KSHETRA MAHOLSAVAM

Arattu (holy bathing of the Deity) on the last day of the annual festival and lowering of the holy flag (ധ്വജാവരോഹണം ) indicating the end of the festival are so scheduled as to coincide on the day of Makarasamkramam (when sun enters Makaram rasi and Utharayanam begins) and Makaravilakku festival at Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha temple. Kodiyettam ie. Hoisting of the holy flag indicating the beginning of the festival is on the sixth preceding day from Aarattu. Ulsavabali and Pallivetta are on fourth and fifth days from Kodiyettam. On Pallivetta and Aarattu days Sri Dharmasastha mounted on elephant visits the neighbouring villages, enabling the public to welcome the Lord by lighting of lamps, and offering rice, jiggery, plantains etc. and to receive His blessings. On Pallivetta day of the neighbouring Nellikode Mahavishnu Temple, Bhagavan Mahavishnu visits Sri Dharmasastha at our temple and on the Pallivetta day of our festival Sri Dharmasastha visits Lord Mahavishnu at Nellikode Temple indicating the goodwill and co-operation between the temples.

Programmes of various temple arts like chakyarkooth, Ottanthullal, Sopanasangeetam, Aksharasloka etc are conducted in the Bajana Hall. Cultural programmes like music, dance etc. by the family members of the neighbouring Residents’ Associations and special programmes like Kathakali, devotional dramas etc. are conducted on the special stage in the temple premises.

Prasada oot (feast to devotees) on the Aarattu day attended by thousands of devotees is the special attraction our temple festival.

During the annual festival the gradual loss of energy and strength of the Diety (ചൈതന്യക്ഷയം) is recouped by the tantric rituals and disseminated to the public at large.