Rayiranellur Mala Kayattam (ascent to the Rayiranellur Hill) is an annual ritual held on the first day of Malayalam Thula Masam (October – November). On this day thousands of people trek the Rayiranellur mountain and visit the Rayiranellur Malayil Bhagavathy temple. Rayiranellur Mala Kayattam 2024 date is October 17. The mala kayattam or climbing the mountain is undertaken in memory of 'Naranathu Branthan' of the 'Panthirukulam' having darshan of Goddess Bhagavathi atop the hill and also of him rolling a huge boulder up the hill and then dropping it down.
As per Hindu beliefs, Goddess Durga appeared before Naranath
Brandhan (people considered him to be mad) and blessed him on the first day of
Thulam. The popular belief around the region is that Goddess Durga will bless
those who climb the hill on the day.
Naranathu Branthan rolled up big boulders to the peak of the hill every morning and would let it roll down by noon. It is believed that the action was done to symbolize the fate of people who hoard wealth and are full of desires and lust and foolishly believing that they are going to live forever. Just like the fate of the boulder, people after hoarding have to give it all up and embrace death.
As per another story, Goddess attempted to scare Naranathu Brandhan
atop the hill. Naranathu Brandhan who had attained self realization could not
be scared. Impressed with his knowledge, Goddess offered him a boon.
Naranathu Branthan asked Goddess to extend the time of his
death by a day. She said it was not possible. He then asked if she could reduce
his time of death by a day. She said this too was not possible.
Naranathu Branthan then asked the Filariasis disease on
his left leg to be transferred to the right leg.
Rayiranellur Malayil Bhagavathy Temple is located in Naduvattam in on Koppam - Valancheri road
in Palakkad district, Kerala. The shrine is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM (Monday
to Saturday). On Sunday, the shrine is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM.