Oachira Temple
Introduction:
Situated in Kollam, the Oachira temple is a exceptional place of worship – probably one of its kind. The main remarkable feature of the temple remains in the fact that there is no deity within or outside the temple complex.
Location:- Oachira, Kollam district, Kerala, South India.
How to Reach:- The two closest airports are in Thiruvanatapuram (100 km towards south) and in Cochin (130 km
Best Season:- June 18 , August and Nov/Dec
To add further strangeness to the scenario, there is no Pujari or priest to conduct the puja proceedings and perform rituals at the temple. Dedicated to the Para Brahman or Param Brahman or OHMKARAM, the Universal Consciousness, this very old pilgrimage spot spreads across an area of thirty-six acres. With neither a conventional temple structure nor any idol to worship, the Oachira temple is altogether religion shrouded in the essence of the Omnipotent and Omnipresent.
Equally embracing all religions, the Oachira temple is a place of worship for people from all faiths and beliefs and sees a footfall of several devotees and tourists every year not only for religious purpose but also to enjoy the famous Ochira Kali Festival or the Festival of Bulls here.
Architecture of the Oachira Temple
Since the belief of the Oachira Temple is abstract and is based on the theory of the Unconscious and the Eternal Being, you will not get to see any proper temple structure in the temple spot. People who visit the place, worship Lord Parabrahman (incarnation of Brahma/Vishnu/Maheshwara) under the well preserved trees.
Festivals at Oachira Temple
Apart from the concept of Universalism, there is another aspect that deeply draws interest. It is the annual festival known as Oachira Vrischikam Festival, which is observed in the month of December/January. A play is performed which commemorates the battle once fought amongst the kings of two different feudal principalities, Ambalapuzha and Kayamkulam. The ritual of Oachirakkali involves people, irrespective of age or gender, engaging in mock fights in muddy paddy fields, brandishing their martial arts skills.
"Erupathattam onam" or the “festival of cattle” is another important festival celebrated here 28 days after Onam. During this festival, gigantic bull-shaped structures called, "EDUPPU KALA", are created. Then they are drawn on huge wheels up to the Oachira Temple from the place where they are constructed. On average you will find almost 50 such huge bull structures.
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