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Ithithanam Elamkavu Devi Temple History – Festival – Ithithanam Gajamela 2024 Date

Ithithanam Elamkavu Devi temple is located at Kurichi village near Changanassery, around 2 km from plamoodu junction, in Kottayam district, Kerala. The main deity worshipped in the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali. Ithithanam Gajamela 2024 date is April 23. The temple is famous for Ithithanam Gajamela or parading of elephants in April month.

Ithithanam Elamkavu Devi Temple History

The temple is more than 500 years old. It is believed that Goddess Kali arrived here from Kodungallur. She arrived atop the traditional umbrella of Vellappally Panicker who was an ardent devotee and upasaka of Kodungallur Bhagavathy.

Goddess arrived here with Panicker and settled at Ithithanam Ambalakkodi. This place is located half kilometer west of the present temple.

Renovation of the temple was done 1994. Flag post was installed in 2003.

Ithithanam Gajamela And Festival

The 10-day annual festival starts on Vishu and ends on Pathamudayam. Paraezhunellipu is performed during the first eight days of the festival.

The famous Ithithanam Gajamela is held on the 9th day of the festival. The elephant which wins the competition is given the prize of Gajaratnam.

Pulavrittamkali and Velankali are part of the festival. Other rituals include Arjuna Nritham and Sreebhothabali.

It is believed Sri Mahadeva worshipped at Chiramuttam temple is the father of Ithithanam Bhagavathy. The arattu of Chiramuttam Mahadeva temple begins from Ithithanam temple.

Ithithanam Bhagavathi pays honors to Chiramuttam Mahadeva before commencing on parayezhunellipu.