The Sree Krishnaswamy temple at Ambalapuzha dedicated to Parthasarathy was established by the Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran in the year 790 M.E. He offered his state to Sree Krishna and ruled the country as his regent after assuming the name of Deva Narayana. The Arattu festival of this temple commences with the flag hoisting ceremony on the Atham day in Meenam (March-April). The important Arattu Utsavam, however, takes place on the Thiruvonam day in Meenam. 'Velakali' is an important feature of this festival. The famous Ambalapuzha Palpayasam (a milk pudding of exceptional sweetness) is the important offering of this temple.
Aratt festival is the closing ceremony of the ten day festival in the Lord Padmanabha temple at Thiruvananthapuram. There are two such festivals every year, one in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November) and the other in Meenam (March-April). The Arattu is a ceremonial procession of the Lord at the close of the ten-day-festival. The previous night, there is a procession called pallivetta inside the fort encircling the temple.
The uniqueness of the Arattu at Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is that the head of the royal family of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom still escorts the idols during the procession.
On the day of the Arattu, His Highness the Ex-Maharaja enters the corridor of the temple, and after some rituals, the procession takes out through the eastern gate with the accompaniment of nagaswaram, drum etc. His Highness with sword in hand and escorted by armed guards, infantry, mounted police, officers etc. leads the procession to the Sanghumugham beach. A caparisoned elephant goes in front with drum on its back which is beaten to indicate that the God is coming in procession. Six more caparisoned elephants follow. The procession leaves the temple gate at about 5 PM and takes about an hour to reach the seashore. As the procession leaves the ramparts of the fort, a salute of 21 guns is made. On reaching the beach the ceremonial bath is taken in the sea.
During Pallivetta, the head of the royal family shoots a tender coconut using a bow and arrow. This ritual is symbolic of Lord Vishnu (the presiding deity of the shrine) hunting down the demon of evil in a forest and is held in front of the Sundaravilasam Palace inside the East Fort. The Pallivetta is held on the eve of Arattu.
The Arattu procession takes place in the late afternoon. Images of Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy, Lord Sree Krishna and Lord Sree Narasimha are carried along the three mile route to the shores of the Arabian Sea, at Shanghumukham, escorted by members of the royal family and armed police contingents. These customs and traditions have been practiced down the centuries. The images are given a ritual bath in the sea after the prescribed poojas. A procession in the light of traditional torches escorts the purified idols back to the temple, marking the conclusion of the grand festival.
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in the heart of the city. This richly sculptured structure was renovated in 1733. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Sree Padmanabhaswamy or Lord Vishnu, reclining on the serpent Anantha. The temple has a blend of Dravidian and Kerala architecture and sprawls over a vast area. The entry to the shrine is restricted to Hindus only.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thiruvananthapuram Central, about 1 km from the shrine.
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 6 kms from the shrine.
The Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom is one of the most famous and oldest Siva temples in Kerala. The utsavam in this temple is celebrated for twelve days during the dark lunar fortnight of Vrischikam, (November-December) the Ashtami falling on the last day. During the night on the Ashtami day the deities of the neighbouring temples will be ceremoniously brought in procession to this temple. This is a very colourful and important function. After dusk, the deity of the Vaikom temple will be taken out in procession and kept in the Anakkottil (elephant shed). At about midnight the deities of other temples will also be brought in procession to the Anakkottil. Thereafter a ceremony called Kanikkiduka (offering of presents) is performed. This is considered to be an important feature. Kanikkiduka function is indeed unique in that it is found in no other temples.
The kootipuja performed during the festival, at the temple deserves special mention. The Arattu in conclusion of the utsava in the Udayanapuram temple, is performed at Vaikom temple. The Arattu is performed at the Arattu tank located at a distance of one mile east of the temple. The Arattu celebration over, both the deities are taken to Vaikom temple, where they are worshipped together. This is what is known as Kootipuja. This puja is performed on the fifth day after Kodiyettu, the hoisting of the temple flag. On the next day after Ashtami, Arattu is performed to the deity in this temple. The Ashtami in the dark lunar fortnight of Kumbhom, is also quite important.
