech, music etc.) It is also believed by the local people that Thiruvaanikavu Bhagavathy is elder sister of Uthralikkavilamma. Accordingly, on the night of the day on which Thiruvanikkavu Vela/ Pooram (better known as Machad Mamankam or Kuthiravela) takes place, (Tuesday that comes after the first Friday of malayalam month, Kumbham) the Parapurapad (visit to housed to accept nirapara) of Uthralikavu Bhagavathy starts. The Uthralikkavu Pooram is celebrated on the 8th day from the date of parapurapad.

According to the legends, Kelathachan was a local chieften in Talappill Taluk of Trichur District, like the Paliathachan of Trichur Taluk. Kelathachan had his mansion in the bosom of Akamala, an evergreen forest famous for its flora and fauna. The green stretch of paddy fields owned by him on the western valley of these forests were rich in yields. During his visits to these fields Kelathachan used to keep a palmleafed umbrella (Olakuda). It was believed that Goddess Mookambika used to rest on his umbrella. Once when kept his umbrella on the ridges of the paddy field, bhagavathy got out of the umbrella and sat on the ridges. This place is known as the Sreemoolasthanam. A ‘Poovam’ tree was planted behind this place, to protect Devi from sun and rain.

After a long time once a harijan lady had a strange experience. While sharpening her sickle on a stone a little away from Sreemoolasthanam, she saw blood dripping from the stone and was frightened and therefore screamed aloud. Male workers who heard the sound, came to the scene to witness the strange incident. They reported the matter to Kelathachan. As was the practice, he consulted the Astrologer. According to the astrologer, bhagavathy liked to have a permanent abode there to accept the offerings and worship of her devotees. Therefore, an open roofed temple was built there and Bhagavathy was consecrated in it with all relevant rituals. A tamil Brahmin was appointed there as priest. The day on which the consecration ceremony was conducted, was decided to be the Vela/pooram day.

Uthralikavu pooram - In olden days it was Uthralikavu Vela. Now it is called pooram. The change from vela to pooram was gradual. Seven days in advance of the Pooram day, the flag hoisting ceremony takes place. Bhagavathy come out of the kavu (temple) and goes around the nearby villages to bless her devotees at their residence and to accept their offerings, in the form of Nirapara (Para is an old measurement of grains in Kerala). The materials offered should have minimum one para of paddy, supported by flowers, rice, raw rice, fried paddy, jaggery, turmeric, fruits etc. The Komaram who visits the homes(Velichapadu being the representative of Bhagavathy) gives oracles, in a faith-evoking atmosphere created by Chenda (trumpet), Ilathalam (Symbals) and Kombu (musical horn). The first para in this weeklong tour of Bhagavathy is expected to be given by the member of the family of Kelathachan. Both the temple (Uthralikavu as it is called by the public) and the Sreemoolasthanam (Akamala Mullakkal Alinchuvadu) are situated in Enkakad Village. Therefore, the villagers of Enkakad have got the right to conduct the pooram first, on the pooram day.

Uthralikavu Pooram/ Vela is a festival of Villagers, after the harvesting season presenting various rural art forms like pootham, thira, nayadi, kummatti, kalakali etc. These art forms require special attention of the social workers, for their maintenance and upkeep.
Uthralikavu pooram is conducted with the active participation of the three villagers in Wadakanchery Panchayat, viz. Enkakad, Kumaranellur, Wadakanchery. They vie with each other in presenting leading elephants, percussionists and pyro techniques.

Puthucode - where reigns the deity of food

Puthucode is a small village located approximately 6Kms west of Wadakkencherry on the Palakkad-Thrissur stretch of the NH47. It is under Alathur Taluk in Palakkad district. Puthucode Annapoorneswari Temple is located in the centre along with four agraharams. Puthucode is said to have the single largest Tamil Brahmin congregation (agraharam) in Kerala. The goddess is also known as Annapoorneswari, meaning goddess of food. There is another temple to the end of the north Agraharam, which hosts Lord Shiva.

Puthucode Annapoorneswari Temple is managed by the Naduvil Madom Devaswom, assisted by the Sree Annapoorneswari Pooja Coordinating Trust (SAPCO), consisting of members from the village. This temple has a golden flag pole. This is the first golden flag mast in any temple in Palakkad district. It was installed on 2004 June 28. The dilapidated temple was renovated and the Kumbhabhishekam was performed in 1986.

