Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran enters Pooram stage; divine air fills Chembukkavu Bhagavathy's procession

THRISSUR: The tall and imposing Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran performed the ritualistic Thidambettu, paying homage to the Chembukkavu Bhagavathy. The assortment of chenda melam welcomed the tusker, who holds a cult status among elephant aficionados of the state. The goddess Chembukavu and the Panamukkumpalli Shastha are now facing each other in front of the Paramekkavu temple.

Both the revered deities will bow down to lord Vadakkumnathan and exit through the southern gate. A huge crowd has gathered to watch the procession led by tusker Ramachandran. People from all over the state and even from across the country have gathered at the spot to witness the famed Thrissur Pooram jamboree.

The Kanimangalam Shastha also arrived in procession at the Vadakkumnathan temple. Legend has it that the Devguru Shastha should reach Vadakkumnathan's presence without facing the sun, snow, or rain. The Shastha, who left Kanimangalam on the top of one elephant, took the entourage of five tuskers from Kulassery and then, with seven tuskers, to Swaraj Ground. The Kanimangalam Shastha also has the distinction of being the only Pooram where one enters through the southern gopuram without bowing to Vadakkumnathan or performing a circumambulation.

The first Khadaka Pooram began at the Kanimangalam Shasta temple at around 4:30 in the morning. After the rituals, the procession will leave the mutt at 11 30.

The procession of Paramekkavu will start at 11 am. Once the Chempada Melam reaches Ilanjithara in Vadakkunnathan, the Melam will begin under the leadership of veteran chenda artist Kizhakkoottu Aniyan Marar. By evening, Kudamattam on top of caparisoned elephants will take place.

In the wake of the accident, the Kudamattam will last only 15 minutes.