Ashtami Rohini is the celebration of the birthday of Lord Krishna. This is the same as Krishna Janmashtami in the north India with regional variations. Ashtami Rohini falls in the Malayalese month of Chingam (August-September) under the fourth lunar asterism or Rohini Nakshatra, on the 8th quart of the moon Ashtami.
Ashtami Rohini, also known as Gokulashtami and Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami is observed as a day of fasting (vratham) by the devotees of Lord Krishna. As Lord Krishna's birth 'Avathaaram' is said to have taken place on mid-night, women, specially Namboothiri women, stay awake till mid-night and keep a vigil to the Lord. Time is passed with recreational activities and merriment. Girls usually perform the graceful Kaikottikkali and sing songs. It is only after performing the traditional poojas at mid-night that the devotees partake things that have already been offered to the Lord.
Krishna temples are brilliantly decorated at this time with oil lamps and festivities continue till early hours of morning. Large numbers of devotees gather on this day for a glimpse of their Lord in full shringar. Major celebrations take place in the Guruvayur Devaswom. Devotees throng this temple with Appam and Palpayasam (cakes of rice paste and jaggery). These are considered to be Lord's favourite food. Special feasts are arranged for the devotees by the various Krishna temples on this day
Attukal Pongala is an extremely popular, essentially women's festival celebrated in ancient Bhagavathy temple (Mudippura) at Attukal in the Kaladi ward of the Thiruvananthapuram district. It is a ten-day-long event which commences from the Bharani day (Karthika star) of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March) and comes to an end with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. Ninth day is the biggest day of the festival when the famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place. A large number of women of all castes and creed from Kerala and also from the state of Tamil Nadu make offerings for the Goddess by cooking pongala in the vicinity of the temple.
Goddess Attukalamma is believed to be incarnation of 'Kannaki', the heroine of 'Silappathikaram' written by Tamil poet Illango in 2nd century A.D. Attukal is the place where Kannaki took rest on her northward journey from Madurai to Kodungallur.
'Pongala' means to boil over. It refers to the customary offering of things which please the deity. It consists of porridge of rice, sweet brown molasses, coconut gratings, nuts and raisins.
Festivities begin Thottampattu (a song about Bhagavathi). These religious songs continue for nine days of the festival. On the ninth and the main day of Attukal Pongala thousands of women gather in the temple with materials for cooking Ponkala or Pongala. The ritual of cooking starts early in the morning and by noon, Pongala would be ready. Then the Melsanthi (chief priest) arrives with Devi's sword and bless the ladies by sprinkling holy water and showering flowers. The 'blessed' Pongala is taken back to the house by the ladies.
Later, the idol of Devi is carried to Manacaud Sastha Temple in a colorful procession comprising of Thalapoli, Kuthiyottom, Annam, Vahanam, caparisoned elephants etc. Musical ensembles by famous artistes add to the festivities. En route onlookers greet the procession with Nirapara (a measure filled with paddy and decorated with flowers). The procession reaches back, the next morning, marking the end of the festival.
Konganpada is a grand festival of historical significance celebrated in the Bhagavathy temple at Chittur' ten kilometre from Palakad town. A unique festival it is held every year on the first Monday after the dark lunar night in Kumbham (February -March) to commemorate the victory of Nairs of Chittur over the militia of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by the Chola King Rajadhi Raja.
The "Makam" star is one of the most auspicious days during the period of the annual festival.Devotees from all over the country swarm in to the temple on that day. The ritualistic bath of "Devi" in ceremonial pond in the morning at the sacred pond at Onakkoor far on the northern side of the Temple. After this "Devi" accompanied by Lord Sastha on the back of the eleven caparisoned elephants march towards the "Pooraparambhu" the traditional vantage point where they remain till 11 a.m.
