Giripradakshinam

The devotees in olden days used to consider the 'Giripradakshinam' as a form of worship to get relieved of all their ailments and worries. But the present generation is quite unfamiliar with this practice.

Though the location of the temple stands divided in three sections as Bhutamala, Vilwamala and Moorikkunnu, it is collectively known as Vilwamala.

Among these the Bhutamala was particularly set apart by Parasurama as the abode of Bhutas and Pretas. The famous Punarjani cave lies at the western end of Bhutamala. The Moorikkunnu lying towards the west of Vilwamala is supposed to be the playground of 'Nandikeswara'. This confirms the belief that 'Sivasakthi' is also present in the idol in the western shrine. One has to travel a distance of about 16 kms. for circumambulating the suburbs of the temple as a whole. The first Giripradakshinam was done in March 1976 when the 'Laksharchana' was conducted. Nowadays Giripradakshinam is done on special occasions. The set of devotees for Giripradakshinam assembles in the temple atfive O'clock in the morning. Together they circumambulate the temple praying to the Lord and get down the steps of the western gateway and proceed chanting the Lord's name along the Kakkakund road near Moorikkunnu which later joins the main road. They move along the road going through Pampady, Kollaikal, Naduvathapara, Malesamangalam and Chunkam and at last reach Kakkakund road again. Then they climb the steps of the western entrance to the temple and the Giripradakshinam comes to an end with the circumambulation of the temple. It takes about five hours to complete this and anybody without any discrimination of class, colour or creed can take part in this. Even Adi Sankara has described the Giripradakshinam as a mode of worship, which gives happiness and peace of mind to anybody, who is after longevity, health and prosperity.

The calm and sacred form of Vilwadrinatha keeping aloof from the pomp and show of the outside world removes the impurities of mind, elevating it to a higher level of peace and bliss.