Temple Rituals of Thrissur Pooram

The temple rituals in connection with Pooram are more or less same through out Thrissur though there will be slight difference depending on which side (North, South, West or East) the deity is facing. Some of the common rituals are discussed here.

Kodiyettam - The Kodiyettam or flag hoisting ceremony is conducted in three different modalities

1. ‘Dhwajadi’
2. ‘Anguradi’
3. ‘Padahadi’

Of these, ‘Padahadi’ is the oldest form and more liberal. Flag hoisting is done with out any tantric rituals. The post is to be fixed in front of the Valiya Balikallu and in between outside ‘Balivattom’ and ‘Anakoottil’. The length of the flag post should be less than the distance between valiya balikallu and nalambalam. The length of the flag stick should be less than the length of fins of nalambalam and the stick should point towards north. The surface of the arecanut tree should be chipped in eight sides. The post should be decorated with Darba, mango leaves and banyan tree leaves in odd counts.

Utsava-Bali is another ritual in connection with the Pooram celebrations. Right from the day of Kodiyettam to the last day of festival, ‘Bali’ is performed with diligence. The Thidambu (the replica of deity) is taken out from the shrine with special vadhya called ‘Valiyapani’. There are specific spots marked on ‘Balikallu’, round the shrine and outside the Nalambalam. The ritual is pouring ‘havis’ (rice with flowers, etc) in these spots. Bali is actually the 'offering' to natural and supernatural powers, both good and bad, with respective mantras.


Aarattu - The Thidambu is taken out to the Kadavu (special place in the temple pond) accompanied by the vadhya (mainly chenda). After pooja, the thantri (the special priest) immerses the Thidambu in the water. Later the Thidambu will be applied with cosmetics such as sandal water, rosewater and turmeric. With new dress (Pattu) and after some rituals and offerings, deity will be taken back to temple. This is a daily routine during the 8 days of Pooram festival.


Poorapara - Most of the festivals in Kerala are related to harvest. During the 8 days of Pooram the ‘Thattakam’ (domain of influence) will be in festive mood. All the houses will be painted and decorated. The streets will be cleaned and illuminated. The god will travel along the streets in pompous procession and devotees will present their offerings (paddy, fruits etc). The concept is that the presiding deity of that place is personally verifying the well being of his/her devotees and solving the grievances, if any, before pooram.


Grama-Bali - The ‘Bali’ is performed after the night rituals in the temple on the last day of Pooram. It is believed that holy sprits are stationed at entry points of the temple, on certain trees, ponds, near other temples of the village, etc. The chief priest and thantri presents the offerings at these points in the presence of the deity, who is traveling along with them. This ritual is nearly extinct because of the vast area that needed to be covered during this process.


Kodikutthu - This the last program of Pooram festival. After the holy dip in the Arattu kadavu, diety travels back to temple. In between Arattu kadavu and the flag post, Kodikalpooram is conducted, which is a small procession with vadhyam, accompanying the diety. After the pooram the elephant, which is honored to carry the Thidambu, uproots the flagpost. After the Sreeboothabali the diety enters the shrine with ‘Uttram pattu’, marking the end of the festival.