The Champakulam Moolam Boat Race is one of the most established vallam kali (snake boat race) (after the Aranmula Boat Race) in Kerala condition of south India.
The race is hung on the River Pamba on Moolam day (as per the Malayalam Era M.E) of the Malayalam month Midhunam, the day of the establishment of the divinity at the Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna. It is said that the Raja of Chempakasseri, Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan, constructed a sanctuary at Ambalappuzha as recommended by the imperial soothsayers, however just before the establishment of the god (Lord Krishna) he was educated that the symbol was not auspicious.[citation needed]
It was imperative to introduce an appropriate symbol promptly. As needs be, the ministers distinguished another icon of Lord Krishna, kept at the Karinkulam sanctuary in Kurichi. This icon was accepted to have been given to Arjuna by Lord Krishna himself, and was subsequently viewed as extremely consecrated. Subsequent to getting the symbol from Karinkulam sanctuary, the Raja's men put forward by boat for the arrival travel. While coming back to Ambalappuzha, night set in, and, as educated by the Raja, they took protect at a Christian family, the home of Mappilassery Itty Thommen, in the town of Champakulam. Itty Thommen was a steadfast subject and a comrade of the lord.
Itty Thommen and his family got the men and the symbol with amazing privilege. The following day, the Raja and his escort turned up at Mappilassery, joined by a colossal mass of individuals. Pujas were offered to the god and Itty Thommen and his men likewise ventured out with the flotilla to Ambalapuzha where the symbol was appropriately sanctified and introduced with extraordinary show. In transit, the general population of Champakulam and abutting zones, and additionally the ministers and people of the Champakulam Kalloorkadu Church, regarded the Raja and the icon.
These occasions occurred in 1545 A.D. The Raja, satisfied with the adoration and fondness appeared to him by his Christian subjects, proclaimed that hereafter, to recognize these occasions, an awesome water jubilee would be held at Champakulam consistently, on Moolam day in the Malayalam month of Mithunam. Along these lines started the Champakulam Snake Boat Race and related capacities, which proceed right up 'til the present time.
In 1613 A.D., sixty-three years after the symbol was given asylum at Mappilassery, the old house was being obliterated and another one being constructed. Raja Devanarayanan's successor heard the news and quickly sent word to Itty Thommen's child, Kunhi Thommen that the range where the icon was kept, which was viewed as a devasthanam or sacrosanct place, was to be extraordinarily separated and utilized just as a position of love. Likewise, with regards to Hindu practices, no discharging ladies were to go into the room. A unique light, made of uncommon metals, was given to the family, to be kept in this heavenly place, and interminably consuming, as an everlasting fire. Exceptional benefits were likewise presented on the family, including the concede of terrains and coconut forests to supply the oil for the light.
Indeed, even today, these practices proceed. The light is kept interminably consuming. Consistently ministers and different representatives from the sanctuary call at the house on Moolam day, with blessings and prasadam for the karanavar or leader of the house. This function is known as the Moolakazcha. It is trusted that on Moolam Day, Lord Krishna dwells not at the Temple, but rather at Mappilassery House! Respectfully, on unshod feet, the Temple delegates go into the petition room, where alongside Christian symbols like the cross, and statues of Jesus and Mary, the light, known as the Vazhakoombu Vilakku is given a position of noticeable quality. The sanctuary delegates at that point love the light, and are dealt with by the family to a luxurious devour. It is simply after every one of these services, that the well known Champakulam Snake Boat Race starts.