Sree Vairankode Bhagavathi Temple is one of the oldest Bhadrakaali temples situated in Kerala. The deity honored here is the goddess Bhadra Kaali. Approximately 1500 years ago, the Vairankode Temple was founded by Azhvanchery Thamprakkal.
As per the temple legends, Vairankode Bhagavathi is said to be the sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathi or the sister (another self) There is a legend that the divine presence of the Goddess (Devi Chaithanyam) of Angadipuram Bhagavathy appeared before the Aazhvancheri Thamprakkal, who were her devotees, and the Thamprakkal subsequently consecrated/installed this divine presence at Vairankode. The prerogative (or claim/right) of the Angadipuram Temple from the Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple strengthens this legend. The local community continues to believe that it was Azhvanchery Thamprakkal who established the Devi at Vairankode when she arrived at the Azhvanchery mana (brahmin house) after crossing the Nila River.
Due to historical reasons, Azhvanchery Thamprakkal, the temple's supreme authority, does not enter the temple. Devotees offer various poojas and rituals to the goddess for protection and to remove obstacles in life. Common offerings include Pushpanjali and Thrikala Pooja.
Deity and Worship
- Main Deity: The principal deity of the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali.
- Sub-Deities: The temple also has shrines for other deities, including Sree Rudhirappan
Architecture
The temple's architecture is a classic example of the traditional Kerala architectural style, which is characterized by its use of wood, sloped roofs, and intricate carvings. The temple grounds are often decorated with traditional elements like plantain and coconut leaves during festivals.
Vairankode Vela or (Theeyattulsavam)
The festival starts with Maram Muri (To cut offered Jack Fruit Tree to make fire for Kanlattam). The third day after Maram Muri, Cheriya Theeyyattu (Common Celebration) is celebrated. The Cheriya Theeyyattu event is held for nearby villages. The sixth day's celebration is called as Valiya Theeyyattu which is the grand Festival. Procession is one of the main attractions of Theeyyattu. A number of processions coming to Vairankode with folk forms like Poothan, Thira, Kattalan, or Pulikkali from nearby villages and places is the greatest attraction of Vairankode Vela. Most of the procession carries Eratta Kala (the huge decorated effigies of bullocks). Fireworks are performed after midnight. Kanalattam (Devotees walking around and on live coal) will be performed in the early morning. The grand procession comes from Athavanad, the place of Azhvanchery Thamprakkal. It is the one of main attractions of Theeyyaattu.
Festival Highlights:
Maram Muri: The festival begins with the ritual of cutting a jackfruit tree to prepare fire for the Kanalattam ritual.
Cheriya Theeyattu and Valiya Theeyattu: These are two major events, with Cheriya Theeyattu being a common celebration for nearby villages and Valiya Theeyattu being the grand festival on the sixth day.
Processions and Folk Art Forms: Vibrant processions featuring Poothan, Thira, Kattalan, Pulikali, and other folk art forms from nearby villages are a major attraction.
Folk Art Extravaganza: The festival is a spectacle of traditional folk art forms. Processions from various villages converge on the temple, showcasing performers of.
Music and Splendor: Each procession is accompanied by loud, synchronized percussion ensembles (Chenda Melam), traditional lamps (Thalappoli), and colorful ceremonial parasols (Thithyerikuda).
The spectacle of multiple kodivaravukal converging on the temple grounds, each trying to outdo the others in terms of artistry, music, and the size of their effigies, creates an electrifying atmosphere unique to the Vairankode festival.
Transportation
- Nearest Airports: Calicut (CCJ) and Cochin International Airport
- Nearest Municipality: Tirur
- Nearest Major Railway Station:Tirunnavaya railway station 4 km, Tirur Railway Station10 km, Kuttippuram Railway Station11 km
- Nearest Bus Station: Tirur10 km, Kuttipuram 11 km, Puthanathani 10 km
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