Chengannur Mahadeva Temple, Alappuzha – Thriputharattu Festival

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.