Moothakunnam Temple festival is observed annually in Makaram
month. Moothakunnam Sri Narayanamangalam Temple is located near North Paravur
in Kerala. The temple is located around 5 km from Kodungallur. The 10-day annual festival in the temple is observed in such a manner that the festival ends on the Uthram nakshatra in Makaram month.
The temple is of great importance as the murti worshipped in the shrine was consecrated by Sri Narayana Guru. The pratishta in the temple was done on Kollavarsham 1078 Makaram 20.
Three pratishtas were done here by Sri Narayana Guru – Shiva, Subrahmanya and Ganapati.
Mahashivratri is of great importance here. Special pujas are held on Mondays. Pradosham is a fortnight is of great significance. Thaipooyam and Sashti fasting are observed here. Vinayaka Chaturthi in Chingam month is another important festival.
Moothakunnam Temple is traditionally decorated with
plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights of the festival. The annual festival is noted for various rituals. Caparisoned elephants, melam, fireworks and sheevali are
part of the festival. Traditional performing arts, music and dance are staged
during the period.
Hundreds of people arrive on the day to witness various
rituals and festivities.
The utsava murti of the deity is taken out of the shrine for
ritual bathing on the final day. Caparisoned elephants and melam are part of
the ritual.