Oachira temple is the most revered temple in the Kollam region for its concept of Parabrahma or universal consciousness, which is the focus of this incredibly old pilgrimage site. Unlike other traditional temples which have clearly defined structural layouts, idols and rituals, there is no sanctum sanctorum here. Parabrahma is worshipped as an omnipresent source under the shade of large trees in the premises of the 36-acre temple compound.
The temple observes Panthrandu Vilakku, a 12-day festival every year, in the middle of November, during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam. People travel from all over Kerala to attend the festival. It becomes a ground for many events, fairs and exhibitions. During those 12 days, devotees live in modest huts on the temple grounds. Another famous ritual is the Oachirakkali where traditional martial arts experts feign combat with one another in the murky waters there.
The ‘chira’ in Oachira means pond, where soldiers wrestled with each other during the reign of the king in the olden days. Oachirakkali is performed in June. Another attraction here is the Irupathattam Onam festival (which occurs 28 days after Onam) where huge bull effigies called 'Eduppu Kala', made of hay and cloth, are brought to the temple.