After the mid-day the door of Sanctum Sanctorum closes. Only to re-open at 2 p.m for the "Makam Darsana". The whole temple premises will be over crowded by devotees especially the women folk to have a look at Devi who appears in her sacred full-fledged splendour and glory decked in her sacred gold ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands. It is a resplendent vision. This is exactly the form of vision which Villwamangalam Swamiyar was believed to have had when he faced westward after the "Prathishta" (installation) of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy, Chottanikkara Devi appears at this moment clad in glittering clothes brilliant ornaments and fine jewellery with her four arms bearing varam, Abhayam, Shank and Chakram (Offering gift and refuge) to her ardent devotees. It is fervently believed that Darsanam at this moment will result in the fulfillment of all prayers and cherished desires. It is fervently believed that those who gain "Darsana" at this crucial "Mithuna Lagna" , will be blessed with the fulfilment of their long standing desire and prayers.
Ettumanoor is located 12 Kms north-east of Kottayam town. The ancient Siva temple here has brought glory and fame to the place. Myths have it that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had worshipped at this temple. The name of the place had its origin from the word 'manoor', which means the home of deer.The arattu festival of this temple is celebrated on a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day in Kumbham (February-March) every year. Large number of people flock to this temple on the 8th and 10th day of the festival when seven and half elephants made of gold (nearly 13 Kgms) will be held in public view. The temple, the wealthiest Devaswom in Kerala, has many valuable possessions.
One of the famous temples in India, Guruvayoor is situated in an out-of-the way village in Chavakkad taluk, though it draws a vast concourse of pilgrims from every part of the country. Devotees are thronging to this temple not to see and appreciate the variety of its structural patterns or to revel in the festivals celebrated there, but only to feel the air of benediction that pervades this famous shrine of Guruvayoorappan and to invoke his blessings.
The important religious festivals celebrated in this temple are:
1. Ashtami Rohini in Chingom (August - September)
2. Sukla Paksha Ekadasi in Vrischikom (November-December)
3. Kuchela Day in Dhanu (December-January) the day on which Kuchela visited Sree Krishna with beaten rice.
4. Dhwaja Prathishta day (Erection of flag staff in the temple) on Makayiram Asterism in Makaram (January-February).
5. Vishukkani in Medam (April)
6. The ten days Utsavam commencing from Pooyam Asterism in Kumbhom (February-March).
Sree Subrahmonia Swamy temple, at Haripad, is one of the oldest and most important temples devoted to Lord Subrahmonia. It is situated at the 53rd Kilometre on the Kollam-Alapuzha highway. Annually three festivals are celebrated in this temple, of which the Chithira festival is the most important. It takes place in Medom (April-May). The procession with the golden peacock throne is quite attractive.
Kanathurkavu is an ancient Hindu temple in the heart of Kannur consecrated to the Goddess Mahadevi and later to Sree Rama also. During the annual festival in April, thousands of people go there to witness Theyyattom, dance ritual of the Mahadevi and other Gods.
There is a temple about half a kilometer to the east of the Kappally palayat temple. This is the Kappally temple where the Thira festival is conducted annually from 3rd to 13th of Kumbham (February-March) every year. The most important day of the festival is the 12th of Kumbham.
The Kodiyettu Utsavam of this temple, dedicated to the Goddess Bhagavathy, is celebrated in memory of the consecration of the temple. Commencing on the Makayiram day in Vrischikam, (November-December) it ends on the Uthram day.
Kodungallore, the ancient capital of Kerala lying about twenty miles north-west of Ernakulam had a hoary past. The Kodungallore Bhagavathy temple is one of the wealthiest temples in Kerala.
Bhadrakali born of the third eye of Samhara Rudra, killed the demon Darika. It is to commemorate this event that the famous Bharani festival is celebrated in the Kodungallore Bhagavathy temple in Meenam (March-April) every year
The ancient and historic Koodalmanickam temple is situated in the Manavalassery village, about nine kilometers from the Irinjalakuda railway station.
The deity of this temple is Sree Bharatha who is generally not found consecrated in Kerala temples. This temple is in the true architectural pattern of Kerala temples. The festival here is held annually for all days in Medom (April-May) from Utram to Thiruvonam asterisms.
The Kottuvillikavu Bhagavathy temple is situated 15 kilometers to the west of the Aluva railway station in the Kottuvally village of Paravur taluk. This temple is said to have been built by Kottaukal Padanayar from Kodungallore (Cranganore).
