The famous Arattupuzha Pooram, known as the Divine Assembly on Earth and attended by 24 deities, will take place on Wednesday. On Wednesday evening at 6 PM, Lord Shasta will commence the procession accompanied by the majestic rhythms of Panchari Melam and a retinue of 15 elephants. Arattupuzha Pooram is considered the oldest temple festival in Kerala.
It is believed that when the deity Bhagavathi, known for neutralizing poisons, bathes in the river, the water is purified. There is also a belief that during the Aarattu (holy bath), the presence of the Ganges is felt in the river. After Bhagavathi’s ritual bath, other goddesses will follow. The Thevar (Lord Thriprayar) is expected to arrive at Arattupuzha in the early hours of Thursday.
The procession from Pallissery Centre to Poorappadam will feature five elephants, and from there to Kaithavalapp, there will be 11 elephants accompanied by the traditional Panchavadyam. This will be followed by a grand Pandi Melam with 21 elephants. Lord Thriprayar Thevar will lead the grand procession (Kootti Ezhunnallippu).
On the left side, the deities Urakam Ammathiruvadi and Chathakkudam Shasta will join the procession, while on the right side, Cherpu Bhagavathi will participate. Elephants will line up on both sides as part of the retinue. The procession moves in rhythm with the Pandi Melam. According to legend, thirty-three crore gods (Devatas) are believed to attend the celestial ensemble, and the Poorappadam is said to transform into Vaikuntha (the heavenly abode) on Earth.
