The Pariyanampetta Pooram is a vibrant and culturally rich temple festival held annually at the Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple in Sreekrishnapuram, Palakkad district. This seven-day event, celebrated in February or March during the Malayalam month of Kumbham, attracts thousands of devotees and spectators from across Kerala and beyond, all eager to experience its unique blend of spiritual and cultural activities.

The temple, with a history spanning over 1400 years, is deeply rooted in local lore and legend. It is believed that a Namboothiri from the Pariyanampetta Manakkal family, after a pilgrimage to the Mookambika Temple, discovered a Thidambu (replica of a deity) among his belongings. Inspired by this divine sign, he established the Pariyanampetta Bhagavathy Temple, dedicating it to the goddess Bhagavathi. Over the centuries, the temple has been a focal point of devotion and cultural heritage in the region.

One of the most striking aspects of the Pariyanampetta Pooram is the Kalamezhuthu Pattu, a traditional ritual where intricate and colorful images of the goddesses are created on the temple floor using natural powders. This art form is a visual treat and showcases the rich cultural traditions of Kerala. The festival also features performances of Kathakali, a classical dance-drama, and Chakyarkoothu, a traditional art form, which add to the cultural richness of the event.

As night falls, the temple grounds come alive with Tholpavakoothu, or shadow puppetry, a mesmerizing folk art form that narrates stories from the Ramayana through the shadows of intricately crafted leather puppets. This performance, unique to Kerala, is a significant attraction of the festival and provides a window into the state’s rich artistic traditions.

The grand finale of the Pariyanampetta Pooram is the majestic procession of around 21 caparisoned elephants. These elephants, adorned with decorative coverings and accompanied by traditional orchestras like panchavadyam and pandimelam, march through the streets in a spectacular display of color and grandeur. The procession also includes effigies of bulls (Kaalavela) and horses (Kuthiravela), adding to the visual splendor.

Throughout the festival, devotees participate in various traditional rituals and offerings, including the Dravyakalasam, an elaborate ritual involving the pouring of gold pellets, coins, and precious stones on the deity, believed to rejuvenate the divine power of the goddess and bring prosperity to the devotees. The Para Eduppu, another significant ritual, involves the collection of offerings from devotees, symbolizing their prayers for wealth and prosperity.

The Pariyanampetta Pooram is more than just a temple festival; it is a celebration of Kerala’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The festival’s events, from the artistic performances to the grand elephant procession, create a vibrant and joyous atmosphere that resonates with the devotion and enthusiasm of the participants. For anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of Kerala, the Pariyanampetta Pooram offers an unforgettable experience filled with color, music, and spirituality.