Aluva Manappuram (since manal in Malayalam means sand, the reference is to sandy bank of the river) on the banks of Periyar river has been a divine pilgrimage spot for Hindus since time immemorial . One hundred fifty two acres of sandy bank, with a modest Shiva temple, attracts lakhs of believers on Sivarathri days every year. Sivarathri is an auspicious day for offering bali tharpan for the ancestors. People from all over Kerala throng the manappuram on those days. They do have darshan at Shiva temple and offer bali tharpan. Approximatey 6 to 7 lakh pilgrims are visiting manalppuram for this ritual every year. On top of this several lakhs come to manalppuram to participate in and enjoy the one month long trade fair, celebrations and illuminations.
Periyar alias Poorna river is the same one which caresses Kaladi, the birth place of Adi Sankaracharya. Kaladi is a few miles away from manappuram
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