Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy


Sree Mahavishnu Temple
	Sree Mahavishnu Temple: The Presiding diety is Lord Mahavishnu in Chaturbahu form. This temple was reconstructed in 1925 in its present location with round shaped sanctum sanctorum (Vattasreekovil). The chuttambalam and sub-deities of Ganapathy, Sree Dharmasastha, Baktha Hanuman, Nagadevatas and durga parameswari were later installed in 2008. Considerable number of devotees throng to this temple for worship. It has been reveated in the Ashtamangalya Prasna that the divinity of Lord Mahavishnu was noticed at the first instance and later the divinity of Sree Kunnekkattu Bhagathy. Therefore, it is customary that a devotee on a pilgrimage has to offer prayers to the Lord prior to offering prayers to Sree Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy in order to obtain the fruits of his prayers. Important festivals include Janmashtami, Thiruvona Oottu, Navarathri, Mandala Vilakku, Makara Vilakku, Nagapooja etc. Tantric rites rest with Kallumana and present thanthri is Brahmasree Kallumana Devadasan Namboothiripad.

Important festivals	Vatta Sree Kovil
Janmashtami Thiruvona Oottu Navarathri Mandala Vilakku Makara Vilakku Nagapooja etc

Sree Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy Temple

	Proposed Temple Plan

One among the ancient Bhadrakali Temples, Rajarajeswari Sree Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy's temple is located at Thennilapuram on the Erattakkulam - Vaniyampara Road adjoining the No 522 Palakkad-Thrissur National Highway (formerly NH 47). The Bhagavthy is the Bharadevata of many devotees both inside and outside the state who call themselves as ADIMA of the Bhagavathy and Worship with total devotion and piety. Ever merciful, She blesses her devottees by granting their cherished prayers. The history dates back to several centuries. An ancient devotee of Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy of Kodungallur used to go on pilgrimage to Kodungallur every year. With the advancing age and resultant debility, he felt that he whould not be able to continue the pilgrimage in the coming years. On his way back after such a visit, he felt tired and worn out and rested on a hilltop overgrown with weeds and bushes.


			Proposed Oottupura

He placed his thatched umbrella and sat underneath a tree and rested for a while. After regaining his freshenss. he decided to continue his journy. But to his surprise and bewilderment, he was unable to lift his umbrella. Wonderstruck, he thought that thos could be due to the unhappiness of the Bhagavathy on his decision not to undertake future pilgrimages owing to his advancing age deteriorating health. He fervently prayed to forgive and repented his dicision. To his surprise, bewilderment and unlimited joy, he heard a blissful voice in which the Devi ordined that she is pleased with his dedication and he need not visit Kodungallur hence from. The Goddess would stay here on the hill top for him and others to worship. Excited over these revelations, he collected people around and informed them. Later, a temple was constructed.

The Bhagavathy is called Kodakkattu Bhagavathy as the divne presence was felt on a thatched umbrella (Olakkuda) and Kunnekkattu Bhagavathy as the Devi resides on a hilltop.This temple was renovated with copper roof tiles and Kumbhabhishekam held in 2011. the tantric rites rest with Kallurmana Devadasan Namboothiripad. The tatric has a sub-deity called Mookenchathan for whom Kalasam is special offering.

The mega festival called vela Mahotsavam is held annualyy on the Ayilyam Star of Malayalam moth Meenam. The Devi visits her devotees once a year on caparisoned elephents. the precession starts from the temple,goe's paraphernalia ending with grand fireworks. Kathirvela on Vrichikam 11, Ponninpoovu and Koorayidal on Kumbham 1, Therefter Kalamezhuthupattu in Kootala.

Thalappoli on Kumbham 10 are held as a prelude to the Vela festival. Other festivals include Laksharchana in Karkkidakam, Ramayana Masacharanam, Akhandanamajapam, Chanthattam twice a year in Kakidakam and Makaram months on Ayilyam star, Besides, Navarathri, Makara Vilakku, Mandala Vilakku and Bhagavathy Pattu in Cheerumbakkavu are also celebrated. An interesting feature of this temple is that each and every sect of Hindu community has one or other rite to perform in relation to his sector community during the Vela Mahaotsavam. The Devi is taken on procession in a specially decorated chariot on the second day morning during the Vela celebrations.