Holy bath at Akliyathu Shiva Temple

The Akliyathu Shiva temple is located at Azhikode, Kannur district, Kerala. Built in traditional Kerala style of temple architecture, the temple has exquisite wood carvings. The annual Vishu Vilakku festival celebrated here is a grand affair. The nine- day long festival held in the month of April is marked by rituals like Vishukkani (viewing auspicious objects), Seeveli and Panchavadya performances. The festival concludes with Arattu (holy bath) of the deities.

Arattu is a ritual usually performed on the closing day of the temple festivals. The bath is carried out on most occasions in the temple pond. The deity is dipped in water, robed, decorated regally and worshipped on the steps. After that the deity is ready to be taken back again in a grand procession accompanied by bedecked elephants and the music of panchavadyam, nadaswaram and chendamelam.