Chengannur Mahadeva Temple,
Alappuzha – Thriputharattu Festival
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is
famous for its unique rituals. This temple is distinct from other temples in
Kerala with a unique festival called Thriputharattu. It is a festival connected
with the menstruation ceremony and considered as a symbol of fertility. Since
the symptoms of menstruation periodically observed with the idol of Goddess
Parvathy of Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, this shrine is considered as the
Shakthi Peedam. It is certainly an extraordinary festival that celebrated with
great festivity.
The ceremony usually resembles
the puberty ceremony of high-class girls in Kerala. On finding the signs
of menstruation on the garment of Devi, the apparel is sent to the Thazhaman
and Vanghipuzha Madam (the traditional residence of the temple tantri) to be confirmed
by the senior women. On confirmation of menstruation, the Devi’s shrine is
closed, and worship is offered to the image used during processions. In the
early stages, the incidence of mensuration occurred regularly every month for
some time.
Nowadays, it is said,
that the goddess experiences mensuration three to four times a
year. The cloth that the goddess wears during this time (Thirupoothu)
is given much importance and is considered to be a prized possession. The
cloth is an object of veneration and is being worshipped in many
homes. Udayada (Devi’s garment) is made available for the public to buy
and worship at their homes.
On the fourth day, the idol of
the goddess is taken on a female elephant for her ceremonial bath in the nearby
Pamba river, to the accompaniment of playing of traditional musical
instruments. The idol is given an oil bath by the Namboodri women and then it
is mounted on top of the elephant. The idol atop the elephant is received
with Nira Para. After the ritual bath, the priest does traditional
puja like Abhishekam with oil, milk, etc.
Once it is over, the Devi rides
an elephant and is taken back to the temple. When the procession
reaches Nalambalam (In front of the main Entrance), Lord Shiva will
be waiting there on an elephant in a procession. They together are taken in
procession around the temple three times. Then the Lord enters the shrine
through eastern side and the goddess enters through the western side.
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