ARATTUPUZHASREE SASTHA TEMPLE, THRISSUR DISTRICT- KERALA -COMPILED Dear friends,
Today my posting is about the famous Arattupuzha sasthatemple in the Trichur District of Kerala. It is a unique Hindu temple dedicatedto Sage Vasishta. Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple is administered by CochinDevaswom Board. Most members may be knowing about the famous Arattupuzhapooram. In a year certaintemples could not participate in Arattupuzha pooram, and later king of Cochin SakthanTampuran started Trichur pooram with those temples. It appears theywere not permitted to participate in the next pooram at Arattupuzha. In this temple only one deity-Dharma Sastha. No upa Devathas. Hope a divine reading . Gopalakrishnan 2-7-2025. Introduction The Arattupuzha Sastha Temple is a Hindu temple located inArattupuzha, Thrissur district, Kerala. It's a significant religious andcultural landmark known for its antiquity, vibrant festivals, and architecturalstyle. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sastha, and it's believed to be over 3000 years old. Theannual Arattupuzha Pooram festival, one of the oldest and most prominent templefestivals in Kerala, is held here. Arattupuzha pooram is very famous, conductedevery year, many decades well ahead of Trichur pooram. Key Features: Deity: Lord Ayyappa (Sastha). Age: Believed to be over 3000 years old. Location: Arattupuzha, Thrissur district, Kerala. Festival: Arattupuzha Pooram, a major temple festival. Significance: Important religious and cultural site, knownfor its unique traditions and processions. Architectural Style: Traditional Kerala temple architecture. Arattupuzha PooramFestival: The festival is a grand celebration featuring caparisonedelephants, traditional percussion music, and colourful rituals. Legend It is believed that the deity of Arattupuzha temple is theembodiment of the divine potential of Guru Vasishta, the Kula guru (Familypriest) of Raghu vamsha and Master of Srirama and his brothers. History According to legends, the antiquity of this temple dates backto 3000 years. The temple has been the host of the most ancient and well-known yearly Deva mela, a festival whenall gods and goddesses assemble at Arattupuzha. Arattupuzha Temple boasts a history spanning over 3,000years, steeped in captivating legends surrounding its origins and the deitiesenshrined within. The temple has strong ties to the Chera dynasty, playing acrucial role during their reign. Its architecture reflects traditional Keralatemple styles, adorned with intricate designs. Architectural style: Arattupuzha Temple showcases exquisite architectural details.The layout encompasses the sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil), the NamaskaraMandapam (prayer hall), and the serene temple pond. Intricate wooden carvingsand vibrant murals adorn the walls, exemplifying traditional craftsmanship. Theconstruction incorporates materials like timber, stones, and tiles, reflectingthe artistry of bygone eras. Deity Sree Dharam Sastha is the main deity in the temple. It isbelieved that the deity of Arattupuzha temple contains the divine vital forceof Guru Vasishta, the kulaguru (Family priest) of Raghu vamsha and Master ofSrirama and his brothers. The deity sits in a serene posture, with an"Amrutha Kalasa" in his right hand resting on the right knee. Poojas Arattupuzha Temple is an active place of worship, with dailyrituals and ceremonies dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple is also known forits vibrant festivals and religious events that draw devotees from near andfar. The temple conducts regular poojas (worship ceremonies) and rituals,including abhishekam (ritual bathing of the deity), deeparadhana (lamplighting), and special prayers on auspicious days. These rituals provide aserene and spiritual experience for devotees. Daily rituals at Arattupuzha Temple include Usha Pooja(morning prayer), Ethruthu Pooja (midday prayer), and Athazha Pooja (eveningprayer). Temple priests meticulously adhere to these sacred rituals, preservingthe sanctity of tradition. Offerings such as Vilakku (oil lamps), flowers, andprasadam (sacred food) play a central role in the worship. Sub Deities: NoSub Deities in this temple. Temple opening timings 5:00 AM: Nada Thurakkal 5:15 AM: Nirmalyam, Malar Nivedyam 6:40 AM: Usha Pooja 8:00 AM: Pantheeradi Pooja 9:00 AM: Ucha Pooja TEMPLE CLOSES AT10:00 AM Re-opens at 5 PM and opened till to 8 PM Deeparadhana and athazha pooja and after that temple is closed FestivalsPooramfestival-Unique Aspect:Deitiesfrom neighbouring temples are brought to the Arattupuzha temple, creating adivine gathering. Ceremonial Procession: Deities are carried in ceremonialprocessions to the temple and later takes dip in the