Shri Venkatachalapathy Temple ,Guruvayur

Shri Venkatachalapathy Temple , situated about a KM north east of the famos Guruvayur Temple, is an ancient and unique shrine in many respects.The most important fact about this Temple is that the diety worshipped here is the same as the Diety Balaji(Lord Venkitesa) worshipped in World famous Diety in Thirumala Temple at Thirupathy in Andhra Pradesh. The legend goes that late Pudusseri Vishnu Nanboodiri a famous astrologer had met a sage from Thirumala Temple who arrived in Guruvayur more than 1000 years ago .HE desired to establish a Temple for Venkitachalapathy in Guruvayur where there existed a Temple for Lord Krishna(Guruvayurappan).They discussed the matter in detail by sitting side by side in the Temple Tank of Guruvayurappan praying Him for permission.Lord Guruvayurappan agreed to the suggestion and the sage brought an Idol from Thirupathy and installed at the present Venkitachalapathy Temple here in Guruvayur. The location was known as Thiruvenkidam .It is believed that Lord Krishna desired to have yet another Temple for Him with name Venkitachalapathy to prove the phenomenon that "Whoever worship me in whatever manner I bless them in the same manner".It is also believed that the Lord Guruvayurappan Himself established this second Temple at the same place by making the Sage from Thirumala just an instrument As it is usual, there had been enemies against this second idol and went to the extent of multilating the idol by cutting the head and right hand of the idol unscrupoloususly.The later generation could not make out whose idol it was as all were kept in darkness about the matter.This situation is said to have continued until 1974 when some devotees togethe conducted a Devaprashna{Astrological search)and came to know the real identity of the multilated Lord.As a result another Idol was brought from Thirupathy via almost all Temples in South India to bring it finally to Thruvenkidam and reinstallation was performed in June 1977 in a Grand ceremony under the supervision of the Thantri of the Guruvayur Temple Brahmasree Chennas Parameswaran Namboothiripad & Periya Jeer Swamy of Thirumala who was the successor of the sage who originally brought the Idol to Guruvayur. Thus the Lord and the Divine Grace manifested again in Thiruvenkidam.Now most of the devotees who come to Guruvayur invariably perform a Darshan at Thiruvenkitachalapathy Temple also. There is another important feature about this temple is that after 600 years of installation of maindiety a Bhagavathy idol also installed in the Temple.This mother Goddess Bhagavathy with her generous blessing the Mother Goddess became popular.Venkatachalapathy and Mother Goddess had equal status in the Temple When the idol of Venkitachalpathy was multiilated Godess Bhagavathu assumed full responsibility and protected all devotees .So there soon grew an emotional tie between Mother Goddess and the devotees.She became the refuge and protector.No one returned empty handed from her Divine presence After the Idol of Thiruvenkatachalapathy was multilated ,it was the Mother Shrine who retained the tradition of this Temple.The Mother Goddess Bhagavathy continued during this cloudy period.This explains that for the the fact that the local people continues to recognise this Temple as Thruvenkidom Bhagavathy Temple as the Thiruvenkitachalapathy Temple happened to be known only in 1974. After the Devaprasnam mentioned above both Bhagavathu and Lord Venkitachalapathy (Venkatesa) were known to have equal status in the Venkitachalapathy Temple.The main Sreekovil belongs to Shri Venkitachalapathy. Bhagavathy Temple is in the south east end of the Valiyambalam Ganapathy,Saraswathy,Ayyappan,Naagaraja are also worshipped here as UPADEVATHAS A separate Shrine was also built for the original founder Ramanjaryar. After this reinstallation in 1977,an elaborate system of Poojas and rites have been prescribed. P)oojas are done three times for Venkitachalapathy and Bhagavathy.Milk and Navakabhishekams are done for Venkitachalapathy prior to Uchapooja.Poomoodal is done for Bhagavathy as a part of Uchapooja as offerings from devotees. Muttirackal and Poomoodal are the most popular offerings for Bhagavathy.Muttirackal is done by breaking ceremoniously a coconut at the feet of the Bhagavathy.This is done for removing all obstacles in the path of the devotee in all matters connected with his life like getting job, qualifying in examinations,Marriages,gettig childrens,building own houses,getting suitable brides/Bridegrooms for children,Looking after parents to keep them in harmony,visiting Temples and places,paticipating in competitions,participating in religious ceremonies ,going on pleasant tours and many more.Poomoodal on the other hand gran all wishes and ensure successes in all ventures. The most iportant festival of Bhagavathy is Makarachovva:: *****************************************************************

