Arattupuzha Pooram is a vibrant and culturally rich festival celebrated in the village of Arattupuzha in Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It's one of the oldest and most renowned temple festivals in Kerala, dating back over 1,400 years.
The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of around 23 elephants adorned with traditional ceremonial attire. These majestic pachyderms are accompanied by a myriad of percussion ensembles, including the renowned 'Panchavadyam' (a symphony of five percussion instruments) and 'Pandimelam' (a traditional Kerala percussion ensemble).
The festival typically takes place over seven days, with various rituals and cultural performances. The procession on the final day is the climax, drawing thousands of spectators from across the state and beyond. It's a spectacle of colors, sounds, and religious fervor, showcasing Kerala's rich cultural heritage.
How this festival is celebrated?
The Arattupuzha Temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappa is the focal point of the festival. Devotees from different parts of Kerala come to participate in the rituals and seek blessings during this auspicious occasion.
The celebration takes place before the 3,000-year-old Sree Sastha Temple. The occasion is known as conclave of Gods. It is believed that on this day hundred and one gods and goddesses of the neighboring villages visited lord Ayyappa, the deity of the Arattupuzha Temple.
It is believed that on this day hundred and one gods and goddesses of the neighboring villages visited lord Ayyappa, the deity of the Arattupuzha Temple. The festival is celebrated for seven days. All the buildings in the town are decorated with lights and flowers. Arattupuzha pooram is the largest devamela in the world. A group of elephants and musicians performing in front of the temple is a common sight during this festival.
This festival falls at the end of March and continues till April. There are small kiosks all around the temple, especially during this festival. One can find many palmists and small vendors selling traditional things.
On the fifth day of the festival, a procession is held in which drummers and eight elephants accompany the beautiful elephant-carrying idols (thiamin) of 23 deities, including Thripayar Thevar, Oorakathamma Thiruvadi, Cherppil Bhagavathy, Chathakudam Sastha, Anthikad Bhagavathy, Thottipal Bhagavathy, Pisharikkal Bhagavathy, Edakkunni Bhagavathy, Ayyunnil Bhagavathy, Thaikkattussery Bhagavathy, Kaduppassery Bhagavathy, Choorakkottu Bhagavathy, Poonilarkkavil Bhagavathy, Kattupisharikkal Bhagavathy, Chakkamkulangara Sastha, Kodannur Sastha, Nankulam Sastha, Sreemattil Sastha, Nettissery Sastha, Kalloli Sastha, Chittichathakkudam Sastha and Medamkulam Sastha.
The idol of the deity of the Arattupuzha Sastha temple is taken to the Thottipal temple. It is brought back after the Thottipal Pooram to the Sastha temple and then regular rituals and Sreebhoothabali are performed. An elephant pageant is held on the sixth day which features beautifully ornamented 61 elephants.
There is a huge crowd of people bearing glowing traditional torches, some also dance and sing and Panchavadyam, nadaswaram, pacharimelam and pandimelam add to the festive tempo. Lord Ayyappa is given a holy bath (arattu) with great pomp and gaiety in the Arattupuzha river on the subsequent day. The caparisoned elephants bear muthukkudas (silken umbrellas) and venchamarams (white tufts) make a delightful sight.
Traditional art forms are displayed here. The dazzling fireworks bedazzle the onlookers with the beauty of sparks which are like jewels embellished in the darkness of night. This site is amazing! Grama Bali is performed. An elephant race is also held.
Arattupuzha Pooram is steeped in mythological and historical legends that add to its significance and charm:
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Legend of Devas and Asuras: One legend suggests that Arattupuzha Pooram commemorates the victory of the Devas (celestial beings) over the Asuras (demons). According to this legend, the Devas sought the help of Lord Shiva to defeat the Asuras. Lord Shiva, along with his entourage of gods, is believed to have come to Arattupuzha to bless the Devas and lead them to victory.
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Legend of Shiva's Dance: Another legend associated with the festival is the divine dance of Lord Shiva, known as the Tandava. It is said that during the festival, Lord Shiva performs the celestial dance at the Arattupuzha Temple, captivating the gods and goddesses who descend to witness this divine spectacle.
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Mythical Origin of the Festival: There's also a belief that the festival originated from a divine intervention. It is said that the temple deity appeared in the dreams of the local ruler, and instructed him to conduct a grand festival as a form of penance to appease the gods and bring prosperity to the region.
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The Origin of the Procession: The tradition of the grand procession of decorated elephants is said to have begun centuries ago when the local ruler, Sakthan Thampuran, witnessed a poor farmer offering his humble elephant to the temple during the festival. Inspired by this act of devotion, the ruler initiated the tradition of the grand elephant procession, which has since become an integral part of Arattupuzha Pooram.
इस आर्टिकल को हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहां क्लिक करें