Anthimahakalan Temple

Overview

Anthimahakalan Kavu is a famous Shiva temple located at Chelakkara in Thrissur District. One of the famous pooram (Vela) in Trissur dist - in fact in Kerala. Anthimhakalan kavu located in Chelakkara,

About The Deity

Lord Shiva in the form of 'Anthimahakalan' is the main deity. Goddess Kodungallur Bhagavathy and Lord Ganesh are the presiding deities.Lord Siva’s incarnation of Kiratha, Lord Anthimahakalan (also known as ‘Anthymalan’)is the ruling deity of this holy temple and as memorising the name, it is called ‘Anthimahakalan Kavu’ (the temple of Anthimahakalan). Even though usually the ‘Kavu’ is known for ‘Devi’ temples, here the main deity is Lord Anthimahakalan, the Kiratha incarnation.

Festivals

An annual festival, Anthimahakalan vela, is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February-March). Navratri, Bhagavata Sapthaham and Velamahothsavam are the other main festivals celebrated. Here the major festival is called Vela. In addition ‘Kalam songs’ (column songs), Pathamudayam Vela, Navarathri Festival, Reinstallation Day are celebrated. The drawing of the 7th day is on the basis of the above hearsay. The Bhadra Kali in the destructive mood with weapons in all the 16 arms for the killing of Darikan, Darikan being laid on the lap. And blessed by Anthimahakalan. This is the peculiarity of the day. On all other days Bhagawathy and Anthimahakalan’s figure were drawn. On the 7th day, the Vela day, evening the Kurups dress up as Kali, Darikan, and Koyma . Kali disfigures and erases the figures of the earlier night with Kuruthola(Coconut leaves of tender). Then the procession starts with Drum beats and traditional lamps etc and settles in the predetermined place in the paddy fields and Kali challenges Darikan for war and comes to the declared plot and wait there as if in war. After this all the five villages conduct fireworks display as a token of the war and considered as part of the function.

Offerings

The main offerings are pushpanjali, archana and dhara.

Accessibility

Thrissur does not have its own airport but the nearest airport to this place is the Cochin Airport which is approximately 55 km away from the city. Trichur railway station is well connected with all the major cities of India as well as every part of the state of Kerala. There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Thrissur.

Temple Address