The Paripally Gajamela, held at the Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple in Kollam, is a grand event that features a majestic parade of caparisoned elephants
March 9, 2025-March 9, 2025 -
Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple Parippally Kollam, Kollam
This annual festival, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, includes the
participation of around 50 elephants, making it a spectacular sight for
devotees and visitors alike. The elephants are adorned with colorful
decorations and paraded on the concluding day of the ten-day festival,
creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
The festival takes
place in March, during the Malayalam month of Kumbham. Alongside the
elephant procession, the temple premises host a variety of cultural
programs to entertain and engage the devotees. These programs include
traditional music and dance performances that showcase Kerala's rich
cultural heritage.
The Kodimoottil Sree Bhagavathy Temple is
renowned for its association with elephants, which are considered
incarnations of Lord Ganesha in Hindu tradition. Historically, wealthy
families in Kerala would keep elephants as symbols of prosperity and
status. During the Gajamela, devotees offer elephants to the temple as a
form of Nercha (offering), believing that this will bring them
prosperity and fulfill their wishes.
The Paripally Gajamela, held at the Kodimoottil Bhagavathy Temple in Kollam, is a grand event that features a majestic parade of caparisoned elephants. This annual festival, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, includes the participation of around 50 elephants, making it a spectacular sight for devotees and visitors alike. The elephants are adorned with colorful decorations and paraded on the concluding day of the ten-day festival, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
03:00 - 23:59