The temple occupies extensive ground. It is difficult to find a temple in Kerala with such large and wide four-squared construction called “Chuttambalam”. It has been built on the principles of Agamasastra. The daily rituals are held according to traditional Kerala customs. Cherumukku Mana Nampoothiris hold the right as its head priest. But the daily poojas are done by immigrant Brahmins. The temple opens for worship everyday at 5.30 a.m. and closes at 10 a.m. Again it reopens for evening worship at 4.30 p.m. Closing at 9 p.m.

The deity's radiant smile itself is enticing which casts spell on worshippers. It needs thousand eyes to behold the beauty and splendour of the goddess in full decoration in the evenings.

The temple is open to all belonging to Hindu society. In the mornings, the pandits from village, recite Devi Mahatmyam and Sundarakandam for the welfare of all. In the evenings recitation of vedas by the vedic-scholars takes place and particular mention must be made of Varam recitals in the month of November/December which bring to the fore the great erudition, skill, and knowledge of the participants. The younger generation also assembles in evenings for community recital of Shyamaladandakam and Sahasranamam. The Variyam, Nambisan and Marar families carry out the other chores in the temple.

One of the most important festivals of the temple is Navarathri festival which falls in September/October each year. This festival is celebrated by the joint efforts of the villagers and the Devaswom with great gusto. An air of festivity descends on the village for ten days during this time. It is a custom of this temple that, those who come to worship during these ten days are fed free. The deity is therefore called Annapoorneswari.

The temple Devaswom has encouraged the daily recitation of Devi Mahatmya, Sundarakanda, Sama and Yajur Vedas and Thola Purana for which appropriate provision has been earmarked for payment of Dakshina to the participants.

A special mention must be made here about the Navarathri festival. The festival begins in the first day after the new moon day in the month of Kanni. After the flag hoisting ceremony in the hours following the sun set, which is attended by all the villagers, they are received with traditional honours by the Devaswom Manager in the Agrasala who requests them to co-operate in the conduct of the Navarathri celebrations. This is followed by the cutting of vegetables by all those present signifying the start of the preparations for the temple feeding of Bhaktas from the following morning.

The next nine days are really memorable. Each of the four villages is assigned particular days on which they will take the responsibility for decorations, lighting of lamps, feeding the Bhaktas, processions and other services both in terms of labour and money. Thus there is a friendly rivalry between the four villages in the conduct of the festivals.

It is a feast to the eyes and ears, reminiscent of the Trichur Pooram in a small way. The villages are decorated with buntings and arches. In the evening the whole village is turned into a fairy-land by multi-coloured electric lamps. The temple is aglow with a million oil lamps around the prakaras. Flower decorations add beauty and sanctity to the temple, while the sweet scent pervades the atmosphere. The goddess now turns into an enchantress who possess the ambience of a thousand sun, captivating every one with her divine charisma.

The Deeparadhana at the evening is a moment to behold as the atmosphere turns voltaic with prayers and recitals accompanied by the clanging of a multitude of temple-bells. A feeling of intense devotion, hitherto unknown, descends on the devotees thus giving them pure bliss and ecstasy.

Kelikottu, Thayampaka, Padakam and Chakyar Koothu follow this till late in the night to give mass entertainment. Again at midnight, awashed in the reddish hue of flaming torches(aka 'panthams'), caparisoned elephants are taken out in procession through the village, importance being given to Pandi Melam.

The next day’s celebrations start all over again under the charge of the village which is next in the preassigned list.

For feeding of devotees on Navarathri days, several families of the village have bequethed land to the Devaswom in the days gone by. For example the feeding on the 6th day has been traditionally done in the name of “Nanupattar Sadya” whose family has endowed land to the Devaswom for this purpose.

The idichu pizhinja payasam or chathusatham is the main nivedyam in Annapoorneswari temple during Navarathri.

Over the years, many have gifted away to this temple lamps, silver, and gold ornaments. A register is kept enlisting such assets. Justice P.R. Sundara lyer, has gifted gold crown and necklaces. For daily decorations, silver ornaments are used. On special occasions like Navarathri, gold ornaments are specially brought from Bank and the deity is decorated.

