Kelathachan was a local chieften in Talappill Taluk of Trichur District, like the Paliathachan of Trichur Taluk. Kelathachan had his mansion (bungalow) in the bosom of Akamala, an evergreen forest famous for its flora and fauna. The green stretch of paddy fields owned by him on the western valley of these forests were rich in yields. During his visits to these fields Kelathachan used to keep a palmleaf umbrella (Olakuda). It was believed that Goddess Mookambika used to rest on his umbrella. Once when kept his umbrella on the ridges of the paddy field. Bhagavathy got out of the umbrella and sat on the ridges. This place was later on known as the Sreemoolasthanam. A ‘Poovam’ tree was planted behind this place, to protect Devi from sun and rain.

After a long time once a harijan lady had a strange experience. While sharpening her sickle (arrival) on a stone a little away from Sreemoolasthanam, she saw blood dripping from the stone and was frightened and therefore screamed aloud. Male workers who heard the sound, came to the scene to witness the strange incident. They reported the matter to Kelathachan. As was the practice, he consulted the Astrologer. According to the astrologer, Bhagavath liked to have a permanent abode there to accept the offerings and worship of her devotees. Therefore, an open roofed temple was built there and Bhagavathy was consecrated in it with all relevant rituals. A tamil Brahmin was appointed there as priest. The day on which the consecration ceremony was conducted, was decided to be the Vela/pooram day.

Sree Rudhira Mahakalikavu (Uthralikkavu) pooram can be considered as the traditional Socio-cultural festival of Wadakanchery; the headquarters of Talappilly taluk in Trichur district of Kerala. In fact, the spirit of Pooram engulfs Wadakanchery months before the actual event. This year the Pooram is on 27 th February 2007 and by December 2006, everyone started talking of it and making preparations for it.
    
Uthralikavu Pooram is famous for is its unique Fireworks, Panchavadyam and pageantry of Elephants, apart from many other events of attraction. The Nadapura Panchavadyan at Wadakanchery Siva temple is considered to be second best panchavadyan events among kerala festivals; the first being the famous Madathil varavu of Trichur pooram. Similarly, the fireworks at Uthralikavu Pooram is very much popular for its uniqueness. People from far off places come exclusively to enjoy it.

The pooram Ezhunallippu to Uthralikkavu from Lord Siva temple Wadakanchery has a historical background too. In earlier days the Maharaja of Kochi used to attend the festival along with the Ezhunallipu of Wadakanchery desam. During that two armed policemen used to escort the elephant carrying the Kolam of Devi. Though the dynasty of Maharajas ended half a centaury back, the tradition of armed policemen following the Ezhunallippu still continues.

Pooram may appear to an onlooker as a seasonal festival , a day of joy and merry making. But for a Wadakancherian it is a day of great meaning and purpose, a day of importance and significance, and a day of great many things for which he has been anxiously looking forward. In fact he feels on top of the world and his earthly Wadakanchery excels paradise if there is one.

The temple of Kali sitting under a Poovam tree is situated among paddy fields on the Thrissur - Shornur highway 2 kms. away from Wadakanchery town, becomes the focal point of attraction. The three desams surrounding the temple, viz. Wadakanchery, Enkakad and Kumaranellur participate in the pooram in competitive spirit and try to excel each other in the number of Elephants, in panchavadhyam and chendamelam, in putting up huge arches and gopurams specially for the festival, in the fireworks etc.

The pooram is well organised and conducted by these desoms.People from far off places come to enjoy it. Tourists from abroad come in large numbers specially for it. The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation participates in this pooram by helping its organisers both financially and otherwise. It is one of the five great festivals accepted by the Government as representing the spirit of Kerala traditions and culture. Wadakanchery is easily reachable by road, rail and air and there are good hotels available for stay. Even 3 star hotels are available for stay at Wadakanchery.