Kerala, with its green landscapes, rich culture, and lively traditions, becomes even more vibrant during Onam, the state’s biggest festival. The main center of these celebrations is the Thrikkakara Vamana Temple in Kochi, where stories from mythology, faith, and togetherness come together in a beautiful way.
The Significance of Thrikkakara Vamana Temple
The Thrikkakara Vamana Temple holds a unique place in Kerala’s spiritual landscape. Dedicated to Lord Vamana, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu, the temple is closely linked with the legend of King Mahabali, the benevolent demon king whose annual homecoming is celebrated during Onam. According to legend, Mahabali’s devotion, humility, and generosity pleased Lord Vishnu, who visited him in the form of Vamana. The king’s symbolic return each year is honoured through the rituals and celebrations at this temple.
The temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams—the holy shrines of Lord Vishnu praised by the Alwars in Tamil devotional texts. Being part of this revered group underlines the temple’s religious and historical significance, attracting devotees from across India.
Temple Architecture
Thrikkakara Vamana Temple showcases traditional Kerala-style architecture characterized by:
- Sloping tiled roofs that protect against heavy monsoon rains.
- Wooden carvings depicting mythological tales of Lord Vishnu and his avatars.
- Stone Sanctum Sanctorum (Sreekovil) housing the idol of Lord Vamana, which is pyramid-shaped, representing divinity and cosmic order.
- Balikkal and Namaskara Mandapam: Stone platforms and halls for ritual offerings and prayers.
- Temple pond: Used for ritual bathing of the deity during Aarattu and other ceremonies.
- The entire temple complex exudes serenity and is designed to facilitate both devotional practices and cultural gatherings, making it the perfect venue for the grand Onam celebrations.
Thrikkakara Mahotsavam: The Ten-Day Onam Festival
The Thrikkakara Mahotsavam, a ten-day celebration, begins on the day of Atham star and culminates on Thiruvonam, the day marking Mahabali’s mythical return. Each day is marked by rituals, cultural performances, and communal feasting.
Day 1 – Atham: Flag Hoisting (Kodiyettu)
The festival opens with the Kodiyettu ceremony, where the ceremonial flag is hoisted, officially marking the start of Onam. Traditional Vedic rituals are performed, invoking divine blessings for a prosperous festival ahead. The temple grounds, adorned with lamps and floral decorations, come alive with devotional fervour.
Days 2–9 – Daily Chaarthu and Pookalam
From the second day until the penultimate day, the temple witnesses the Chaarthu ceremony, where the main idol of Lord Vamana is adorned as one of Vishnu’s ten avatars (Dashavatara) using sandalwood paste, intricate ornaments, and vibrant clothing.
Simultaneously, the temple courtyard and surrounding homes display elaborate Pookalams – colourful floral carpets that symbolize prosperity and welcome the king. These days are also filled with nightly cultural performances, including Kathakali, Chakyar Koothu, and Panchavadyam, showcasing Kerala’s rich performing arts tradition.
Day 9 – Uthradam: Elephant Blessings & Rituals
Uthradam, the penultimate day, is especially lively. Devotees witness Ana Yootu, the ceremonial feeding of elephants, in the morning, followed by the Uthradasadya, a grand feast for devotees.
The evening brings special rituals: the Valiya Vilakku (lighting of a large traditional oil lamp) and Pallivetta, symbolizing a divine hunt by the gods to protect the land. The sight of the temple illuminated by thousands of oil lamps (Chuttuvilakku) is truly mesmerizing, reflecting the prosperity and warmth of Onam.
Day 10 – Thiruvonam: Aarattu, Procession, and Onasadya
Thiruvonam, the climax of Onam, begins with the Aarattu, the ritual bathing of the Vamana idol in the temple pond at dawn. The ceremonial flag is lowered, marking the conclusion of the festival.
This is followed by the Pakalpooram/Seeveli procession, where the deity is paraded on an elephant, accompanied by 7–8 caparisoned elephants and traditional Panchavadyam music. Devotees symbolically welcome King Mahabali to the temple, celebrating the spirit of equality and community.
The day culminates in the grand Onasadya, a traditional feast now served to over 20,000 devotees, transcending caste and creed. Thrikkakara’s Onasadya is famous for its local specialties like injithairu (ginger-curd relish), making it a culinary highlight of the festival.
Onam Festival Dates
Onam festival will be celebrated from 26th August 2025 to 5th September 2025.
Onam falls on 5th September, Friday
Must-Experience Moments
- Chuttuvilakku Illumination – The temple, glowing with thousands of lamps each night is a sight to behold.
- Pookalam Competitions – Witness the artistic floral carpets crafted with precision and devotion.
- Cultural Performances – Enjoy Kathakali, Chakyar Koothu, and traditional music.
- Elephant Processions and Blessings – A highlight for devotees of all ages.
- Thiruvonam Onasadya – Relish the grand feast with authentic Kerala delicacies.
Temple Timings
For devotees planning a visit:
- Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Special Festival Timings: During Onam, darshan and rituals may start earlier, around 4:30 AM, and extend until late evening to accommodate the grand celebrations.
