TemplesinKerala.

CompiledbyShri.P.R.Ramachander

Introduction
KeralaistrulythegiftofGodstoIndia.Withhisperennialgreenbeautyanditsveryeducated masseswhotrulybelieveincleanliness,itstandsoutfromotherstatesofIndia.Therearetwo viewsonhowitgotitsname.Oneviewisthat,itgotitsnamefromtheCherakingswhoruledit longtimeagoandanotheristhat,Keralamsimplymeansgardenofcoconuts,whichittrulyis. KeralaisthelandbetweenthemightyWesternGhatsandtheArabianSea,startingfromnear TrivandruminthesouthtoslightlynorthofKasargode.NowhereinKeralaeithertheseaorthe mountain,wouldbemorethan6070kilometers.Thisribbonofalandisdividedintothesandy beach,thehillsandvalleysandthemountainousregions. PeopleprofessingHinduism,IslamandChristianityoccupythisland.Mostofthemarevery religions.Theyallhaveanotherreligiontoothereligionofcleanliness.Itwouldbeextremely difficulttolocateaKeralitewhodoesnottakebathintheearlymorning.MostoftheHindusvisit thelocaltempleafterbathwearingwetcloths.ExceptforoneortwotemplesintheentireKerala, mostofthesetemplesaresimpleconstructionswithoutmucharchitecture.Butanyoneentering thesetempleswouldbeinstantlytransportedtothehighlychargedspiritualatmospherethere.. Mostofthesetemplesareverydivineandhaveepicstoriesassociatedwiththem.Butnothing muchaboutthemisknownoutsideKerala,exceptaboutGuruvayurtemple,SabarimalaTemple andAnanthapadmanabhaSwamitempleIGotholdofverygoodcompilationabouttheselesser knowntempleswritteninTamilbySmtUmaHariharan,aresidentofAleppy.Basedonthedetailed information,Iamtryingtojotsomenotesaboutthesetemplesinthiswebsite.Beingbusywith manyactivities,Imaypossiblybeabletowriteonlyabout23templesinamonth.Pleasebearwith me

1ThrichammaresantempleofThaliparamba
ThaliParambulooselytranslatedwouldmean,agroundoftemples.Oneoftheseisthetemple dedicatedtoLordKrishna,calledThrichammaresan.HeisalsoreferredasThrichambaresan.This templeisoneofthemostimportantKrishnatemplesofKerala.HereKrishnaisportrayedinhis formimmediatelyafterkillingtheelephantKuvalayapeetamandrearingtokillKamsa.Thistemple isnotveryfarfromtheThaliparambuJunctionwhichisabout20kmfromKannur.town.Wehave tocrossasmallstream(whichisusuallydryorhavingverylittlewater)toreachthistemple.Itis believedthatthistemplewasestablishedbyasagecalledSambaran,Thetemplemaintainsa
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Gosalawherelargenowofcattlearefedandmaintained.Thesecowsandbullocksarenormally seenaroundthetemple.Thetemplefacestheeast.Slightlywesttoitthereisapondandatemple ofDurga.inthemiddleofit.PeoplebelievethatsheisthesisterofLordKrishnawhowasbornto Yasoda.Slightlysouthofthetemplethereisanilanjitreewitharaisedplatformaroundit.Itseems inancientdaysonegentlemanwithwoundsalloverhisbodywaslyingunderneaththetree prayingTrichambaresan.Itseemsthefruitsofthetreefellonhimcausinggrievoushurt.Thenhe prayedLordtohelphimbypreventingthefruitfall.Itseemsthefallingoffruitsimmediately stoppedandfromthenonthistreehasnotborneanyfruit.Thedevoteesbuyaringfromthe templeanddeposititunderthetreewithabeliefthatalltheirdesireswouldbefulfilled.(Mothiram vechuThozheel).Therearelotoftechnicallysuperiormuralsallroundthetemple,whichislarge consideringthetempletypeofKerala.Theidolofthetempleisaboutfourfeethighandhasa mercifullookinsteadoftheexpectedferociousangrylook. Anotherpeculiarityofthistempleisthatelephantsarenotallowedtocomeanywherenearthe temple,SotheusualprocessionofGodontheelephantisnotthereinthistemple.Peoplebelieve thatsinceLordKrishnahadjustkilledKuvalayapeetathefourtuskedelephantsentbyKamsa,all elephantswouldbescaredonseeingthelord.ItseemsonceanIslamicmerchantrodeonan elephantinspiteofwarningsaroundthetemple.Assoonastheelephantcamebeforethegate,it felldowndead. Theannualfestivalofthetemple(Uthsavam)isheldinthemonthofKumbham(Februarymarch) on22ndofthatmonth(approximatelymarch6th)andcontinuesfor14days.LordBalaramawho hasatemplenearby(Dharmakkulam)visitsthistempleandeverydaythereisaceremonialdance (twopeoplecarryingThidambuofGodsKrishnaandBalarama)onthenightsofimportantfestival days(27,28thofKumbamand1,2,6ofMeenam)duringthefestival.Initiallythepriestsgoround thetemplecarryingtheThidambuontheirheadsandlaterthereisadancewithGodsacting throughthem.Onthelastdaytheymoveoutsidethetempleanddothedanceinthepublicroadin aplacecalledPookothunadatotheaccompanimentofseveraldrumsplayedbytheirgreatest exponents..Sincethebrothergodsaregoingtopartafterthis(Koodipiriyal)andwouldbeableto seeonlyafterayear,thereisafrenzyofseparationinthisdance.Thisdanceisextremelyfamous inthenorthernpartofKerala. AyiramappamofTrichambaramTemple,aspecialkindofsweetofferingmadeinthousands,is quitefamous.ThisistheonlytempleinKeralawherewomenfromNamboothirifamiliesprepare theoffering.

2ThiruvullaKavuDharmaSasthaTemple
ThiruvullakavuDharmaSasthatempleisinthePeruvanamdivisionofKerala.Thisdivisionwas supposedtohavebeencreatedbyLordParasuramaandhadverylearnedBrahminswhowere consideredasgreatVedicPundits.(PleaseseethewriteupofPeruvanamshivatemple).Thisis templeisagaininthevillageofPerumbilliseri,nearthesmalltownofCherpunearTrichur.Itis believedthatthefamoussaintVilwamangalasawthattheidolofthisSasthawasbeingheldinthe righthandbyLordShivaofPeruvanamandlateranewtemplewasconsecratedseparatelyfor DharmaSasthaontherightofTheShivatemple.ItseemshechosetocallitasThiruvullaKayyor ButthereisatheorythattheactualnameofthetempleisThiruvalakkavu(Holytempleonthe right).SomepeopleevenrefertoitasThiruvellakavu(Holytempleofwater).Butanywaythe presentnameisThiruvullakavu.SincethewordThirurepresentsGoddessLakshmi,thisname maymeanasAtemplewhereLakshmi(wealth)isthere. ItseemsinoldentimesaVarrierwhousedtogobythisway,sawabrilliantpowerfullightcoming fromthefieldwherethistempleissituated.Whenheexaminedtheplacehesawtheretheasmall stonestatueofSastha.HeimmediatelybroughtthetrusteesofPeruvanamtemple,whoconsulted anastrologer,whotoldthemthatitisaSastha(SonofLordShivaandVishnu)idol.They immediatelygotatemplebuiltupthere.InthetemplealongwithSasthaarehiswifePrabhaon hisleftandhissonSathyakaontheleft.KindlynotethatLordAyyappa,whowastheincarnationof DharmaSasthawasaBrahmaChari.InSomeplacesSasthaisbeingconsecratedwithtwowivesviz PoornaandPushkala.SomepeoplebelievethathehadonlyonewifecalledPrabha,whohadthe twoformsofPoornaandPushkala.Infrontofthesestoneidols,thereisaslightlybiggeridolof Sasthawithaspear(soola)madeofPanchaloha.ThemorningAbhishekaisdonetothePancha Lohaidolanditiskeptbehindthestoneidolslater. ThisSasthaisconsideredasonewhogivesknowledge.Thisispossiblybasedonanincidentwhich happenedatthetemple. ItseemsoncetherewasapriesttherebythenameofPattathuVasudevaBhattathiri.Hewasof veryaverageintelligenceandwasassistedinhisdutiesbyayoungVarasyar.OnedaytheVarasyar lefttoherhomeandbythetimeTheBhattathiriclosedhistempletorrentialbeatingrainstarted. DuetothisBhattathiriwasnotabletoleavethetemple.DuetothisBhattathiridecidedtosleepin theVerandhaofthetemplewithoutfood.ThenSasthacameinhisdreamandaskedhimtoopen thetempleandeattheBananafruitwhichwasofferedtohimandwaskeptbeforehim.Bhattathiri obeyedtheorder.NextdayearlymorningtheVarasyarcameinsearchofhim.Shesawtherewas sometransformationincaseofBhattathiri.Hehadbecomeagreatpoet.Whensheasked,asto theturnofevents,Bhattathirirelatedtoherallthathashappened.ThentheVarasyaraskedhimas towherehehadputtheBananapeelaftereatingthefruit.Whenheshowedhimtheplace,she
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atealltheleftoverpeels.ShetoowastransformedintoapoetcalledIkkaliVarasyar.Bothofthem haveagreatplaceinMalayalamliterature. Duetothisincident,thistemplebecameveryfamousastheplacewhereyoucangetknowledge andwisdom.EveryVijayadasami(TenthdayofNavarathri)daythousandsoflittlechildrenlearn theirfirstalphabetsatthistemple.Evenontheotherdayschildrenbroughthereandareallowed tostarttheirwaytoeducationatthistemple.Themostimportantofferingtothisgodare Unniyappam(NeyyappaminTamil)andKadalippazham(AparticularvarietyofBanana).Themain festivalofthetemplestartsontheUthramstarofthemonthofKumbham(Februarymarch).That dayTheGodistakenroundonanelephant.Anditendsonthehasthamstarofthemonthof Meenam(MarchApril) TheDarshantimingofthetempleasgiveninthewebsiteofthetemple DarshanTime Morning5AM10:45AM Evening5PM8PM Poojaschedule Nithyapooja/Nivedhyapooja6:30AM7AM Trippuka7:30PM7:45PM ThanthripoojaMorningonMuppattushanidays Duringmandalamaasam DarshanTime Morning4:30AM10:45AM Evening5PM8PM Poojaschedule Nithyapooja/Nivedhyapooja/Mandalapooja6AM7AM Trippuka7:30PM7:45PM ThanthripoojaMorningonMuppattushanidays Ezhuthiniruthal Everydayatmorning5AM10:45AM ExceptonMahanavamiandAthamnaalofMeenam
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NB:TheSreekovilnadaremainsclosedduringtheabovementionedpoojatimes. Aftertrippuka,intheeveningnoofferingscanbedoneatthetemple.

3ThiruvilwamalaRamabhadraSwamytemple
Thiruvilwamala(ThesacredmountainofVilwa)isasmallvillageontheshoresOfBharathaPuzha. Themaintemplehousestwotemples.TheoneinthewestissupposedtobeatemplededicatedTo SriRamaandtheoneintheeastisdedicatedtoLordLakshmana.Butbothidolsareoftheformof LordVishnuwithfourarmsholdingconch,wheel,maceandlotusflower.Nearthistemplethere aretwomoreriversvizCheerakuzhipuzhaandPadurpuzha.Thoughintheoldentimestherewere nobridgesinanyoftheserivers,theapproachwasonlythroughPazhyannurbutnowthereare bridgesinallthethreeriversandThiruvilwamalacanbeapproachedfromseveralsides.Itis believedthatbehindtheidolofthetemplethereisdeepholeinwhichthereisagoldenVilwatree. Thenameoftheplacecomesfromthislegend.ThetemplealsohasidolsofGanapathi,Hanuman andAyyapanwhichareconsecratedthere.Therearemanystoriesaboutthistemple. OneofthemsaysthatLordParasuramaafterkillingalltheroyalfamiliesofIndiawantedtogive salvationtotheirsouls.SohedidgreatpenanceaddressedtoLordShiva.ItseemsLordShiva appearedbeforehimandgavehimanidolofVishnu.SageParasuramalikedThiruvilwamalamost becauseVilwatreesweregrowingthere.HeconsecratedtheVishnuidolgiventohimbyLordShiva .ThenLordParasuramasummonedthesoulsofallthosekilledbyhimaswellashismanes.Mostof themgotsalvationandsomeoftheverybadonesdidnot.LordParasuramachainedallofthemin aplacenearbycalledRakshasaPaara(ThestoneoftheRakshasa.) Thereisanotherstoryabouttheoriginofthistemple.TherewasasagecalledAmalakawhowas thesonofKasyapaPrajapathi.Hestarteddoingpenanceinthisplace.Indra,undertheimpression thatthissagewasdoingpenancetogethispost,sentdancinggirlsUrvasiandThilothamato disturbthepenanceofthesage.WhentheirtricksfailedIndraapproachedAmalakasfather Kasyapa,whotoldhimthatAmalakawasdoingpenancetogetsalvationandnothingelse.Then Indrastoppedharassingthesage.ThentheRakshasathinkingthatsagewasanagentofIndra startedharassinghim,bycausingrainandthrowingstonesatthesage.Atthiswhenthesage openedhiseyes,firecameoutofitandburntalltheRakshasas.TheashofthoseRakshasasjoined togetherandbecameabigrock.ThisaccordingtothelocalpeopleistheRakashasapara.Laterit seemsLordVishnuappearedbeforethesageandrequestedhimtoaskfortheboonsthathe wanted.ThesagerequestedforundyingdevotiontoLordVishnuandalsorequestedGodtobless allthesufferinghumanbeingsoftheworldandrequestedtheLordtostaythereitselftodoit.The LordthenbecameanidolofLordVishnuwhichwasconsecratedinthewesttempleof Thiruvilwamala.SopeoplebelievethattheidolinthewesterntempleisSwayambhu(Notman made).SageAmalakalikedtochanttheholynameofRamainfrontofthislord.Soslowlytheother
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devoteesbrandedtheidolthereasthatofLordRama.Normallyitisbelievedthatwehaveto worshipfistLordLakshmanaandthenLordRama.Thereareotherswhobelievetothecontrary. Severaltimesbothtempleshavebeenravagedbyfirebutitisamiraclethattheidolshavenever beendamaged.Thelastsuchreinstallationofthetempletookplaceintheyear1882bythethen kingofCochin.ThereisanothercustominthetempleofsalutingPazhaniAndavan, Vadakkunathan,GuruvayurappanandThirunavayaMukundaninthedifferentplacesofthetemple .SomepeoplebelievethattheGuruvayurtemplecanbeseenfromaparticularpointofthe temple.ThereisalsoastorythataftertheMahabarathawarthePandavascametotheBharatha puzhanearhereanddidoblationtothesoulsofallthosewhodiedinthewar.Itseemsthatthey builtatempleforLordKrishnacalledIvormadamSriKrishnaswamitemple.. Itisalsosaidthatthepathwayinsidethecaveseennearthepeepultreeclosetotheeastern gatewayofthetemplehadbeenconnectedtoTirunellithroughanundergroundpassage.The storygoesthatwhenapriestreturningthroughthispassageafterworshippingthedeityat Tirunelli,theyoungladywalkinginfrontshowinglighttothepriestgotimpureandconsequently theundergroundpassagebehindwassealedforever.Evennowapartofthisundergroundpassage whereextremedarknessprevailsisexplorable. OnthenorthernsideofthetemplethereisabeautifulKulam(Pond),knownasBhagavathiChera andonthenorthwestsideanotherpondcalledRamanChera. Therearemanyfestivalsinthistemple.ThemostimportantoneistheEkadasiontheVruschiga month(NovemberDecember).ItcoincideswiththeGuruvayurEkadasi. ThePriestswhoperformtheworshipinthetempletakebathinBhagavathiChera beforeenteringthetemple.OnthatdaythemendevoteesenteracavecalledPunarjanee(whichis kmfromthetemple)ononesideandcomeoutontheotherside.ThepriestofThiruvilwamala temple,comesthereafterthemainpojaandthenrollsagooseberry(Nellikka)insidethecave fromoneside.Iteasilyemergesfromtheotherside.Thecaveisabout15meterslongandisof differentheights.Itstartsfromthesouthernsideofthemountain.Tocrossitisdifficultbecauseit involvesstanding,sitting,lyingdownandcrawling.ItisbelievedthatifwecrossthePunarjanee onthatday,wewillnothaveanymorebirths.Nowadaystherearemenavailablewho,ifpaid moneywouldcrossthecaveonourbehalf. BeforeentryintothePunarjaneecave,wehavetotouchtheGanapathiTheerthamwhichison thenorthernsideofthemountain.Thenwehavetoclimbanarrowandsteeprockforsome distanceandreachthePapanasinithertham.PeoplebelievethatSageParasuramahasconsecrated riverGangesinthisTheertha.AftercrossingthiswehavetoenterthePunarjanicave(Punarjani noozhal),comeoutandthenagaingotothePapanasinitheerthamandtakebaththere.Thenwe

havetogotothePathalaTheertha,washourhandsandlegsandthengototheKombuTheertham (MadebydashingofthetuskofIndraselephantIravatha)andvisittheAmbutheertham. ThemanesareworshippedinthistempleduringthenewmoondayintheKarkidaga(Julyaugust) monthandotherfestivalsareNiramalaiinthemonthofKanni(AugSept)andAshtamivilakku whichendsonEkadasidayinthemonthofKumbam(FebMar).SriRamaNavamialsoiscelebrated inthistemple.OntheEkadasidaymanypeopleobservefastanddonotsleepatnightandremain inthetemple.

