Temples Of Kerala

Oachira temple is an ancient temple located in Oachira in Kollam district. The temple is dedicated to Parabrahmam, also called as the Omkaram, the universal consciousness.

The temple is very unique as it practises worship without an idol, and reveres the supreme force of Nature. Unlike other temples, Oachira temple does not have any covered structure and people worship the Parabrahmam under the trees. There is a strong belief that the name Oachira is derived from Uvachanchira, which means Lord Shiva.

The annual Oachira Vrischikam Festival is celebrated during the months of December and January. The temple is famous for two other unique festivals. The Oachirakkali ritual is performed in June in which traditional martial art experts conduct mock fights with each other in muddy water. The Irupathattam Onam (28 days after Onam) is a festival in which giant effigies of bulls, made of cloth and hay called Eduppu Kala, are pulled on giant platforms fitted wheels to the temple. It is one of the biggest festivals in the region.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kayamkulam Junction, about 11 kms away
Nearest airport: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, about 105 kms away