The Vaisakha Maholsavam festival is held every year during the months of May - June. The twenty eight day festival commences with the Neyyattam ritual on the Swati Day in Edavam and concludes with the Thrikkalashaattu.
The Vaisakha Maholsavam celebrations begin with the ritual of bringing a sword from Muthirerikavu from Wayanad. On the following day, on Visakham star Bhandaram Ezhunnallath ritual is held. Gold, Silver vessels, heavenly ornaments etc are brought from nearby Manathana village to Kottiyoor.
An important ritual during the festival is the 'Elaneer Vayppu' or submitting tender coconuts before the swayambhu Shiva linga. On this special day, thousands of tender coconuts carried from different parts of Malabar by the devotees are submitted. The following day, the main priest of the temple, pours the collected coconut water on to the idol which is known as 'Elaneeraattam'.
Rohini Aaradhana is a very important ritual which is not seen in any other temple. The priest embraces the swayambhu Shiva linga as part of the ritual. The belief behind this ritual is that Brahma himself worships Lord Shiva to pacify for the loss of Sati.
As a part of the festival, a procession (Ezhunnallippu) is held with two elephants carrying the idols of Lord Shiva and Parvathi. After the procession, the elephants are fed well (Aanayootu) and given a formal farewell.
Vaisakha Maholsavam dates for year 2017
31-May-2017, Wednesday - Neerezhunnallathu
06-June-2017, Tuesday - Neyattam
07-June-2017, Wednesday - Bhandaram Ezhunnallathu (Mid night, Ladies will be Allowed only after this)
14-June-2017, Wednesday - Thiruvonam Aradhana
16-June-2017, Friday - Ilaneer Veypu
17-June-2017, Saturday - Ashtami Aradhana, Ilaneerattam
19-June-2017, Monday - Revathi Aradhana
22-Thursday-2017, Sunday - Rohini Aradhana
24-June-2017, Saturday - Thiruvathira Chathussatham
25-June-2017, Sunday - Punartham Chathussatham
27-June-2017, Tuesday - Aayilyam Chathussatham
28-June-2017, Wednesday - Makam Kalam Varavu (After 12.00PM, Ladies won't be allowed)
1-July-2017,Saturday - Atham Chathussatham, Valattam, Kalasa Pooja
2-July-2017, Sunday - Thrukkalassattu