4ThirunavayaNavaMukundan

ThistempleofLakshmiNarayanawhichissituatedonthebanksofBharathaPuzha(Alsocalled NeelaNadhi)isoneofthemostancienttemplesofKeralarepletewithhistoryandseveralstories aboutit,Thistempleissituated8kmawayfromTirurtownonthewayfromShoranurto Kozhikode.OntheoppositeshoreofthetempleofVishnu,therearetemplesofLordShivaand LordBrahma.ThereisalsoacelebratedschoolofVedastotheNamboodirisadjacenttothe Brahmatemple,whichitisbelievedwasconsecratedbyLordParasurama.Sothedevotesconsider thisplaceasequivalenttoVaranasi(Benares),Therivernearthetemplealsoisconsidered extremelyimportanttodoPithruKarmas(Worshipofmanes)especiallyinthemonthsof Thulam(Octobernovember)andKarkidagam(Julyaugust)Itisnotclearwhethertheidolofthe templeismadeofmetalorstoneeventothosewhotouchandworshipit. Thetemplewassupposedtohavebeenestablishedbythenineoccultyogisviz.Sathuvanathar, Saaloganathar,Aadhinathar,Arulithanathar,MadhangaNathar,MacchendiraNathar, KadayanthiraNathar,KorakkanatharandKukkudanathar.ItseemstheidolofMukundawas consecratedbyoneoftheseyogisandasperthecustom,thetemplewasshutforsevendays.But whentheyopenedthetempleaftersevendays,therewasnotraceoftheidol.Thenthesecond yogididtheconsecration.Thesamestorywasrepeatedtilltheeighthyogi.Sowhentheninthyogi consecratedtheyogisdidnotwaitforthestipulatedsevendaysbutopenedthetempleafterthree days.Theyweresurprisedtoseethattheidolhasalreadysunkuptotheknee.Theyimmediately usedoccultmanthrasandstoppedthefurthersinkingoftheidols.Soeventoday,youcanseethe
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idolsunkuptotheknee.Itisbelievedthatinspiteofittheidolissinkingandwhenithas completelysunk,KaliYugawillcometoanendthefinaldelugewilltakeplacethen.Incourseof timethefirsteightyogisattainedsalvationbuttheninthyogi,prayedGodandwantedhimtosend thosegreatyogisbacktothetemple,Thegodrepliedtohimthattheeightyogiswerestillthere worshippingtheGodandshowedthemtohim,Theninthyogialsowantedtojointhem.TheGod fulfilledhiswishanditisbelievedthatalthenineyogisarealwaysthereworshippingthegod. Itseemsthereisabottomlesspitbehindthepresentidolandonceuponatimeapriestwantedto measureitsdepth.Hetiedhisringtoavery,verylongthreadandslowlyintroduceditinsidethe pit.Butinspiteofkeepingonaddingfreshthreads,theringseemednottotouchthebottom. Hurriedlyhewithdrewthethreadandwassurprisedtofindthattheringwasmissing. TheGreatyogisandThanthrisdonotstandontheirfootinthistemplebutkneeldownbeforethe deityinthebeliefthatunderneaththeentirefloorseveralGodsidol(whichwerelost)layburied. JustbehindthetemplethereisalotuspondanditseemsthegreatdevoteeofVishnuGajendra( kingofelephants)andgoddessLakshmiusedtopluckthelotusflowersfromthetankandofferitto LordMukunda.Atoneparticulartimethelotusflowerswereabouttobeoverandtheupset GajendrapetitionedtheLord.Tosolvehisproblem,LordVishnudrewGoddessLakshmiinsidehis templeandgaveheraseparatesanctuminsidethetemplecompoundandrequestedhertomake theplaceprosperous. AnotherstoryisabouttheconnectionofsageMarkandeyatothistemple.Itseemswhen Markandeyaattainedtheageof16,Yama,theGodofdeathstartedchasinghim.Markandeyaran insidetheNavaMukundatemple.ItseemsthentheGodgavehimonehandfulofmudand instructedhimtorushthroughthewestdoortotheShivatempleatThirprangode,makeashiva lingaoutofthemudgiventohimandworshipit.AssoonasMarkandeyacrossedthewest entrance,LordVishnucloseditbyputtingabigstonethere.(Eventothisday,thatdoorisblocked). MarkandeyadidasinstructedandwassavedbyLordShiva,whokilled,Yama,theGodofdeath. ApartfromthemaintemplesofLordVishnuandGoddessLakshmithereisalsoatemplededicated toGanesainthistemple. Theritualstothemanes(PithruKriya)issupposedtobeverypropitious,ifdoneontheAmavasya ofKarkidagamonth(Julyaugust)andifitisdoneatthistemplebecause,itisbelievedthatonthat dayGoddessSaraswathi,Gayathri,Lakshmi,Parvathi,PlanetShani,sageMarkandeyaandrivers GangaandJamunaaresupposedtoassembleatthistemple. Mahamaham(Mahamagma)usedtobecelebratedinthistempleduringoldentimes.TheZamorin (Samudiri)ofCalicutusedtocomealongwithhisarmybythesideofthetemple.Warriorsofthe kingusedtotakeavowoffightuntodeathandmarchagainstthezamorin.Theywerecalled Chaverupada(Suicidesquad)andwerekilledbythewarriorsofSamudiriandthrowninthebigwell
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there.Thoughthiswellstillexists,thisaspectoftheMahamahamfestivalhasbeendiscontinued.. .TheannualfestivalofthistemplefallsonthemonthofMeenam(MarchApril),lasts10days.The festivalstartswiththeKodiyettamceremony(Flagof)andendswithArattu(bathingoftheidol). .Theworshipingtimeherearefrom5.00amto11.00amandfrom5.00pmto7.00pm. Anotherveryinterestingaspectofthetempleisthepuzzlesinthistemple.Someofthemare 1.ItisnotpossibletosaywhethertheriverflowsfromnorthtosouthorfromSouthtoNorth. 2.TheoutsidePazhukkaMandapamofthetempleissomadethatitisnotpossibletotellwhether itisinsideortheoutsidethetemple. 3.Theleafsofthebanyantreeinthetemplelookthesameonbothsidesandafterpickingitisnot possibletotellwhichisthetoporbottomoftheleaf. 4.ItisnotpossibletotellwhethertheKrishnaidolofthetempleismadeofstoneormetal.

5RajadhiRajaTempleOfThaliparambu
TheRajarajeswaratempleisaShivatemplelocatedatThaliparmbaofKannurdistrichofKerala. ThistempleisalsocalledThiruchellurandgodasChellurnadhan.ThedeityisalsocalledRajadhi Rajan. Thetempleisregardedasoneoftheexisting108ancientShivaTemplesofKerala.Italsohasa prominentplaceamongstthenumerousShivatemplesinSouthIndia.ItisasfamousastheSiva templesatVaikom,EttumanurandVadakkunnathantempleatTrichur..Ithadthetallestshikhara amongstthetemplesofitstime.TheRajadhiRajatemplehasatopastoneofabout90tonnes.If anyproblemisencounteredinanyothertemplesofKerala,thedevoteesseekasolutioninthis Templethroughaprasna,atraditionalmethodofastrologicaldecisionmaking.Theprasnais conductedonapeedha(araisedplatform)situatedoutsidethetemple. ItisbelievedthatwhenGoddessSatideviselfimmolatedherselfinthesacrificialfireofherfather DakshaPrajapathi.ThefuriousShivatookherbodyandstarteddancingasifitwasdeluge. Understandingthatthingswillgooutofhand,LordVishnucutherbodyintopiecesanditis believedthatherheadfellinThaliparambu,andthistemplewassupposedtocommemoratethat event. Therearealsootherstoriesabouttheoriginofthetemple.ItseemskingMandathadidgreat penancetopleaseLordShivaandwhenLordShivacameinfrontofhim,hepresentedthelking withagreatShivaLingaandorderedhimtoconsecrateitinaplacewheretherewasnocremation ground.Aftergreatsearch,kingMandathalocatedThaliparambuandconsecratedthereandafter hisdeaththatShivaLIngawascoveredbyearth.LaterKingMuchukundadidpenancetoplease LordShivaandattheendLordShivagavehimaShivalingawiththesameconditionthatwas imposedonMandatha.HealsoconsecrateditinThaliparambaandafterhissalvationthatShiva Lingaalsovanished.LateraroyalsagecalledSathasomaalsopleasedLordShivabypenance,and
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LordShivablessedhimsayingthattheShivaLingawiththesameinstructions.Aspertheearlier practicewhenthisidolwasalsosinkinginearth,SathasomanlitalapofGheeandthentheGod stoodfirm.DuetothisthemostimportantofferingtoGodinthistempleisapotofGhee.Thispot couldbeearthernormadeofsilverorgold.Thegheehastobeleftonthestepsofthesanctum sanctorumandisusedtokeepburningthegheelampbeforetheLord..Thisistheidolwhichis beingworshippedinRajadhiRajaTempleofThaliparamba. AmajorlegendaboutthistemplebeginswiththevisitofthePuranicsageParashurama,oneofthe incarnationsofLordVishnu.Seeingthereanancientshrineofvibrantspiritualpowerina dilapidatedcondition,thesagewasgriefstrickenandwantedtoknowitshistory.Thereupon,sage Naradaappearedthereandrelatedtohimthestoryofthetemple.Accordingtoit,sageSanakaand others,thesonsofthecreatorLordBrahma,churnedthediskoftheSuntolessenitsfierceheat. Theymixedthedust,whichwasformedwhilechurning,withthedivinenectarofimmortality, Amrita,andoutofitgaveshapetothreespirituallytoLordBrahmapresentedthemtoGoddess Parvathi,theconsortofLordShiva.AndtheseweretheonesthatweregivenbyLordShivatothe threekings. AndsothetemplewasbuiltbySageParashuramalongbeforetheKaliyugacommenced.,the architectbeingViswaKarma,thearchitectofthedevas.ItisbelievedthatsageAgasthyawasthe onewhoconsecratedthistemple..Itwasrenovatedintheeleventhcentauryandwasrenovated laterbythetheKolathiriDynastyKings.Thequadrangularsanctumhasatwotieredpyramidal roof,infrontofthesanctumisthenamaskaramandapambutthetemplehasnokodimaram (flagstaff),unlikeothertemplesinKerala. ItisbelievedthatwhenSriRamaafterkillingRavanawasreturningbacktoAyodhyainthe PushpakaVimana,hisplanestoppedjustabovetheThaliparambatemple,Relisingthepresenceof adivinepowerSriRamagotdownanddidSashtangaNamaskaramtoLordShivaintheNamaskara Mandapamofthetemple.SonooneincludingBrahminsarepermittedtoclimbupthisNamaskara Mandapam., AnotherinteresestingstoryofthetempleisthataboutthevisitofUdhandaSastrigaltothis temple.ThislearnedmanfromTamilNadudidnotfoldhishandsinsalutebeforeanyGodbecause hewasastrictfollowerofAdvaitha.ButwhenhevisitedtheRajarajatemple,seeingthegreat poweroozingoutoftheGod,involuntarily,hishandsfoldedinsalute. HereLordShivaworshippedinthissacredtempleisknownasRajadhiRajaorSreeRajarajeswara, whichmeanstheEmperorofEmperorsortheLordSupreme.Thenamesignifiesthesupreme transcendentalpowerinthebackgroundofmysteriousdramaoftheboundlessuniverse.That powerisinvokedhereasLordRajarajeshwara.Devoteesaddressthelordwithsuchroyal

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appellationsasPerumthrikovilappan,PerumchelloorappanandThampuraan Perumthrikkovilappan. Anothergreatpracticeofthistempleisrecognizinggreatwritersandscholarsandpresentingthem withagoldarmlet.BecauseofthisthetemplehasbeenencouragingtheliterearygiantsofKerala forseveralcentuaries.takenplacenaturallyhealsocametothesamespotwhereMaandhathahad installedthefirstShivalingam.HeinstalledhisShivalingamatthesamespot.ThisShivalingamwas alsoeventuallydissolvedintotheearthagainreinforcingthespotspiritually.Thencameking Shathasoman,theonewhoreceivedthethirdShivalingam.Hewasalsonaturallyattractedtothe samespotandinstalledhisShivalingamthere.Whileinstalling,thisLingamalsobegansinkinginto theearth.KingShathasomanthereuponprayedforSageAgasthya'shelp.Thesageappearedand afterlightingagheelampprostratedbeforetheShivalingamtwelvetimesandwhenhebegunthe thirteenthprostration,theLingamgotfirmlyfixedontheearththereforethenumberof prostrationtheSageAgasthyaperformedforhispurposecametobeknownastwelveandahalf. ThuswiththeinstallationofthethirdShivalingamhassacredspotbecamespirituallyvibrant threefold. AccordingtothetraditionalsystemofvisitingthistemplethedevoteefirstworshipLordKrishnaat theshrineofVasudevapuramlocatedatthesouthernbankofthevasttempletankknownas Aashraamathchira,wherethereisabeautifulidolofKrishnaplayingtheflute.Thesweetmelody fromKrishna'sflutesymbolizesthesupremespiritualharmonythatprevailsinthebackgroundof theuniverseofdiversities,whichonecanexperiencebyspirituallyelevatingoneself.Worshipof lordKrishnabeforeenteringthegreattempleoflordShivasymbolizestheessentialunityoflord VishnuandlordShivaastwoaspectsofthesupremereality.Thereareotherspecialfeaturesalsoin thistemplethathighlightthisunity.ItisbelievedthattherewasanAashramofsageAgasthyaon thebankofthistempletank.Thetankwasreconstructedinthepresentstage,itissaidabout460 yearsagobyadevotee,ChittoorNamboodiripad. Then,proceedingtowardsSreeRajarajeswaratempleoneworshipattheshrineofSree Bhoothanatha(Kumbhodhara),whoisthechieflieutenantoflordShiva.Kumbhodharaisalso knownasAravathappan.Thetwodeitiesmentionedabove,SriKrishnaandSriBhoothanatha,are consideredastheaccompanyingdeitiesoflordRajarajeswara. SreeRajarajeswaratempleislocatedinthecentreofveryspaciouscompoundofaboutsixacres surroundedbyacompoundwallwithtwoGopurams,locatedontheeasternandwesternsides. Theancientcompoundwallitselfisawondrousarchitecturalmarvelbuiltofhugecutstonesjust placedoneabovetheotherwithoutanycementingmortar,boardatthebaseandtaperingtowards thetop.

