Situated in the historic lands of the Kavalappara Mooppil Nairs near Shoranur, the Ariyankavu Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. It was once the spiritual center for 96 villages under the Kavalappara jurisdiction, a powerful local dynasty that dates back centuries.
Kavalappara is one of the few places where 'Tholpavakoothu' (traditional shadow puppetry) is still performed as a sacred ritual. For 21 consecutive days during the festival season, the story of the Ramayana is told through puppets made of leather, projected onto a long white screen in the 'Koothambalam' (puppetry house).
While Kerala is known for elephant-led Poorams, Kavalappara Ariyankavu holds a unique distinction: **no elephants are used**. Instead, the high point of the festival is the 'Kuthira Vela'—massive, beautifully decorated wooden horse motifs brought by various villages in a vibrant procession. The final day sees the arrival of 'Mundayakudichi,' the favorite horse motif of the Goddess.
From the 1st to the 21st of the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/April).
Features Panchavadyam, Poothan, and Thira performances alongside the shadow puppetry.
Sacred sites nearby to continue your spiritual journey.
