Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Kottayam – Festivals

Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Kottayam – Festivals

The main festival Deepa is very unique. It commences on the month Vrichika, (Thiruvonam star) with the hoisting of flags on the eastern and western sides of the Sreekovil. Unique functions start on the fifth day onwards with processions of Moola Vigraha accompanied by elephants Jeevatha with the idol of Sahadeva inside. Seva is another ritual performed inside the temple. Only on the final day, the processions go out of the temple. The myth behind the festival is that when Sahadeva returns triumphantly after the great war, on the way, he learned about Madri’s death.

Saddened, and overwhelmed with grief, he tries to jump into the funeral pyre of Madri. The well-wishers stopped him and consoled him. The Deepa gets its name from the ritual of piling hundreds of Sarakudoms (Plantain leaves), one on top of the other gets lighted to represent the myth. All that is stated in the myth gets illustrated or enacted during Deepa. The burnt remains of sarakudoms becomes a prasadam. When the Jeevitha enters Nallambalam, the festivities almost come to its end. A brief function gets preformed in front of the main idol after the Jeevatha ends its journey. The people got involved in all festivities ask forgiveness to Lord Vishnu for all the knowingly or unknowingly done sins.

The specific rhythm need for Aashu is made with the help of wood, chenkila and conch. Aarrattu is the final stage of the festival Deepa. It is performed the sacred pond. The poojas after the Aarrattu are performed at the permanent Aarrattu Mandapam outside the temple. The procession during Aarrattu is not accompanied by elephants or any other decorated accompaniments. The Deepa comes to an end with the culmination of Aarrattu. 

Narasimha Jayanthi, Devi Pongala, Kavadi processions and Sashti are also celebrated with much devotion. A monthly Sravana Deepams (festival of light) is performed. A unique custom of sprinkling rose water along the circumambulatory path is seen in this temple.