Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Kalpathi Ratholsavam

Venue: Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kalpathi, Palakkad District.

District: Palakkad

Want to lose yourself amid a joyous crowd and colourful spectacles? Then make sure you are at the Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple at Kalpathi in Palakkad for the renowned annual chariot festival; locally known as Ratholsavam.

Kalpathi is a traditional Tamil Brahmin settlement in Kerala. The temple dedicated to Lord Viswanatha or Shiva is believed to be 700 years old. The annual chariot festival usually falls in the month of November. During the festival days the entire Kalpathi will be teeming with devotees and visitors from near and far. Vedic recitals and cultural programmes render a unique ambience for the place.

On the last three days, the three elaborately decorated huge temple chariots take the attention of all. Devotees would then gather to draw the chariots through the streets of Kalpathi village. It will be just one chariot that will be pulled on the first day, followed by two on the second and three on the last day of the festival.

Kalpathi Ratholsavam, also called as Kalpathi Chariot Festival is an annual Hindu Festival celebrated mainly in the Kalpathi village in the state of Kerala. The festival is celebrated at the Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy temple dedicated towards Lord Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi.

The Chariot Festival is celebrated every year in the month of November. It is a ten day event. Over the years the festival celebrations have gained immense popularity in the state of Kerala.

The celebrations at the festival includes Vedic recitals and cultural programs for the first four days and through the last three days Chariots for the Lord are decorated by devotees. Devotees from all across India gather here during the Festival.

According t the Legends the Festival is traced to be about 700 years old. The temple of Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy dates back to 1425 A.D. The temple is known to be the oldest Siva temple in Malabar. It is situated at the Southern bank of river Neela Bhagirathi.

The annual Chariot Festival is a tribute to the Indian culture and traditions that has been well preserved by the people of Kerala. The Festival is a must watch spectacle, and even the weather of the place during the time of Festival is absolutely favorable.

 How to Reach

    * Nearest town: Palakkad - 3 km

    * Nearest railway station: Olavakot - 1 km

    * Nearest airport: Coimbatore - 55 km

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple

Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is a historically significant Hindu temple in Angadipuram near Perintalmanna which is known as the capital city of Valluvanad,in Malappuram district, Kerala state, South India. The temple deity, Thirumandhamkunnilamma, was the para devatha (official goddess) of the kings of Valluvanad, the local feudal kings ruled the area in the Middle Ages. The assassins (called Chavers) of Valluvanad king set out from this temple to Thirunavaya, to participate in the famous Mamankam festival. A memorial structure called the chaver thara ("platform of the assassins") can be found in front of the main entrance of the Thirumanthamkunnu Temple.

The temple is also an important pilgrim center, especially for the eleven-day long annual festival celebrated in March and April months of the Gregorian calendar. The "principle deity" of temple is the Hindu god Shiva. Other deities include goddess Bhagavathi, locally called as Thirumandhamkunnilamma and the elephant god Ganesha, for whom the famous Marriage Offering (Mangalya puja) is performed.

Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy/Bhadrakali temple,standing on a 60-ft high hillock has an imposing appearance, especially when viewed from the main road (Palghat-Calicut highway).

Its surroundings were extremely scenic once. The rituals here are done regularly and meticulously at fixed timings daily. and the temple's fame attracts a large number of devotees from far and near.

The idol of this temple is almost idential with that at Kodungallur, except that the Angadipuram idol is taller. Due to this, the Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy is considered the elder sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy. The other difference is that no animal sacrifices are done at the Angadipuram Temple.

There is a possibility that both these temples were originally built by the same king - perhaps Cheraman Perumal. It is said that Pallava kings and Chera kings were traditional friends and when the Pallava king was defeated and sent out of Tamil Nadu he took refuge in Cheraman Perumal's kingdom and they continued to be great friends.

It is also said that the Goddess of these temples, along with many other temples, was Madurai Meenakshi (Kannagi).

Location : Thirumandhamkunnu Temple, Angadipuram, Malappuram, Kerala, India.

Gods : Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesha

Landmark : The Temple is located on the highway running between Calicut and Palghat. Buses are available from either town at intervals of 30 minutes. Nearest Railway Station : Whether you are coming from Madras, Trivandrum or Calicut, get down at Shoranur Junction, and take a train going to Nilambur. Get off at Angadipuram Railway Station. The temple is just about half-a-kilometre from the station. Either walk it, or take a taxi or autorickshaw.

