Vithoba Temple is located near the Kayamkulam market in Alappuzha district, Kerala. The shrine is locally known as Konkani temple and the main deity in this temple is Vittal or Vithoba. This temple is associated with the Gowda Saraswath Brahmin (GSB) community in Kayamkulam region.
Vithoba worshipped in the temple is seen along with Goddess Rukmini. The darshanam of Vithoba Devasthanam is towards west.
The Upa Devatas worshipped in the temple are Shiva, Bhuvaneshwari, Mahalakshmi, Hanuman, Garuda and Ganapathi.
The temple complex comprises the sanctum sanctorum
(Sreekovil) and
inner temple, flag post (dwajam), temple pond and chariot shed.
As per history, the murti worshipped in the temple was brought by a devotee from Pandharpur in Maharashtra. Kayamkulam king had helped in the construction of the temple which belongs to the 18th century CE.
Vrischikolsavam, also known as Chaithrolsavam, (November – December) is the main festival celebrated here. The highlight of the 10-day festival is the pulling of the chariot (Ratholsavam)
A flag hoisting ceremony marks the beginning of the festival. The shrine is traditionally decorated with plantain, coconut leaves, flowers, leaves, traditional lamps and lights. There are special poojas and offerings during the festival period. Traditional performing arts and music and dance are staged during the festival period. Thousands of devotees throng to witness the events and rituals. Numerous cultural programs and temple arts are be performed on all days of the festival.
Famous ratholsavam or chariot festival takes place on the 9th day of the festival. Beautifully decorated Chariot pulled around the temple, thousands of devotees will be there to be the part of that event. On the final day Arattu(holy bath) takes place where the utsava murti of the deity is taken out of the shrine for ritual bathing. Instead of elephant, palanquin is used for arattu ceremony.