Arattupuzha Pooram Festival in Kerala

About:

Aarattupuzha Temple is is just 14 kms south of Thrissur town, located at Aarattupuzha,Thrissur District ,Kerala . Arattupuzha Pooram is the oldest and the most spectacular of the pooram festivals of Kerala. It is believed that on this day a hundred and one gods and goddesses of the neighbouring villages visited Sree Ayyappan, the presiding deity of the Arattupuzha Temple. Evey today, 61 elephants feature in the pooram procession on the sixth day of the seven day festival.ixty caparisoned elephants bearing muthukkudas( silken parasols) and venchamarams (white tufts ) make for a hilarious sight. In addition one can also enjoy traditional art forms and scintillating fire works. It is probable that Arattupuzha was so called, because the deities, "ARAT" in the waters of the Arattupuzha river.The final pooram is conducted with sixty one caparisoned elephants bearing bright coloured umbrellas and parasols, presenting an unparalleled spectacle. The temple ensemble lends a majestic tenor to the extravaganza.Panchavadyam, nadaswaram, pacharimelam and pandimelam add to the festive tempo. The arattu (holy bath of the idol of the diety) ritual is performed with great pomp and gaiety in the arattupuzha river on the following day.Indian Festival Tours is the only one that can take you to this swash-buckling event.

Location info:

Address: Aarattupuzha, Near Thrissur town,Thrissur District ,Kerala.

District: Thrissur District

Nearest City: Chengannur, Aranmula, Cochin and Trivendrum.

Best time to visit: April and May.

History:

Interesting things to do:

Watch the diety of Lord Ayyappa, see the Elephants which is more than 61 in the festival and Arattupuzha river.

Interesting things to Visit:

Shakthan Thampuran Palace:

The Palace is a landmark in the chronicles of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam, the erstwhile ruling dynasty of Kochi. The palace located in the heart of Thrissur town is a major attraction, especially for those with a special interest in the history of rulers and dynasties.

Parthasarthy Temple Adoor:

Seek the divine at Parthasarthy temple in Adoor Kerala, India and find yourself in the middle of a temple building brimming with enchanting architectural friezes and sculptural treasures.The Parthasarthy Temple in Adoor, Kerala India comes to life during the annual Gajamela, a traditional elephant festival that draws crowds from the near by areas. See caparisoned elephants march in rhythm with the cultural fiesta held at the Parthasarthy Temple every year. Kovalam holidays.

Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple:

Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna Temple is one of the largest Krishna temples in Kerala. Thiruvambadi Sri Krishna temple is located in Thrissur in Kerala, South India and is considered to be over a 1000 years old.

Thumpurmuzhi gardens:

Thumpurmuzhi gardens are located amidst the two water theme parks. The water from the river is redirected to deep tanks at Thumpurmuzhi, creating a waterfall like impact. The gardens are well maintained and have scenic surroundings.

Tippu's Flag Staff:

The flag staff of Tippusultan which was erected in 1789 is now protected in front of the Sakthanthampuran palace near the fort well.

Old Fortification:

The eastern and western gateway and old fortification around the Sakthan Thampuran Palace has been declared as protected monuments due to its stylistic importance.Two stone images of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi under the Saptaparna tree in Vadakkechira palace (Sakthan Thampuran Palace) compound are protected by the departement.

Archaeological Museum:

Located on the Town Hall Road in Trichur, the archaeological museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Mondays and National holidays.

Vilangakunnu:

7 kms from Thrissur, Vilangakunnu is a beautiful little hill which is a wonderful picnic spot. This spot is a feast for ones eyes with its natural charm and serenity.

Vadakkumnathan Temple:

The famous Vadakkumnathan temple located in Thrissur, Kerala, South India.A very big temple in 10 acres is said to have been built by Parasurama, Vadukkumnnatha is a prominent Shiva temple, in downtown Thrissur. This is one of Kerala's most ancient shrines, which also houses a museum of ancient wall paintings, wood carvings and art pieces of immense historical value.In a land crowded with several better-than-the-last temples, The Vadakkumnathan temple stands out as one of the oldest temples in the state of Kerala.

Mobile range info:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Ayyanthole Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel: 0487 2363608.

Viyyoor Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala.

Peramangalam Police Station
Thrissur, Kerala

Wadakanchery Police Station
Wadackanchery, Kerala
Tel: 04884 233100.

Police station
Kattoor Town, Kerala

Police Station
SH 22, Irinjalakuda
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Modern Hospital Kodungallur
P.O. Box No:22, Kodungallur Post
Thrissur, Kerala 680664
Tel: 0480 2802022 – 0480 6451456 – 09249582666.

Aswini Hospital
Thrissur, Kerala.

Karthyayani Hospital
Thrissur, Kerala.

Sree Chithra Panchakarma Research Centre and Speciality Ayurveda Hospital
Rd, Thrissur, Kerala 680003
Tel:0487 2384055 – 09387111124.

Ahalia Foundation Eye Hospital
Thrissur, Kerala
Tel:0487 2428740.

Vasan Eye Care
Veliyannur, Thrissur
Kerala 680001
Tel:0487 2442451.

Metropolitan Hospital
Koorkenchery, Thrissur,
Kerala.

Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College Hospital
Thaikkattussery, Thrissur
Kerala.

Society/Community Phone Number