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Themaingateisontheeastbeforeoneentersthetempleoneturnseastwardsandoffersprayers tolordVaidyanatha(kanhirangaattappan),anaspectoflordShivaworshippedasthelordof physicians,enshrinedintempleabout6kmfromRajarajeswaratemple. Onenteringtheeasterngatethedevoteemakesacircumambulationofthewholecentralshrine beforesteppinginsidetheshrine.Towardsthenorthernsidethereisasmallshrineofaguardian deitycalledYakshi.UsuallyaYakshiisconsideredtobeafemalespiritwithmalevolent propensities,buttheYakshiinstalledhererepresentsaprosperitygivingandbenevolentspiritual power.Thefigureisalifesizewoodensculptureofuniquecharm.TheYakshiisrepresentedasone whoisintentlyintoamirror. Afterworshippingthisguardiandeitythedevotee,proceedstowardsthefrontofthecentralshrine andworshipstheRishabha,thebullmountoflordShivaoutsidethecentralshrinefacingthe lord.NearRishabhaistheBalikkalluofhugeproportions,madeofgranitewithmanyfigurinesand intricatecarvings.Becauseofitsgreatantiquityitcallsforreplacingitwithanewone,maintaining itsexactproportionsandcarving. WhilecircumambulatingtheNaalambalam(theouterstructurearoundSreeKovil,thesanctum sanctorum),onewalktowardstheleftsideandfromtheNirarithikonam(southwestcorner) worshipsGoddessAnnapoorneshwariofthefamousshrineinCherukunnu,afewkilometeraway, andstandingonthewestoneworshipsGoddessBhadrakaalienshrinedinanotherrenowned shrineofdivinemotherinMaadaayikkavu.Originally,itissaid,thatgoddessBhadrakaaliwas worshippedinthewesternGopuramofSriRajarajeswaratempleandlatertheidolwastakenand installedintheshrineatMaadaayikkavu. AftermakingthecircumambulationoutsidetheNalambalamthedevoteeenterstheinnerspace aroundthesanctumsanctorumtoworshiplordRajarajeswara'sJyothirlingam.Asusualinthe templesoflordShiva,thecircumambulationisperformedonlyuptothetheerthachannelanditis completedwithareversecircumambulationuptothechannel. Asthecustom,onlymenentertheNaalambalamduringthedaytime,whilewomenstanding outside.WomencanentertheNaalambalmalldaysaftertheAthazhapoojaisoverintheevening. ItisassumedthatafterAthazhapoojathelordisinanaspectofaverypleasedandgracious dispositionaccompaniedbyhisconsortgoddessParvathiandthisisconsideredtobethemost auspicioustimeforwomentoentertheNaalambalamastheygettheoccasiontoworshipthe divinecouple. InsidetheNaalambalam Thesanctumsanctorumwithitsmajesticproportionsisafineexampleofthetemplearchitectural styleofKerala.Thetwotieredsanctumsanctorumisrectangularinshapewithcoppersheetslaid
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ontheroof.TherooftaperstoculminateinabeautifulgoldKalasham. Thesanctumsanctorumhasfourdoors,oneoneachside.Thedoorsontheeastandsouthonlyare opened.TheeasterndoorsopenstothepresenceoflordRajarajeshwara,representedbythe majesticJyothirlingam.AnarrayofgheelampsdangleonbothsidesoftheJyothirlingam.The Bhadradeepam,agheelamplightedbysageAgasthya,themostauspiciouslampwitha conspicuousflameisseenontheleftsideoftheJyothirlingam.Onthefloortherearerowsofsilver nilavilakkuthegheelamps,onbothsidesoftheJyothirlingam. MostofthetimetheJyothirlingamisdecoratedwiththeinsigniaoflordShivathethrinethrams thethreeeyes,thecrescentmoonandtheNagaphanam.InthebackgroundisagoldenPrabha andaboveisaVyaalimukham,thefaceofamythicalbeing.ABalibimbamorUthsavamoorthi, whichrepresentstheJyothirlingam,andtakenoutforworshipduringspecialceremonies,isplaced infront.Boththesearejointlydecoratedwithanembossedgoldensheet,ornamentsandwitha Navarathnapendantofpreciousstones. OnlyontwooccasionseverydayonecanhavethedirectsightoftheJyothirlingam.Intheearly morning,at5.30,duringNirmalyam,whenthedecorationsofthepreviousdayareremovedforthe firstabhishekam,thedevoteecanhavethedirectdarshanamoftheJyothirlingamwhichiscovered onthetopwithagoldencupcalledGolaka.ThebaseoftheJyothirlingamisalsocoveredwitha goldsheet.ThisNirmalyadarshanamisknownasKani,whichisveryauspicious.Onecanalso directlyseetheJyothirlingamagainat9.30AMwhenthedecorationsareremovedagainafterthe thirdpoojaofthedayfortheNavakaabhishekam,alsoknowsaskalashaabhishekam. Thedooronthesouthernsideofthesanctumsanctorumisalsoopened.AtthisseatislordShivais worshippedasSriDakshinamoorthi,thefirstpreceptor.Thereisnoidolhere,butonlyamural paintingofSriDakshinamoorthi. OnthewestofthesanctumsanctorumistheseatofdivinemotherPravathi,theconsortoflord Shiva.Thedoorhereispermanentlyclosed.Thereisasymboliclegendregardingthepermanent closureofthisdoor.ThislegendisrelatedtotheactivepresenceofbothShivaandVishnuaspects ofrealityinthisshrine. Likemanyatemplelegendthisaspectisalsosymbolizedbyaverypersonalizedlegendrelatingto lordShivaandlordVishnuthroughaninterestingstory.Accordingtoit,onceGoddess Mahalakshmi,consortoflordVishnu,cametotheshrinetopayobeisancetolordRajarajeshwara. OnseeingthearrivalofMahalakshmi,thelorddecidedthatthereshouldbeherprosperity bestowingpresencealsointheshrine.Therefore,thelordimmediatelyassumedtheformof MahavishnuandgoddessMahalakshmienteredthesanctumsanctorumpresumingthatitwasher lordandseatedbesidehim.AndonlywhenlordShivaassumedhisoriginalformdidMahalakshmi realizethemistake.Afterpayingherrespectstothelord,shewasabouttomakeahurriedexit
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throughthebackdoorwhenlordShivaorderedhisattendants,theBhoothaganas,topermanentely closethedooronwesternsideattheseatofgoddessParvathisothattheaspectofmaterial prosperitywhichgoddessMahalakshmirepresentedshouldalsobevibrantintheshrineforthe benefitoftheworshippers. Later,whenlordVishnuarrivedatthetempleinsearchofhisconsort,lordShiva'sattendants prayedtohimtoallowthepresenceofgoddessLakshmialsointhetempleforthebenefitofthe devotees,whichlordVishnugladlyconcededtobeforetakinghisconsortalongwithhim. Thelegendthussignifiesinawayinterestingtothecommonpeoplethespecialmessagethatthe spiritualpresenceintheshrinebenefitsthedevoteesfortheirmaterialandspiritualwellbeing. SignifyingthiscombinationoftheShaivaandVaishnavaaspectsintheshrine,twiceayear,during ShivaratriandVishnu,theUthsavamoorthiofthenearbyrenownedSrikrishnatempleof TrichambaramisceremoniouslybroughttoSriRajarajeshwaratemple. TheplaceTaliparambaisalsoknownasLakshmipuramanditisbelievedthatthenameisrelatedto thislegend.InsomehymnstolordRajarajeshwarathelordisalsoaddressedastheAishwarya prabhu,thelordofprosperityandLakshmiPuraadheeshwaranthelordofLakshmipuram. TheUniqueness AccordingtoHinduphilosophy,LordVishnusymbolizestheaspectofmaintenanceoftheuniverse andlordShivaitsdissolution.BoththeseaspectsarerepresentedintheJyothirlingaminthisshrine andthereforethelordiscalledRajarajeshwara,thelordsupreme. Becauseofthecombinationoftheseaspectstherearedeviationsinthemodeofworshipoflord Shivahere.HerethelordisworshippedinthemosttranscendentalaspectofShivaknownas Sadaashiva.UnlikeinotherShivatemplewheretheBilwaleafisanimportantitemforworship,itis notusedhereforthepoojas,insteadtheTulsileafisused.TheRudrabhishekam,whichiscommon inmostoftheShivatemplesisnotperformedhere.InseadofMonday,Wednesdayisthe importantdayofworshiphere.UnlikeinotherShivatemplespradoshamisnotobservedwith specialsignificancehere.Thereisnodhaara,theconstantpouringofholywater,forthelingam hereinotherShivatemple.Someoftheotherdistinctivefeaturesofthisshrinearethereisno Dwajasthambhahereandthereisnoannualfestivalorritualisticannualbath.Thedeityisnever takenoutsideoftheprecinctsofthetemple. OnthenorthernsideofthesanctumsanctorumistheseaofsageParashurama.Thedoorherealso remainsalwaysclosed.DailyfivepoojasareperformedinthistempleasinallMahaakshetras.Early morningat5.30thefloraldecorationsofthepreviousdayareremovedandAbhishekamtakes placewiththesacredwaterceremoniouslybroughtfromawellguardedsacredtempletank consideredtobetheGangatheertham,speciallymaintainedforthispurpose.Afterthe Abhishekamaround6amthedeityisadornedwithflowergarlands.Thisislocallyknownasthe poochaarthal.Thefirstpoojacallednatravatisaround7.30am.Thenextpoojacalledpantheeradi poojaisaround9am.Afterthis,thedecorationsareremovedandtheKalashaabhishekamwith
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sanctifiedwaterisperformedbeforethenextpoojacalledNavakapooja.TheNavakapoojais performedattheMandapam,infrontoftheSrikovil.Inmostofthemajortemplesthissecond AbhishekamandNavakapoojaareperformedonlyonspecialauspiciousdays.Inthistemplethese ritualsareconductedeveryday.Thenextpooja,theUchhapoojaisperformedat10amandthe MahaaNaivedyamisoffered. DevoteesofferNaiamrithuandNaivilakkuandpattromallthesepoojas.Ponnumkudamand Vellikkudam,filledwithgheeareofferedfromNatravatpoojaonwards.Specialprostrationsknown asYaamanamaskaaramandAshwamedhanamaskaaramwithappropriatemanthrasfromRigveda areveryimportantofferingforthelord.However,prostrationstothelordarenotmadeatthe namaskaramandapam.Accordingtoalegend,SriRamaonhisreturnfromLankatoAyodhya prayedatthistempleandofferedprostrationstothelordatthisnamaskaramandapamandto commemoratethisgreateventthereafternoonemadeprostrationsinthemandapam.Devotee receiveThulasiandVibudhiastheprasaadam.Thaali,theweddingpendant,isanimportant offeringforgoddessPravathi.Turmericpowderistheprasaadamofthegoddess. WithUchhapooja,themorningpoojasareoverandthetemplewillbeclosedat12AMThetemple opensagainat5PM.TheDeepaaraadhanaisperformedat6.30PMthelastpooja,theAthazha poojatakesplaceat8PM. TherearefourThanthrisbelongingtofourIllamssuchasPoonthottathilPudayoorMana,Eruvesi PudayoorManaEdavalathPudayoorManaandNaduvathPudayoorMana.ThepresentThatrisare BrahmasriP.P.VasudevanNamboodiri,BrahmasriP.P.PanduranganNamboodiri,Brahmasri E.P.HarijayandanNamboodiri,BrahmasriE.P.KuberanNamboodiripadandBrahmasri N.P.NarayananNamboodiri Shivarathriistheimportantandauspiciousdaycelebratedwithfestivities.Severalspecialpoojas areperformedonthisoccasionandtheBalibimbamiscarriedonacaparisonedelephantandtaken aroundthetemplepremiseswiththeaccompanimentofinstrumentalmusicandtherecitalof hymns.TheUthsavaBimbamoflordKrishnaoftheTrichambaramSriKrishnatemplewillalsobe broughthereandtheSankaranaarayanapooja,theworshipofacombinedfromoflordShivaand lordVishnuwillbeperformed. Vishnu,theauspiciousday,whichisconsideredtobethebeginningoftheoriginalMalayalamyear, willbe,celebratedfromthepreviousevening,andatthenightthepresenceoflordKrisnhaof Thrichabaramtemplewillalsobethereforafewhours.SeeingtheVishnukaniisveryauspicious, whichwillhaveaprotectiveinfluenceforthewholeyear. Puthari,afestivaloftheharvestingseason,KarkadakaSankramam(July)andNiraareother importantdaysarespeciallycelebratedinthetemple.
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TheRajasofChirakkalinKannurandtheZamorinsofKozhikodehavebeenpiousdevoteeofSri Rajarajeshwaraandsometouchingincidentsaretoldrelatingtotheintensityoftheirdevotion.The MaharajasofTravancoreusedtomakeanofferingofanelephanttothetemplebeforeascending thethrone. Arevealingincidentistoldaboutthecelebratedlogicianofthe15century,Uddhanda,Shastrikal, whoconsideringhimselfastheworshipperoftheattributelessreality,NirgunaBrahmamonly, neverusedtofoldhishandsinsalutationstoanydeity,apersonalizedrepresentationofreality. Whenhehappenedtocometothistempleandstoodbeforethesanctumsanctorum,unknowingly asifbymagichisarmsfoldedandthepalmsclosedtogetherinobeisancetothelord,whichinhis ownwords"likealotusflowerclosesitselfonseeingthemoon." Thetemplehasatraditionofbestowinghonoursbygivingagoldenwristbandandtitlebythe chiefpriesttooutstandingpeopleintheirrespectivefieldsofwork.Manypersonsinvariousfields havebeenawardedsuchhonours. Today,tothisgreatshrineoflordRajarajeshwaraarrivemanypeopletheworldovertoworship thelordandtoseekhisblessingsintheirendeavoursandprofessionsandforthespiritual fulfillmentoflife. TheplaceisconsideredasmostsacredforperformingkoodiyattamandChakyarKoothuWhenever anewKoodiyattamisbeingdirected,itisfirstperformedatthistemple.Onlythe"Mani(Mni)" familyofChakyarssolelypossesstherightofperformingKoodiyattamhere.Legendary Koodiyattam&Chakyarkoothumaestro,Oneofthegreatestappreciationorawardthatan artist/scholarcangetisthe"Veerashringhala"(Vrasringhala)GoldenBracelet,fromthetemple, givenbytheunanimousapprovalofthescholarbodyofthetemple.GuruManiMadavaChakyaris theyoungestandlastpersontogettheVrasringhalafromhere.Gheeinsmallpotsareofferedto thepresidingdeityShivaandareplacedonstepsleadingtothesanctum.Thesearecalled NeyyamrithuinMalayalamanguage.Menareallowedtoentertheshrineatanytime,butwoman areallowedonlyafter8PM. Thoughitisnotpractisedaswidelyasitwasintheearlierdays,itisstillareligiouscustomamong manylocalHinduwomentovisitthreeprominenttemplesinTaliparambawhentheyarepregnant. ApartfromRajarajeshwaratemple,theothertwotemplesareSriKrishnaatTrichambaramand anothertempleofVaidyanasthainKanjirakkaDWHICHISabout6kmfromTaliparamba.Itis believedthatShivaatRajarajeshwaratempleassuresthechildahighstatus,SriKrishnaof TrichambarambestowsitwithgoodnatureandmentalqualitiesandthedeityatKanjirangad templegivesthechildlonglife. TheTemplealsohadanancientandlargesevenstoreyGopuram(tower)thatwasdestroyedby TipuSultaninthelateEighteenthCentury.[4]TherelicsofthisGopuramisseentodaylyingall
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aroundtheEasternEntranceintheformofdebris.Astrologersinnearbytownofpayyanurlike Shri.ChithrabhanukPoduvalalwaysfindsthisdemolitioninthehorescopes/rashichartsofthe peoplelivinginsurroundingareasofthistemple.Itisbelievedthatasnakebitthecommanderof thearmywhowasabouttodestroythetemple,andfollowingthis,thetemplewassparedfrom destruction.However,severalnamboodirifamiliesleftTaliparambaandsettledinTravancore. Controversy InJuly2006,MalayalamactressMeeraJasminewasfoundtohavevisitedthetempledespitethe factthatnonHindusarebannedfromentry.ShewasmadetopayRs.10,000tocoverthecostsof theresultingpurificationpujas.

