Chengannur Mahadeva Temple-Thriputharattu Festival

'Thriputharattu' is an extraordinary and significant festival that take place in the Chengannur Mahadeva temple. It is to do with the menstruation cycle of Chengannur Bhagavati. On finding signs of menstruation on the garment of Devi, the apparel is sent to the Thazhaman and Vanghipuzha Maddam (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. On the fourth day, the idol of Devi is taken to a nearby river where 'arrattu' (washing of the idol) is conducted. The idol is then taken in procession to the temple on an elephant. On reaching the main entrance, Lord Shiva waits there in a procession. The deities then circumambulate the temple thrice and Lord Shiva enters the temple through the eastern side while Devi enters through the western side. The Udayada (Devi's garment) is then made available for the public to buy and worship at their homes.

The Oath At The Western Entrance

There is an interesting account relating to a custom at the Western entrance of the temple. There was a Brahmin family who were great devotees of Chengannur Devi and who were very famous. Once an Alwar came to Chengannur to challenge the Muringoor family at a time when a boy of twelve years was the only male in the Muringoor family. The boy who was not equipped to meet the challenge of the Alwar sought refuge at the feet of Devi. The Goddess moved by the prayer appeared to the boy in a dream and instructed the boy to make use of the brass pipe in the 'Araa' which had a snake in it and which will be under the control of the boy. The next day the boy challenged his opponent to release the snake with his magical powers. The Alwar's efforts failed and the snake in turn tried to bite the intruder. On the pleading of the Alwar, the boy controlled the snake with his prayers and sealed it into the pipe. He then made a hole in the wall of the Western Gopuram and put the snake into it. He informed the people around that if anybody utters a lie by putting his hand inside the hole will be bitten by the snake.

About the temple

The main deities of the temple are Lord Shiva and Mother Parvati. There are two different shrines for both with Shiva facing East and Devi facing West. The Shivalingam is said to have emerged on its own (Swayambu) and bears a gold planted image of Ardhanaareeswara (Shiva and Sakthi together) There are also shrines dedicated to other deities as well.

Festivals

Apart from the Thriputharattu, the other festivals celebrated in the temple are
Varshikotsavam (Twenty eight day long annual festival ( December-Januaray)

Thulasamkrama Neyyattu (October-November) -Ghee offering for Lord Shiva.

Shivratri and

Chitra Pournami

Location

The Chengannur Mahadeva temple is located in the Alappuzha district. It lies in between Thiruvalla and Pandalam in MC Road and between Thiruvalla and Mavelikkara in Railway line. It is situated 117 kms north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the Main Central Road (MC Road).

Chengannur Bhagavati stands as the very proof of the creative aspect of the divine to this day. Lets thus take refuge at the Mother's feet.