Women's Menstruation Worshipped Temple Festival

The one and only temple in the world where women’s menstruation is worshipped and celebrated is Chengannur Mahadeva temple. A stark contrast to the practice prevailed in Sabarimala temple in Kerala, the abode of Ayyappa, where women within the menstruation age – 12 to 45 – disallowed entry. The festival is at Chengannur Mahadeva temple.

The deities are Parvathi and her husband Shiva. The peculiar practice stems from a legend that Parvathy had originated menstruation while visiting Chengannur. The famous Thripoothe Arattu Festival is to commemorate Parvathi’s mensturation occurance. The festival day large crowds of devotees stampede to touch the goddess’ ‘pavada’, skirt.

Getting There:

Air  : Nedumbassery or Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Rail  : Thiruvalla