Oachira, Kollam, Kerala, India
Oachira Parabrahma Temple is a Hindu temple at Oachira in Kollam district, Kerala, on the border with Alappuzha district. Oachira has long been famous as one of the sacred places of Kerala, according to the Kollam district administration.
Faith & Tradition
The temple's 'Kalakettu Mahotsavam' (kettukazhcha), held on the 28th day after Onam, is described by the Times of India as one of the largest car festivals in Asia: huge cars bearing effigies of bullocks, each representing a kara (locality), are drawn in procession around the temple grounds — 56 of them in 2012. The festival marks the start of the temple festival season in Onattukara, the region around Kayamkulam and Karunagappally.
The 'Oachirakali', a mock sword-fight held on the first and second days of Mithunam (June–July), commemorates the battle of Kayamkulam fought on the plains of Oachira between Marthanda Varma of Travancore and the Raja of Kayamkulam; men from the karas east and west of Oachira perform the old fencing exercise at the Padanilam, the district administration notes.
The temple also cares for several hundred elderly men and women who live on its premises, The News Minute reported in 2017.
Heritage
In September 2026 the Kerala State Electricity Board permanently relocated power lines near the temple, ending the annual removal and reinstallation needed for the kettukazhcha procession, the Times of India reported.
Plan Your Visit
Festival days are extremely crowded; confirm dates with the temple administration board.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Oachira temple administration board before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Procession of giant bullock effigies from each kara (Times of India).
Mock sword-fight commemorating the battle of Kayamkulam (Kollam district administration).
Location
Oachira is in Kollam district, Kerala, near the Alappuzha district border, between Kayamkulam and Karunagappally.
Location: Oachira, Kollam, Kerala, India 690526
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Temples in Kollam District
Questions
At Oachira in Kollam district, Kerala, near the Alappuzha border.
A procession of huge bullock effigies from local karas, held on the 28th day after Onam.
A mock sword-fight in Mithunam commemorating the battle of Kayamkulam.
The battle of Kayamkulam between Marthanda Varma of Travancore and the Raja of Kayamkulam.
Yes, several hundred elderly people live at the temple, The News Minute reported.
Further reading: Oachira Parabrahma Temple on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Spotted an error? Write to info@hindutone.com — see our editorial policy.
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