Kalpathy Ratholsavam (the last three days of the annual seven day chariot festival) is held at the Sree Viswanathaswamy Temple at Kalpathy in Palakkad District. The temple is over 700 years old. Vedic recitals, spectacular procession of beautifully decorated temple chariots drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees are the highlights of the festival.
The Kuttikkol Thampuratty Theyyam festival which showcases most of the major Theyyams is a fascinating event. The festival with its psychedelic colour and pageantry is unforgettable.
The event is held at Kuttikkol Thampuratty Bhagavathy Temple at Kuttikkol near Erinhipuzha, Kasaragod.
Lokamalayarkavu, or Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy temple as is familiarly known, is situated at Memunda, six kilometers east of Vadakara in North Kerala.
Two festivals are celebrated here annually in the months of Vrischikam (November-December) and Meenam (March-April). The festival in Vrischikam is known as Mandalavilakku, which is the most important one.
Situated near Wadakkanchery the place called
Machadu,Thiruvanikavu Temple also known as Machattu Vela celebrated in February with great prestigious and splendor on the last day of the 5day annual festival at Thiruvanikavu Temple. Devotees bring richly decorated Poykuthiras (Horses) in ceremonial processions as offering to the deity.
The word ‘Maha Sivarathri’ means `the great night of Lord Siva.
Mahasivarathri is said to commemorate the day on which lord Siva consumed the deadly poison (kalakutaviaham) to save the world from destruction.Godess Parvathy is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva with great devotion . Lord Siva was pleased by her prayer and blessed her. She asked for the benefit of all the creatures, that in future whoever worships the Lord on the siva ratri day with devotion, they should also be blessed and should be given the ultimate liberation and it was granted.
In Kerala, it is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbam (February-March). It is celebrated by the Hindus all over Kerala. The Mahasivarathri is considered a very important day for fast and Siva worship.
There is no other place in Kerala where Sivarathiri is celebrated on such a grand scale as in Aluva.The festival is held on the banks of Periyar at Alwaye .The sand bank is extensive and the pilgrims running into several thousands congregate here. People belonging to all classes, castes and creeds assemble for this festival, The pilgrims keep awake the whole night and return home next morning after performing Bali. There are shows, dances etc. meant for keeping the pilgrims awake throughout the night.
In olden times every Hindu family in Kerala had a serpent-grove. Mannarsala, situated to the north-west of Sri.Subramanyaswamy temple, Haripad, is the seat of the famous temple of Nagaraja (God of Serpents), the largest of its kind in Kerala . Built in a grove the temple is reputed for having 30,000 images of snake-Gods.
On the day of Ayilliam asterism in the months of Kanni and Thulam (September and October), all the serpent idols in the grove and temple are taken in procession to the illam (family connected with the temple) where the offerings of Nurum Palum (rice flour and milk), Kuruthi (a red liquid made of turmeric and lime) and cooked rice are made. The oldest female member of the family carries the idol of the Nagaraja and the procession is conducted with great pomp and rejoicing.
In the Vallanghi village of Chittur Taluk , there is a beautiful temple dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy . The deity of this temple is called Nellikulangara Bhagavathy .
To invoke the blessings of the Goddess, the people of Vallanghi and Nemmara conduct a festival of 20th Meenam (March-April) every year. This is the famous Vallanghi vela.
Thrissur Pooram, the Pooram of all Poorams, the most spectacular festival of this cultural capital celebrated at Vadakkumnathan Temple every year during April-May. Though non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, Kerala’s pooram grandest temple pageantry, which includes colourful processions of caparisoned elephants and a midnight fireworks display, parasol exchanges, drum concerts can be witnessed from the crowded streets of Trichur pooram.
