Thandika Varavu

*Irinjalakuda Kudalmanikum Temple: 'Thandika Varavu' – A Devotional Journey*

The 'Thandu Varavu' is an event filled with deep devotion, observed at the Kudalmanikum Temple in Irinjalakuda. During the Malayalam month of Thulam (which falls at the end of October or beginning of November), devotees embark on a 15-kilometer journey from Potta in Chalakudy to the Kudalmanikum Temple. This journey is undertaken on the day of Utradam.

Devotees leave Potta in the afternoon, carrying eight bamboo poles laden with eight full bunches (kulla) of Nendra Pazham (big yellow bananas) and two poles (Thandu) of Kadli Pazham (a variety of small yellow bananas), along with rice, oil, sandalwood, cloth, and ornaments for the idol. This procession is called Thandiga Varavu and starts with the auspicious 'Arpu Villi'.

തണ്ടിക വരവു ചാലക്കുടി അടുത്തുള്ള potta യിൽ നിന്ന് Inrajalakuda kudalmanika Temple ലേക്ക്....കാഴ്ച്ച കുല കൾ സമ്്പിക്കുക..

Carrying agricultural produce and other offerings to the temple is an annual ritual and a way for devotees to express gratitude for the blessings they received in the past, a practice known as 'Kshetram Vaga Pravarthi Kacheri'. In the days before motor vehicles, devotees had to walk the entire distance, and the tradition continues to this day.

After walking for 3 to 4 hours, they reach Althara, near Danav, where they take a brief rest before proceeding to the temple for the evening pooja. Temple members welcome with traditional Panchavadyam and Nathaswara. Local devotees donate offerings to prepare a Sadhya (feast) for the next three days, with devotees from Potta given first preference in receiving the meal.