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Chempilavu Ponkunnath Mahadeva Temple – Festival

Chempilavu Ponkunnath Mahadeva temple is located at Chempilavu in Kottayam district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Mahadeva – Shiva. The annual Maha Shivratri festival which falls on the last fortnight of February or first fortnight of March (Malayalam Kumbha Masam) is an important day in Chempilavu Shiva kshetram.

The vatta sreekovil has a Shivling which is of ancient origin. The upa devatas worshipped include Sri Krishna and Ganapathy. The shrine has a Chuttambalam, namaskara mandapam with a Nandi or Rishabham.

The temple is associated with famous Kidangoor Subramanya Swamy temple. The arattu procession of Kidangoor Subramanya Swamy pays respect to Ponkunnath Mahadeva, who is the father of Kidangoor Subramanya.

The Shivratri festival is noted for ezhunnallathu, abhishekam, dhara, pujas and rituals, homam etc. Both Tantric and Vedic rituals are performed on the day.

The fortnightly Pradosham Vratam, Mondays and Saturdays are of importance in the temple.

Thiruvathira in Dhanu Masam is another important festival here.