Thrikkuratti Mahadeva temple is one of the 108 Shiva temples built by Lord Parasurama. The temple is just 9 kms away from the famous temple of Onattukara, Chettikulangara bhagavathy temple. It is also not so far from Haripad Subrahmanya Swami temple. This famous temple is situated at Mannar(Aalappuzha dist), a major township situated on the banks of river Pamba. It is believed that the bhoothaganas of Lord Shiva built the enormous temple compound wall within one night. The antique wooden carvings seen on the walls of sanctum sanctorum came to limelight recently, attracting lot of devotees and art-lovers including foreginers.
On the east side of the Thrikkuratti temple compound wall, other religious members, in particular, Muslims, present offerings daily. This practice is believed to be centuries' old and this is a remarkable symbol of religious harmony. Thrikkuratti Mahashivarathri festival, which comes only next to Aluva shivarathri in terms of mass congregation, attracts thousands of devotees. The west nada (west door) will be open only for ten minutes during Sivarathri Nritham (sacred dance) on the auspicious day of Sivarathri, for worshipping Goddess Parvathi, which is a rareity seen in this temple. On all other days of the year, it remains closed. The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Mahavishnu is built in North Indian Architecture. The unique festivities of Thrikkuratti temple (Sahasra kalasam, Maikatti puja and Sivarathri Nritham etc.) attract lot of pilgrims.
On the east side of the Thrikkuratti temple compound wall, other religious members, in particular, Muslims, present offerings daily. This practice is believed to be centuries' old and this is a remarkable symbol of religious harmony. Thrikkuratti Mahashivarathri festival, which comes only next to Aluva shivarathri in terms of mass congregation, attracts thousands of devotees. The west nada (west door) will be open only for ten minutes during Sivarathri Nritham (sacred dance) on the auspicious day of Sivarathri, for worshipping Goddess Parvathi, which is a rareity seen in this temple. On all other days of the year, it remains closed. The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Mahavishnu is built in North Indian Architecture. The unique festivities of Thrikkuratti temple (Sahasra kalasam, Maikatti puja and Sivarathri Nritham etc.) attract lot of pilgrims.
Sivarathri Nrutham at Thrikkuratti temple, according to religious scholars, is the cosmic dance of Shiva, called ‘Anandathandava,' which means ‘the Dance of Ecstasy’ symbolizes the cosmic cycles of creation and destruction, as well as the daily rhythm of birth and death. The dance is a pictorial allegory of the five principle manifestations of eternal energy - creation, destruction, preservation, salvation, and illusion.
The Priest keeps sreebali idol (also called sheeveli vigraha) fixed on a decorated frame, upon his head. He makes seven cicumambulations through the 'pradakshina vazhi' (holi walkway around sanctum sanctorum). As soon as the fifth round reaches, for worshipping Parvathi, the west door opens for just 10 minutes. This is the main part of the annual ceremony.
Thousands of pilgims rush to have a glance of this auspicious moment. By this time, the entire pradakshina vazhi will gleam with camphor and a trillion brass lamps which were lit by countless devotes who spent a sleepless night in the temple with chants in praise of Lord Shiva. In this enlightened atmosphere, the Priest performs Nrutham (sacred dance) and runs along pradakshina vazhi towards east. On the next two rounds he accepts 'Valiya kanikka'. The Sivarathri Nrutham is followed by magnificent display of fireworks.
Thousands of pilgims rush to have a glance of this auspicious moment. By this time, the entire pradakshina vazhi will gleam with camphor and a trillion brass lamps which were lit by countless devotes who spent a sleepless night in the temple with chants in praise of Lord Shiva. In this enlightened atmosphere, the Priest performs Nrutham (sacred dance) and runs along pradakshina vazhi towards east. On the next two rounds he accepts 'Valiya kanikka'. The Sivarathri Nrutham is followed by magnificent display of fireworks.
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Unni Neeli sandesam, now considered as one of the authentic historical record which was written in the 13th century has mentioned about Thrikkuratti and Panayannarkavu. According to the historians, western gate of the temple was used as a center for collecting tax and for related official duties including land surveying during the reign of kings. The head priest of the temple enjoyed a great respective position and even administrative decision was taken in their evening get together of priests. Namaskara Sadhya was on of the feature where by all priesthood people visiting temple were respectfully welcomed, provided feast and accommodated from the king’s exchequer.
Many has seen in the past, a secret way connecting temple and the Koyikkal Palace, vacation house of Kayamkulam royal dynasty.
Trikkuratti shivarathri festival was one of the marvelous historical events, further to classical, cultural artforms presented by renowned artists, which also was a event of agricultural tradings.
