CHAKKAMKULANGARA SREE DHARMMASHASTHA TEMPLE
Located 9 kilometers south of the culturally rich city of Thrissur and 5 kilometers east of the renowned Peruvanam Mahadeva kshetram, along the national highway, lies the Chakkamkulangara Sasta Temple in the region of Thalore.
The exact time of the installation (Prathishta) of Sri Dharmashasta at this temple remains a mystery, with no records or documents to shed light on its history. However, it is widely accepted that the temple has ancient origins. There are various beliefs regarding the temple’s Prathishta. While some believe that it was established by Lord Parashurama, others hold that it was consecrated by the Sun God, Aditya. The latter belief seems more likely, as the original name “Arka Kulangara” evolved into “Chakkamkulangara,” and even today, the rays of the setting sun at around 4 PM illuminate the deity’s face. Notably, no tree grows in the path of these rays, leaving the Aalthara barren. As Shani, the son of the Sun God, is associated with this temple, this belief is further strengthened.
The temple is renowned for its ability to cure ailments, especially those affecting the head and neck. Devotees from various places come seeking relief from conditions such as insanity, epilepsy, and eye problems. Offerings such as KannedutthuVakkal (offering of eyes) and AlroopamVakkal (offering of human effigies) are common at this temple.
The temple’s Uralars (hereditary trustees) are four families: Elangallur, Mekkali, Veembur, and Patthiyil. However, for the past 80 years, the Elangallur family has taken the lead in temple management. Since 1980, the Temple Protection Committee, comprised of local residents, has been supporting their efforts. The temple also enjoys the wholehearted cooperation of other associated members. The temple’s Tantri is also from the Elangallur family.
Daily rituals are conducted three times a day, with special Navakam rituals and Sreeveli processions during the Mandala season. All the temple’s ceremonies continue to be carried out without interruption, upholding the ancient traditions and practices of this revered temple.
The Chakkamkulangara Sasta Temple, one of the participating deities in the historically renowned Peruvanam and Arattupuzha Poorams, continues to uphold its grand traditions, particularly during the Pooram season in the month of Meenam. The festivities begin with the hoisting of the flag on Makiram day and culminate with the flag-lowering ceremony on Atham day, all carried out with great pomp and precision.
After the flag is hoisted on Makiram day, the Uralars give their consent, and the Sasta is ceremoniously taken out with the sounding of the Pani. The first destination is the Thaikkattussery Temple, where the Bhagavathy, believed to be the Sasta’s sister, does not set out until the Sasta has been led there. Until the Verpiriyal ceremony on Ayilyam night at PothottaParambu in Thalore, these two deities participate in all rituals together.
On Thiruvathira day, the Sasta embarks early for Irakkipooja, beginning at Thrailokyamangalam Shiva Temple, followed by pujas at Paduthol Illam, Moothedath Mana, and Poozhichoor Mana. The Sasta then reaches Chathakkudam Temple to join the Chathakkudam Sasta’s Purappadu (procession), accompanied by the Chakkamkulam Sasta, who is believed to be his brother. After the Irakkipooja at Avanavatt Mana, the Sasta arrives at Thaikkattussery for the Pooram. After the Thaikkattussery Pooram concludes at noon, the Sasta returns to the temple.
The famous PunarthamVilakku at Chakkamkulangara takes place on Punartham day, with five elephants and five deities joining the procession. In the evening, after Irakkipooja at Vadakkiniyettathu, Thekkiniyettathu, and Pallathery Manas, the Sasta is brought back inside the temple with the accompaniment of Panchavadyam from the western side. The Vilakku ceremony and Panchari Melam are conducted meticulously, as Chakkamkulangara is one of the few temples where these traditional rituals are observed with great care. Along with the Chakkamkulangara Sasta, the Chathakkudam and Chittichathakkudam Sastas and the Edakkunni and Thaikkattussery Bhagavathys also participate in the procession. The ceremonies conclude with the morning puja on the next day, after which the Vilakku festivities come to an end.
On Pooyam day, after participating in the Chittichathakkudam Pooram and performing the Irakkipuja at Kaplingattu Mana, the Sasta heads to Peruvanam for the Pooram. The Sasta joins the Vilakkezhunnallippu at Peruvanam and, after the OorakathammaThiruvadi’s Pooram, returns to the temple. In the past, the Sasta’s Pooram was a significant event at Peruvanam, though it was discontinued for specific reasons over time.
On Ayilyam day, Irakkipooja is conducted at Thalore Shiva Temple and Elangallur Mana. The Sasta and the Thaikkattussery Bhagavathy then part ways at PothottaParambu in Thalore, after which they no longer travel together. After the Irakkipooja at Moothedath Mana, the Sasta resides in the temple’s Uttupura.
The next morning, the Sasta participates in the Pidikapparambu temple ceremonies and the elephant race. On Makam day evening, the Sasta visits Thrikkoor Shiva Temple, symbolically seeking permission from the father figure, Tripurappan, to attend the Arattupuzha Pooram. After receiving the Pudava (ceremonial cloth), the Sasta returns at night and joins Tripurappan for the evening Sreeveli. The Sasta’s procession is traditionally carried out on an elephant. On the day of the Pooram, the Sasta sets out for Arattupuzha in the evening. Historically, the Chakkamkulangara Pooram used to follow the Chathakkudam Sasta’s Pooram at Arattupuzha, accompanied by Panchari Melam. However, this practice ceased around 1972-73 due to the challenges posed by land reforms, which also affected temple activities.
The Sasta now returns to the temple around noon after completing the necessary rituals. On Uthram day, Irakkipooja are conducted at Elangallur and Kurussarur Manas, followed by participation in the EdakkunniUthramVilakku. The Sasta traditionally participates in the EdakkunniVilakku procession. On Atham day, after the Irakkipooja at Elangallur Mana, the Sasta is ceremoniously brought to Sasta Matam, where a special ploughing ritual is performed, symbolizing permission to cultivate the land. The Pooram festivities conclude with the flag-lowering ceremony and the final Arattukalasham ritual. During pooram season pooja is observed only once in a day. Navakam and Sreebhoothabali are conducted everyday.