Festivals :

The Pooram festival conducted in the month of April-May, attracts large numbers of devotees. A unique custom here is the arrival of Vellathiri in the Pooram ground to give audience to the Malayankutty, the headman of the Pana tribal community. The deity is taken out in a procession and bathed twice in the stream daily. This continues for eleven days.

About 3-4 months before the starting of the Pooram, there is daily Kalampattu at the temple. The assigned Kurups draw the kalam and one of the pujaris of the temple conducts the puja every night.

On the first day of the Pooram, the temple flag is hoisted on the big mast in front of the temple by the Thanthri. After the Pandiradi puja (When the Sun's shadow measured 12 feet, as measured by the human foot.). The Thanthri takes out the deity and climbs on an elephant which is properly caparisoned and decorated. After a few circumambulations of the temple, accompanied by musicians playing on drums and pipes, the procession starts its downward journey from the Northern Gopuram down the steps of the temple. After the procession reaches the foot of the hillock, the Thanthri alights from the elephant and takes the deity down to the stream. The deity is given an elaborate ritual bath. This normally takes more than an hour. The musicians keep time with the rituals. The deity is then taken back to the temple. This ceremony is repeated on all the eleven days, twice daily, except on the tenth day, when the deity is taken out for a ritual re-enactment of a hunt.

The Pooram is characterised by fireworks every night, and cultural programmes daily, like classical music, dance and drama.

List Of Offerings

1.Valiya Vilakku

2.Neivilakku

3.Enna Vilakku

4.Mala

5.Ganapathi Homam

6.Kootu Ganapathy Homam

7.Pushpanjali

8.Rakhtha Pushpanjali

9.Swayamvaramanthram Pushpanjali

10.Bhagyasooktham Pushpanjali

11.Lalitha Sahasranamam Pushpanjali

12.Saraswatha Sooktham Pushpanjali

13.Thrushtuppu Manthram Pushpanjali

14.Aikamathya Sooktham Pushpanjali

15.Dwadasakshari Manthram Pushpanjali

16.Thrimadhuram

17.Unda Thrimadhuram

18.Neipayasam

19.Nalikera Payasam

20.Kadhina Payasam

21.Koottu Payasam

22.Palpayasam

23.Appam

24.Otta

25.Ada

26.Sandhya Namaskaram

27.Trikala pooja

28.Dhara/Sankhabhishekam

29.Elaneer Dhara

30.Karuka Homam

31.Mruthyunjaya Homam

32.Vella Nivdyam

33.Veti (for one each)

34.Malar Nivedyam

35.Muttarukkal

36.Milk and Bananas for Naga gods

37.Niramala

38.Vivaham (marriage)

39.Chorun (Annaprasan)

40.Chatursatham (101 coconuts)

41.Chathursatham (201 coconuts)

42.Mahasandhya Namaskaram

43.Umamaheswara /Mahalakshmi pooja

44.Dambati pooja

45.Mangalya pooja

46.Mahaganapathi homam

47.Mruthyunjayahomam

48.Rudrabhishekam

49.Kal Kazhuki Oottu

50.Sree Rudram Dhara

51.Kalabham

52.Deepasthambham Theliyikkal

53.1001 Kutam Dhara for Shiva

54.Udayasthamana Pooja

55.Anayootu

56.Chamayam charthal

57.Oil for Ketavilakku

58.Thrithali Charthal

59.Chuvappu Charthal

60.Aal Rupam

61.Kutty Thotti Charthal

62.Thulabharam Thattu Panam only

63.One day's pooja

64.One time Pooja (Oru Nerathe Pooja)

65.Lakshmi Narayana Pooja

66.Adithya Pooja

68.Kumkumarchana

69.Kumkumarchana (with Lalitha Sahasranamam)

70.Nei Japam

71.Malarpara

72.Manjal Powder (for Naga gods)

Valliyoorkavu Festival

Valliyoorkavu Festival

                                The Valliyoorkavu Festival is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawathy or Durga and related to the Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple is a spiritual destination situated at Wayanad. Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple is a Wayanad temple located at eight kilometer distance from Mananthavady. The principal deity of this temple is mother goddess Durga. Three principal forms of the principal deity are Bhadrakali, Vana Durga, and Jala Durga. This festival is considered to be one of the sacred festivals in Kerala. There are hundreds of tribesmen in the district who celebrate this festival in Kerala. It is celebrated in the Wayanad district of Kerala. The idol of the temple is believed to be self- manifested and the annual festival is held in March. The traditional ritual of the Kalamezhuthu is performed during all nights of the festival.

Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple is an important worship place for the Wayanad tribal communities. Every year there is a fifteen day festival celebration which can fall in the months of February, March and April and the exact date id decided. Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi Temple is at a twenty four kilometer distance from Kalpetta, and thirty one kilometer distance from Sulthan Bathery. It is located very near to Mananthavady.

On the concluding day of the festival, the various show of folk art forms are presented. The dances performed by the local tribal people, using local percussion instruments, which becomes the major attraction of the festival. The music show is known as Kalamezhuthu, which is a traditional sacrament, is performed during the nights of Valliyoorkavu Festival. On the last day of the festival we can enjoy varieties of folk art forms of Kerala. By watching the musical show one can understand the beauty of dances performed by the tribesmen. The musical instruments like percussion instruments are used during this festival. This vibrant festival of Kerala displays different dance and art forms of native Kerala. Valliyoorkavu Bhagavathi temple is a must see for tourists who visits in Wayanad

Kottiyoor Vysakha Mahotsavam

Vaisakha Maholsavam 2015 Dates

            The Vaisakha Maholsavam festival is held every year during the months of May - June. The twenty eight day festival commences with the Neyyattam ritual on the Swati Day in Edavam and concludes with the Thrikkalashaattu.

The Vaisakha Maholsavam celebrations begin with the ritual of bringing a sword from Muthirerikavu from Wayanad. On the following day, on Visakham star Bhandaram Ezhunnallath ritual is held. Gold, Silver vessels, heavenly ornaments etc are brought from nearby Manathana village to Kottiyoor.

An important ritual during the festival is the 'Elaneer Vayppu' or submitting tender coconuts before the swayambhu Shiva linga. On this special day, thousands of tender coconuts carried from different parts of Malabar by the devotees are submitted. The following day, the main priest of the temple, pours the collected coconut water on to the idol which is known as 'Elaneeraattam'.

Rohini Aaradhana is a very important ritual which is not seen in any other temple. The priest embraces the swayambhu Shiva linga as part of the ritual. The belief behind this ritual is that Brahma himself worships Lord Shiva to pacify for the loss of Sati.

As a part of the festival, a procession (Ezhunnallippu) is held with two elephants carrying the idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. After the procession, the elephants are fed well (Aanayootu) and given a formal farewell.

Vaisakha Maholsavam dates for year 2015

25-May-2015, Mondayy -    Neerezhunnallathu

31-June-2015, Sunday -    Neyattam

1-June-2015, Monday - Bhandaram Ezhunnallathu (Mid night, Ladies will be Allowed only after this)

7-June-2015, Sunday - Thiruvonam Aradhana

9-June-2015, Tuesday - Ilaneer Veypu

10-June-2015, Wednesday - Ashtami Aradhana, Ilaneerattam

12-June-2015, Friday - Revathi Aradhana

15-June-2015, Monday - Rohini Aradhana

17-June-2015, Wednesday - Thiruvathira Chathussatham

18-June-2015, Sunday - Punartham Chathussatham

21-June-2015, Wednesday - Aayilyam Chathussatham

22-June-2015, Monday - Makam Kalam Varavu (After 12.00PM, Ladies won't be allowed)

25-June-2015, Thursday - Atham Chathussatham, Valattam, Kalasa Pooja

26-June-2015, Friday - Thrukkalassattu

Elaborate rituals and offerings are open to devotees during the festival. Visit the Kottiyoor Vazhipadu Offerings page for the details and rates.

Kottiyoor Temple Route

Kottiyoor is connected by bus from Thalassery, Kannur (Cannanore) and Mananthavady. Special bus services are arranged during Vaisakha Maholsavam from Thalassery to accomodate the large number of devotees.

If you are coming to Kottiyooor with own transport, the drive to Kottiyoor is very scenic and roads are in good condition. If you are coming from Calicut or Kannur side, reach Thalassery and then take the Koothuparamba, Nedumpoyil, Kelakam road.

