Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is a popular temple located in the town of Chengannur, Kerala. The important festivals celebrated at the temple are Thriputharattu festival, Varshikotsavam and Thulasamkrama Neyyattu.
Thriputharattu Festival is one of the interesting festivals of the temple, Thriputharattu is celebrated only here. The festival is associated with the menstruation ceremony and is observed periodically in the temple. Once the sign is observed on the vesture (Udayada) of Goddess Parvathi, it is removed by the Main Priest (Melsanthi) every morning. He examines the vesture and if he feels any signs of Thriputhu (Period), he hands over the vesture to Devasom Officials, then verified by the abbess (senior women) of the (Madom – meaning monastery). Once the abbess confirms it, Devi's shrine will be closed for three days and worships will be offered to another image of the goddess in a different spot of the temple. The idol of Devi is taken to the nearby river on the fourth day and Arattu (holy bath) is conducted.
Thriputharattu Festival is one of the interesting festivals of the temple, Thriputharattu is celebrated only here. The festival is associated with the menstruation ceremony and is observed periodically in the temple. Once the sign is observed on the vesture (Udayada) of Goddess Parvathi, it is removed by the Main Priest (Melsanthi) every morning. He examines the vesture and if he feels any signs of Thriputhu (Period), he hands over the vesture to Devasom Officials, then verified by the abbess (senior women) of the (Madom – meaning monastery). Once the abbess confirms it, Devi's shrine will be closed for three days and worships will be offered to another image of the goddess in a different spot of the temple. The idol of Devi is taken to the nearby river on the fourth day and Arattu (holy bath) is conducted.
This ceremony is called Thriputharattu. Afterwards, the goddess is taken back to the temple on an elephant. The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are taken in procession around the temple three times and then the Lord enters the shrine through eastern side and the goddess enters through western side.
Main Festival – Varshikotsavam
This is a 28 day long festival at Chengannur Temple which begins on the asterism Thiruvathira of Dhanu masam (mid December-mid January) and ends on Thiruvathira of Makaram masam (mid January-mid February). Special rituals are performed during these days.
Thulasamkrama Neyyattu - Ghee Abhishekam
This ceremony is conducted on every 1st day of Thulam (mid October–mid November). On the day 36 paras (a measurement in Malayalam) of ghee is showered on the ‘Shivalingam’.
Besides, Shivaratri Festival (February - March) and Chitra Pournami (April - May) are also celebrated here with much religious importance.
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