Panchayath/ Municipality/ Corporation

LOCATION District

Nearest Town/ Thekkin Kadu maithanam – 3.2 km Landmark/ Junction

Nearest Bus statio Koorkenchery Bus Stop – 90 m

Nearest Railway – 1.6 km statio ACCESSIBILITY

Nearest Airport Cochin International Airport – 49 km

Sree Maheswara Temple, Road, Kodungallur, Koorkenchery, Thrissur, 680007 CONTACT Ph No: 04872420611

DATES FREQUENCY DURATION Pooyam star day TIME January - February Annually month Makarom ABOUT THE FESTIVAL (Legend/History/Myth)

This festival was created during one of the battles between the Asuras and the Devas. At one point, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva. Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Shakti. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, inspired them and defeated the Asura forces and to recognise that day the people created the festival.

International Approximately 1 lakh RELEVANCE- NO. OF PEOPLE (Local / National / International) PARTICIPATED EVENTS/PROGRAMS DESCRIPTION (How festival is celebrated) Though the presiding deity of the temple is Lord Maheswara (Siva), the festival celebrates the seven-day Thaipooya Mahotsavam dedicated to Subramanya, his son. The spectacular Kavadiyattom, a ritual dance, starts in the morning and nearly 10 groups, each comprising 30 Kavadiyattom Ambalakkavadi and 60 Pookkavadi, participate. An Ambalakkavadi ambalakkavadi is a decorated model of a temple, six to 10 Pookkavadi feet tall, which a male devotee carries on his shoulder. Fireworks Pookkavadi is bow-shaped and decorated with flowers. The Kavadiyattom goes on till noon, followed by an elephant procession. Then it is resumed again at night and continues till dawn. A dazzling Fireworks display marks the conclusion of the festival.