THAIKKATTUSSERY BAHAGVATHY TEMPLE
This temple is one of the 108 Durga temples consecrated by Parashurama. The presiding deity, ‘Varadayini Durga’, is worshipped here with the divine aspect of Dhanvantari. This temple, considered the regional temple of Thaikkattussery, was once owned by 15 illams (Brahmin families). Over time, ownership was shared, and eventually, the administration was handed over to the ValiyaThaikkattu family, which is now known as the Paduthol Mana family. Over the years, they have continued to manage the temple’s affairs, and the administration is now entrusted to the ElayadathThaikkattuMooss family.
A committee is responsible for overseeing the temple’s daily operations, ensuring that the rituals and ceremonies are conducted smoothly and without interruption. The Prathishta Dinam (consecration day) is celebrated on the day of Pooyam in the month of Idavam. The Arattu ceremony takes place on the day of KarkkidakaVavu (new moon day in the month of Karkkidakam), and the Vaaram ceremony is observed every month on the day of Anizham. Other notable events include Ganapathi Homam, Vishukkani, and Pooja Vepu. Fridays and Tuesdays are considered special days at the temple. The Kartika ChuttuVilakku and Niramala in the month of Vrischikam are also celebrated with various festivities.
The main annual event at the temple is the festival associated with the Arattupuzha Pooram. In preparation for this, the Pooram procession begins on the day of Makiram. The rituals commence at dawn with the awakening of the temple and loud shouts of joy. In the evening, the Sastha deity from Chakkamkulam is brought in procession to the temple, followed by the Nair Vela ceremony. By 9 PM, the Kodimaram (temple flag pole) is raised. Subsequently, with the permission of the temple’s owner, the large Pani ritual is performed, after which the goddess and the Sastha deity proceed with a musical ensemble to Cherussery pond for the Arattu (holy bath). After the goddess’s Arattu and offerings at the Cherussery Narasimhamoorthy temple, the Sastha deity returns to Chakkamkulam. Upon the goddess’s return to the temple, Sreebhootabali and other poojas are conducted.
On the second day, after the morning Arattu at the temple pond and Sreebhootabali, the deity proceeds to the Thrailokyamangalam temple. There, a small Pooram is held in conjunction with the Sastha deity from Chakkamkulam, followed by the noon pooja at Paduthol Mana. After performing the rituals and receiving offerings at Paduthol Mana, the deity participates in the ChathakudamPurappadu. Following this, the deity is brought back and placed at the southern Althara (peepal tree platform), from where the procession continues with five elephants and a Panchavadyam ensemble to the western Althara at the walking path.
On the third day, around 9 AM, the procession with five elephants and a Panchari Melam (a traditional musical ensemble) once again arrives at the temple premises. After the musical performances, the deities are ceremoniously brought inside the temple and placed in their designated spots by noon. Following this, the Sastha deity from Chakkamkulam, along with the deities from Chittichathankudam, Chathankudam, Arattupuzha, Nankulam, Pisharikkal Bhagavathi, Thottippal Bhagavathi, and Edakkunni Bhagavathi, offer their respects and depart. In the evening, after the Arattu (holy bath) and Sreebhootabali rituals, the procession continues with the deity being taken to ElayadathThaikkattu Mana, Arukulangara Temple, and EdakkunniPallatheri Mana for ceremonial offerings, before heading to participate in the evening Vilakku at Chakkamkulam.
On the fourth day, after participating in the Vilakku ceremony at Chakkamkulam, the deities offer their respects and proceed to Chittichathakudam for a Pooram. Following the ceremonies, Bhagavathy returns to the temple for Arattu, Sreebhootabali, and other rituals. In the evening, after the Para (offerings) and Irakkipooja at various locations, the procession reaches Peruvanam to participate in the midnight Vilakku ceremony inside the temple wall, before returning to the temple.
On the fifth day, the morning begins with the Arattu and Sreebhootabali rituals. In the evening, the deities proceed for the Irakkipooja at the Manas (ancestral homes) of Edakkunni and Thaikkattussery. After completing the ceremonial offerings at the Thaikkattussery Temple, the procession moves on to Elangallur Mana for Irakkipooja. Following this, the deity head to Pothottapparambu in Thalore, where they exchange traditional respects with the Sastha deity from Chakkamkulam before parting ways. The day concludes with further Irakkipoojas at Kaplingattu Mana and Chittissery Moothedathu Mana, followed by a final ceremony at Kadalaassery Desamangalam Mana before resting for the night.
On the sixth day, after the Para rituals (receiving offerings) at Desamangalam Mana, the procession continues to the Vadakkedathu and Thekkedathu perumbadappu manas for the ceremonial offerings. The deities then participate in the Pidikkaparambu Pooram, where traditional respects are exchanged before returning to the temple. The day proceeds with the Arattu and Sreebhootabali rituals.
Following this, Irakkipoojas are performed at the Manas of CherusseryAalakkot, PerumbillisseryKeezhillam, Kirangat, Kannath, and Vellamparambu. From there, the procession moves to the Tharackal Pooram at Arattupuzha, followed by Irakkipoojas at Kadalaassery Keezhottukara Mana and a ceremonial visit to Pisharikkal Temple.
The next day, after upacharam with Kadalassery Pisharikkal Bhagavathy at 11:00 AM, Thaikkattussery Bhagavathy heads to the Thottippal Pooram. After participating in the rituals there, traditional respects are paid, and the deity returns to the temple. By 7:30 PM, with the permission of the temple owner, Bhagavathy proceed to Arattupuzha Pooram, where the Bhagavathy is ceremoniously placed in the main temple.
The following morning, after Kootiezhunellippu, the Bhagavathy performs the Arattu at the Arattupuzha Mandharam Kadavu and offers respects to the Sastha deity before returning. On the day of Uthram, after the Brahmani Pattu ceremony, Bhagavathy proceeds to participate in the EdakkunniVilakku. The next morning, after the Pooram, respects are paid, and the deities move to the Nankulam Temple for Irakkipooja. After completing the Para and respects, they return to the temple, where the day concludes with nine circumambulations (Pradakshinam) and the final Kodikkuthu ritual, marking the end of the Pooram festivities.
From the start of the Pooram procession, the Bhagavathi undergoes seven Arattus, with the first being at Cherussery and the last at Arattupuzha Mandharam Kadavu. The temple’s Thantri hails from the Vadakkedathu Perumpadappu Illam. with the Kazhakakar (administrators) from ThaikkattusseryVariyam and the Adiyantharakar from Thaikkattussery Marath.
Devotees seeking the blessings of the Goddess in the form of Dhanvantari, the curer of all diseases , perform various offerings here and return with their hearts filled with satisfaction and divine grace.