Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram (Angadipuram)

About this event

Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram is the annual festival of the Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple at Angadipuram in Malappuram district, a major centre of worship dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, with Lord Shiva also worshipped at the shrine. Held in the Malayalam month of Meenam, generally during March or April, the Pooram traditionally lasts for 11 days and has a history dating to the early decades of the 16th century, according to palm-leaf records preserved at the University of Calicut. The festival is closely connected with the traditions of Valluvakonathiri, the former ruler of Valluvanad, and remains one of the important temple celebrations of the Malabar region. The opening of the festival is associated with the Makayiram star, when the idol of the goddess is taken from the sanctum on a caparisoned elephant for the ceremonial Aarattu. This procession, known as Poorapurappadu, marks the beginning of the principal celebrations, with devotees gathering along the route as the deity proceeds towards the river. Aarattu is performed repeatedly during the festival, with Kerala Tourism recording 21 such ceremonies over the 10 principal days, conducted in the morning and evening. Another important ritual is Pallivetta, held on the evening of the tenth day, while the final Aarattu takes place on the eleventh evening. The festival is also distinguished by its combination of ritual observances, processions, traditional music and community participation. A notable ceremonial moment occurs when Vellathiri arrives at the Pooram ground to give audience to Malayankutty, the headman of the Pana tribal community. The occasion incorporates traditional dances, chanting and fireworks, reflecting the distinctive ritual culture of the region. The concluding day, following the main festival period, features an extended programme of traditional performing arts including Chavittukali, Ottanthullal, Paadhakam, Chakyar Koothu, Nangyarkoothu, Thayambaka and Melam. These performances demonstrate the festival’s role in sustaining Kerala’s temple arts alongside its religious observances. The temple itself stands on a hillock and is noted for its traditional Kerala architectural character and longstanding rituals, including Mangalya Pooja and Kalam Pattu. Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram is therefore more than a conventional temple procession: it is a multi-day ritual and cultural celebration in which mythology, worship, ceremonial movement, percussion, traditional performance and community customs remain closely interwoven. For visitors interested in Malabar’s religious and performing-arts heritage, the festival provides an opportunity to experience a living temple tradition whose distinctive ceremonies continue to follow an established annual rhythm

🚆 Railway: Angadipuram Railway Station — approximately 1 km from Thirumandhamkunnu Temple.

✈️ Airport: Calicut International Airport, Karipur — approximately 42 km from the temple.

🚌 Bus: Angadipuram Bus Stand is approximately 1 km from the temple. Regular road services connect Angadipuram with Perinthalmanna and other nearby towns.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation are available in Angadipuram and nearby Perinthalmanna, with additional options elsewhere in Malappuram district.

✅ Notes: Thirumandhamkunnu Pooram is an 11-day festival held during Meenam (March–April). Kerala Tourism’s 2026–27 event calendar lists the festival at Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Temple on 4 April 2026. The date represents the festival listing and local ritual dates should be confirmed with the temple before visiting.