Parippally Gajamela at Kodimootil Bhadrakali Temple Kerala

Paripally Gajamela, also spelled Parippally Gajamela, is an annual temple festival celebrated at Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple, in Paripally, in Kollam District of Kerala. Paripally Gajamela is noted for the annual elephant parade with more than 50 richly decorated elephants taken out on a ritual procession on the tenth day of the Paripally Kodimootil Bhadrakali Temple festival. Parippally Gajamela is held annually during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February – March). 

“Gajamela” literally means “elephant pageant” - Gajam is Malayalam language means “elephant” and Mela means “fair”. The elephants taking part in the procession are offered as Nercha (ritual offerings) by devotees to Goddess Bhadrakali. The elephants are beautifully decorated and mahouts can be seen on top of the elephant holding a colorful muthukuda (silk parasols) aalavattom (peacock feather fans), and venchamaram (white tufts). Apart from elephant pagent, several cultural programs are organized by the temple authorities at every night during the festival days.

Parippally Gajamela at Kodimootil Bhadrakali Temple Kerala

How to reach Paripally, Kollam?

Parippally is located 48 km north of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. The town is located on the National Highway 47 and hence is well connected to all the major nearby cities and towns.

Kollam Junction Railway Station, about 23 km from Paripally, is the nearest railway station. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, 55 km away.

Nearby Tourist Places

Vayalil Thrikkovil Mahavishnu Temple, Varkala Janardana Swamy Temple, Varkala Sivagiri Mutt, and Varkala Papanasam Beach are the major religious spots and tourist attractions situated near Paripally.


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