TATTAMANGALAM

The place is a small village located about 15kms south from Palakkad. Nearest Railway station is Pudunagaram - 3 km.

Vettakaruppu swami temple

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva known here as Vettakaruppu swami (or hunter). The legend behind this is very interesting.
Legend - When Arjuna was performing penance to Lord Shiva for getting the Pashupatastra, Lord Shiva appeared before him as a hunter. The hunter Lord started chasing a rakshasha in the form of a wild boar, who was giving trouble to the hermits in the area. Disturbed by the noise, Arjuna woke up from his meditation and shot an arrow at the boar. Simultaneously, the Lord also shot his arrow. After the boar was killed, a fight broke out between the Lord and Arjuna as to who had actually killed the boar. When Arjuna lost the fight, he prays to Lord Shiva with flowers for strength and then again calls the hunter for a fight. However, when he sees the flowers he had offered to Lord Shiva on the head of the hunter, he realises the truth and falls at the feet of the Lord and prays. Pleased, the Lord grants him his Pashupathastram.
Prayers - Every two years during the month of Chitra, a 15 day festival is held here. During this period, a Velichappad visits the temple in the evening after taking bath and wearing yellow mundu, red waist belt, anklets on the foot and sword on hand, accompanied by Drum beats (Chendai vadyam).
On the 8th day of the festival, all the residents bring a horse to the temple. After going around the temple, a horse race is held.
From the 8th to the 14th day a procession is held every night depicting many characters from the puranas in specially decorated verhicles.
On the 14th day a procession with 40 elephants is held followed by fireworks.