Thulam Month in Malayalam Calendar: Rituals, Festivals & Temple Significance

Thulam (October–November) is the seventh month in the Malayalam calendar and marks the transition from monsoon to early winter in Kerala. It is spiritually vibrant, agriculturally significant, and culturally rich, with several temple festivals and rituals observed across the region.

Spiritual & Seasonal Significance

Solar Transition: Thulam begins with the Sun’s transit into Libra (Tula Rashi), symbolizing balance and harmony.
Harvest Cycle: It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of post-harvest rituals.
Temple Renewal: Many temples begin preparations for annual festivals and structural maintenance during this month.

Rituals & Observances

Daily Temple Visits: Devotees visit temples for deepa aradhana, abhishekam, and special alankaram.
Ayilyam Pooja: On Ayilyam star days, serpent worship is performed, especially in temples like Mannarasala.
Vedic Chanting & Offerings: Special homams, archanas, and annadanam are conducted in Vishnu and Devi temples.

Major Festivals in Thulam

1. Mannarasala Ayilyam

Celebrated at Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple, Alappuzha.
Features the grand Ezhunallathu procession, led by Valiya Amma, carrying serpent idols to the ancestral Illam.
Associated with Nagaraja worship, attracting thousands of devotees.

2. Alpashi Utsavam – Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

A 10-day annual festival featuring Kodiyettu (flag hoisting), Garuda Vahana processions, and Aarattu (holy bath) at Shankumugham Beach.
Deeply linked to the Travancore Royal Family, with the Maharaja leading key rituals.

Temple Visits & Cultural Practices

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple: Vaishnavite rituals, Tantric pujas, and royal traditions.
Mannarasala Temple: Unique serpent worship led by a female priestess, rare in Kerala.
Local Temples: Many Devi and Vishnu temples conduct Navaratri follow-up rituals, Lakshmi pujas, and community feasts.

Cultural Importance

Art & Music: Classical performances, bhajans, and temple percussion ensembles are common during festivals.
Community Gatherings: Thulam festivals foster village unity, with shared rituals and offerings.
Royal Patronage: Historical ties to Travancore royalty elevate the grandeur of temple events.