Falling on the first Tuesday of the malayalam month of Makaram(January)this festival has become the festival of whole community.There is such an emotional approach to this festival that there will not be a single person in and around Guruvayur who does not visit and have Darshan of Bhagavathy on this day.The Makarachovva festival is inaugurated 10 days in advance in the Temple by hoisting the Flag of the Temple and collection of PARA(a measure of 10 Edangazhi)a conventional offering of grains to their full measure by devotees of the Bhagavathy.The Komaram [ {Oracle}or Velichappadu with a sicklelike sword in hand] collects the Para from 2nd day after Flag Hoisting from devotees all over the place from their home.The Oracle is supposed to possess the Power of Bhagavathy when he performs the role of Velichapadu{Komaram}.The velichapadu is accompanied by Drums etc.Besides,the Temple court yard is filled with Paras on the day of the festival offered by devotees direct to the Temple. This kind of PARAS are offered in many of the Bhagavathy Temples in Kerala.A nearby famous Temple of Bhagavathy at Thechikkottu kavu in PRAMANGALAM(Thrissur) is one of them. The acceptance of these Paras by the Komaram at the end of the festival procession is a colorful ceremony of charged devotion.Procession with Caprisoned Elephants at noon and earl morning and the final rites in the Pattupanthal are the important features of the Festival.On the Festival Day Laksharchana is also being conducted at the Temple.But the sense of intense and deep devotion that one derives on Darshan on this Day accompanied by the Aravanapayasam which is the special prasadam is beyond words.It is to be experienced to know the divine feelings! KARKIDAKA POOJA,VISHU VELA,NAVARATRI,are the other festivals relating to to Bhagavathy Temple being celebrated with devotion every year.It is expected to improve every year with the increased Devotees to celebrate these festivals with more gaiety! THE ANNUAL BRAHMOTSAVAM OF lORD vENKITACHALAPTHY: ******************************************************* THE ANNUAL bRAHMOTSAVAM starts on the Punatham star in MEDOM month of Malayalam and continues for a few days in the Venkitachalapathy Temple.This Utsavam is being celebrated every year since reinstallation in 1977. The Thantrasastra NaveenkaranKalasam was performed in the Temple in 2007 .This is an interesting process comprising of Thantric rites including reinstallation of the idol and rejuvenaion of the power of the dieties was conducted in 2007 by making use of one thousand pots(Kalasams)filled with various liquids and charges with Chaitanya(Divine Power)generated by the Mantras chanted by the priests are poured over the idol to rejuvonate the power of the diety as part of the Naveekarana Kalasam. Thantric rites for the rectification in the erosion of power of the diety due to omissions and commissions are an important part of the annual Festival.The rejuvenated energy overflows and envelopes sorroundings extending energy to all.Public feedings and cultural programmes are also conducted during the Utsavam. The Lord is taken on a caprisoned elephant followed with the drums five times each morning and evening during the first three days after the flaghoisting.This is important feature of the Utsavam. Most important days of the Brahmotsavam are the last three days.UTSAVABALI(Auspecious for Darshan)Pallivetta (Symbolic destruction of Evil)&Aarattu(Holy Immersion of the Lord in the Tank)which marks the culmination of the Festival. The Aarattu Procession withn the lord on the caprisoned Elephant taken around the roads in the village is a colorful sight and at the same time is a devotionally charged experience.The true Devotees wait at the gates of their houses with various offerings in their ecstasy to receive the Lord which happens only once in an year! After the procession returns to the the Lord is immersed in the tank following Thantri rites and the devotees who throng on the main Ghats of the Temple tank also simultaneously dip themselves in the Temple tank.Here again the emphasis on devotion dipping in the Temple tank charged with divine Power on the Idol immersion. After the Aarattu Lord is again taken on the mounted Elephant for NINE PRADKSHINAMS around the Temple and at the end of the ninth the Flag hoisted is lowered ans deposited and the Utsav comes to an end.However,the Utsavam really ends when twentyfive Kalabhishekams are done and with Athazhapooja and Sreebhoothabali the Brahmotsavam finally declared over.Then Ayyappan Vilakku Festival which is being conducted in the premises of this Temple on the 15th of December every year.At least for the Last 40 years the Ayyappan Vilakku by the Guruvayur Ayyappa Bhajan Sangham has become an important Annual event of this Temple THE PUBLIC ANNADANAM in the Morning,Noon and at night WITHOUT ANY RESTRICTION OF RELIGION CAST or CREED or numbers contributes weight immensely to the SOLEMN ,DEVOTIONAL&PIOUS ATMOSPHERE in which LORD AYYAPPA is present everywhere.. OHM! Namo VENKITESAYA! SWAMY SARANAM! AMME MAHAAYE ! Sreedharan Mundanat 21st December 2017, at Thrissur ( Courtsey:Thorough study of Net info+ many visits to the temple and discussion with local people)

