Chinakkathoor Bhagavathi Temple is a prominent Hindu temple located in Palappuram near Ottapalam in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The temple is renowned for the grand Chinakkathoor Pooram, celebrated annually in the Malayalam month of Kumbham.
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The temple complex consists of two main shrines: Thazhekavu (lower shrine) and Melakavu (upper shrine). Among these, Melakavu is believed to be the older shrine. The priestly duties at the upper shrine are traditionally performed by members of the Kulangara Nair family of Palappuram, while the Namboothiri priests conduct the rituals at the lower shrine and also manage all major ceremonies during the ten days of Pooram. A separate shrine dedicated to Lord Ganapathy in his divine “Vidya Ganapathi” form stands near the iconic banyan tree adjacent to the temple.
Chinakkathoor Pooram is held every year during February–March, on the Makam star of the month of Kumbham. One of the major highlights is the magnificent evening procession featuring 28 caparisoned elephants. The festival also showcases traditional Kerala art forms such as Panchavadyam, Vellattu, Theyyam, Poothanum Thirayum, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Aandi Vedan, Karivela, and more.
A major attraction is the ritualistic shadow puppetry performance known as Tholppavakkoothu, staged every evening for 17 days leading up to the final Pooram day. The festival begins with Kuthirakali and concludes the next day with Theru (Ratham), a beautifully decorated chariot prepared by the Mudaliar Tamil community of Palappuram. Devotees ceremoniously bring 16 models of the “kuthira” (horse) and “kaala” (bull) to the temple. Unlike the chariots seen in Tamil Nadu or Kalpathy, this Ratham is not pulled by coir ropes but instead moves on traditional wooden wheels.
How to Reach
Nearest Railway Station: Ottapalam, approximately 5 km (3.1 mi) from the temple
Nearest Airport: Coimbatore International Airport, Tamil Nadu, about 85 km (53 mi) away
Temple Location
📍 Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathi Temple, Palappuram, Ottapalam, Kerala 679103
Contact
📞 1800 4254 747
Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathi Temple Pooram Ulsavam Notices
