Chengannur - where Devi has her periods <http://mottu.blogspot.com/2007/06/chengannur-where-devi-has-her-periods.html>
Chengannur Temple is one of the oldest temples(famous for devi worship), situated in Alappuzha district in Kerala. It is a sprawling temple complex with a circular Sanctum. Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi are the main investitures of this temple. Differing from other temples, there are two main Shrines in this temple. Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing West. The main shrine is a conical copper plated one. Devi’s main Idol is made with an alloy of five metals (Panchaloham). The other sub-investitures of the temple are Ganapathi, Sastha (Lord Ayyappan), SreeKrishnan, Chandikeswaran, Neelagrivan, Ganga, and Naagar. Yugas ago, Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Saints, Devas, Gandharavas, Yakshas and all other heavenly ones went to Himalaya in order to attend the auspicious marriage of Siva & Parvathi. The Trimurthis requested sage Agasthya to go and sit on shronadri, on the southern bank of Pamba river to prevent the Earth from sinking to northern side due to the weight of all the invitees who came for the nuptial ceremonies. Though Sage Agasthya conceded the request but he expressed his concern about loosing the chance of viewing the marriage. After the marriage Lord Shiva and Devi went to meet Agasthya muni at shronadri. There Devi became 'rithu' (menstruate) and she could not go back. Devi remained there till the period of menstruation was over. The place were sage Agasthya meditated, is known as shronadri in Sanskrit and in Malayalam it is Chenkunnu (Red hill). Later it is called as Chen Kunnu Urru (Ooru refers to a place) and has been abbreviated over time and called as Chengannur. The temple was constructed centuries back in accordance with an architectural design evolved by the famous *Uliyannoor Perumthachan*. In the 18th Century the temple complex was damaged by fire and renovated later by Vanghipuzha Thampuran except the Koothambalam (Performance Hall). It could not be restored as it was designed and constructed by Uliyannoor Perumthachan. The structure of the Koothambalam originally constructed by Perunthachan was in such a manner that the shadow of the performer would not fall on the stage even if all the lamps on the posts were lit. The interesting belief and festival of this Temple is *Tripootharattu*which is considered as a symbol of fertility. This festival is connected with menstruation ceremony, which is observed periodically in the temple. That is why this temple is also considered as 'Shakthi Peedam'.Thriputharattu is the famous and interesting festivals of this temple. It is quiet extra ordinary and only celebrated in this temple. The sign is observed on the vesture of Devi. This vesture is removed by the Main Priest (Melsanthi) every morning and examines. If he feels any signs of Thripoothu (Period) he hands over the vesture to Devasom Officials. This should be got Confirmed by the abbess (senior women) of the Thazhaman and Vanghipuzha convents (Maadam). If it is confirmed by the abbess, Devi's shrine will be closed and worships will be offered to a processional image in a different shrine else where in the temple. On the forth day of the festival the Devi's Idol is taken to the near by river and Aarattu is conducted. After this, Devi will be taken back to the temple on an elephant. When the procession reaches Naalambalam (In front of the main Entrance), Bhagvan will be waiting there on an elephant. They will together encircle the temple three times(PRADAKSHINAM)in a procession. After that Lord Shiva will lead to the shrine through Eastern side and Devi will follow through Western side. The 28 Days long annual festival is the specialty of this temple. The main ultsavam (annual festival) begins on ‘Thiruvathira’ of ‘Dhanu’ (month in Malayalam Era) and ends on ‘Thiruvathira’ of ‘Makaram’. Special poojas will be there during these days. This festival attracts thousands of people from different locations in Kerala and also outside the state. Shivrathri is another important festival of this temple. Shivrathri is an important day for all devotees of lord Shiva. A large crowd assembles here in this festival. Arayas of Alappattu in Karunagappalli, comes here on this day and performs poojas and vazhipads. This custom was started centuries before in connection with the renovation of the temple. *Thulasamkrama Neyyattu (Ghee Abhishekam)- *This holy event is conducted on every 1st day of Thulam (month in Malayalam Era). On this day 32 paras (measurement in Malayalam) of Neyy (Ghee) will be showered on the ‘Shivalingam’. This tradition was started in connection with the finding of the shivalingam. The ghee is collected from devotees and normally gets more than hundreds of ‘Paras’ as offerings. Chengannur situates at the extreme east part of Alappuzha district. 117kms north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram on the Main Central Road (MC Road). It lies between Thiruvalla and Pandalam (by MC Road) and between Thiruvalla and Mavelikkara (by train). Chengannur Mahadeva Temple is only 1 km away from both Railway Station and KSRTC Bus Stand. - cnu.pne