Mammiyoor Mahadeva Temple,Guruvayoor

Mammiyur Temple also known as Mamiyur Shiva Temple or Mamiyur Mahadeva Temple is situated about 200 meters north west to the world famous Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur Distr,Kerala. The unique feature of the Mamiyur Temple is that the Temple enshrines the idol of Lord Vishnu in a Sanctum Sanctorum next to that of Shiva.Mamiyur Shiva Temple is the only Temple where Lord Shiva&Lord Vishnu are worshipped in equalm Status.It is believed that the pilgrimage of Guruvayur Temple would be incomplete if the Mamiyur Shiva Temple is not visited. As a shortcut to avoid the Blessings from Guruvayur many people especially local people make a salutation to the Shiva from the Left Bhagavathy Temple while they perform a Pradakshinam in the Bhagavathy Kshetram in the first turning point.This is a very common sight. But most of the people from outside are told by the guides to visit Mamitur Temple.Inspite of this many miss Mamiyur Temple and returs\n withe divine feeling of having achieved full Blessings from Lord Guruvayurappan.Unfortunately there are no sign boads to let the devotees to know this in Guruvayur Temple.However, as almost all devotees do visit the Temple every Malayalam month the blessings from the Lordc do not go missing for Devotees. There is even a procedure to visit the Guruvayur Lord on the last day of Malayalam month and stay overnight to visit next day so that 2 months Blessings can be achieved in two days. The hotel industry in Guruvayur get the benefit of two days stay by devotees instead of one. There is a legend thatafter the departure of Lord Krishna to Vaikunnda at the end of his AVATAR , the abode of Dwaraka was swollowed by the sea.His own Vigraha idol designed by Himself was floating on the waves.Planet Jupiter and Vayu Bhagavan found the idol and was searching for a place for the installation of the idol.They came to Kerala which was created by Lord Parasurama and chose the bank of Rudratheertha which was the then home of Lord Shiva. In Mamiyur Temple excluding two months of June and July and part of August the temle celebrates various kinds of festivals during the remaining months of the year.Lalith SahasraNama Archana is performed in a grand manner on the Saraswathy Pooja day during the months of September -OctoberChildren from all parts of India gather here to participaten in the Sangeetharchana event Aksharabhyasa which denotes the beginning of Schooldays of children also takes place on Saraswathy Pooja Day. Special Poojas are performed in the Temple on Shivaratri day which usually falls in the months of of February-March of the year. There are shrines for LordsMahavishnu,Ganapathy,Muruga(Subramanian),Dharma sastha,Brahmarakhas in this Temple Shrines for Serpent God and Mother Bhagavathy are also avilable here and Poojas are performed. Mamiyur Temple is the only one Temple in which a special Pooja on name Rig veda Dhara chanting Mantras from Rig veda is performed in India as far as avilable knowledge goes.Any one who knowsv any more Temple performingb this Pooja may kindly offer such information as necessae=ry for devotees to relish.This Pooja is generally performed between 6-45 and 7-15 in the morning.Devotees can participate in this pooja by paying the stipulated rates notified in the Temple.Ganapathy Homams of higher rates and lower rats are performed on option from a Devotee on any selected day with advance booking. An added attraction in this Temple is the Murals paintings .in fact there is a rare picture of Visnu in Ananthasayanam pose with Lakshmi near the head of Bhagvan and Bhoomidevi at the feet which could not be found in any shop in Guruvayur , Thiruvanantha puram or elsewhere. on enquiry when I was entrusted with the job by my Late Cheriyamma .Finally the picture shown as last in the photos above was got from the iside Mural paintings of Mamiyur Temple.Later on I found the photo in one of the hotels in the western Nada also. That is Nostalgia.So next time you visit Guruvayur Temple kindly make it a point of visiting Mamiyur Temple also so as to become receipiemnts of all Blessings from Guruvayurappan as well as Lord Shiva also. A similar Temple is existing in Mundur between Kecheri and Thrissur towns in Kerala. Ohm!Nama:Sivaya! Sreedharan Mundanat 17th December2017 at Thrissur.

