this cave. Pandavas reached here and crawled through the cave. They came here for performing vedic rituals for their ancestors, and also some relatives who were killed in the Kurukshetra war. They did 'tarpanam' and other rituals, and also consecrated many temples nearby. They include Ivor Madom Temple in Pambady (Not to be confused with the place with the same name in Kottayam district), housing Lord Krishna (The word 'Ivor/Aivar' means 'five persons', and the name came so because it was consecrated by the five Pandavas), Kothakurissi & Someswaram temples housing Lord Shiva, etc. For the famous 'noozhal' (crawling) festival, which coincides with Guruvayoor Ekadasi, one has to follow strict rituals. The devotees should conduct fast and remain in the temple on the previous day. At 4'o clock on Ekadasi day, the priests open the temple after having a bath in Bhagavathichira, and start some poojas at the entrance of the cave. After the darshan, one has to proceed to Ganapathi Theertham, and to take bath there. Later, the devotees should take bath in Papanasini (Not to be confused with the river with the same name at Thirunelli), Pathala Theertham, Ambutheertham and Kombutheertham in that order, and should enter the cave without drying up. The starting point of the cave is around 6 ft in height, and normal persons can go there without any problem. Later, one has to bend their heads. Some more point further, one has to sit and travel. Again some more point further, the real crawling starts. At some points, there is no air and light, and a person has to seek the help of those in the front and back. Finally, after climbing some steps, a person enters outside, and again goes to Papanasini for bathing. Normal persons cannot do this, as it needs both extreme devotion and willpower. In spite of this huge darkness and location, it is a wonder that there are no ferocious animals and reptiles here, and no one has died ever inside the cave. Only men are allowed to do this. After the massive fire in 1861, a similar cave also appeared on the west nada. Some people tried to explore this cave, but the attempts were stopped because of unending fleet of steps, and huge darkness. It is also believed that there is a hidden pathway in the temple which leads us to Thirunelli Temple in Wayanad district. Daily