Deity of the temple: Dhuryodhana. Poruvazhi Malanada Temple, 7 km from Sasthamcotta. This is perhaps the only temple in India that is dedicated to Dhuryodhana, the antagonist in the epic Mahabharata. Annual Utsavam Festival highlight: Folk art performances Colourful Kettukazhcha procession with kaala (bull motif), kuthira vela (horse motif) and a decorated temple cart. The biggest among these structures is 70 to 80 ft tall. These motifs are carried on the shoulders or placed on chariots. From the historical evidences, it is said that this event is a reminder of the Buddhist influence the area had.

The main ritual offering of this temple is toddy, an alcoholic beverage extracted from the coconut palm. The annual festival is a one-day ceremony conducted in March. The highlight of the festival is the Kettukazhcha. It is a striking example of the traditional celebrations of rural Kerala and attracts numerous people from the vicinity.

Malanada Ketukazhcha, one of the best known Fairs and Festivals of Kerala. The festival is a unique in the reason that people celebrate for the cause of Duryodhana, one of the antagonist cousins of Pandavas from the epic of Mahabharata. The festival is a one day affair which includes various folk art performances along with the famed colorful processions called Kettukazhcha procession along with Kaala Vela. The main offering at the temple is Toddy. The procession is also accompanied with the motifs of bulls and horses along with the decorative carts as well.

Organisers
PORUVAZHY PERUVIRUTHI MALANADA TEMPLE DEVASWOM
PORUVAZHY, SASTHAMCOTTA | Website : www.malanadatemple.com