Thalappoli ritual at Pisharikkavu temple, Kozhikode

Sree Pisharikkavu Bhagavathy temple is located at Kollam, 28 kilometers from Kozhikode town. The main deities here are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi. The temple is famous for its murals, considered to be one among the oldest in the state and also exquisite woodcarvings.

Kollam Chira, the pond on the temple premises is a big one. Devotees throng here on almost all days seeking the blessing of the two deities. Various rituals are conducted in the temple. The temple also finds a mention in Kottarathil Sankunni’s famed book Aithihyamala.

Kaaliyattam is the most important ritual connected with the eight-day annual festival here. On the Kaaliyattam day, the Naandakam Vaal (a sword) is ceremoniously taken out of the temple on caparisoned elephant.

Panchavadyam, fireworks and caparisoned elephants add pomp to the festival. In the video Thalappoli (procession of women carrying lamps in platters) is seen.