Ilanjithara Melam reverberates in Vadakkunnathan's courtyard; Thousands brave scorching heat to witness Pooram spectacle

THRISSUR: Ilanjithara Melam, one of the sought-after spectacles of Thrissur Pooram, began at the Vadakkunnathan temple. Veteran chenda artist Kizhakkuttu Aniyan Marar is leading the assembly of percussion artists in the temple courtyard. This is Kizhakkuttu Aniyan Marar’s third time leading the Ilanjithara Melam. Despite the scorching heat, thousands have gathered at the temple premises to witness the fete.

The melam started at 2 pm after the famous Madathil Varavu Panchavadyam of Thiruvambadi. The Panchavadyam was performed for an hour and a half under the guidance of Kongad Madhu. The melam will end at 5 pm, and the descent to the south will begin.

Tusker Thrikkadavoor Sivaraju, known as the Thevar of the South, will perform the Thidambettu of Paramekkavu Bhagavathy. Sivaraju of Travancore Devaswom is attending Thrissur Pooram after 16 years of hiatus. This is the first time the tusker is performing the Thidanbettu for the pooram.

The tall and imposing Thechikkottukavu Ramachandran performed the ritualistic Thidambettu, paying homage to the Chembukkavu Bhagavathy this morning. The assortment of chenda melam welcomed the tusker, who holds a cult status among elephant aficionados of the state.

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.