6RaghavapuramHanumantemple

ThisispossiblythemostimportanttempleofHanumanintheMalabarareaofKerala.Itissituated intheCheruthazhamvillageofPayyannuroppositethehillscalledEzhimala.Itcanbeapproached fromKannurthroughPazhavangadi.ThoughthemaindeityofthetempleisSriRama,Hanumanis consecratedontheVayukon(Northwestcorner).ItseemstheformofSriRamaisintheform afterhiskillingRavana.Sosincethetempleisfacingtheeast,thepeoplewhowerehavinghomes ontheeasternsidebegantosuffer.Soafteraprasnam(astrologicalquery)tofindoutwhyitwas happening,theeasterndoorwascompletelyclosedandanewdooropenedonthewesternside andapartfromtheLordinthesamepedestal,theidoloftheGoddessandthatofhisyounger brotherLordLakshmanawasalsoinstalled.FromthewesterndoorwecanseetheEzhimalawhich issupposedtobethemruthaSanjeevinimountainthatLordHanumanbroughttowakeupLord LakshmanakilledinthewarbyIndrajit.
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ThoughthemaintempleisofRama,itisbelievedthatHanumantempleismoreimportantanditis generallybelievedthatPrayingandworshippingHanumanwouldonlypleaseLordRama,Dueto thisthetempleiscalledHanumarambalam(TempleofHanuman).JustoutsidethetempleofLord Rama,thereareseparatetemplesforLordShivaandLordDurga,Itisbelievedthatthesetemples werebuiltbyKingsofMooshikadynastylong,longago.Intheeighthcentaurythetemplewas renovatedbyakingcalledSriUdayavarmaKolathiri.Itisalsobelievedthatthiskingbrought237 familiesofBrahminscholars,fromaplacenorthofGokarnamandsettledthemaroundthetemple. MostofthemleftthatplaceduringtheconquestofMalabarbyTippuSultantoaplacenear Thiruvalla, ThetemplefestivaliscelebratedinthemonthofMakaram(JanuaryFebruary).Duringthefestivals, theidolsofSriRama,Sita,Hanuman.LordShivaandDugaarecarriedbyBrahminsontheirhead andtheyperformaveryspecialdancecalledThidambuNrutham. OfferingofAvil(Beatenrice)toLordHanumanbetween4PmandtheeveningPoojaisbelievedto makeLordHanumanhearourprayersduringthattimeandinformaboutthemtoLordRama.The templeisopenbetween5.30Amand10Amandbetween5.30PMand7PM.

7TripunithuraPoornathrayeesatemple
Tripunithuraisatempletownwhichis6kmfromCochinand20kmfromCochinairport.The palaceoftheerstwhilekingofCochinissituatedinthistown.Poornathrayeesa(LordVishnu)isthe familydeityofthecochinkings.ThenameactuallymeanstheCompleteGodofthethreeVedas. Itcouldalsomean,CompleteGodoftheholytrinity,Brahma,VishnuandShiva..Peoplebelieve thatthetempleisnearly5000yearsold. TheGodinthetempleisbelievedtobeSanthanaGopalaMurthy.ItisbelievedthatArjunaduring theMahabarathadayspromisedaBrahmintopreventthedeathoftheyettobebornchildofa Brahminandpromisedtohimthatifhewasnotabletodoit,hewillcommitsuicide.Whenhewas notabletodoit,LordKrishnahelpedhimtorecoverthesoulofthebabyfromtheclutchesofGod ofdeath.AfterthisLordKrishnagavehimhisidolintheformofSanthanaGopalaMurthy.When henearedhisdeathArjunagavetheidoltoLordGanapathyandrequestedhimtofindasuitable placeandconsecrateit.LordGanapathicameacrossthePoornaVedaPuramandlikeditsomuch thathehimselfsatthere.ItseemsArjunahearingthispushedLordGanapathyawayand consecratedtheidoloftheSanthanaGopalaMurthythere.DuetothepushtheGanapathysidol fellfacingsouthandeventodayinthisuniqueGanapathitemple,theidolfacesthesouthern direction. LateratemplegotbuiltandtheCochinkingsadopteditastheirfamilydeity.Itseemsthetemple caughtfireintheyear1920andallbuildingsexceptthewestGopuramwasdestroyed.Themain
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idolwassavedbycoveringitwithbigearthernvessels.Alltheotheridolsaswellasthemainidol werelatershiftedtoPuthenBunglavu(NewBungalow)andthenCochinkingrebuilttheentire templewithmodernbuildingmaterialsundertheadviceofthegreatarchitectSriEacharaWarrier,. ThewestGopurambelievedtohavebeenbuiltbydivinebeingswasleftassuch.Ithasidolswith veryuniquebeautyinaveryancientpristineform. TheIdolofSanathanaGoipalanisagainunique.HereLordVishnuinsteadofrecliningonAdhisesha issittingonhim,withAdhiseshaholdinghisfivefaceslikeanumbrellaoverhishead.Thesanctum sanctorum(GarbhaGriham)isfashionedafterahorsedrawnchariot.Hisdevoteesbelievethathe canhelpusbegetchildrenandalsohelpusprotectourchildrenfromallproblems.TheGanapathi idoliskeptinatemplenearthePalace(PoonithuraKottaram).LordPurnathrayeesaisbelievedto betheelderbrotherofTheChothanikkaraBhagwathy.HeisalsobelievedtohavemarriedA numboodiriladycalledNangemabelongingtotheVadakkedathuMana. Thereareseveralfestivalswhichareheldatthistemple.Someofthemare: MoosariUthsavam Onthefirst8daysoftheMalayalammonthofChingam(Augustseptemer)thereisfestival commemoratingthegreatonewhosculptedtheidolofPoornathrayeesa(Moosariisthemetal smithinMalayalam) AthaChamayam ThisisanannualfestivalcelebratedduringtheonamfestivalinthemonthofChingam(August September).Largenumberofdevoteesgatherhere,Apartfromtheprocessionsthereisalso Pulikkali(Tigerdance) OnbathathiUthsavam ThiscommemoratesthebringingbackoftheidolfromPuthanBugalavu,wheretheidolwas shiftedafterthefire.Thisiscelebratedonthe9thoftheMalayalammonthofThulam(October November).Onbathanthimeansondate9th. Vruschigothsavam ThisisthemostimportantfestivalofthetempleanditiscelebratedinthemonthofVruschigam (NovemberDecember)foraperiodofeightdays.ApartfromtheAAnaSeeveli(processionofGod onelephants)agoldenpotisalsokeptonaraisedplatform.Peoplewhomakeofferingstothepot aresupposedtobecomelucky.LargenumberofprogrammesinvolvingfolkartsofKeralaand classicalartsofSouthIndiaarearrangedduringthisfestival.Onthefouthdayofthefestivalcalled thrikkettapurappadu,itisbelivedthatGodhimselfisintheprocessionandnotinsidethe temple.
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 SankaraNarayanaVilakku ThisisafestivalcelebratedinthemonthofDhanu(DecemberJanuary)onthefestivaldayof Thiruvathira.TheGodShivaofthenearbyPerumthrikovilvisitsthePoornathrayesaduringthe day. ParaUthsavam ThisiseightdaylongfestivalinthemonthofKumbham(FebruaryMarch),wherethegodis receivedbythehouseholderswithone(Paraameasuringtin)fullofmaterialswhichisofferedto theGod. UthramVilakku ThisalsoiscelebratedinthemonthofKumbham(FebruaryMarch)andisconsideredasthe birthdayoftheGod.Onthisday,GoddessLakshmifromthenearbytempleofPishariKovilvisits Purnathrayeesaandthereisajointprocession.

8PeruvanamShivaTemple
Profile ThePeruvanamtempleisatCherpucomprisedinOorakamvillageofThrissurtalukinThrissur District.Itislocatedabout10kmsouthofThrissurtownontheThrprayarroute,near Thayamkulangarabusstop,atadistanceof100meterssouth. TempleLayout,StructureandArchitecture Thetemplestandsonasprawling7acregroundsurroundedbyatallandheftycompoundwall.The mathilakam(theboundingenclosure)isveryextensiveandhastwodvarasalas,atwestandeast, thelatterinruins.Some1015Aswathatreespunctuatethetemplegroundswiththeirwide spreadingcanopies. Asoneentersthewesterndvarasala,themakeshiftKoothambalamonanoldfoundationisseenin frontoftheNaalambalam.TherearetwoBalikkals(of2mtheight)infrontofthenaalambalam coincidingwiththeaxisofthetwoshrikovils,thatofEratttayappanonthenorthandthatof Maadathilappanonthesouth.OfthesetheErattayappanshrineisraisedonacircularbase(14.33 mtdiameter).Itisanekatalavimanabuiltonagraniteadhishtana.Thesuperstructure(bhithi)is madeoflateriteblocks,dulyplasteredanddecoratedwithKudyastambhas,nichesetc.Arecessed mukhamandapaexists,atthetopoftheflightofstepsintheSopana,withafreestandingpillar

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facadeandshrinedoorproperattherearwall.TheSopanaishavinglateralstepsmeetingata commonlanding,screenedbyacarvedphalakainfrontofthewesternentrancetotheShrikovil. TherearetwodvarapalakasoneithersideoftheShrikovilentry,standingonthecoilsofasnake. Oneofthelegsentwinestheclubandtheotherrestsonthehoodofthesnake.Thecoilofthe snakeinturnisplacedonalotusseat.Thegarbhagrhaissquareinshapeenclosedbythecircular shrikovil.Tworowsofpillarstheinnerrowhavingtwelveandtheouterrowsixteenhavebeen arrangedaroundthesquaresanctum.Theidolconsistsoftwolingas,contributingtotheconceptof Erattayappan,thelordinthedouble,signifyingArdhanareeswaratosomeandShankaranarayana toothers.ThepratishtaisalsoconsideredasthatofShivaintheroleofThripuradahananasper someearlyreferences. Therearethreefunctionalopeningsandaghanadvara(dummydoor)inthecirculargroundplan. ApartfromtheShrikovilentryonthewest,thoseinthesouthandeastaccommodate DakshinamoorthyandParvathyrespectively.Theghanadvaraisonthenorth,justabovethe pranala,whichissupportedonabhutaganafigureintheposeofdrinkinglustralwaterfroma bowl. ThereisaspaciousnamaskaramandapainfrontofthecircularShrikovil,builtonasquareplan.As inalltraditionalswastikamandapas,therearetwelvepillarsalongtheperipherywithfour numberslargerornamentedpillarsinsidethemandapa.Itspyramidalroof,liketheconicalroofof themainshrine,iscoveredwithcoppersheets.Beautifulwoodcarvingsadornthemandapaceiling aswellasthepillars. ThesouthernsideoftheshrikovilhasKirathamkathaengravedinwood,startingfromParvathi's shrine.AnotherwoodworkwhichisworthmentioningisthatofGarudaswallowing JeemoothavahanaandthatofDakshinamoorthy. TothesouthoftheErattayappanshrineistheMaadathilappanshrine,facingwest.Itisatritala vimana(oneoftheearliestinKerala,theothersbeingtheruinedoneatUliyannurandtheoneat ParambuTali)builtonahighpodiumandapproachedbylongflightofsteps.Twolateralflightsof ninesteps(oneeachinthenorthandsouthdirection)meetatacommonmidlandingfromwhere ascendsthemiddleflightoffifteenstepsinaneasterlydirectiontowardstheshrikovil.Theground tala(floor)constitutestheplinthwiththeshrineontheuppertala(firstfloor).Thegroundaswell astheuppertalaareplasteredoverwithpilastersandpanjaras.Walldecorationsinclude ghanadvarasinthecentre,kudyastambhas(ornamentalpilasters)andfalsenicheswithpanjaras. Pilastersaretetragonalinthelowerhalfandoctogonalintheupperwithpotikasorbevelled projectionsontop.Thepranalaatthefirstfloorlevelisaplainonewithoutanyornamentationand issuesoutonthenorthernside. Axially,theplanofthefirsttalaconsistsofasquareshrineintegratedwithanarrow,pillared
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mukhamandapainfront.Thegarbhagrha,whichiscircularinsidehasadomicalroof.Abovethe firststoryoftheshrikovil,riseinsuccessionthedvitalaandtritalapartsofthevimana.Butforthe octagonalshikharawithcopperroofing,allthefloorsaremadeoftiles;intheuppertalas,wood hasbeenusedprofuselywithshukanasaprojections.Thereisnonamaskaramandapainfrontof themaadathilappanshrine.AsmallNandiisseenplacedonthemidlanding. Thesetwomainshrinesapart,thereexistsaflatroofedstonevaultlikestructure,inbetweenthe shrineofErattayappanandMaadathilappan,comparabletotheGanapathyshrineofthe Vadakkunnathantemplecomplex;itusedtoserveasthetreasurechestofthetemple,accordingto localpeople.Thetemplecomplexissurroundedbyanalambalamwhichhousestheshrinesof RaktesvariandManikantaninthenorth,GanapathyandPooruMaharshibothfacingeastonthe northwestandsouthwestportionsoftheValiambalam.ThereisaseparateshrineofVishnuon thenorthernsideofthenaalambalam Traditions Accordingtolegends,ofthe64gramamswhichParasuramacreated,Peruvanamremainedthe greatestforcenturies.FourShasthasAkamalainNorth(beyondWadakkancherry),KutiraninEast (midwaybetweenThrissurandPalakkad),EdathuruthyintheWest(2kmseastofEdamuttom JunctioninKodungallurThrprayarroute)andUzhathuKavuinsouth(nearKodungallur)guarded theboundariesofitsdomain,roughlythatpartofcentralKeralabetweenBharathapuzhainthe northandPeriyarinthesouth. InaBrahmanippattucurrentinthelocality,Peruvanathappan(LordofPeruvanam)isdescribedas theannihilatoroftheThripuras.InashlokaattributedtoVilvamangalathuswamiyar,thepratishta issupposedtobeofArdhanareeswara. "ardhanareeswaramdevam poorunanchapratishtitham mateswarammahadevam parvatheenchaganeswaram" CertainothersclaimthatthetwoswayambhulingasreperesentShankaraandNarayana,apointer totheamalgamationofShaivismandVaishnavism.LikeintheVadakkunnathatempleherealsoa certainorderisfollowedinworshippingthedeities(pradakshinakrama),whichisErattayappan, ShriParvathy,Dakshinamoorthy,Erattayappan,Maadathilappan,Poorumaharshi,Ganapathyand Erattayappan. Historicity Peruvanamdoeshavesomehistoricreferences.PeruvanamKottam,theabodeoftheLordof Peruvanam,figuresalongwithnearbyOorakamintheThrkkakkarainscriptionofKoInduKothai
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Varman(No.37,TASVolIII,PartII,p173)oftenthcenturyA.D. TheearliesthistoricalreferencetoPeruvanamoccursinA.D.583("AyathuShivalokamNah" kalivakyamdenotingthestartingofPeruvanampooramasperPeruvanamGranthavari)whichis alsothefirstrecordoftheoldestpooramfestival.108templescomingunderthePeruvanam Kshetrasanketham,whichextendedfromBharathapuzhainthenorthtoPeriyarinthesouth,used toassembleatArattupuzhaShasthatemplewhichwasthevenueofthegalapooramgathering. ThiswasknownasPeruvanampooramorPeruvanamPallivetta.Duetothedetachmentofthe varioustempleparticipantslaterforvariousreasons,thepooramfestivalfalteredsomefive hundredyearsback.Later,thenowfamousThrissurpooramwasstartedbyShakthanThampuran ofCochin,ineighteenthcenturyovershadowingthePeruvanampooramwhichisnowatameaffair comprisingofonly23temples. ThetempleadministrationwasvestedinlocalNamboodirichieftainswithanelectedYogiyathiri fromamongthemwhohadhisAvarodhaastherepresentativeoftheLordinthepresenceofthe rulerofthestate(Cochin).TheKingofCochinhadonlynominalcontroloverthetemple.Onepooja inadayusedtobeconductedbytheYogiyathirihimself.Thegeneraladministrationwerelooked afterbyacouncilof21brahminsofPeruvanamvillageand21brahminsfrom21othervillages. AdministrationofthetempleaffairsunderaYogiyathiriwastheorderinthenearby Vadakkunnathantemplealso. ThetemplesufferedextensivedamageduringtheinvasionsofTippuSultan.Forabout6yearsfrom AD1756,thetemplepropertycameundertheoverlordshipofthezamorinofCalicutwhenhe annexedtheselandsfromCochin.TheZamorin'srepresentativerenovatedtheMaadathilappan shrineasperaninscriptionseenonitsbasement.TheCochinrulerdefeatedZamorinlaterwiththe helpoftheKingofTravancoreandconsequentlyTravancoreKinggotsomecontrol(ofUchcha pooja)overtheadministrationofthetemple.LaterduetoprolongeddisputeswithCochin, Travancorestaterenounceditsrights.ThetempleiscontrolledatpresentbytheCochinDevaswom Board. RitualsandFestivals Fivepoojasconstitutethedailyritualinthismahakshetra.SpecialpoojassuchasNavakom, Niraputhari,Vishukkani,Pradoshapoojaetc.werebeingconductedinthebygonedays.Vaaram (vedaparayana)andOottu(meals)werearegularilyfeature.Thetemplehadlandsyielding4lakh parasofpaddyannuallyanda29dayfestivalusedtobecelebratedwithitsculminatingAratin Arattupuzhathemotherofallpoorams,withanarrayofabout108caparisonedelephants carryingBhagavathiesandShasthasofallthetemplesfallingwithintheextensivePeruvanam gramomofyore.ArdraasterisminDhanuandShivarathriinKumbhamaretheotherimportant