If you are coming from Wayanad, Mysore, Bangalore side, reach Bathery and then take the Mananthavady road. From Mananthavady, ask for Kannur Road and drive around 10 kilometers. There will be a road going towards right here and is easy to miss. You will find a sign which says “Boys Town x kms”, you need to turn right here. This is the start of the ghat section (Paal Churam) that will get you down from Wayanad. Another 10 Kms, you will reach a place called Ambayathod. Drive straight to Kottiyoor from here.

Ample parking facilities will be arranged around Sri Kottiyoor temple during the festival season

Distance to Kottiyoor from Major Towns/ City

Kannur (Cannanore) - 70 Kms

Thalassery - 60 Kms

Calicut - 125 Kms

The closest Railway station Thalassery is 60 Kms away. The closest Airport is at Calicut.

Kottiyoor Address

Sree Kottiyoor Devaswom

Kottiyoor Post Office

Kelakam

Kannur District

Kerala - 670651

Phone: 0490 2430234, 2430434

Peruvanam Arattupuzha Pooram

Peruvanam PooramEvent date: 05-04-2017

District: Thrissur

Venue: Peruvanam Temple, Cherpu, Thrissur District

                                    During the Malayalam month of Meenam (March-April) Peruvanam temple in Cherpu attains a special charm and majesty. And the reason is the Peruvanam Pooram, a festival that has a legendary status because of it antiquity. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple. Legend has it that the present sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) was originally a tree on which Lord Shiva did tapas (meditation).

It is said that the original form of the festival was different from what it is today. There also happened a break in it conduct due to unknown reasons. Later, it was restarted as two poorams, Peruvanam pooram and Arattupuzha pooram. It is estimated that the new version of the festival at Peruvanam has been in existence for 1428 years.

In the festival, the procession carrying the deity atop a caparisoned elephant along with six other jumbos accompanied by traditional percussion ensembles is a real treat for the eyes and ears. One of the highlights of the pooram is the four-hour long panchari melam (traditional Kerala percussion ensemble) starting past midnight and followed by fireworks.

Getting there:

Nearest railway station: Thrissur, about 14 km away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 58 km from Thrissur.

Uthralikavu Pooram

Venue: Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple, Paruthipra, Vadakkancherry, Thrissur district.

Location: Vadakkancherry

District: Thrissur

About twenty-one elephants in traditional attire line up with colourful parasols; swayingvenchamarams (white tufts) and alavattams (peacock-feather fans)! Surely a spectacle you wouldn’t want to miss. Then ensure your presence during the annual festival at the Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple, popularly known as Uthralikavu Pooram.

Sree Ruthira Mahakalikavu Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. Uthralikavu Pooram is the most famous event in the region. It is an eight-day celebration highlighted by day and night elephant processions. Traditional musical ensembles like the Panchavadyam and the Pandimelam add rhythm to these processions. The festival also gives a chance for the spectators to enjoy the temple and folk art forms of Kerala.

                       Uthralikkavu temple is some two kilometers away in the direction of north from Wadackanchery on the Kodungallore-Shoranur state highway. Just aside the Thrissur - Shoranur Railway line, amidst the paddy fields and surrounded by a chain of highlands and hills, the temple compound forms a rather arena-like stage where the Pooram and its associated features such as elephant procession, fireworks, percussion orchestra etc. would be held. Despite the fact that the temple is rather small in size compared to its counterparts in Kerala and that it is located at an isolated rural part of the district, during the festival season, the temple and the village raises to media attraction and news fame.

Temple timings and main vazhivads/offerings

                 The temple is thrown open early in the morning by 4.30 AM and it is closed by 10.30 AM every day except on Fridays, Tuesdays and Sundays when the closing will be done only at 11 AM. Similarly, in the evenings, the temple opens at 5 PM and remains for darshan till 8 PM on all days. On the Pooram day, however, the temple will be open throughout day and night. The main vazhivads/offerings in the temple are: Niramala, Chuttuvilakku, Nei Payasam, Kadana Vedi, Nei Vilakku, Pushpanjali/Archana, Mala and Bhagavathi Seva. Apart from these, there are offerings such as Chatussatayam, Thrikala Puja i.e., Udayasthamana puja, and such other normal vazhivadus found elsewhere. To perform special pujas such as Chuttuvilaku, Niramala, Udayasthamana puja, etc., one has to book in advance and for all offerings, one has to take receipt from the Devaswam Board employees posted in the temple. The items of offerings and their rates are displayed in a board kept near the cash counter in the temple.