Koodal Manikyam Bharatha Temple,Irinjalakuda

The Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple at Irinjalakuda,in Thrissur District is a very ancient Temple .The earliest evidence belongs to a stone inscription attributed to the Chera king Stanu Ravi Varma as back as in 854 AD who donated vast area of land for the Temple.It therefore would appear to be reasonable to assume that the Temple must have been in existence quite sometimes before this date. It is therefore to be believed that thousands of years ago the entire area now known as Irinjalakuda was a dense forest a number of Rishisunder Kulipini Maharshi were engages in an ancient Yagna offering severe penance to please MahaVishnu.Ultimately pleased with the intensity and sincerety of their devotion,the Lord Vishnu appeared before them and offered to satisfy their wish.All they wanted wasthe eternal presence of the Lord at the place.The Lord readilyb agreed to the earnest wush of the Rishis. The Rishis now prayed to Deva Ganga to Bless the sacred Yagna bhoomi with her presence.As the springs of River Ganga fountained and inundated the area the Rishis were immersed themselves in the sacred waters and became one with thev Lord Vishnu. The presence of Ganga is believed to continue in the Kulipini Theertham named after the name of the chief of Rishis. This tank on the northern side is believed as sacred as Sanctum Sanctorum. The speciality of thos tankn is that Water Snakes frogs etc commonlly found in this considered to be a special boon and merit.Water for preperation of Nivedyams is taken from this tank alone.Priests/Poojaris after taking bath in outside tanks have to take a dip in Kulipini theertham before entering Sanctum Sanctorum. The Temple itself was not built immeadiately after the incident mentioned above had taken place.The place was not inhabited for many yearsprobably.The traditional legends about how the temple came to be established say that a local chieftainVakkay Kaimal had a dream one night in which a mysterious person appeared before him and told him that four idols have been washed ashore and that these idols are to be installed at four different places.The Kaimal being and ardent devotee hastened to thev seashore to find four idols lying there as indicated in the dream.They were duly installed at 4 different places as indicated below: Rama at Thriprayar (22 KMs northwest of Irinjalakkuda, Bharatha at Irijalakkuda itself,Lakshmana at Moozhikulam(30 KMs southwest of Irinjalakkuda and Satrugna at Payammal(5 KM south of Irinjalakkuda).It is believed that worshipping at these 4 places on the same day was highly meritorious .It is believed that Ardent devotees used to cover these distances on the same day by walking or in Bullock carts.But nowadys it is much easier to make these trips on the same day.In the Malayalam month of Karkidakam(July 15th to August 15th,called the RAMAYANAMASA, thousands of Devotees do this special pilgrimage (Popularly known as Nalambalam Thozhal) to become themselves recepients of Blessings from the above Gods. The Lord at Koodal Manikyam Temple ,Irinjalakkuda is known as Chaturbahu Vishnu with Conch,Chakra,Gada,and Japamala is believed to be none other than Lord Bharatha the brother of Lord Sreerama. Lord Bharatha is supposed to be waiting anxiously and devotedly for the return of Rama from exile for 14 years and later on learnt from Hanuman that Rama had reached the outskirts of Ayodhya .Thereafter he was much relieved and Happier .Bharatha in this mood is worshipped here in Irinjalakkuda.Naturally ,Hanuman is also present at the Thidappally of Irinjalakkuda Temple. ADistinctive feature of Bharath Temple is thatthere is only one single Pradishta here .Even Lord Ganesha usually found in every Temple is not present here.Usually when Thulsi leaves are offered to the Diety of any Temple the seeds of Thulasi are fell and scattered in the premises ,how this phenomenon does not happen here is a Mystery not solved so far!One explanation ,however,is that Tulsi plant being sacred it is worshipped where it is found.But somehow,Thulasi is forbidden frm growing here by some unforseen Power! There is also one story that a ysrterios person used to enter Sanctom and Sanctorum of Tempies he visited and transferred the Chaitanya in a Conch he carried to be taken to his village.Howeven this person with the conch fell down and got his conch broken so that the Chaitanys of many Temple he had gathered got consolidated here.The divine Chaitanya consolidated here is known as Sangameswara.So although there is just one Prathishta of Bharatha here ,the priests (Namboodiris )perform their Seva for Vishu ,Siva and Devi here. The main "Nivedyams" offered to the Lord here on the day of "Avittam" star in the Malayalam month of Thulam is the famous :Mukkudi nivedyam" and "Brinjal Nivedyam".This ancient Temple is ,perhaps,the only Temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharatha.The diety here is often called "Parabrahma Moorthy "also. Koodal Manikyam Temple is a Marvel in Architecturan beauty.The impressive Gateways,Round shaped Sanctum Sanctorum ,the majestic Koothambalam and carvings in wood nd stones on the wall are all attractive features of Art and Architecture.The Murals on the wall on either side of the Eastern entry to Chuttambalam also needs special mention. So why wait to plan a visit to the Temple preferably in the next Ramayana Masam which is just 6 months from now? Jai Lord Bharatha the most honest, Sincere and devoted brother of Lord Sreerama! Sreedharan Mundanat 16th of December 2017 at Thrissur 680 004 ( Source :Net,Hearsay,Discussion with the local people and from visit to thev Temple)

Aarattupuzha Temple -More pictures in continuation

The Ezhunnallipu of Sastha,Kootti ExZhunnallippu ,and Arattu Manthram at Kadavu are worth a Darshan without which a Darshan does not appear to be complete in Arattupuzha Temple