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daysinthistemple.ThetantriesofthetempleareKunnathurPatinjaredathuBhattathiriand Kizhakkedathu. Highlights ThemaadathilappanshrineisoneofthemostoutstandingtemplestructuresofKerala.Thistypeof tritalavimanaisknownasMeruMandharaPrasaadawhichusesthewholebhumioftheground floorforplinthandplacingtheshrineproperintheupperbhumiorsecondtala.Theoctogonal grivaandtheshikhararestingonitwithbeautifulshukanasasonalltheeightsidesconstitutesthe mostornateanduniquepinnaclefoundinKeralatemplevimanas. Thetempleisalsomonumentalbythepresenceofexquisitepiecesofplasticarts.Thebracket figuresassociatedwitheachtalaofthetempleareexamplesoffineartistictradition.These elegantlyexecutedpiecesrepresentvariousdeitiesininterestingiconographicforms.Scenesfrom KiratarjuneeyamformthecorematerialforthefiguresaroundtheErattayappanshrine.Onthe threesidesofthesanctumofMaadathilappan,abovetheghanadvaraportion,theuppertala displayswoodenimagesofShivaandParvathyonthesouthside,BrahmaontheeastandVishnu onAnanthaonthenorthside. Thetemplehadbeenoneofthesheetanchorsforthegrowthofperformingarts.Intheolddays, KoothuwasoneofthereligiousofferingstoGodwiththeinvolvementofthepresidinglordin everyaspectofthepantomime;rightfromthelightingofthelampinKootharanguaniyarawiththe lampprovidedfromwithintheshrikovil,blessingthedressetc.andevenreservingoneseatforthe lordorhisrepresentative(Moothathu)intheKoothambalam. Fortyonedays'KoothufromKarkitakasankramam(midJuly)wastheroutine.Manthrankom koothuwastraditionallyplayedatPeruvanam.TwochakyarfamiliesMekkattuandKuttancherri hadtherightofconductingkoothuatPeruvanamtemple.LaterManichakyarfamilyof KolathunadugotthisrightafterrepeateddissentsfromasectionoftheUraymas.Subsequentlythe earliersthanifamiliesbecameextinctandManichakyarfamilyisnowthesolesthani. HistoryoftheTemple LegendhasitthattheSaintParashuramaestablished64Gramamsorsectionsafterreclaiming KeralamfromseaandPeruvanamGramamisthe1standmostimportantamongthem.Itissaid thatthetemplewascreatedbyPooruMaharshi,thesonoftheHasthinapuraKingYayathyafter propitiatingtheLoadShivawithrigorouspenanceandthenameoftheplacederivedfromthe wordPOORUVANAM.Furtheritisbelievedthatwhiletransportingabeautiful,bigShivalinga receivedfromalakenearBadarinathtothisplace,ithappenedtostuckinthebranchofatreeand thepresentMadathilappanTemplehasbeenconstructedatthisplace.Shivainduallingaformis themainfeatureofthetempleandLordiscalledIRATTAYAPPANwhichdenotetheduality.The SricovilofMadathilappanisconsideredtobethetallestSricovilinSouthIndia.FourSasthatemples
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atAkmala,Kuthiran,EdathiruthyandOozatharelocatedontheboundariesofPeruvanamGramam andThiruvullakkavuSasthaTempleislocatedatthecentreoftheGramam.Irattayappanisthe GramadhipathiandThiruvullakkavuSasthaisconsideredtheGramaraskhakan. NowthetempleisunderthejointadministrationofCochinDevaswomBoardandTravancore DevaswomBoard.ThereisavastareaoflandandanofficecalledCherikalamareexistednearthe southGopuramofthistemple.ItisimportantandrarethattheMaharajaofTravancorehad interestinthistempleandtherefore,theexpensesforUtchaPooja,ProdhoshaNivedhyam,Nira Puthiri,Koothuarebornebyhim.Itstillcontinues. DarshanaKramam Therearetwoapproachestotheinnercourtyard(Chuttampalam)ofthePeruvanamtemple,from thewestandeastsides.Themainentranceisfromtheeast. AsyouenterfromtheeastyouarefacingSreeparvathy,theGoddesswhoistheconsortof Irattayappan.YoumaystarttheDarshanamthere,but,havetocomebacklater.Thereyouarein frontofalargecircularsanctumsanctorum(Sreekovil)ofIrattayappanfacingwest.Itisthecustom tostarttheworshipwithIrattayappan. Next,yougobehindinananticlockwisedirection(Apradakshinam)andpraytoSreeparvathy facingeast.ThereisatabooalloverKeralaincrossingtheimaginaryray(SomaRekha)emanating fromSivaandgoingnorth.Hence,onedoesnotmakeacompleteperambulationintheinner courtyardofSivatemples. MostdevoteesatthePeruvanamtemplegoroundtheBilvatreetothenorthandreturnclockwise tothesouthsidewherethereisashrineofGanapathyandDakshinamoorthy.You,then,gobackto thewestandworshipIrattayappanonceagain. Thereisanindependent,large,SreekovilofanotherSiva,theMatatthilappan,onthesouth.Itisa threestoreyedstructureandyoureachtheshrineofMatatthilappanafterascendingaflightofover twentysteps.YouwillfindahugeSivalingaatthebackofalargeMukhamandapam(hall).Itis believedthattheSivalingamworshippedbysagePuruforlongyearsisbeneaththat. Thesage,himself,hasbeenenshrinedtothesouthwestcorneroftheinnercourtyard (Chuttampalam).AftergettingdownthestairsofMatatthilappanyoupayobeisancetothesage. Ifyoukeeptothewesternborderofthecourtyardandwalktothenorthyoureachtheshrineof anotherGanapathy,withhistrunktwistedright.Youpraytohimfortheultimategoalinhuman life,forsalvationandturntothenorthside.Thereyougettothefrontofthelastoftheshrines insidetheinnercourtyard.Twodeitiesarehousedthere,RaktheswaryandManikantha.The
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formerisaformofBhadrakaliandthelatteraformofLordSiva. YoumustworshipIrattayappanonceagainbeforecomingoutoftheinnercourtyard,throughthe sameentranceyougotin.Thereisashrine,ofGosalakrishna,outsidethemainstructure (Chuttampalam)ofIrattayappanonthenorthside.ThisisLordKrishnainthecompanyofhisdear cattle.YougoinaclockwisefashiontoworshipHim.ThatendstheDarshanaKramamatthe Peruvanamtemple. Thereisaverse(Sloka)describingthisorderofworship,asfollows: PoorvanPooruvanejanaissavinayamdwithwaasrayassankaro Vandyah,caathagireendrajaa,punaratassanyaasayogeekramaal Yugmesasca,mahalayoparivasanmaateswaroanantaram Yogeendrasca,gajaananah,punaratoyugmeswarascakramaal. Meaning: First,atPeruvanam,Sivaindualformistobeworshippedhumblybythedevotees. Then,SreeparvathyandthentheLordinmeditation(tobeworshipped). Then,GanapathyandthentheLordoccupyingahighabode(tobeworshipped). Nextthesage,GanapathyandfinallyIrattayappan(aretobeworshipped) WenoteherethattheorderofGanapathyandDakshinamoorthyisreversedandprayingto Irattayappanafterthisisomitted.TheomissionofRaktheswary,ManikanthanandGosalakrishnan mustbeastheyhavebeenenshrinedinalaterperiod.

9PanayannarKavuBhagawathi
AmongthegreatBhagawathitemplesofKerala,threeareconsideredmostimportant.Theyare Kodungalloor,ThirmandhankunnuAndPanayannarkavu.Whilethefirsttwoareveryancient, therearesomecontroversiesastowhenthegreattempleofPanayannarKavuwasestablished. PanayannarKavuisdefinitelyveryoldandissituarednearParumalaandissurroundedatributary ofPampariver.ItisverynearMannarvillagewhichis1kmfromParumalajunctionofThiruvalla Mavelikkararoad.ThetemplehousesaShivatemplealsoandisoneofthelisted108templesof LordShivainKerala,supposedtobeconsecratedbyLordParasurama.Thetemplehasthe prathishtaoftheSapthaMathas,themostprominentamongbeingChamundiandthoughitisa Shivatemple,lotmoreimportanceisgiventoBhagawathi.ItseemsaprinceofChirvayildynasty wentandprayedinaPanayannurtemple,situatedsomewhereelse.WhentheGoddessasked himwhathewanted,hetoldherthatshehastocomewithhimandliveinanearbytemple.The GoddessagreedandaskedhimtoperformBhagwathiSevafor12daysinthePanayannurKavu Shivatemple.Onthetwelvthdaytheprinceaswellhispeoplesawaluminousballdescending insidethetemple.TheassembledpeopleassumeditwastheBhagawathiandconsecratedonthe southernsideoftheShivatemple.bUtafterthisthepeoplefeltthatghostsanddevilswere
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surroundingthetemple.Theysawthatmanypeopleweredyingwithoutanyreason.Thentheking changedthepositionofthegoddessandmadeherfacethenorth.HealsoconsecratedtheSaptha Mathas,VeeraBhadranandGanapathi.Withconstantandsystematicworshipthepowerofthe Goddessincreased.Festivalsinhertemplewasstartedandlotofwealthwasgiventothetemple. Butthentheproblemsaroundthetempleincreasedfurtherandpeoplewerefindingitdifficult eventostiroutoftheirhomesatnight.Whentheyconsultedtheoracle,theGoddesstoldthem thatlongwithher,nerarmyhadalsocomeandtheyarehungry.Whenthepeopleaskedwhat theycando,shetoldthemthatduringtheMandalaperioddailymanyanimalsshouldbesacrificed ontheeasterngateonthetempleandonthelastdayofthemandalam,aunmarriedgirlshouldbe sacrificed.Peopleagreedandthiswasgoingonforseveralyears.Theunmarriedgirlwaschosen fromthefamiliesaroundthetemple.Duringoneyear,itwasthepoorgirlwhowasagreat devoteesofthemother.WhenherheadwasabouttobecutthatgirltoldtheGoddessthatshe wasonlyhappytogiveherlifetothemother.Suddenlyfromthetemplethemothertold, discontinueallthesesacrificesandclosetheeasterndoorforever.Thefamilyofthedevoutgirl whomtheGoddessspared(calledAdissas)becamethemainpriestsofthetemple.Thearea prosperedbutasofthesepriestlyarequarrellingwithinthemselves,theywereremovedfromtheir chieftainshipbythegreatkingMarthandaVermaofTravancore.Butstilltheycontinuedtheduties ofthepriestsandgotthecompleteincomeofthetemple.Sometimebackduetocivilsuitsfiled overeachothertheyhavebeenremovedevenfromtheseduties InordertoreducethepoweroftheGoddessKaliofthemaincentralsanctum,ameru(srichakra meru)pratishtawasalsodoneandnowalltheritualstogoddesskaliofthecentralsanctumare performedinfrontofthemeru.Nownobodyhasthecourageeventogonearthemainsanctum andeventhepoojarisorbrahminsofthetemplegoonlytothemeruandcomeback. Thekinghadgiventheownershipofthetempletothegirlwhowasbehindallthese,andnowher familyiscalledas'adissans';whoarethepresentownersofthetemple.Theirfamilybuildingis neartothetempleandtherisalsoanotherdiety(whichisthemoolasthanam);wherethe karanavar(mostagedmanofthefamily)dailyperformasecretpuja(ritual)tothegoddessin Kaulasaktheyasampradaya.(rurujithvidhanam).Theywereexpertsandfamousinastrologyand alsomantravadaandtantra. Mandalamisobservedinthistemplealso.ThereisGuruthieveryday.Peoplebelievethatduring Mandalam,ifwedailytakebathandworshipatthetempleisconsideredasextremelygood.Very fewpeoplealsoobserveBhajanam.(WorshippingatthetempleandonlyeatingtheNaivedyam there.)Onthe41stdaywithNiramalaandNilaVilakkuthetempleloksgreat..Thateveningthe priestwalksroundthetemplecarryingalongthegoldenidoloftheGoddess.ThedayofVishuis celebratedinagreatwayinthistemple.Intheoldendays,thesacrificeofhumanbeingsusedtobe doneonthisday.Inmemoryofthatamanwhohasdonepenancewalksroundthetemplewitha
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hookdrivenintohisback,withabackgroundmusicofsongsanddrums..Thisiscalled kuthiyottam.TheAyilyamstatofthemonthofThulam(Octobernovember)isalsocelebrated. NearthetemplethereisaconsecrationofParumalaYakshi,Shesitsonraisedplatforminan orchardwithseveraltrees.Whatisconsecratedisaonefoottallbronzesculptureoftheformofa handheldmirror.SomeastrologersareoftheopinionthatitisthevanaDurgawhoissittingthere. TheexpensesofworshipandlampisbornebythePanayannurkavutemple.Peoplebelievethat thisYakshibytakingabewitchingformusedtoattractmenandkillthem.ThefamousChristian priestandMagicianwhowaswalkingthiswayissupposedtohaveoverpoweredherbyhismagical powersandconsecratedherhere.Itisbelievedthatshestillhauntsanddwellsinthiskavu(forest), invisibletothehumaneye,butattimesshehasbeencitedbymanypeopleonseveraloccasions, especially"Karuthavavu"andonFridays.Thesesightingsaredescribedbythelocalpeopleasan extremelybeautifulwomanorasaflyingpillaroffire ThereareseveralstoriesdescribingthegreatmagicalpowersoftheGoddessofthe Panayannurkavu.

