Vishnur
Triprayar Ekadasi or Thriprayar Ekadashi is observed on Ekadashi day in the Vrischikam month of Malayalam calendar. In 2025, Triprayar Ekadashi date is December 15.
The festival is celebrated for 14 days in Triprayar Sri Rama Temple near Thrissur town of Kerala. During the Ekadashi, a procession of Saasta takes place. Thriprayar Sri Rama temple is located along the banks of Theerva River.
In 2025, Triprayar Ekadashi is observed as Saphala Ekadashi in all other Indian calendars. It falls on Poush Krishna Ekadashi in North Indian Hindi calendars and Margashira Krishna Ekadashi in Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati and Marathi calendars.
Festival Highlights
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The festival is famous for its grand procession where the utsava idol of Lord Rama is carried atop an elephant, accompanied by 21 elephants and traditional music ensembles like ‘Melam’ and ‘Panchavadyam’.
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Devotees throng the temple for special pujas and darshan, especially seeking the sacred “Nirmalya Darshanam” of the deity on Ekadashi, considered highly auspicious.
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The day before Ekadashi, a ceremonial procession for Lord Shasta is held, known as Dashami Vilakku.
Rituals and Beliefs
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Fasting (upavasa) is commonly observed by devotees on Ekadashi, breaking the fast on the next morning (Dwadashi).
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Special rituals include offerings like “Kathinavedi” (fireworks vow) and “Meenootu,” where food is offered symbolically to the Lord as fish, believed to remedy ailments like respiratory issues.
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Legends associate the temple and its deity with a unique blend of Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, and Hanuman is worshipped through Sundarakanda Parayanam though he does not have a separate sanctum at Triprayar.
Temple and Surroundings
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Triprayar Sree Rama Temple is noted for its serene architecture, situated along the Theeva River and surrounded by lush expanses, inviting pilgrims to immerse in devotion and Kerala’s rich temple culture.
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The festival attracts large crowds from across Kerala, and the temple also participates in religious events like Arattupuzha Pooram, with “Makayiram Purappadu” being a related highlight.
Significance
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Triprayar Ekadashi is considered especially powerful for the removal of misfortunes and for spiritual purification.
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It stands out in Kerala’s calendar as the most important event at Triprayar, distinct from the Guruvayur Ekadashi which is observed in the “white” fortnight (shukla paksha), while Triprayar marks the “dark” fortnight (krishna paksha) due to its unique temple traditions.