Chengannur - where Devi has her periods

Chengannur Temple is one of the oldest temples(famous for devi worship), situated in Alappuzha district in Kerala. It is a sprawling temple complex with a circular Sanctum. Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi are the main investitures of this temple. Differing from other temples, there are two main Shrines in this temple. Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing West. The main shrine is a conical copper plated one. Devi’s main Idol is made with an alloy of five metals (Panchaloham). The other sub-investitures of the temple are Ganapathi, Sastha (Lord Ayyappan), SreeKrishnan, Chandikeswaran, Neelagrivan, Ganga, and Naagar.

Yugas ago, Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Saints, Devas, Gandharavas, Yakshas and all other heavenly ones went to Himalaya in order to attend the auspicious marriage of Siva & Parvathi. The Trimurthis requested sage Agasthya to go and sit on shronadri, on the southern bank of Pamba river to prevent the Earth from sinking to northern side due to the weight of all the invitees who came for the nuptial ceremonies. Though Sage Agasthya conceded the request but he expressed his concern about loosing the chance of viewing the marriage.

After the marriage Lord Shiva and Devi went to meet Agasthya muni at shronadri. There Devi became 'rithu' (menstruate) and she could not go back. Devi remained there till the period of menstruation was over. The place were sage Agasthya meditated, is known as shronadri in Sanskrit and in Malayalam it is Chenkunnu (Red hill). Later it is called as Chen Kunnu Urru (Ooru refers to a place) and has been abbreviated over time and called as Chengannur.

The temple was constructed centuries back in accordance with an architectural design evolved by the famous Uliyannoor Perumthachan. In the 18th Century the temple complex was damaged by fire and renovated later by Vanghipuzha Thampuran except the Koothambalam (Performance Hall). It could not be restored as it was designed and constructed by Uliyannoor Perumthachan. The structure of the Koothambalam originally constructed by Perunthachan was in such a manner that the shadow of the performer would not fall on the stage even if all the lamps on the posts were lit.

The interesting belief and festival of this Temple is Tripootharattu which is considered as a symbol of fertility. This festival is connected with menstruation ceremony, which is observed periodically in the temple. That is why this temple is also considered as 'Shakthi Peedam'.Thriputharattu is the famous and interesting festivals of this temple. It is quiet extra ordinary and only celebrated in this temple. The sign is observed on the vesture of Devi. This vesture is removed by the Main Priest (Melsanthi) every morning and examines. If he feels any signs of Thripoothu (Period) he hands over the vesture to Devasom Officials. This should be got Confirmed by the abbess (senior women) of the Thazhaman and Vanghipuzha convents (Maadam). If it is confirmed by the abbess, Devi's shrine will be closed and worships will be offered to a processional image in a different shrine else where in the temple.

On the forth day of the festival the Devi's Idol is taken to the near by river and Aarattu is conducted. After this, Devi will be taken back to the temple on an elephant. When the procession reaches Naalambalam (In front of the main Entrance), Bhagvan will be waiting there on an elephant. They will together encircle the temple three times(PRADAKSHINAM)in a procession. After that Lord Shiva will lead to the shrine through Eastern side and Devi will follow through Western side.

The 28 Days long annual festival is the specialty of this temple. The main ultsavam (annual festival) begins on ‘Thiruvathira’ of ‘Dhanu’ (month in Malayalam Era) and ends on ‘Thiruvathira’ of ‘Makaram’. Special poojas will be there during these days. This festival attracts thousands of people from different locations in Kerala and also outside the state.

Shivrathri is another important festival of this temple. Shivrathri is an important day for all devotees of lord Shiva. A large crowd assembles here in this festival. Arayas of Alappattu in Karunagappalli, comes here on this day and performs poojas and vazhipads. This custom was started centuries before in connection with the renovation of the temple.

Thulasamkrama Neyyattu (Ghee Abhishekam)- This holy event is conducted on every 1st day of Thulam (month in Malayalam Era). On this day 32 paras (measurement in Malayalam) of Neyy (Ghee) will be showered on the ‘Shivalingam’. This tradition was started in connection with the finding of the shivalingam. The ghee is collected from devotees and normally gets more than hundreds of ‘Paras’ as offerings.

Chengannur situates at the extreme east part of Alappuzha district. 117kms north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the Main Central Road (MC Road). It lies between Thiruvalla and Pandalam (by MC Road) and between Thiruvalla and Mavelikkara (by train). Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is only 1 km away from both Railway Station and KSRTC Bus Stand.