10AnanteswartempleofManjeswar

ManjeswarisasmalltownontheseashoreinthenorthernextremityofKerala.Ithousesoneof themostimportanttemplesofthegowdaSaraswathBrahminswhomigratedfromGoatovarious placesinthewestcoast..ThetemplehousesthreeGods,Anantha(OrAdhiSesha),Iswara(Shiva) andNarasimha.Itisbelievedthatthesivatemplewasexistingthereforthousandsofyearsand wasconsecratedtherebysageVirupaksha.Overyearsduetonaturalhappeningsthebuildingof thetemplegotcompletelybrokendown.AtthattimeaGowdaSaraswathBrahmincalledRanga

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SarmawastravellingsouthfromGoaalongwithastatueofAnantha.Heaccidentallycameacross thistemple,andstayedthereandrebuiltit.HealsoconsecratedthestatueofAdhiseshaalong withLordShiva,makingitanAnantheswaratemple.ItisbelievedthatLordShivahimself consecratedtheidolofNarasimhainthetemple.LordMukhyaprana,LordRudra,DeviLaxmi,Lord MahaGanapathyandLordGarudaaretheotherdeitiesintheTemple. AnimageofLordSubrahmanyaalsohasbeeninstalledinthetempleinaplaceinaslightlylower elevationbutwithlotofserpentholes. Justbehindtheidolsinthesanctumsanctorum,thereisananthillmadeofwhitemud.Mudfrom thishillistakenanddistributedasPrasadainthetemple.Thisissupposedtohavecurative propertiesandinspiteofcenturiesofdistribution,themuddoesnotseemtogetexhausted. ThereisasmallpondinthetemplecalledSeshaTheertham.Devoteesbelievethatbytakingbath initswatersskindiseaseswouldbecompletelycured.ThedescendentsofRangaSarmausedtoact asoraclesofthetempleandusedtogivepredictionsandanswerthequeriesofthedevotees.This practicehasbeendiscontinuedafter1935.ItisalsobelievedthatShivaGanassurroundthetemple. ThechiefofthemcalledJogiGanaisconsecratedontheNortheasterncornerofthetemple.People offerCoconutstoJogiGana.Whenthingsaremisplacedorlost,theycometothetempleofJogi Ganaandpromisetomakeofferingsofcoconutsoncethepropertyisrecovered. Onthesixthphaseofmoon(Sashti)inthewaxingphaseachariotfestivalisheldinthetemple.This coincideswithSkandaSashti.

11MahaSasthatempleofChamravattom
ThisisafamoustempleofSasthawhichisabout1215kmfromThirur,inMalabarontheshoresof BharathaPuzha(Nilariver)ThetemplecanalsobereachedbyacountryboatfromPonnanivillage, ThetempleisthatofSasthaandisbelievedtobebuiltbythelegendaryPerumThachan.Sastha wasthesonofLordShivaandLordVishnuandhastwowives.ThesewivesarecalledPoornaand PushkalainsomepartsandPrabhaandSathyakainotherparts.LordAyyappawhoisan incarnationofSasthawastheprinceofPandalamandremainedUnmarried.ApartfromKerala therearemanySasthatemplesinThirunelVelidistrictofTamilNadu. InChamravattomtempletheGodisconsecratedattheleveloftheriverthoughthetempleisin slightlyhighergrounds.Duringrainyseason,thefloodwaterentersthetempleandsubmergesthe idol.ThereareseveralstorieswhichdescribethepowerofthisGod.Peoplebelievethat worshippingGodSasthainChamravattomonSaturdayswouldhelpthemgetridoftheevileffects ofthebadtimescausedbytheplanetSaturn.

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PeoplebelievethattheThamarakulangaraSasthatemplenearTripunithuraisanextensionofthis temple.

12MadhurAnatheswaraGanapathitemple
Thistempleislocated7kmawayfromthenorthernmostimportanttownofKeralacalled Kasargode.ThemaintempleinthiscomplexisthatofLordShiva.Itseemsinancienttimes,alady belongingtoMaduracaste(Dalit)sawaplacearoundwhichfirewasburning.Sheinformedthe MeppadsikingaboutitandhefoundthattherewasaShivaidolthereandhecalledTheGodas Anantheswaraandbuiltatempleforhim.Butthepresenttempleisawellbuiltmodernstructure. ItseemsthatoncethepeopleofthatareawantedtoperformaYagaatthetemplebuttheywere notabletodoit.Sotheyconsultedtheastrologerwhotoldthemthattheywerenotabletodoit becausetheyhavenotdonePooojatoLordGanapathy.SotheyinstalledaseparateGanapathy statueandbuiltanenclosureforit.Lateritseemstheyfoundtheidolwasgrowinginsize.Oneold Womandevoteewasworriedthatthestatuewillgrowsobigthatitwillbreaktheroof.Soshekept herhandontheheadoftheGanapathystatueandrequestedtheGodtogrowsidewaysandnotin height.AnywaytheresultisaveryhugestatueofGanapathi.ThoughthetempleisthatofShiva, greatimportanceisgiventothisGanapathi.(Anotherstorysaysthatthesonofatemplepriest, oncedrewapictureofLordGanapathionthetemplewallandthisstartedgrowingandisthe presentstatue.) ThemostimportantofferingtoLordGanapatrhiuisUdayasthamanaAppam(asweetdishmadeof riceandjaggeryfriedinoil).Offering1000appamsisoneveryimportantformofworship.The otherofferingistocoverthehugeGanapathistatuewithappamcalledAppammoodal.Thisisonly conductedinacommunityscalethattoonotregularly,inviewofthehugecostinvolved. VishnuJathreandDarasanaBaliareimportantfestivalsofthetemple.Duringtherainyseason,a riveradjoiningthetempleoverflowsandspillsintothetempleandsoitisnotthemostsuitable timetovisitthetemple.ThetempleisbusieronSundays.Poojasareperformeddailyat8AM, 12.30Noonandat8PM

13MadayiKavuBhagawathi
ThistempleisoneofthemostimportantBhadraKaliTemplesofMalabar.Itissituatednear PayyannurrailwaystationofKannurdistrict.TheGoddessisalsocalledThiruvarkadu Bhagawathi.Peoplemainlyworshiphertogettheeffectsofblackmagicremoved.Unlikeother Bhagawathitemples,MeatisofferedasNaivedyamatthistemple.MarcoPolotheItaliantraveler hasmentionedaboutthistempleinhismemoirs.Historiansbelievethatthistempleisveryancient andatleastonethousandyearsold.ThereisabeliefthatthisGoddesswascreatedbyLordShiva tokillanasuracalledDharukaandafterkillingtheasuraalongwiththeSapthaMathrukas,this
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Goddesswantedtostayinthatplace.Shivagrantedherwishandeventodaysheisconsideredasa daughterofLordShiva.AnotherstorytellsthatthisGoddesswasinitiallyconsecratedin ThaliparambaRajaRajeswaratemple.ButsincetheGoddesswantedMeattobeofferedtoher duringworship,aseparatetemplewasbuiltinMadayiandtheidolshiftedthere TheidolofthegoddessismadeofConcentratedJaggery(KaduSarkara)andsothe Abhisheka(Ritualbath)isgiventoametalidol,sanctifiedinthetemple.TheGoddesshasan extremelyfiercelookwithfourhandsandfaceresemblingthefireatdeluge.Thepriests worshippingthemetalidolaretheNamboodiriBrahmins.ThepriestsoftheStatuteofMadayi BhagawathiarecalledMoosadsorMoothadorPidara.TheyareBrahminswhoarenonvegetarian bynature.TheyofferThanthricworshiptotheGoddess.Itseemsoneuponatimethepriestswere notBrahminsbutoveryearswhenpeoplewerenotabletobearthefiercenatureoftheGoddess, theBrahminworshipwasintroduced.NowadaysThegoddessisofferedAshGourdinsteadofmeat andfishandTendercoconutwaterinsteadoftoddy. AssoonasyouenterthetempleyouwouldseeaShivatemple,ThereoveraPeetacoveredwith silk,aswordcalledNandakamrepresentingtheBhagawathiiskept..Themaintempleof BhagawathiwhichisafewyardssouthoftheShivatemplefacesthewest.Towardstheleftofher templetheidolsoftheSapthaMathrukas(Thesevenmothers)whoaccompaniedherinthewar withDharukacanbeseen.Inthefrontinaanenclosurethemetalidolisconsecrated. Thoughinitiallytherewerefourannualfestivalsinthetemple,asofnowthemajorfestivalswhich arecelebratedarePooraminthemonthofMeenam(MarchApril)andkalasaminthemonthof Medam.ThepooramfestivaliscelebratedforsevendaysandtheKalasamfestivalonlylastsfora fewhours.ItisbelievedthatallannualfestivalsofNorthernKeralaendfortheyearwiththe celebrationofKalasamatthistemple. TheKalasaUthsavamwassobeingcalledasPerumKaliyattam(BigplayofKali)orKalioyattamis observedinthefestival.Themainritualsareintheafternoonwheneightpeoplewhodressupas theformsofGoddesseslikeKalariyilBhagawathi,ChuzhaliBhagawathi,Someswari,PadiKutthi alongwiththemainformofgoddessVeeraChamundi.TheseGoddessformsgoroundthe Kalasa(Sacredpot)andofferworshipthreetimestoit.ThenthereisasportcalledKalasaThallu( ThephysicalfightoftheKalasa,donewithbarehands.) AnotherimportantritualinthistempleisafishinginanearbyriverwhichiscalledKavuPidi( catchofthetemple).ThefirstofmonthofEdavam(Mayjune)andthepreviousdayoftheKalasam areconsideredmorepropitiousforKavuPidi.PeoplebelievethatfishescaughtarethePrasada( ritualgifts)oftheGoddessandbuythemathugecost.. ThearticleinWikipediaaboutthetemplesaysinconclusionThetemplewassparedfrom destructionbyTipuSultan(whosefollowersdestroyedthenearbyVadukunnuTemple).The MadayiKavutemplewassavedfromdestructionbyaNairwarrior,VengayilChathukuttyNayanar,
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whoreceivedthetitleofNayanarfromthetempleauthoritiesforhisbravery(Sthanaperu).Tillthis daymembersoftheVengayilNayanarfamilyareheldinhighesteematthetemple.

14LokanarKavuBhagawathi
ThisisfamoustempleoftheGoddessDurgasituatedinaplacecalledMeemundawhichisabout5 kmfromBadagaratown(87kmfromCalicutairport).ThenameisderivedfromlokamalayarKavu (Indicatingthatitisasituatednearamountainandriverandisoneofthisearth).Thetempleis speciallyfamousforitbeingthetemplewheretheVeryfamousHeroofKerala,SriThacholi Othenanworshipped.DuetothisthetempleismentionedinmostoftheVadakkanPattuverses( Balladofheroismofthenorthernpart).EventodaythosepeoplewhogettrainedinKalari Payithu(MartialartformofKerala)cometothistempleafterthecompletionoftheirtrainingto worshiphere.Mostofthedevoteesbelievethatthetempleisabout1500yearsold.Thereare severalstoriesrelatingtoitsorigin. Oneofthemisthatitwasfoundbyagroupof500AryanBrahminswhomigratedtothisplace .TheseBrahminsweretradersandslowlyadaptedthecustomsofNayarsofthisplace.Itisbelieved thatthegoddessfollowedtheseAryansfromthepreviousplaceofstay.Slowlythiscommunitygot intomaritaltieswiththelocalnairsandbecameoneofthem. TheotherstoryisthattherewasaquarrelamongthefamilymembersoftheZamorinroyalfamily aboutathousandyearsbackandonepartofthefamilycrossedtheriverandsettledin Badagara(northernshore).TheybroughtalongwiththemanidoloftheGoddessandestablisheda templeforher.TheychoseaplacewhichwasnearthealreadyexistingtemplesofShivaand Vishnu. YetanotherstoryisthatagroupofmerchantsofKollam,belongingtocasteofRavariNayars(see thewriteuponPisharikkavu)migratedtoMalabarandbroughtwiththemtheidolofthisGoddess. Itseemstheywantedtosettleinaplace,wherepeoplearetruthful.Wherevertheywentthey gaveapotofSugarforsafekeepinginahouse.Insidethesugar,theyhidabarofgold.Wherever theygavethis,thepeoplestolethegoldbarandreturnedthevesseltothem.ButinBadagara,a familycalledPuthupanathu,returnedthegoldalongwiththesugar.ItseemstheseRavarinayars settleddowninthatplaceandbuiltatemplefortheirgoddessinLokanarKovil.Itseemslaterthis groupofpeoplehadaquarrelwiththelocalpopulationandshiftedtoaplacecalledNadaPuram.It isalsobelievedthatthisentirecommunitywasconvertedintoIslamaftertheconquestbyTipu Sultan. ThereisoneyearlypooramfestivalinthemonthofMeenam(MarchApril)andItiscelebratedfora periodofeightdaysOnthefifthandsixthdaythereisadancebyTheyyambadikurupwhich attractsalargecrowd.Ontheeighthdaythereisarattu(Ceremonialbathofthedeityintheriver).
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OnthisdaytheGoddessistakentothenearbyShivatempleandthestoryoftheGoddessissung there(PooraPattu).ThereisalsoperformanceofadanceformresemblingKalariPayithucalled PooraKali ThemonthofVruschigam(OctoberNovamber)iscelebratedasMandalaVilakku.TheThree thousandoillampswhicharethereintheouterwallsofthetemplearelitduringthistime.

