Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy temple is located at Angadipuram in Malappuram district, Kerala. Thirumandhamkunnu pooram festival 2024 date is April 13 to April 23. The 11-day festival begins on Makayiram nakshatra day in Meenam month.
The Famous 22 Arattu Of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple
During the festival the murti of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy is taken out from Mathrusala (sanctum sanctorum) on a caparisoned elephant for arattu (holy bath). Known as Pooram Purappadu, the procession is accompanied by four elephants, nadaswaram and chenda melam and this procession is performed on all 11 days of the festival.
The main attraction of the festival is these processions from temple to the river and back, which is done two times - one in the morning and the other in the evening. The 11-day festival in Menam month witnesses 21 arattu of the Goddess.
A large number of devotees, warriors of traditional squads and the Komarams or velichappadu (oracles) of Azhikkal, Valiyakunnu and Kongadu Devi temples take part in the procession.
Poothan, a folk art form popular in Malabar region is performed during the festival days at temple premise.
Another interesting ritual held on the Pooram midnight is the ceremonial meeting between Valluvakkonathiri, the king of the erstwhile kingdom of Valluvanad and Malayankutty, the head of Pana tribal community. It is known as Panante Varavu.
It is said that the history of Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy temple pooram dates back to the early decades of the 16th century. The festival was made annual event by Mankada Valluvakonathiri.
Thirumandhamkunnu Famous For The Biggest Dharu Vigraham
It is believed that the murti at Thirumandhamkunnu is one of the biggest Dharu Vigraham (made of wood). Bhagavathy is also known as Sri Porkali. The deity faces north.
Saptamatrikas in dharu is worshipped along with Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy in the sreekovil.
Instead of ethiretta puja, pandiradi puja is performed in the temple.
The murti was consecrated here in 303 AD.
Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy temple is one among the three important Bhadrakali temples in Kerala, the other two are Kodungallur Devi temple and Panayannarkavu.
It is believed that the name Thirumatam Kunnu got changed into Thirumandhamkunnu. Another belief is that Suryavamsha Rajavu, Mandhata performed Tapas here and therefore the place got the name.
Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy was the Kuladevata of Valluvanad Kara (Vellattara) kings.
The famous chaver thara is located in the southern nada of the temple.
Mangalya Pooja is an important puja here. It is performed to get rid of all the problems related to marriage.