Trichur Pooram, the mother of all temple festivals in the state, is essentially one of spectacles. The two devaswams- Thiruvampadi and Paramekkavu- explore and exploit every source at their command to make this annual festival a memorable one.It is celebrated with a colourful procession of caparisoned elephants, parasol exchanges, drum concerts, display of pyro-techniques and refreshing scenes of public participation .During the festival season, Trichur, popularly known as the temple town turns into a town of colour, music and mirth. The Pooram programmes extending about 36 hours begins with the ezhunellippu of the Kanimangalam Shasta in the morning followed by the ezhunnellippu of the other six minor temples on the Pooram Day. The ezhunnellippu programme which is considered to be a ritual symbolising the visit of the Devi from the Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi temples to the Vadakkunnathan temple. A major event of the Pooram festival is the Panchavadyam in which ab out 200 artistes from the discipl ines of Thimila, Maddalam, Trumpet, Cymbal and Edakka participate. Another major event of the pooram begins with the setting off of the ‘Pandi melam’ at noon in which about 200 artistes in the disciplines of drum, trumpets, pipe and cymbal participate. The grand finale of this festival of colour, music and fire works would be marked with a function of bidding farewell to the deities of the Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswams in front of the Western Gate of the Vadakkunnathan Temple.
A noteworthy feature of the pooram festival is the participation of a cross section of people and elephants. The pachyderms emerge out in all their regalia with newly fabricated caparisons. They make their way through the milling crowds drawn from all religions, castes and creed to the accompaniment of ecstatic percussion ensembles. The exhibition of the paraphernalia of elephant decorative, commonly known as ‘Aana Chamayal pradarsanam’, the spectacular show of ‘Kudamattom’ in which parasols of myriad numbers, designs and colours are exchanged by the people atop the elephants.
The Pooram festival is concluded with a spectacular fire works display, which is held in the wee hours of the day after the Pooram. The Thiruvambadi and Paramekkavu Devaswams present many innovative patterns and varieties of fire works which make spectators going into raptures. This famous and mighty display of the magnificent display of fireworks add to the popularity of the Pooram festival.
The shrine teems with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January. Mandalapooja and Makaravilakku are the two main events of the pilgrim season.
The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).
A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non- vegetarian habits and cardinal pleasures.
The famed Sarkara Bhagavathy temple is situated at Sarkara village, near Chirayinkeezhu railway station. The festivals celebrated in this temple are Kaliyoottu in Kumbham and Bharani in Meenam (February-March). Kaliyootu is celebrated to commemorate the fight between Darika and Bhadrakali.
The celebrated Mahadeva Temple at Kottayam, on the Thiruvakkara Hill at the very centre of the Kottayam Municipal town is one of the important Siva temples, Famous for its historical importance, antiquity and sanctity.
The grandest festival of this temple is the "Arattu Utsavam" lasting for ten days from the 1st Meenam (March-April) which is attended by hundreds of thousands of people, irrespective of caste or creed.
Thrichambaram temple dedicated to Sree Krishna is located at the Taliparamba village, about 14 kilometer from Pappinisserry railway station. The annual festival at this temple lasts for 14 days from 22nd Kumbaham (February-March).
The Janardhanaswamy Temple at Varkala is about three kilometers form the Varkala railway station. The Arattu festival at this temple is celebrated every year in Meenam (March-April) commencing with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting) of Karthika day ending with Arattu on Uthram day. The festival lasts for ten days.
On an average more than ten thousand people gather everyday to attend the festival. A colorful. procession led by caparisoned elephants in which ornamental silk umbrellas, peacock fans etc. are carried, which is one of the prominent features of the festival.
The annual festival at the Sree Ruthira Mahakaalikavu Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, is the most famous event in the region and is called the Uthralikavu Pooram. The eight-day celebration is highlighted by day-and-night elephant processions. The concluding day of the festival is celebrated as pooram day, when about 21 elephants in traditional caparisons line up with colourful parasols, swaying venchamarams (white tufts like those used for cheerleading) and Aalavattams (peacock-feather fans). Traditional musical ensembles like the Panchavadyam and the Pandimelam add rhythm to this magical spectacle. The cultural fare during the festival includes temple and folk art performances.
Venue: Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple, near Vadakkancherry, Thrissur district.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 20 km away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.
Situated about three kilometer form the Thiruvalla railway station , the Sree Vallabha temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The large tank near the temple is believed to have formed naturally. Five other deities have also been installed here. The flag -staff of the temple, about 50 feet tall , is made of granite. It is believed that its bottom touches the water table . On the top of the flag-staff has been installed a three-feet high idol of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord