Kodakara - Shashthi
Kodakara Sashti: 10 Important Facts
Principal Deity and Temple: Kodakara Sashti is celebrated to appease Lord Murugan (Subrahmanya) at the historically famous Kunnathrykovil Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple in the Thrissur district.
Historical Significance: It is traditionally believed that Kodakara Sashti is the oldest and first-ever Sashti festival to be celebrated in Kerala.
Timing of the Festival: The grand celebration takes place on the Sashti Tithi during the waxing or waning fortnight of the Malayalam months of Thulam or Vrischikam (typically falling in November–December).
Colorful Kavadiyattam: The main attraction of the festival is the vibrant procession featuring beautifully decorated Kavadis offered by devotees as a vow (Kavadiyattam).
Rigorous Vows and Rituals: Devotees observe strict fasting and purification rituals, often performing Velkkuthu (piercing small vel spears through their cheeks or tongue) as a profound symbol of devotion to the Lord.
Traditional Percussion (Melam): Traditional Kerala instrumental art forms like Chenda Melam and Panchavadyam fill the festival town with devotion and high energy.
Procession of Majestic Elephants: Emphasizing the uniqueness of Central Kerala temple festivals, caparisoned elephants (Gajaveeranmar) accompanied by traditional ensembles add grandeur to the celebrations.
Special Poojas: Special homams, offerings, and ritualistic ablutions (Abhishekam) using milk, honey, and sandalwood paste are performed for the deity during the festival days.
Visual Spectacle: Night celebrations feature mythological tableaus (Nishchala Drishyangal) and grand, dazzling fireworks lighting up the night sky.
A Festival of Harmony: Beyond being a religious ritual, Kodakara Sashti serves as a massive cultural gathering where thousands of people unite regardless of caste or religion.