river. (Arattu) Popularity: The festival attracts a large number of devoteesand spectators from across Kerala and beyond. Timing: The festival typically takes place in April or May. In essence, the Arattupuzha Sastha Temple is a place of deepreligious and cultural significance, with its ancient history, vibrant Pooramfestival, and unique traditions drawing visitors from far and wide. Accordingto local beliefs, during the festival, Lord Sastha , the presiding deity at theSree Sastha Temple, is visited by gods and goddesses from the neighbouringvillages. Most important Triprayar Lord Vishnu(Sri Rama incarnation) Arattupuzha Pooram, often referred to as Devamela or the'Mother of all Poorams', is celebrated with a spectacular display ofcaparisoned elephants, traditional music, and fireworks. This festival isunique because it features ceremonial processions involving the images ofdeities from 23 neighbouring temples being carried to Arattupuzha. This grandassembly symbolizes a divine conclave where all gods and goddesses gather,making it a significant spiritual event. Key Highlights of the Festival Sasthavinte Melam: The evening prior to the last day featuresa majestic assembly of caparisoned elephants and a staging of percussionensembles known as Sasthavinte Melam, where over 200 artists perform. This iscomparable only to the ensemble seen at Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple inTripunithura. Elephant Processions: The festival is famous for having thelargest elephant stage entry, with 23 beautifully decorated elephantsparticipating. On the 5th day, a significant event involves 'Thidambu' (areplica of the deity) carried on a decorated elephant, accompanied by 8 otherelephants and drummers. The final Pooram is conducted with 23 decoratedelephants bearing brightly coloured umbrellas, marking the culmination of thefestival. Arattu Ritual: The festival concludes with the Arattu Ritual,which involves a holy bath for the deities, signifying the purification andrejuvenation of spiritual life. Arattupuzha Pooram, celebrated for over 1,400 years, standsas one of Kerala’s oldest and most magnificent temple festivals. Unique ritualsand ceremonies unfold, including a breathtaking procession of deities from neighbouringtemples. With the participation of over 23 elephants, the festival becomes aspectacle of immense cultural and spiritual significance for the localcommunity. Another important festival celebrated at the temple is Thiruvathira, dedicated toLord Shiva. Devotees, especially women, observe fasts, perform traditionaldances, and offer prayers to seek blessings for marital bliss and prosperity. Some importantofferings in the temple 101 Neeranjanam₹3500 151Neeranjanam₹5000 251 Neeranjanam₹9000 501Neeranjanam₹15000 Ada 1 Koottu₹2040 AdaHalf Koottu₹1020 Ada Kaal Koottu ₹510 Chaarth - Kalabham, Chandhanam-₹900 Chuttuvilakku-₹1320 Chuttuvilakku Niramala ₹4000 Easwara seva (Special )₹240 EnnaAadal₹360 Kadum Payasam₹180 Neyvilakku₹3000 Neyyabhishekam₹600 Niramala A₹1920 NiramalaB₹1320 Niramala C₹720 Oru Divasathe Pooja₹900 Palpayasam₹100 Shaneeswara Pooja ₹205 Thiroottu ₹110 Thirumukham Charthal ₹240 Thri Madhuram₹50Thrikaalapooja₹240 Udayaasthamana Pooja₹15600 Visheshaal Pooja₹2280 Address: Dharma Sastha temple, Arattupuzha, Urakam P O, Trichur (Dt), Kerala 680562.Phone: 094963 46565 Administration The temple attained a privileged position in the CochinDevaswom, when Sri Elamanna Krishna Menon was the Devaswom Commissioner. TheCochin Devaswom Board owns the temple and at the advice of the BoardArattupuzha Kshethra Upadeshaka Samithi(Temple welfare Committee) was formed,which acts for the welfare of the temple with the co-operation of the board. Accessibility andAccommodation Arattupuzha Temple is well-connected by road and is easilyaccessible from major towns and cities in Kerala. There are several accommodation optionsavailable in and around Thrissur, ranging from budget lodgings to mid-rangehotels and heritage homestays. Visitor Information Visitors are expected to follow traditional temple etiquette,including dressing modestly, removing footwear before entering the templepremises, and maintaining a respectful demeanour. It is advisable to follow theguidance of temple authorities and priests regarding rituals and practices. How To Reach By Bus-Thrissur KSRTC Bus Stand, about 15 km away. The roadthat leads to this temple is 2km towards east from Thevar Road Bus Stop inThrissur Kodungallur route. By Flight-Cochin International Airport, about 42 km away By Train-Thrissur Railway Station, about 14 km ArattupuzhaSree Sastha Temple -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thatha_patty+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/815411637.1320391.1751470156808%40mail.yahoo.com.
