Sri Pazhanchira Devi Temple
Sri Pazhanchira Devi Temple
This 700 years old temple is situated at Pazhanchira in the side of Kovalam road in the city. The idol was installed by a Siddha Yogi who used to worship Devi. Years a later a temple was raised here by the devotees and theYogi who died meanwhile was accorded a place in the western side of the sanctum sanctorum. Outside the sanctum there is a Snake Grove with many trees. Here Naga Pooja (Snake rituals) is performed. There is a belief that offering a Naga Pooja enables one to get cured of skin and eye ailments.
The main ritual offer is Aiswarya Malaxmi Pooja which extends to one hour from 5 pm every fullmoon day. This ritual forbids ill-effects and conceive prosperity.
There is 7-day festival in the month of Meenam (March/April). 5th day of the festival is earmarked for Naga Devatas (snake gods). Special rituals performed for Nagas on this day. Using multi-coloured rice power, Naga Kalam (snake circle) of Naga Devatas is drawn. This is done by Pulluvan tribes who are settled mostly in North Kerala. Songs pleasing snakes accompanied by mud-pot musics follow. A male folk who has undergone Vritam (fast) sits in the Kalam (drawn snake circle) and make snake-like movements in frenczied state and offer Prasadam (blessed token ritualized stuff) to the devotees. At this time real snakes appear from nowhere and go back immediately to the utter surprise of onlookers.
On 6th day there is a ritual ceremony called Sribhoota Bali. This ritual is conducated at 1 am. The Melshanti (elder priest) attired as Devi pauses in different manifestations of Devi such as Bhadrakali, Saraswati, Chamundi and the like.
Final day (7th day) Pongala Nivedyam (sanctified food) is offered to the Devi by ladies coming from different parts of Kerala.
Mahanavami is celebrated with Kanyaka Pooja (homages for unmarried girls). Unmarried girls are worshipped and presented with dress material and gifts. A Samooha Leksharchana (community floral ritual) attended by hundreds of devotes is also conducted. On Vidyarambam day (the day of initiation to letters) hundreds of children get initiation to letters by the Priests.
Yet another important function is the celebration of Navaratri (auspicious nine nights). There are different rituals for each day.
1st day : Pavamana Homam, Mahaganapthi Homam, Ganapathi Homam, Ganapathi Upanishath Homam – for removing obstacles and annihilation of bad deeds.
2nd day: Suhrata Homam – for nullifying sins committed.
3rd day : Nava Graha Shanti Homam – for the annihilation of ill-effects of planets in the life.
4th day : Samvada Sukta and Aikyamathya Sukta Homamas – for ending family disputes and attaining peace and unity in the family.
5th day : Mrityunjaya Homam and Dhara – for long and disease-free life.
6th day : Sri Sukta Homam – for poverty removal, success in business and prosperity.
7th dcay : Purushasukta Homam – for fulfilment of desires.
8th day : Durgasukta Homam – for warding off fear and enemies.
9th day : Shanti Homam – for peace of mind and world peace.
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