15GoddessDurgaatMeemunda
ThisisfamoustempleoftheGoddessDurgasituatedinaplacecalledMeemundawhichisabout5 kmfromBadagaratown(87kmfromCalicutairport).ThenameisderivedfromlokamalayarKavu (Indicatingthatitisasituatednearamountainandriverandisoneofthisearth).Thetempleis speciallyfamousforitbeingthetemplewheretheVeryfamousHeroofKerala,SriThacholi Othenanworshipped.DuetothisthetempleismentionedinmostoftheVadakkanPattuverses( Balladofheroismofthenorthernpart).EventodaythosepeoplewhogettrainedinKalari Payithu(MartialartformofKerala)cometothistempleafterthecompletionoftheirtrainingto worshiphere.Mostofthedevoteesbelievethatthetempleisabout1500yearsold.Thereare severalstoriesrelatingtoitsorigin. Oneofthemisthatitwasfoundbyagroupof500AryanBrahminswhomigratedtothisplace .TheseBrahminsweretradersandslowlyadaptedthecustomsofNayarsofthisplace.Itisbelieved thatthegoddessfollowedtheseAryansfromthepreviousplaceofstay.Slowlythiscommunitygot intomaritaltieswiththelocalnairsandbecameoneofthem. TheotherstoryisthattherewasaquarrelamongthefamilymembersoftheZamorinroyalfamily aboutathousandyearsbackandonepartofthefamilycrossedtheriverandsettledin Badagara(northernshore).TheybroughtalongwiththemanidoloftheGoddessandestablisheda templeforher.TheychoseaplacewhichwasnearthealreadyexistingtemplesofShivaand Vishnu. YetanotherstoryisthatagroupofmerchantsofKollam,belongingtocasteofRavariNayars(see thewriteuponPisharikkavu)migratedtoMalabarandbroughtwiththemtheidolofthisGoddess. Itseemstheywantedtosettleinaplace,wherepeoplearetruthful.Wherevertheywentthey gaveapotofSugarforsafekeepinginahouse.Insidethesugar,theyhidabarofgold.Wherever theygavethis,thepeoplestolethegoldbarandreturnedthevesseltothem.ButinBadagara,a familycalledPuthupanathu,returnedthegoldalongwiththesugar.ItseemstheseRavarinayars settleddowninthatplaceandbuiltatemplefortheirgoddessinLokanarKovil.Itseemslaterthis groupofpeoplehadaquarrelwiththelocalpopulationandshiftedtoaplacecalledNadaPuram.It isalsobelievedthatthisentirecommunitywasconvertedintoIslamaftertheconquestbyTipu Sultan. ThereisoneyearlypooramfestivalinthemonthofMeenam(MarchApril)andItiscelebratedfora
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periodofeightdaysOnthefifthandsixthdaythereisadancebyTheyyambadikurupwhich attractsalargecrowd.Ontheeighthdaythereisarattu(Ceremonialbathofthedeityintheriver). OnthisdaytheGoddessistakentothenearbyShivatempleandthestoryoftheGoddessissung there(PooraPattu).ThereisalsoperformanceofadanceformresemblingKalariPayithucalled PooraKali ThemonthofVruschigam(OctoberNovamber)iscelebratedasMandalaVilakku.TheThree thousandoillampswhicharethereintheouterwallsofthetemplearelitduringthistime.

16PishariKavuofKollaminMalabar
PisharikkavuisatemplenearKoilandy.TheswordcalledNandakamisworshippedhereasthe Goddess.ItseemsagroupofNairdiamondmerchantswhowerebelongingtoKollamofSouthern KeralaweregreatdevoteesoftheGoddess.TheGoddesshadgiventhemherswordcalled Nandakamandaskedthemtoworshiptheswordinsteadofher.Sincetheywereopposedtothe verypowerfulkingMarthandaVerma,theywereforcedtorunawayfromtheirnativeplace.They migratedtothenorthernpartofKeralaandsettleddownnearKoilandy.Theydecidedtocallthe placeoftheirnewsettlementasKollaminmemoryoftheirnativeplace.Theyalsobuiltatemple fortheswordNandakamandcalleditPisharikkavu.Thelocalpopulationusedtocallthemas VyapariNayarsandthislaterchangedovertimeintoRavariNayars.Apartfromthedevitemple, thetemplealsohousesasivatemple. Valiavattalaguruthiisthemainofferingandbookedforseveralyears.Udayasthamapooja, Niramala,Rakthapushpanjali,Palpayasomareafewoftheotherofferings. ThemainfestivalofthetempleiscelebratedintheMalayalammonthMeenam(MarchApril)for eightdaysandwithinnumerableprocessionsinthepresenceofthousandsofdevotees.The7th dayiscelebratedas"ValiyaVilaku",andthe8thdayiscelebratedas"Kaliyattom",Thedivine Nandhakamswordisbroughtinprocessionaroundthetempleon7thand8thdayonafully decoratedfemaleelephant,andtraditionalartformsofKeralaisalsostagedinthetemple. Thayambaka,pachavadyam,padhakom,ottanthullal,chakyarkoothuarealsoperformedwellon thesedays. Navarathrifestivalisalsocelebratedinthistemple.

17KanjirankattuVaidyanathaKshetram
ThistempleofGodVaidyanatha(theLordofdoctors)issituatedonahilltopnearThe Thaliparambatown(20kmfromKannurofMalabar).ItisbelievedthatakingcalledSathasaoman establishedthistempleThereisabeliefthatinancientdaysasagegotaffectedbyleprosyandas

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pertheadviceofLordGaruda,hecametothistempleanddidpenancetothegodandgotridof thedisease. ThemostimportantritualofthetempleisDhara(ceremonialpouringofwaterontheShiva Lingam).SincethistempleissupposedtohavethepowerofSunGodinstilledinit,Sundayisthe mostimportantdayofworshipinthistemple.Mostofthedevoteesofthetempleeitherdonot takeanyfoodonSunday(Upavasa)ortakeonlyonemainmeals(Orikkal).Thereareseveralstories ofpeoplegettingcuredofincurablediseasesbyprayingatthistemple. ManypeopleafflictedbyskindiseasesregularlycometothistempleandbyperformingDharaget curedoftheirdiseases.

18ErnakulathappantempleofCochin
ErnakulamisthelargesttownofKeralaandisatpresentpartofCochintownwhichwasthecapital ofCochinkingsbefore1947.InthemiddleofthetownistheDurbarhallgroundandinitsmiddleis thegreattempleofErnakulathappan(TheLordofErnakulam).Itisoneoftheveryimportant templesoftheformerCochinstatededicatedtoLordShiva. ThelegendofthistempleisalsoconnectedwithArjunaofMahabaratha.NeedingPasupathasthra towinoverKauravas,ArjunawenttotheforesttopraylordShiva.HemadeaShivaLingawithmud andstartedworshippingit.Attheculminationofhisgreatpenance,LordsShivaandGoddess Parvathiappearedbeforehimandgrantedhimhiswish.Ernakulathappanissupposedtobethat LingawhichwasworshippedbyArjuna.ForestcompletelysurroundedtheLingaandcentauries lateritwasfoundbyasagecalledDevala,whoduetoacursehasbeenturnedintoasnake.While movingaboutintheforesthehappenedtofindthisLingaandstartedworshippingitandregained hisnormalform.DevalawascalledasRishiNagam(Sageserpent)andhadmadeapondforusein worshippingthelord.ThispondiscalledRishiNagaKulam.Thistemplehasfoundplaceinthe ancientTamilliteratureasoneofthetemplemaintainedbyCheras. Intheyear1842,DiwanEdukunniSankaraWarriergotthedilapidatedtemplerebuiltinthe presentformandwasopenedforworshipintheyear1846.Thepresidingdeityofthetempleis GauriShankaraintheformofaLingam.ThisissupposedtoSwayambuwhichmeansselfmadeand notbyman.OnthenorthernsideofthesanctumsanctorumisthetempleofKirathaMurthy (WhichwasworshippedbyArjuna)andonthesouthernsideisasmallGanesatemnple.Asmall areabehindthesanctumsanctorumisconsideredastheplacewhereGoddessParvathilivesand theeasterngateisknownasDevigate.OutsidetheInnertemplecircle,shrinesforLordAyyappa andNagarajaalsoexist.

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19ChithurAmmaThiruvadi
Chithurissmalltown13kmawayfromPalakkadtown,ThistownwasinMalabarforsometime butatthetimeofstatereorganizationitwasundertheCochinstate.Bythesideofthistownthere isarivuletcalledChithurPuzha.ThetownhasconsiderablepopulationofTamilspeakingpeople.It alsohousestheSamadhiOfThunchathuEzhuthachan,whocanbeconsideredasthefatherofthe modernMalayalamlanguage.ChildrenaretaughttheirfirstalphabetsontheVijayaDasamidayin frontofthisSamadhi. TheChithurBhagathytemplehastwotemplesinsideit,onecalledPazhayannurtempleandthe othercalledChithurAmmaThiruvaditemple.BoththesetemplesarethatofBhadraKali.Sheis supposedtobethedaughterofLordShiva.Itseemsinoldentimestherewasanasuracalled Dharuka(calledKongan),whoduetotheseveralboonshegotwastroublingeveryone.Oneof theseboonswasthatnomalemembercankillhim.HealsohadagreatweaponcalledBrahma DandugiventohimbyBrahma.Further,everydropofbloodfallingfromhisbodycouldbecome 1000Darukaslikehim.TheShakthiportionwhichemanatedfromBrahma(Brahmi), Vishnu(Vaishnavi),Shiva(Parvathi),Skanda(kaumari),Indra(Indarani)andYamawagedawar againsthimandfailedtokillhim.AtthattimeBhadraKalicameoutofthethirdeyeOfLordShiva alongwithfire.Shewasangerpersonified..ShewenttothenorthofKailasamountainandrodeon thetopofagruesomeVetalaandfoughtwithDaruka.Butevenshewasnotabletofightwiththe BrahmaDandu.ShethentooktheformofapoorBrahminlady,wentandbeggedwiththewifeof DarukaandlearntthemanthrastodefeattheBrahmaDandu.ThenshealongwiththeShakthi fromallotherGodsfoughtwithDaruka.Theydrankeachdropofbloodthatfellfromhim.Whenhe wasnotabletoopposethemDarukatriedtorunawaytoPatalabutBhadraKalicaughtandkilled him.ItseemsshereturnedbacktoKailasawiththeheadofDarukaonherspear.Shivarealizing thatshewasveryferociousandangry,madeLordGanapathiandNandiintosmallbabiesandput themonherway.Seeingthemherangervanished. ThePazhayannurKavu(temple)alsocalledthemoolaKshethramhousestheSwayambuidolofthe Goddess.WorshipinthistempleintheoldendayswascarriedoutbyNayars.LaterBrahminstook overtheworshipofthistemple.TheChithurAmmaThiruvaditemplealsocalledasChithurKavu, hasaveryblackidolofBhadraKaliinherveryferociousform,witheighthandsholdingsword, spearmace,theheadofKongandrippingwithblood,conch,twohandsshowingblessingand support.Andsittingwithcrossedlegs.Itisbelievedthatthisidolismadeofapeculiartypeof locallyavailablemud.DuetothedailyChandattam(Pouringofathickredliquid,wewouldnotbe inapositiontoclearlyseetheformoftheoriginalidol.Severallampsarekeptburninginsideand outsidethetemple.Asenseoffearcomesintoalldevoteesseeingher.Thistempleisopenfor worshiponlyonTuesdaysandFridays.ButduringMandalamandonfestivaldays,twotimesdaily worshiptakesplaceinthistemple.TheworshipinthistempleisdonebyNayars.Alongwiththe
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baserformofworshipinvolvingofferingmeatandtoddytotheGoddess,UdayasthamanaPooja, TrikalaPoojaandMadhuraChatti(SweetpotPayasamwithjaggery)arealsoofferedinthistemple. Chandattam(Abhishekawithspeciallyformulatedredliquid)isthemainofferinginthistemple. TheliquidwhichfallsonthegroundiscollectedinthepotsandgivenasPrasada. ThemainfestivalinthistempleistheKonganpada.ThepartsofCoimbatorewereruledbythe kongukingsandpeopleofthatareaarereferredtoasKongantothisday.Itseemstheyunderthe leadershipofRajadhirajan(Kongan)attackedChithursothattheycanmergeChithurintheir kingdom.WhenthepeopleappealedtotheGoddesssheorderedthemtofight.Slowlythepeople werelosingthebattle.AtthattimeTheGoddessfromAmmaThiruvaditemplecameoutand foughtwiththeKonganpada(ArmyofKongupeople)anddecimatedallofthem.ChudalaiMadan orKongan(ThefolkGodguardingburialgrounds)foughtwithherridingonabuffalo.Seeing BhadraKalihesaidthatheneverfoughtwithladiesbutchallengedherforacompetitiontojump overabanyantreetherewithherfeetnottouchingit.BhadraKalijumpedbutwillfullymadeher toedashagainstthetreeandbleed.KOnganthenjumedmuchabovethebanyantree..BhadraKali caughthimbeforehetouchedthegroundandbeheadedhimashehadaboonthathecanneverbe killedonearth.WhilereturningbacktheGoddessBhadraKaliwashedherblooddrenchedswordin ariver(TheriveriscalledValayarriverofthesword).Shethentookrestsittingonabigstone.Two Dalitmen(chakkaliyar)offeredhertoddyandmeat.Shethenvanishedinthepresentplaceof Pazhayannurtemple..Atemplewasconsecratedthere.Itseemsatthetimeofconsecration,one ladysagecamethereandcarriedouttheconsecrationthereandlaterthissagedisappeared. PeoplebelievethatitwastheGoddessherselfwhocameintheformofasaint.Thisstoryof KonganPadaisenactedeveryyearinafestivalcalledKonganPadawhichlastsfor24days.This startsontheMondayafterthenewmooninthemonthofKumbam(Februarymarch).Itstartswith aritualcalledchilambummalayum,inwhichpeopleofthatareagototheMoolaSthanam. alongwiththeletterofwarandprayGoddesstoprotectthem.

20CherukunnuAnnapurneswaritemple
ThisisoneoftheveryfamousdevitemplesofMalabarnearthevillageofChirakkalwhichisnear thetownofKannur.ItisbelievedthatGoddessAnnapuneswariofBenareswantedtovisitSouth India.WhenLordShivawasapprehensivethatshemaysettledownthere,itseemssheassuredhim thatshewouldappearbeforehimassoonashewantsher.Soshewassentinagoldenboat accompaniedbyKalarivathukkalAmmaandMadayiKavilamma.WhentheyreachedChirakkal, GoddessAnnapurneswarilikedtheplacesomuchthatshedecidedtostaythere.Shebidfarewell totheboatmanwhoalsostayedbackthere.PeoplebelievethatthefamousOlingaraJamaMasjid wasbuiltbyhim.

