Oachira (or **Ochira**; Malayalam: ഓച്ചിറ) is a major town and pilgrimage center in the Karunagappalli taluk ofKollam district, Kerala, India.[1] The town is located onNH 66 and is situated on the border ofKollam andAlappuzha districts.
Oachira is globally renowned for the ancientOachira Parabrahma Temple, which is unique in Hindu worship for having no idol or physical temple structure. The town is also known for its historical and cultural events, most notably theOachirakali mock battle and theIrupathiyetttam Onam cattle festival.
TheOachira Parabrahma Temple is one of the most famous sacred places in Kerala and is often referred to asDakshina Kashi (Kashi of the South).[3] The entire pilgrimage center covers approximately thirty-six acres of land.[2]
The temple is unique because it engages in worship without asanctum sanctorum or a consecratedidol (murti).[4]
Deity: The temple is dedicated toPara Brahma (also known as Param Brahma orOhmkaram), which represents the ultimate, formlessUniversal Consciousness.[2] The supreme power is worshipped in an open-air enclosure under the shade of massive banyan and peepal trees, signifying the omnipresent and formless nature of the divine.[4]
Customs: Thebull is highly revered at Oachira and is considered the vehicle (vahana) ofParabrahman.[2]Annadanam (free distribution of food) is considered the most important offering and spiritual practice at the temple.
Date: Held on the first two days of the Malayalam month of **Mithunam** (usually mid-June).
Ritual:Oachirakali is a ritualistic mock battle performed by men and boys in thePadanilam (battlefield), a waterlogged paddy field adjacent to the temple.[5]
Date: A twelve-day festival held in the Malayalam month ofVrischikam (November/December).
Ritual: Devotees engage invratham (austere observance) and stay in temporary thatched huts, known as *kudil*, erected on the temple grounds for the duration of the festival, engaging in meditation and worship.[4]
Date: Celebrated on the 28th day after the main Onam festival (Thiruvonam), and is considered theOnam of the cattle.[3]
Kettukazhcha: The highlight is theKalakettu ceremony, where gigantic effigies of bulls (Kettu Kaalakal), crafted from cloth and straw, are constructed by the different sub-divisions (karas) of theOnattukara region. These impressive structures are pulled in a procession to the temple premises as a ritualistic offering.[3]
Oachira Town Masjid: TheOachira Town Juma Masjid is a significant mosque located in the town. It is known locally as a centre for Islamic learning, particularly for theDaras (an educational centre) associated with it, which has historically attracted religious scholars.[7]
Cattle Market: Oachira has historically been one of the largest centers for the traditionalcattle market in Central Travancore, especially during the festival season, underlining the town’s close ties to the agrarian economy.
Connectivity: The town is a key transportation point on NH 66, connecting major cities like Kollam and Alappuzha. TheOchira railway station (Code: OCR) serves the town, providing access to regional rail services. The nearest major junction isKayamkulam Junction railway station (KYJ), approximately 8 km away.
India
