Makara pongala festival at Seetha Theertham in Ponmudi: Details

The Makara Pongala festival at the Ponmudi Seetha Theertha Kulam, where the mesmerising beauty of nature embraces the mystic grace of spirituality, is on January 15. Meanwhile, the tribal festival of Koduthi will also be held on January 14 and 15. It is believed that Lord Rama and Goddess Seetha reached Ponmudi during their exile and bathed in the pond here, known as the Seetha Theertha Kaani. The festival conducted by the tribals highlights their beliefs and unique traditions and is attended by people of all religions and communities in the district. Lots of pilgrims from Tamil Nadu also arrive to attend this annual temple festival. 

What makes it special
Besides the idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Seetha, the temple also houses idols of Shiva, Maadan Thampuran, and Brahma Devan. There will be a pooja and other temple rituals at 5.30 pm on January 14. Chattupattu is from 8 pm onwards, while the paduka nivedya pooja is at 9 pm on the same day. The morning pooja on January 11 is at 7.30 am followed by percussion orchestra or chendamelam at 7.45 am, Upadevatha pooja at 8 am and Pushpabhishekam at 9 am. Meanwhile, the thalapoli procession to the temple starts at 9.30 am from the Ponmudi Upper Sanatorium. The pongala announcement meeting would be inaugurated by retired DFO KA Pradeep Kumar. Pongala is at 10.30 am, Divya Oushadhi Shiddhi pooja is at 11.30 am and Padukka Koduthu pooja at noon. Meanwhile, the pongala nivedyam or the offering of the pongala is at 12.30 pm followed by Oushadhakoottu nivedyam at 1.15 pm and a grand feast at 1 pm. 

K Mallan Kani would be the chief priest leading the poojas and rituals at the temple during the festival days. The festival is organised under the leadership of trust guardian Mohanan Triveni, president M Mathan, secretary I Rajithra Lekha and treasurer S Kuttappan Kani. Pilgrims' private vehicles should be registered at the Kallar check post. They need to get the pass issued by the forest department. A volunteer committee has been formed to manage crowds and ensure all necessary arrangements for pilgrims. Besides, the forest department, the police, the fire and rescue services, and Seva Bharati will offer their services on the festival days. 

Bus service to Ponmudi  
Special KSRTC bus services have been scheduled from the Vithura depot tomorrow. The bus departs at 7 am, 8.40 am, 9.40 am, 11 am and 12.40 pm. Phone – 9188937324.