The Oachira Vrischika Mahotsavam, also known as the Panthrandu Vilakku (Twelve Lamps) festival, is a unique and spiritually significant annual festival held at the Oachira Parabrahma Temple in the Kollam district of Kerala, India. Unlike conventional Hindu temples, the Oachira temple is exceptional: since it is dedicated to Parabrahma—the universal consciousness or the supreme, formless reality—it has no sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum), no idol, and no traditional priests.
The Oachira Vrischika Mahotsavam (Panthrandu Vilakku), the major festival of the Oachira Parabrahma Temple, begins on the first day of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam and lasts for twelve days. As per 2025 calculations, this festival is scheduled to start on November 17, 2025 (Vrischikam 1) and conclude on November 28, 2025 (Vrischikam 12).
The Unique Temple Dedicated to Parabrahma
The very nature of the Ochira temple sets the stage for its festivals. Worship takes place in an open space spanning approximately 36 acres, under the shade of ancient Banyan and Peepal trees. This abstract devotion symbolizes the belief that God is omnipresent and cannot be confined to a single form or structure. Devotees worship the universal power under the sky, reinforcing the concept that “God is everywhere and in everyone.”
Panthrandu Vilakku: The Festival of 12 Days of Lamps
The Oachira Vrischika Mahotsavam takes place during the first twelve days of the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid-November to mid-December). The main ritual of the festival is the Panthrandu Vilakku (Twelve Lamps), a period of intense spiritual observance lasting 12 days.
Vratam (Austerity): Thousands of devotees construct simple, temporary huts known as Parnasalas within the temple grounds and reside there for the entire twelve days. They observe a strict fast, dedicating their days to meditation, prayer, and spiritual discourses.
Annadanam (Offering of Food): The principal offering and main ritual of the festival is Annadanam, where free food is served to pilgrims and the destitute. This act is believed to purify both the giver and the receiver, highlighting the temple’s emphasis on humanitarian values and community service.
Cultural and Spiritual Exchange: The festival also provides a vibrant platform for cultural programs, art forms, literary gatherings, and public conventions on various social and spiritual topics. This draws prominent personalities and large crowds.
These festival days, when people from diverse backgrounds gather seeking spiritual unity, foster a deep sense of togetherness rooted in the belief in a formless God. (TIM Oachira)
For more details: Navamalayalam.com
