Vaikom temple gears up for Vadakkupurathupattu with inclusive participation

Vaikom Sree Mahadeva temple prepares for Kodiyarchana and Vadakkupurathupattu ritual, allowing broader participation and abolishing caste-based restrictions.

All arrangements are in place at the Vaikom Sree Mahadeva temple, managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), for the grand staging of Kodiyarchana and Vadakkupurathupattu—a ritual performed every 12 years. Starting Wednesday, the ritual will span 12 days till April 13.

In a significant departure from tradition, the TDB has decided to allow all devotees who have observed the prescribed fast to carry the Kuthuvilakku (ceremonial lamp) this time. Traditionally, the privilege of carrying the Kuthuvilakku during the ceremonial procession was divided among caste-based organisations. Under the new decision, a maximum of 100 women will be permitted to carry the lamp each day of the event, ensuring broader participation.

This progressive step also coincides with the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha, the historic struggle for social equality.

Commenting on the decision, Devaswom Minister V.N. Vasavan said the decision to abolish caste-based restrictions followed a formal complaint on the matter. “After reviewing the complaint, the TDB has decided to eliminate any caste-based regulations. To ensure its strict implementation, both the TDB officials and the event’s organising committee have been entrusted with the responsibility,” he said.

The ritual, held in the temple’s northern courtyard, is dedicated to appeasing Goddess Bhadrakali. It involves the intricate drawing of kalams, which are elaborate sketches of the goddess made using five colours, and performance of special pujas and pattu (devotional songs). The final day’s portrait will be the largest of its kind in the State, according to the organisers.

A team led by P.N. Sankarakurup, head of the Puthussery Kurup family, has been assigned the task of designing the kalams this year.

The tradition, which traces its origin to the period of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom, had fallen into disuse over time but was revived in 1965. The 12-day ritual, marked by grand processions in the evenings, will conclude with the Valiya Guruthi ritual.