Aarattupuzha Pooram
Aarattupuzha Pooram is one of the oldest and most celebrated temple festivals in the Indian state of Kerala, held annually at the Aarattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple, located about 15 kilometres south of Thrissur. Renowned for its grand procession of caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles, and rich cultural heritage, the festival is often called the “Mother of all Poorams” due to its historical significance and the participation of deities from numerous temples across central Kerala.
Historical Background
The Aarattupuzha Pooram is believed to have a history of over 1,400 years, making it one of the oldest temple gatherings in South India. The term Pooram refers to a festival celebrated in honour of a temple deity when the moon rises with the Pooram (Purva Phalguni) star in the Malayalam calendar month of Meenam (March–April).
According to local legend, the festival originated as an annual gathering of deities from various temples in Kerala to pay homage to Ayyappa (Sastha), the presiding deity of the Aarattupuzha temple. Over time, it evolved into a grand cultural and spiritual event symbolising unity among temples and communities.
Venue and Deity
The main venue of the festival is the Aarattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple, situated near Thriprayar and Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sastha (Ayyappa), regarded as a protector deity and an embodiment of dharma.
The term Aarattu means “holy bath” or “ablution.” The festival culminates in the ritual bath of the deity in the nearby Aarattupuzha river, signifying purification and renewal. This ritual gives the festival its name — Aarattupuzha Pooram.
Duration and Schedule
The Aarattupuzha Pooram is a seven-day festival, beginning with flag hoisting (Kodiyettam) and ending with the grand Aarattu ceremony on the final day. The festival falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April), and the concluding day coincides with the Pooram star, marking the festival’s climax.
The major events are spread across the seven days:
- Kodiyettam (Flag Hoisting): Marks the beginning of the festivities.
- Processions and Offerings: Daily rituals and smaller processions from neighbouring temples take place.
- Sastha’s Procession (Ayyappan Ezhunnallippu): The presiding deity is taken out in a grand procession accompanied by music and fireworks.
- Pooram Day (Sixth Day): The highlight of the festival, featuring the majestic elephant parade and percussion performances.
- Aarattu (Final Day): Concludes with the ritual bath of the deity in the river, attended by priests, devotees, and processions from various temples.
The Gathering of Deities
A unique and defining feature of Aarattupuzha Pooram is the assembly of deities (Devamela) from nearly 41 neighbouring temples, making it a massive spiritual congregation. Deities from temples such as Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, Thiruvullakkavu, Ayyanthole, Chowalloor, Peruvanam, and Thottippal are believed to visit Aarattupuzha to honour Lord Sastha.
This gathering symbolises divine unity and the collective blessings of multiple deities, a tradition that distinguishes the Aarattupuzha Pooram from other temple festivals in Kerala.
The Elephant Procession and Percussion Ensembles
The visual and musical grandeur of Aarattupuzha Pooram is among its most captivating elements.
- Caparisoned Elephants: The festival’s central spectacle is the parade of beautifully decorated elephants, adorned with golden headgear (nettipattam), silk parasols (muthukuda), and colourful ornaments. The procession is accompanied by vibrant displays of umbrellas, fans, and peacock feathers, creating a magnificent visual scene.
- Traditional Music: The air reverberates with Kerala’s traditional percussion performances such as Panchavadyam, Pandimelam, and Thayambaka. These rhythmic ensembles, featuring instruments like the chenda (drum), kombu (horn), and ilathalam (cymbals), form the heart of the Pooram celebrations.
- Night Celebrations: On the Pooram night, the temple grounds are illuminated, and thousands of devotees gather to witness the synchronised performance of percussion music and elephant processions that continue late into the night.
Religious Rituals and Significance
The religious rituals performed during Aarattupuzha Pooram reflect both devotion and purification.
- The Aarattu ceremony, in which the idol of Lord Sastha is ceremonially bathed in the river, signifies the cleansing of sins and the renewal of divine energy.
- Offerings of flowers, rice, and lamps are made by devotees seeking blessings for prosperity and protection.
- The festival is also a time of community gathering, where people from various backgrounds come together in prayer, music, and celebration, reinforcing Kerala’s traditions of harmony and cultural integration.
Cultural and Social Importance
The Aarattupuzha Pooram is not merely a religious observance but also a vibrant cultural event showcasing Kerala’s performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, and folk expressions.
- It provides a platform for traditional musicians and artisans to display their skills, keeping Kerala’s classical and folk art forms alive.
- The participation of temples from different districts underscores the festival’s role in inter-temple unity and regional cultural exchange.
- It draws thousands of visitors, including international tourists, contributing significantly to cultural tourism in Thrissur district.
The festival’s grandeur and its preservation of centuries-old customs have led to Aarattupuzha being regarded as one of the most authentic expressions of Kerala’s temple culture.
Comparison with Thrissur Pooram
While Thrissur Pooram is the most famous and widely publicised temple festival in Kerala, Aarattupuzha Pooram predates it by several centuries and is considered its spiritual predecessor. Many local traditions describe Aarattupuzha as the original Pooram, inspiring other temple festivals across Kerala.
Thrissur Pooram is celebrated at the Vadakkunnathan Temple, but Aarattupuzha retains a more devotional and ritual-oriented character, blending grandeur with piety.