Arattupuzha Pooram, Kerala

Introduction to the Arattupuzha Temple

Arattupuzha is a culturally rich village located in the Thrissur district of Kerala. This village is famous for the ancient Sree Sastha Temple. This 3000-year-old temple is famous for the annual Pooram festival, Arattupuzha Pooram, held in April / May. Arattupuzha Pooram is otherwise called the Mother of all Poorams.

The Cochin Devaswom Board administers the Arattupuzha Temple. Devotees believe that the main deity, Dharma Sastha, holds the divine vital force of Sage Vasishta, the family priest of Raghu Vamsha and the Guru of Sri Rama and his brothers.

Legend of the Arattupuzha Temple

It is believed that Sage Vasishta built a few temples in the Vedic period to honor Hindu deities. Since the Arattupuzha Temple's Devamela Utsavam is recorded as the convergence of all deities from ancient times, it is known to be the oldest temple in Kerala.

The Architecture of the Arattupuzha Temple

The Arattupuzha Temple is believed to have been built during the Vedic period, three thousand years ago. It has undergone many changes. The present temple is in the Kerala style of architecture. Limestone, laterite stone, terracotta tiles, and wood were the primary materials used for the construction.

The sanctum enshrines the presiding deity Dharma Sastha (Ayyappan) in a standing posture. No sub-deities are in the Arattupuzha Temple. Some newly built concrete complexes are used as ceremonial halls and the temple's administrative offices.

The sanctum has two roofs and a triangular dome on top. Its vast ground is where the temple conducts festivals. A flagstaff is on the temple premises. The temple houses priceless antiquities, such as vessels, lamps, and jewels.

Festivals in the Arattupuzha Temple

Arattupuzha Temple is famous for the annual festival Arattupuzha Pooram, which is celebrated for seven days in April / May. Over 70 beautifully adorned elephants participate in this festival. A decorated elephant carries the Thidambu, accompanied by eight elephants and drummers. On the final day of the Pooram festival, sixty-one decorated elephants participate in a parade, bearing bright-colored umbrellas. The festival ends with the Arattu ritual. It involves the ceremonial bathing of the temple deities in the holy waters of the Arattupuzha River.

The highlight of the Pooram is that all deities assemble at the Arattupuzha Temple during the festival. Twenty-three deities from different temples of Thrissur are brought to the Arattupuzha Temple and worshipped, which is called Devamela.

This festival celebration is among the finest in Kerala, representing various traditions. It is the oldest temple festival in the Indian subcontinent. Urakathamma Thiruvadi, Cherpu Bhagavathy, and Triprayar Thevar are the important deities participating in the Arattupuzha Pooram.

The Maha Ganapati Pooja, Puthari Nivedyam, Navaratri, and Desavilakku are other festivals celebrated in the Arattupuzha Temple.