The Thiruvairanikulam Temple Festival is one of the most anticipated cultural events in Kerala. It takes place in the Ernakulam district near Kochi. It takes place from mid-December to mid-January and lasts for 12 days. Devotees flock from far and wide for darshan and to seek blessings from Goddess Parvathy and Lord Shiva. Here are all of the important details that you would need to know about this festival in Kerala!
Thiruvairanikulam Temple Festival: All To Know
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The Thiruvairanikulam Temple festival, which is also known as Nada Thurappu, began on December 26, 2023 on Tuesday. Its commencement was marked by the ceremonial transport of holy ornaments from Akavoor Mana to the Thiruvairanikulam temple. This was done around four o’clock in the evening. The procession was colourful and the ornaments reached by 7:30 PM.
The festival starts in the Dhanu month on the Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam calendar, according to an article which was recently published by The New Indian Express or TNIE. The idols of the two deities are installed facing opposite directions in the sanctum sanctorum. As per the website of the temple, Goddess Parvathy faces west and Lord Vishnu faces East.
The sanctum sanctorum is also known as the ‘sreekovil’, and it has thrown open its doors for darshan since Tuesday night. Since the festival goes on for 12 days, the temple timings for the duration are from 4 AM to 1:30 PM and then 2 PM to 9 PM.
Other Important Details To Know About This Festival
As per the legend, it is said that Goddess Parvathy used to cook for Lord Shiva in the kitchen of the temple. When she was cooking, the temple kitchens were strictly off-limits for everyone and entry was prohibited. However, to learn the secret of her cooking, a group of Brahmins sneaked inside the temple. This enraged the Goddess who left the temple at once.
The Brahmins sought forgiveness for their sin and begged her to return. She ultimately relented and decided that she would make her presence felt there for 12 days. These 12 days are when the festivities happen. The deities are decked with holy ornaments. These ornaments themselves are brought over to the temple in a lavish chariot.
These ornaments are received by the trustees of the temple. The temple as well as its festival is one of the most unique and distinctive ones in Kerala. It is renowned for its unique rituals as well.
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For more information, go to the website.
Have you ever partaken in this festival? Have you ever visited this temple? If not, would you like to? Let us know in the comments section below!
Cover Image Credits: Thiruvairanikulam Temple/Website
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