Pallavur

Pallavur is situated in Palakkad district of Kerala. It is 20 km away from Palakkad town, on the way to Nemmara. This place is famous for its Siva Temple and the traditional keralite percussion maestros, late Pallavur Trio, who were synonymous with the only symphony of Kerala, the Panchavadyam. Pallavur village stretches about 3-4 sq.km and comes under Pallassena Village Panchayat. Pallassena Village and Panchayat offices are situated 5 km away from Pallavur. The population may count to 4000 – 5000, approximately.

Other statistics

*Block – Kollengode
*Tehsil – Chittur
*Police Station – Kollengode
*Nearest Court – Alathur
*Banks – Catholic Syrian Bank, Pallassena Co-operative Bank, Pallavur
*Post Office – Pallavur, Pin Code – 678 688
*Telephone Exchange – Kunissery
*STD Code – 0492+2
*Grocery outlets – 5 (including PDS outlet)
*Stationery Outlets – 2
*Food Courts – 4 To Kunissery/ Alathur
*Dairy and others – 2
*Hair Designer – 1
*Medico – 1
*NBFC (Non Banking Financial Co. Regd) – 1
*Youth Clubs – 3NB: Statistics focuses on Pallavur Junction and main land

Distance Chart:

The distance between Pallavur and other important places by road are:

* Palakkad – 20 km
* Nemmara – 6 km
* Kollengode – 10 km
* Alathur – 6 km
* Kunissery – 3 km
* Koduvayur – 10 km
* Vadakkenchery – 18 km
* Nelliyambathi – 40 km
* Thrissur – 55 km

Sthalapuraanam:

Thripallavurappan Temple:

One of the few Siva temples with 'Saparivaara Prathishta' in Kerala. It is rare to see temples with Lord Siva with his family – Parvathi, Vigneswaran, Subramanian and Ayyappan. The temple has a history of over 200 years. It is known to be built by Palakkattachans, an erstwhile rulers of Palakkad. The temple now comes under HR&CE (Hindu Religious and Cultural Establishments) Board.

The authority to conduct 'Thantram' is with Andaladi Mana. For any decision regarding the in-house administration, the 'Thantri' from this family will have the final word. Any special occasion - Ulsavam Celebrations, Udayastamana Poojas, Kalasham et al- takes place under their supervision.

The temple has daily poojas – Usha Pooja (Early Morning), Pantheeradi Pooja, Uchcha Pooja, Asthamaya Pooja (Sandhya Vela), and Athaazha Pooja. The day starts with Nirmalyam at 4.30 am with 7 Shankhuvilis (conch horning) followed by abhishekam. The there are 2 poojas in the morning accompanied by naivedyam, shankhuvili and edakka kottu. These are then followed by Shiveli (taking the deity around the temple) starting with 'Paanikottu' and giving food to Lord Siva's Bhootaganams.

After the Shiveli, 'Pantheeradi Pooja' follows and with Navakam Nirakkal. The 'Uchcha Pooja' starts with Navakam Aadal followed by nadayadachu pooja and then by Uchcha Shiveli. The temple is then shut till evening. Sandhya Vela starts with 9 shankuvili at asthamayam(dusk) and followed by deepaaraadhana (pooja with lamps). Athaazha Pooja starts with naivedyam, shankhuvili, edakkakottu followed by paanikottu and shiveli. Lord Siva's day ends with 'Thrippuka' at 8.15 pm.

Lord Thrippallavurappan faces west and Goddess Parvathi faces east. The myth behind these postures is – Parvathi's disapproval of Siva's love for Ganga. It is suggested to enter the temple premises through the West Nada (gate) being the main entrance. People use to enter through East Nada too.

The temple premise is guarded by a huge four sided stone wall which is kept unfinished in the southern side. This wall is known as 'Aana Mathil' (Jumbo Wall). It is believed that the 'Pancha Bhoothas' built this wall over night, but couldn't finish it off before the sunrise.

The Pradakshinavari ( path to make pradakshinams) around the Naalamabalam (main temple complex) is fully made in stone blocks.

Important Festivals:

Navarathri Poojas:

Nine days festival starts with Ullattil Vilakku and ends with Jana Vilakku. All these days the temple will be decorated with flowers and lamps. The seventh day of the festival is the most important and draws people from far off places. The functions of this day is conducted by Brahmins. The responsibility to conduct the 7th day festival is with the four brahmin sects – Brihacharanam, Kaushikam, Vadamal,--on a rolling basis. Other details on navarathri festival:

Day Name of Vilakku (Sponsor)
1 ---Ullattil Vilakku
2 ---Narayanaswami Iyer family Vilakku (now defunct)
3 ---Chinmaya Mission Vilakku
4 ---Kandeth Vilakku
5 ---Sambamoorthy Iyer Vilakku
6 ---Perinchery Vilakku
7 ---Eazhaam Vilakku (Brahmin Community)
8 ---Deshavilakku ( Deshom as a whole, all communities)
9 ---Jana Vilakku (Brahmin Youths)
10 ---Devaswom Vilakku (if required as per traditional calendar)

Utsavam:The festival happens in the month of Medom (April-May) every year. It starts with 'Shudhi' as a prelude and with 'Kodiyettam' and ends with 'Aaraattu'. The most important days of 9 day Utsavam festival are Kodiyettam day, Ulsavabali day, Pallivetta day and Aaraattu day.

Valiyaaraattu:This day comes once in 12 years. Lord Thrippallavurappan goes to meet his daughter 'Pookulangara Bhagavathy' and accompanies her to his home. The people from Kunissery comes to Pallavur and they are fed a feast and go back with handful of gifts.