Importance
Pithru Tharpanam (Shradham/Pithru Bali/Veli):-The THEERTHAKKARA at the north side of Thiruvumplavil Mahadeva Temple is blessed by Lord Kashi Viswanathan with the Kashi Theerdham(which flows through the Thirukulambu). It is beleived that performing Pithru Tharppanam at this holy place is as good as doing Pithru Tharppanam at Kashi on the banks of holy river Ganga.
Thousands & Thousands of Devotees perform the Pithru tharppanam at this place during Mahashivaratri & Karkkidakavavu. Moreover this is one of the rare place in Kerala where facility for Pithru Tharppanam is made available for devotees throughout the year.
At the theerdhakkara, large number of pilgrims carry out the ritual of ‘Pithru Bali’. ‘Pithru’ means ancestors and ‘Bali’ means offering. The rituals are meant to bring peace and eternal rest to ones ancestors. This ceremony is conducted under the guidance of a priest.
Sradham is performed for people in Pitruloka. It is a privilege to get eligibility for performing Sraadha Karmaas. Sraadha Karmaas are considered in Vedas as the direct and more affective ritual that can be performed by mankind. As a successor or Kartha you are empowered and required to perform Sraadha Karmaas as long as possible. If you recollect even to your Grand Parents and Great Grand Parents you will be offering Tharpanams and Sraadha Rituals when you perform Sraadha Karma to your Parents.
Theerthakkara
Theerthakkara is an important sacred site near the Thiruvumplavil Mahadeva Temple. According to legends, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati revealed themselves to grace a devotee at this place, who had taken care of a diseased cow on his way to Kashi. Seeing his sincere and dedicated attention, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati blessed him and asked him to perform his rituals in the water flowing through the hoof mark made by the cow. The devotee was assured that the water was the sacred Kashi theertham, the divine water from Kashi, and any ritual he performed there was as good as doing the same at Kashi. He also came to know that it was goddess Parvati who had come in the form of the cow to test his devotion