Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is an ancient temple in Kerala famous for its beautiful architectural designs and special rituals. Located in the Alappuzha district at Chengannur, this temple is quite different from other temples in the state. Even though this temple is known as the Mahadeva temple, Goddess Parvathy also holds equal importance. There is a special festival in this temple which is celebrated based on an interesting belief. This festival is connected with menstruation and a symbol of fertility. Log on our website www.ksu.in to plan your pilgrim holidays in Kerala.
A Must-Visit Ancient Temple
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is a must-visit temple in Kerala for many reasons. The beautiful temple architecture is certainly a feast to the eyes. In this temple, Lord Shiva facing east while Goddess Parvathy facing west. The fabulous woodwork and exquisite mural paintings of this shrine catch the attention of each visitor. But many wood and art work of this temple was ruined by fire and temple got damaged. But still visitors can watch amazing murals and paintings especially in the Mukhamandapam and other mandapams of this temple.
Thriputharattu
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is famous for its unique rituals. This temple is distinct from other temples in Kerala with a unique festival called ‘TRIPUTHARATTU’. It is a festival connected with the menstruation ceremony and considered as a symbol of fertility. Since the symptoms of menstruation periodically observed with the idol of Goddess Parvathy of Chengannur Mahadeva temple, this shrine is considered as the Shakthi Peedam. It is certainly an extraordinary festival that celebrated with great festivity.
The garment of the idol of Goddess Parvathy sent to the senior women of Thazhaman and Vanghipuzha Maddam, the traditional residence of the temple tantric, on findings of the menstruation signs in order to get it confirmed. The shrine of Devi is closed for 4 days and the worship is offered to the image that usually used for processions. The idol of the goddess is taken for washing to the nearby river on the 4th day. Then the idol is taken the temple in procession on an elephant. Lord Shiva wait for the goddess in a procession and both the deities circumambulate the temple thrice. Then Lord Shiva enters the temple through the eastern side while Goddess Parvathy enters through the western side. Devi’s garment (udayada) is made available for devotees after that. They believe that it is auspicious to keep the udayada at home and worship it.
Major Festivals Of Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
Chengannur Mahadeva Temple celebrates a few other festivals also apart from Thriputharattu. A 28-days long annual festival is celebrated in this temple with great grandeur during the months of December and January. Ghee offering for Lord Shiva called Thulasamkrama Neyyattu is celebrated in the month of October/November. Other popular festivals celebrated by this temple include Shivratri and Chitra Pournami.
How To Reach Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
Located in the Alappuzha district in Kerala, this temple lies between the Thiruvalla and Mavelikkara in Railway line and in MC road between Thiruvalla and Pandalam. Chengannur railway station is only ½ kilometer away from this temple and you can reach the temple on foot or by hiring an auto rickshaw. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 117 kilometers from this temple.