Manakkattu Devi Temple is situated in Pallipad, Haripad, Alappuzha. It is about 4 km east of Haripad on Nangiarkulangara Mavelikkara road. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Bhuvaneswari. The sub-deities of the temple include Goddess Yakshi Amma, Lord Nagaraja, Vallyachan and the Rakshas. The temple had four Karas or territories - Thekkummuri, Kottakkakam, Naduvattom and Thekkekkara kizhakku.
There are many festivals celebrated in the temple. The festival list includes Niraputhari, Navarathri, Chirappu, Aarattu, Bhagavathippara, Prathishta Varshikam and Kodiyettu Utsavam. The prime festival celebrated is Parayeduupu.
The carousel begins when the Devi of Manakkattu Devi temple is taken out in procession for Parayeduppu on the Bharani star of the Malayalam month Makaram. The significant part of Parayeduppu is the Jeevatha constructed in the model of the temple structure itself.
The rhythms used at the time of Jeevitha Ezhunnallathu are noteworthy. Starting with slow beats, it gradually builds up a crescendo and ends in fast beats. The ensemble consists of Veekkan chenda, Elathaalam (cymbals), Uruttu chenda (both drums), Kombu and Kuzhal (wind instruments), and Vallyachan (Kunchukuttippilla Sarvaadikaaryakkaar).
Plan a Visit to the Manakkattu Devi Temple and experience the air filled with spirituality during Parayeduppu.