Festivals

During the festival days, the already highly sacred atmosphere in and around the temple gets even more intense. We immerse ourselves in a world where the temple arts and rituals are still in their original form and context. Such purity renders the divine vibrant and palpable. This makes the temple festival also a feast for the soul.

Srīmad-Bhāgavatam Saptaham

For almost 50 years, the Srimad Bhagavata Saptaham has been held here in Koothambalam every year without interruption. This week was started by the devout Kolpuram Namboothiri. Later many devotees recited Srimad Bhagavata in this great temple.
For every evening pooja will be drawn a kalam picture. This is a special art of Kerala for sacred ceremonies. One artist of Kalam will offer his talent. Everyday a picture is drawn according to the evening ceremony and it will be wiped out afterwards. Incorporating the Kerala Kalam art in such a way with the daily poojas of the festival is unique. Each drawing is unique and serves as the basis for the poojas.
Bhagavata Week was organized as it is still today and made Srimad Bhagavatam popular throughout India.
To ensure the continuity of enjoyment of Devotees, three meals per day are provided during the whole Saptaham.

Ashtami

At the end of the Srīmad Bhāgavata Saptaham, on Ashtami, Villaku will take place. The very special Ajyahuti Yajna. 10 litres of Ghee will be used for Abhishekam on the Shivalingam and hence directly conducted into the big Havan on the North side of Shiva's shrine without touching the ground.

Utsava

According to calendar, some days after Shivaratri (in the month of kumbham feb/march) will take place Utsava. The hoisting of the three flags in front of each Deva is the start of the festival. It also symbolizes the rising of Kundalini.
The Festival lasts for 8 days and is a big festival with music, singing. Celebrations are held on the village sidewalk, its sound fills the whole atmosphere.
During the festival all kinds of temple arts and performances are practiced.
During the festival Anadhanam is daily happening.
On the day of Pallivetta, after the hunt, the Panchavadyam brings the Nadana to rest with the sound of instruments. On the last day, a procession goes to the banks of the western river and with heavenly joy and devotional singing of the devotees, celebrates their return.
After Shivaratri until the end of the 8-day festival, the inner part of the temple is sanctified with great tantric rituals.