Paramekkavu Bhagavathi temple is located east of Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur town, Kerala. The history of Paramekkavu Bhagavathi temple is associated with Thirumandhamkunnu temple. The most important festivals in the temple are Prathishta Dinam, Navratri, Vela and Mahashivratri.
The temple is one of the most important Bhagavathi temples in Kerala.
The murti worshipped in the temple is that of the Kanyaka form of Goddess Bhagavathi – young virgin girl. The form of Goddess is before killing demon Darika. The murti is carved out of wood.
The prathishta is unique as Goddess sits with her right leg in padmasana and the left leg is hanging down.
The temple has prime position in the world famous Thrissur Pooram.
Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple History
The belief is that a devotee named Appattukuruppal had got (bhajichu kondu varika) Bhagavathi from Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu. He consecrated Bhagavathi atop a rock – para in malayalam. Appattu Kuruppal used to visit Thirumandhamkunnu every month. When he was very old, during one visit he told Thirumandhamkunnu Devi that he will not be able to come here again due to old age. He asked Devi to give him nitya darshan. Pleased with the devotee, Goddess came with him in his umbrella – ola kuda. It is said that Appattu Kuruppal had kept the umbrella at Ilanji thara in Vadakkumnathan temple.
The sankalpam is that the prathishta in the temple is as same as Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu temple.
There is also a belief that the murti in the temple was originally consecrated in the famous Ilanjithara in Vadakkumnathan temple. The vilakku (lamp or diya) that is lit in Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple is shown towards Ilanji thara in Vadakkumnathan temple even today. The famous Ilanjithara melam during Thrissur Pooram is held in remembrance of this event.
There is another legend that the original moolasthanam of Goddess is at Kodungallur.
The old vigraham was replaced with a new one on June 15, 1997. The old sreekovil which was made in vettukallu and copper roof was replaced with granite. New daru bimbam too was consecrated at this time. This was completed on Atham nakshatra in Mithuna month.
Another Puna Prathishta was done in 2012 on Rohini Nakshatra in Meenam month.
Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple Ezhilam Pala
The Ezhilam Pala tree in the temple is very famous. The committees, decision making and pandita sadas (scholarly debates) used to take place under the tree.
Paramekkavu Bhagavathi Temple Festivals
Prathishta Dinam is observed on the Rohini Nakshatra in Meenam month. The festivities include Kazhcha Seeveli along with Panchari Melam in the morning 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Prasadam ottu on the day is very important. At 8:00 PM there is Vilakkacharam, Thayambaka, Kombupatt and Kuzhalpatt. Sreeveli is held again at 10:00 PM.
Illam Nira and Chanthatam
Illam nira and chanthatam are held on the Sunday after Amavasya or Karutha Vavu in Karkidakam month.
Navratri
Navratri is observed with various pujas and rituals. Devi Bhagavata reading, Chuttu Vilakku, Niramala, dance and music programs, bhajana etc are held during the 9 days. Before evening puja, special Saraswati puja and puja vyappu is held on Durga Ashtami. One Vijaya Dashami children are initiated into the world of learning (Ezhuthiniruthu).
Pathamudayam
This is usually observed on the 10th day of Dhanu Masam (40th day of Mandala Kalam). The Vela festival date is decided on the day.
Vela
The Vela in the temple is observed on the third Friday of Dhanu month. Special chathushatham naivedyam is distributed as prasadam on the day.
Panchavadyam and Kalampattu are held in the evening. Thayambaka is held and in the middle of Thayambaka – the komaram of the temple goes to Kurukancheri kalari.
The procession of Bhagavathi is held at 10:00 PM. Valkannadi and Thiruvudayada are carried in the procession symbolizing Goddess Bhagavathi.
The procession heads towards the eastern gopuram along with the accompaniment of Panchavadyam. After this the procession faces south gopuram and Ilanjithara. Panchavadyam comes to a conclusion when the procession crosses the western gopuram. Fireworks are held after this.
The melam again starts and ends at Sri Moolasthanam at 3:30 AM. Komaram and Bhagavathi returns to the temple afterwards.
Mandalam Pattu and Desa pattu are held during the 41 day s of Mandala kalam. The first lottery of Mandalam pattu is held on the first day of Vrischikam. The first mandalam pattu is held by Kuruppal Tharavad.
Shivratri
At 9 pm on Mahashivratri, the panchaloha thidambu of Bhagavathi is taken in procession to the Vadakkumnathan temple with the accompaniment of melam. The thisdambu of the goddess is kept facing the Nandi in Vadakkumnathan temple. Nine goddesses including Paramekkavu Bhagavathi and two Sastha arrive and stand horizontal line at the night of Mahashivaratri.