Poothadi Temple, also known as Poothadi Mahakshetram, is located at Poothadi village on the Kalpetta – Meenangadi road in Wayanad district, Kerala. Poothadi Temple Thira festival is observed on Thulam 10. The annual festival at Shiva Temple is observed on the last week of Makaram month. The important festival dedicated to Goddess Saraswati is Navratri.
The main event during the Tira festival is the theyyam of Poothadi and Seeta Devi Amma. The Theyyam takes place at Devapura which is located near the home of Kalanadikal. Moonatuanmar also performs the Poothadi Daivam Thira.
There are three temples in the complex. Poothadi Paradevata and Bhagavan Vishnu are worshipped in the same sanctum sanctorum on the same peedam or base. The other two shrines are dedicated to Shiva and Goddess Saraswati.
Shiva and Poothadi Paradevatha face west. The Shiva temple is of importance as it has a flag post. The Upa Devatas in the Shiva temple are Ganapathi and Ayyappa.
It is believed that Poothadi is a Vanadevatha. The Goddess is associated with Shaivism. As per the Tribal songs of the Adivasi sect Kalanadikal, Poothadi Daivam is the son of Puli Kaali.
Poothadi Mahakshetram annual Sarpa Puja or Naga Pooja is held on Ayilyam nakshatra in Kumbha Masam (February - March).
The temple is managed by Poothadi Nambiar.
Festivals and Pujas at Poothadi Temple
The nine-day Navratri festival is famous for Valiyavattalam Guruthi for Goddess Bhadrakali on Mahanavami in day.
Thula Masam (October – November)
The annual festival of Goddess Bhagavathi known as Thira Mahotsavam begins on
the 8th day of Thula Masam. Vellat in Nayattukuttam Madam is held on the 9th
day. Puthari Maha Annadanam is held on the 10th day.
Mandala Vilakku is held for the entire month.
Chuttu Vilakku Mahotsavam is held on the 14th of Dhanu Masam. Vellat and Thira Mahotsavam is held on Dhanu 25 and 26 at Irulam Seetha Devi temple.
Kodiyetta Mahotsavam in Shiva temple begins on Kumbham 7. Pallivetta ezhunellathu is held on the 12th day of Kumbha Masam. The festival concludes with Arattu on the 13th day of Kumbha Masam.
Pratishta dinam is held at Paradevata temple in Meda Masam
Pratishta dinam of Bhagavathi, Bhadrakali and Saraswati is held on
the second day of Edava masam (May – June).