AARATTU PUZHA TEMPLE

ARATTUPUZHA tEMPLE is a very famous Temple located near Pudukkad in Thrissur District and is the home for Aarattupuzha Pooram Festival.Here stagesSpectacular scores of Caprisoned Elephants lined up in a row to thevaccompaniment of ethnicpercussion concerts. This village is located on the banks of Karuvannur River.Legend says that aarattupuzha was the meeting place until flood washed the area and forced some of the participants to mmeet 14 kilometer nort of the village.On the sixth day of the 7 day festival at the Arattupuzha Temple 61 gaily caprisoned Elephants gather in the Temple grounds accompanied by the Temple music of Panchavadyam,Nadaswaram,Pancharimelam andPandimelam. The rituals of the festival starts with Lord Sastha arriving in the Temple to welcome the Gods and Godesses arriving to attend the Devamela or the divine gathering of Gods.Thousands of spectstors who havev gathered on the premises do witness a grand pageantry featuring 15 caprisonedElephants.Adding to the festive mood is Panchari melam,the traditional percussion music of a group of 250 artists .Usually during the last many years the Panchari melam is led by maestro Peruvanam Kuttan Marar.The Pacharimelam is invariably followed by a glittering spectacular display of fireworks. the 23 Gods and Godesses take part in the Pooram of Arattupuzha are prominent Godsand Goddesses are Arattupuzha Sastha,Thriprayar Tevar,Urakam Ammathiruvadi,,Chathakulam Sastha,,Cherpu Bhagavathy,Thottipal Bhagavathy,,Aykkunnu Bhagavathy,,Poonilakkavu Bhagavathy,,Kaduppasseri Bhagavathy,,Pisharikkal Bhagavathy,,Edakkunni Bhagavathy,,Chalakkudi Pisharikkal Bhagavathy,,Thaikkusseri bhagavathy,,Anthikkadu Bhagavathy,,Choorakkode Bhagavathy,,Chamkulam Sastha,,ChittichathakudamSastha,,Mattil Sastha,,Kodannur Sastha,,Nettisseri Sastha,,Kalleri Sastha,,Medakkulam Sastha,,and Namkulam Sastha. Thus it may be seen that it is a divine meeting of leading and Powerfulm Gods and Goddesses the witnessing of which imparts immense Blessings and pleasure of honouring the darshan of them in a sigle place. Ghee offerings by the Devottes,Shrudhi Samarppanam,Kodiyettam,Thiruvathira Purappad ,and many more are the related events in the Arattupuzha Pooram. Pictures:

Ghee offering is an important event in the Arattupuzha Temple ,the pictures of which are above. Illam Nira is another ritual in Arattupuzha Temple relating to Harvest.

Thevarude zhunnallippu,Kootti Ezhunnallippu and Arattu manthram at Kadavu are glittering views and rituala worth a darshan at the Aarattupuzha Temple. Dharmasasthave Saranam! Sreedharan Mundanat, 14th of December 2017 Thrissur 680 004

Thchikkottukavu Bhagavathi Temple and Mahadeva Temple,Peramsngslsm

Mahadeva Temple near to Bhagavathy Temple:

Vela Images:

The Techikkottukavu Bhagavathy /Bhadrakali Temple is situated at Peramangalam 10 Km away from Thrissur Town on the Highway to Guruvayur and Kozhikode.The nearby land mark is the Durgavilasam Higher secondary School and the newly inaugurated Devaswam College. A brief history of the Temple can be narrated as under: Perathrikkavu,Thechikkottukavu,Poothirikkavu Devaswam control the three Temples in Peramasngalam and is well maintained in all respects in regard to conduct of Poojas,Utsavams and all matters relating to a temple according to Hindu customs. Perathrikkavu is supposed to be 1400 years old.Lord Rama as he returned after killing Ravana is consecrated here.The place where this Temple is situated used to be called Veeramangalam which later on became Peramangalam.The main festival is celebratedIn the malayalam month of Vrishchikam(Scorpio)Karkidakam(cancer) month is celebrated as Ramayan month as is being done everywhere.This month is special for this Temple where Annadanam is performed daily.More than 1000 people at least take part in this event daily on an average. Thechikkottukavu Temple is one of the most famous Temples in Kerala.Goddess Parasakthi is present here in the forms of Durga and Kali.Before Goddess Kali set off to destroy the Demon Darikan,Goddess Durga is stated to have advised a famous Manthram in her right ear.The idol is self originated(Swayambhoo)The place where the Temple is exixting now happened to be a Forest of Kanjiram trees(Whch bears fruit with extreme bitter taste "Kaippu").One woman is believed to have come to cut grass from the place.She sharpened her sickle(Arival) on a stone and to her dismay the stone started bleeding.The woman got frightened on seeing blood and ran away from the place after covering the bleeding stone with her basket.On hearing this news people initiated Astrological consultation when it was revealed that the stone carried the Power of Durga and a nearby stone the power of Bhadrakali.Both the Goddesses Durga and Kali were installed there and a Temple built and this T%emple later on known as the present Thechkkottukavu Bhagavathy Temple.There after the rituals followed here was fo Goddess Durga and the celebrations for Goddess Kali. Since thenon the first tuesday of every Malayalam month "Karyasadya Pooja"is conducted for Goddess Durga and every first friday "AiswaryaPooja" forGoddess Bhadrakali.The most important celebration for Goddess Durga is on star Karthika in the month of Vrishikam.The pooram and Vela celebrated in the month of Makaram and is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. Here in Thechikkottu kavu Temple the Pooram conducted is known as Aanapooram which indicates the importance of Elephants in the Pooram.Elephants are converted into Caprisoned Elephants with the presence of Golde colored Ornaments,Nettipattam,Aalavattam and Venchamaram. on the Elephant in the middle is the one lucky elephant who carries the Thidambu. for more than 30 years this lucky elephant happened to be Techikkottu Ramachandran who is very famous for his peculia features for a first class elephant.His "Thalyeduppu" when selected to carry the Thidasmbu is astonishingly awsome.He is one of the most beautiful elephants in Kerala. in fact it is the previlege of Thechikkottu Ramachandran to open the Gopuram of Vadakkumnathan Temple to mark the beginning of world famous Thrissur Pooram.The Ezhunnallippu on the Pooram day is accompanied by Panchavaadyam an event which makes hearing it a divine pleasure.The Pachavaadyam is followed by the Chendamelam of the best group available.This also is a feast for the Melam lovers.There are expert men on the back of the elephants standing to show Aalavattom and Venchamaram to add to the beauty of the procession.The melam takes a pradakshinam inside the Temple with Thechikkottu Ramachandran with Thidambu and on completion Ramachandran lowers himself to enable the Thirumeni to come down and take the idol inside the Temple PARA in the Temple is an important offering in Thechikkottu Kavu Temple.Any time one can offer Para to the Temple.PARA is a measure of grain in a wooden vessel equivalent to 10 Edangazhi grains. Any one can offer Para in the name of anyone else or for himself. When the yearly Pooram approaches More people come to theTemple to offer Para.One need not bring grains to offer Para.The Templw will offer grains the cos of which the devotee can pay for that There is a processof the Para in which the Temple employees come to houses to accept para.a schedule is prepared in advance with reference to the people who are willing to offer Para.According to the list days before the Pooram Para procession from Temple visit houses.some house owners offer food for the Para procession from the Temple.For this also a list is prepared in advance and distributed among the residents of the area.These method of Para is doing a favour for residents to keep up communal harmony in tact.The entire village is in perfect unity in matters relating to the Temple The Mahadeva Temple near Thechikkottu Kavu Temple: In this Temple all Poojas relating to any siva Temple is performed regularly . Shivaratri is the most important festival in Mahadeva Temple.Devotees visiting the Thechikkottu kavu Temple invariaby visit Mahadeva Temple also to get the Blessings of Lord Shiva. In both the Temples there is dress code.No one can visit wearing Pant,Shirt or Lungi at the Temple.However ,this condition is relaxed only on the Pooram day. SreedharanMundanat 12th December 2017 Thrissur 680 oo4