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Cherukunnumeanssmallhillbutthetempleisontheplanesurroundedbyfivesmallhills.Another interpretationisthatitwasoriginallyChorukunnumeaninghillofcookedrice.Whenthe GoddessdecidedtosettledowninCherukunnushedecidedtochoosetohavehertempleinthe samecompoundasthatofaKrishnatemplewhichwasbuiltbyParasurama.Peoplebelievethat thetempleismadeofbrickswhicharejoinedbyapasteofJaggeryandbeatenrice.Thetemple wasrebuiltin1994aChirakkalkingcalledAvittamthirunalRamaVarmaRaja.Nexttothetempleis averybigtemplepond(Ambalakulam). OnceweenterthetemplewefirstseethetempleofLordKrishnaandthefamousAnnapurneswari templeisbehindthistemple.OnepossiblereasonispossiblyduetotheancientNamboodiribelief thattheirwomenshouldnotbeseendirectly.Howeverthereisasmallholeintheoutsidewall throughwhichtheGoddesscanbeseenclearly,byevenpeoplewhodonotchoosetoenterthe temple.Anotherpeculiarityofthistempleistheexistenceofamirroridol(KannadiBimbam)of theGoddessinhersanctumsanctorum. Annadanam(Givingfreemeals)isthemostimportantaspectofthistemple.Itisbelievedthat nobodywhoentersthetempleshouldreturnhungry.Everydaybeforethetempleisclosedat night,thehighpriestasks,allthepeoplethere,whethertheyarehungrythreetimesandinolden times,itseemsthreepacketsoffoodistiedonthetreeoutsidesothateventhelatecomerscan alsoeatsomething.ButwiththeimplementationoftheLandreformbill,thetempleisnotina positiontosupplyfoodtoalthevisitors.SothevisitorseithertakeTrimadhuramorPayasamin sidethetemplebeforeleavingit. VishuVilakku(thefirstofmedamasam(Aprilmay)isthemajorfestivalinthistemple.Itis celebratedforaperiodofoneweekwithburstingofcrackersandtheprocessionofthegoddesson anelephant.TheGoddesstakesthreeroundsofthetempleandthenvisitsthevillage.Andthereis adancebyaBrahmincarryingtheidoloftheGoddess.Thisdanceisenactedinfrontofthetemple. PeoplebelievethatGoddessdescendsontheBrahminandmakeshimdanceprettilytothetunes. Atthistimethetemplewouldbeshiningwithlightedlamps. ThePunaprathishta(thesecondconsecration)dayofthetempleiscelebratedinthemonthof Kumbam(Februarymarch)onPooyamday.ShivaRathriandMahgaNavamiarealsocelebratedin thistemple.

21BalusserykottaVettakorumagan
BalusseryisaslightlybiggervillagenearCalicut(about20km)andVettakkorumagantemplewas establishedthere,PossiblyoncetherewasaforttherebelongingtoKurumbranadkingsandthis templewassituatednearit.

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VettakkorumaanisthesonofLordShivaandGoddessParvathibornwhentheyassumedtheform ofhunterssothattheycangivePasupathasthratoArjunawhowasdoingpenanceforit.Theboy grewupintoamischievousladwhonotonlyhuntedwithabowandarrowforanimalsandbad peoplebutbecameirksometothesageswhoweredoingpenanceintheforest.Itseemstheywent andcomplainedtoGodBrahma,whoexpressedhishelplessnessastheladwasthesonofLord Shiva.ButwhentheyrepresentedthefacttoLordVishnu,heagreedtosolvetheproblemthrough diplomacy.Hehimselfwenttotheforestcarryinggoldenchurika(aswordhavingspearlikeend andaswordlikeblade)Theladwasverymuchattractedbyitandwantedittobegiventohim. LordVishnuagreedtogivehimprovidedhewillalwaysholdtheChurikainhishand.Theladagreed butsoonrealizedthatifheweretoholdthechurika,hecannotusethebowandarrow.Lord VishnurevealedhimselftohimandrequestedtogoKerala(ParasuramaKshethra,wherehewould behonouredbyhonour,properfoodandalsobreakingofcoconuts.Vettakorumaganwiththe permissionofhisparentschosetostayinBalusseryandeversincehavebeenblessingthepeopleof Kerala.MostoftheroyalfamiliesofMalabaradoptedhimastheirGodwhowouldprotectthemin war.WhilethereareseveraltemplesforVettakorumaganinNorthernMalabar,theoneat BalusseryKottaisconsideredsthemostimportant. Themostimportantritualsthatareperformedatthetempleare,theperformanceof VettakkorumaganpattuandPanthrantayiramThengayeru.Intheformer,averyprettydesignofthe GodaredrawnonthegroundandaccompaniedbysoothingmusicpraisingtheGod,aNamboodiri decoratedandpainted,dancesoverthedrawingandremovesitcompletely.ItisbelievedthatGod comestohimatthattime.Theotheroneisthebreakingof12000coconutsonthestonemeantfor thepurposeinthetemple.Thetempleisdecoratedwithflowersandleaves,coconutandarecanut flowersandbananaplantsonthatday.TheKarakaranayarwhoisauthorizedtobreakthe coconutsstartstheritualafterthefinalpoojaofthetempleatnight.DrumsandGongsmakehuge soundduringthattimeAlsotheplaceiswelllitwithlivetorches,Thekarakarathunairtakesbath, wearsnewclothsandthenmeditatesonVettakorumagan.Theninitiallyhewilltakeonecoconut withbothhandsandbreaksitonthestone.Thisisfollowedbycontinuousthrowingofcoconuts onthestonewitheachhandalternatively.Thebeatofthedrumwillthenintensify.Peoplebelieve thattheNairthenentersintotranceandbreaksandbreaksallcoconutsbeforemidnightThe peopleoffersandalpasteandrosescentedwatertotheGodVettakorumagan.Somepeoplealso offerPanakam(Jaggerywater)andthamboolam.Insomecasestherewouldbeafeastafterthe ritual/. OtherimportantVettakorumagantemplesinKeralaare NilamboorKovilakomVettakkorumakanKavu
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ThiruvananthapuramKottaykkakamVettakkorumakanTemple KayamkulamKrishnapuramVettakkorumakanTemple PadinjareppattuManaVettakkorumakanTemple (PadinjareppattuManaVettakkorumakanTemple) EruvattikkavuVettakkorumakanTemple AlappadambaVettakkorumakanTemple NeeleswaramVettakkorumakanTemple KottakkalVettakkorumakanTemple KozhaKottakkalVettakkorumakanKavu KozhaVettakkorumakanKavuislocatedneartoKuravilangadubusstandinM.CRoad. OlassaVettakkorumakanKavunearKottayam

22ArathilBhagawathitemple
ArathilBhagawathitempleisaveryfamouslocatedinKayalodnearPinaraiwhichisnearthe KoothuParambatownofMalabar.ApartfromArathilBhagawathithetemplethetemplealsohas separatetemplesofPazhassidevi,KakkaraBhagawathi,KelankulangaraBhagawathi,Sasthappan (AnothernameforAyyappan),Gulikan(SonofSaturn)andVishnuMoorthi. Therearesomeinterestingstoriesaboutitsorigin.ItseemsasperthewishesofLordParasurama,a BrahminfamilyinSyamanthakaPanchakam(whichisinpresentHaryana)migratedtoGokarnm alongwiththeDeityoftheGoddesstheyusedtoworship.AtthattimeThekingofKolathuNaduin KeralahadquarreledwiththeNamboothiriswhohadsettleddowninhisplaceandtheywerenot cooperatingwithhim.TheministersofthekingadvisedhimtobringanobleBrahminfamilyfrom outsidethekingdom.ThekinghimselfwenttoGokarnamandinvitedtheBrahminsfrom SyamanthakaPanchakamtosettledowninhisplace.Theywantedthekingtobuildasuitable templefortheirGoddess.Thekingagreedandgavethemthevillagesof1)Arathil2) Cheruthazham,3)Kannur,4)Kulappuramand5)Vararuchimangalam.The235familiesofthose Brahminssettleddowninthesevillages.ThekingalsobuiltatemplefortheirGoddessinthe Arathilvillage.FromthenontheKolathuNadubecameprosperousalongwiththeBrahminswho
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settleddownthere.Thinkingthattheywerethecauseoftheprosperity,theBrahminsstarted quarrellingwiththekingandslowlystartedneglectingthetemple.Thentheirprosperity diminishedandforaperiodof16yearsthetemplewasevenclosed.Thelocalpopulationwhohad benefittedfromtheGoddess,againrepairedthetempleandstartedperformingtheusual worshipsandtheyagaingotbacktheirprosperity. PazhassiBhagwathi,ispresumedtobetheDaughterofYasodawhowasbroughttoMathuraby Vasudeva,thefatherofLordKrishna.Sheisfierybynatureandafterhavinghertemplesinvarious placeshasalsosettleddownintheArathilBhagwathitempleandisconsideredastheprotectorof theGoddessBhagwathi.TheotherGodsalsojoinedinthetemple.Thepoojaforthesetemplesare conductedasofnowbytheNamboodirisofKeezharaillam. ThemostimportantfestivalofthetempleistheThirafestival,wherethetheyyamsofalltheGods performtheceremonialdance.TheThirafestivalwillbeheldintheMalayalammonthofMeenam on13th,14thand15th(March27th,28thand29th)Thishasbeenongoingwithoutany interruptioneversinceverysmoothly.ThesameteamwhoconductsthethirafestivalofArathil SreeBhadrapuramTemplealsoisconductingthisThirafestivalofthesefourBhagavathisandSree Bhootham. OnAll32daysifKARKIDAKAM(JulyAugust)monthGANAPATHIHOMAMandNeyppayasam offeringscanbemadebyDevoteesonpayment.OnVrishchikam(NovemberDecember)1stand 40thdayofMandalam,CHUTTUVILAKKUwillbeconductedatthetemple.Thisagaincanbedone asofferingstoArathilBhagavathibydevoteesonpaymentof1200/(Onethousandandtwo hundredonly)perchuttuvilakku.

23Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

AranmulaParthasarathytempleisoneofthegreatKrishnatemplesofKerala.Itisoneofthedivya sthalamsofSrivaishnavites,assomeoftheAzhwars(MinistelsofGod)havesungaboutthis temple.ItisasuburbofKozencheryinPathanamthittadistrict.Nearbyimportanttownsare Pathanamthitta(10km),Pandalam(14km)Chengannur(10km).Thenearestrailwaystationisat Chengannur.Therearefewstoriesabouttheoriginofthetemple. ItseemsthatafterParikshitthesonofAbhimanyuwhowasmadethekingaftertheMahabharatha war,itseemdthePandavasvisitedPambariverofKeralawithaviewtopropitiatetheirmanes.It seemseachofthemconsecratedatemple.WhileYudhishtraconsecratedthetempleof Chengannur,BheemaconsecratedThirupuliyurtemple,ArjunaAranmulatemple,Nakula ThiruvamundurtempleandNakulaThirukadithanamtemple. ItseemsthatthetempleconsecratedbyLordArjunafellindisuseandwascoveredwithforest.At thattimeamanbelongingtocastecalledChaakanswhowererowingdownthePambariversawa
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veryyoungBrahmachariBrahminboystrandedinaforestshoreofthePambariver.Whenhe wantedtogodownstream,theboatmenbuiltaraftusingsixBamboos(SixAaru,Bamboomula) andreachedthepresentplaceofthetemple.Seeingtheboywithashiningform,thelocalpeople receivedhimwithhospitalityandmadearrangementsforhimtostayintheshoreoftheriver.It seemstheboywasLordKrishnahimselfandheraisedthebankintoasmallhillandconsecrated thestatueofLordKrishna.whichwasconsecratedearlierbyArjuna.Nextdaywhenpeoplecame hehadvanishedandtheystartedworshippingtheGodthere,SincetheBoycameinaraftmadeof BambooorpossiblybecausetheBambooraftcamefloatingintheaaru(river),theplacewascalled Aaranmula.. ThereisabeliefthattheIdolthathasbeenconsecratedinAranmulaisthatofGodasthedriverof Arjuna(ParthaSarathy),thoughliketheotherusualparthasarathystatues,theidoldoesnotholda horsewhip.Thereisabeliefthat,heretheidolisofthatKrishnawhojumpedoutofhisdrivers seattokillBheeshmawithadiscusinhishand.Theidolisalmost6feettall.Whilesomepeoplesay thattheidolismadeofbluegraniteyetothersfeelthatitismadeofacompoundofconcentrated jaggery.Theidolhasfourhands.InthehandpointingabovethereisSudarsanaChakra,onehand holdstheconchandtheotherhandsholdthemaceandthelotusflower.Intheyear1880there wasabigfireinthetemple.Thoughitdestroyedtheentiretemple,theidolwasnotaffected.In 1883,theKarthikathirunalkingrebuilttheentiretempleinthewaythatitisseennow. TheGodisfacingtheeastinthistemple.HefacesthePambhariverfromwhoseshoreyouhaveto climbseveralsteps.ThetemplealsohousesthetemplesofthatofDharmaSastha,Bhagwathi,Lord BalaBadhraandtheNagadevathas.Thereareseveralimportantfestivalsinthetemple.Themain festivalstartsontheHasthastarinthemonthofMakaram(JanuaryFebruary)andlastsforten daysandonthetenthday,thereisanArattu(CeremonialdippingofIuthsavaidolintheriver),The mostimportantdayofthefestivalisonthesixthday,whenGodissupposedtocomeoutridingon Garuda.PeoplebelievethatgirlsworshippingGodonthatdaywouldhaveaverylongweddedlife. AnothergreatfestivaltakesplaceinthemonthofVruschigam(NovemberDecember)for12daysis thefestivalofKalabhamandVilakku.ThisisalsocalledPanthranduKalabham(12Kalabham).It isbelievedthatthiswasstartedbythegreatMarthandaVemakingofTravancore.Onthesedays, theIdolofGodParthasarathyisanointedbysandalpaste(Kalabham)Intheeveningeachdaythe idolisdressedasoneoftheDasavatharas. HoweverthebiggestfestivalofthetempleisAranmulaVallam.Vallammeansboatandthereisa boatraceintheriverontheUthrattathiday(aftertheThiruonamday)inthemonthofChingam (AugustSeptember)Severalverylongsnakeboats(morethan100feet,mannedbymorethanone hundredpeopleparticipateinthisfestival.Thisisthedaywhenthetemplewasconsecratedaswell asthebirthdayofArjuna.Thisisnotasportsbutareligiousfestival. InaplacecalledKattur,whichis9kmawayfromAranmulatherewasagreatdevoteeoftheLord
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calledMangattuBhattathiri.HeusedtowashthefeetofBrahminsandfeedthemonallon Thiruonamday.HeusedtotakemealsonlyafteraBrahmintakesfood.OnaparticularThiruonam day,hecouldnotfindanyBrahmintofeed.HeprayedGodandaverypleasantlookinggreat Brahmincamethatdayandtookmealsgivenbyhim.CharmedbyhismeinBhattathirirequested himtocomeagainonnextThiruonamday.ThenthatBrahminreplied,Itwouldbedifficultbutif youcometoAranmulatempleonthatday,itcouldbemanaged.,LatertheGodofAranumlacame tohiminhisdreamandtoldhimthatitwashehimselfwhohadcomeasaBrahmin.Soonthenext Uthrattathiday,BhattathiriwenttoAranmulatemplewithallthefooditemsthatareneededto feedamultitudeofpeople.Theboatwasaveryhugeone.Hismenaccompaniedhimtoprotect himontwosnakeboats.Withthearticles,agreatfeastwasarrangedinAranmulacalledValla Sadhya.Thiscontinuedforalongtime.TheBhattathirifamilylefttheplacetoKumaranallur entrustingsufficientwealthtocontinuethecustomunbroken.TheComingofthesnakeboatsanda grandfeastonthatUthrattahidaycontinued.Oneoftheveryspecialpreparationstothatfeastis theAranmulaVaruthaerisseri.ThisispreparedusingPlantainsandelephantfootyam,with generousportionofgratedcoconutfriedincoconutoiladdedtoit.Therearemanystoriesabout thetasteofthisVarathaErisseriwhichispreparedinAranmula AnotherfestivalcelebratedhereistheGandavaDahanamcelebratedinthemonthofDhanu (DecemberJanuary)Forthisfestival,amodelofaforestiscreatedinfrontofthetemplewithdried plants,leavesandtwigs.Thenahugebonfireislit,symbolicofGandavaforestfireofthe Mahabharata.

24AmedaSapthaMathrukaTemple
ItiswellknownthatSnakeworshipisanimportantpartoftheHindureligionofKerala.Mostofthe villageshaveSarpaKavu,whereidolsofsnakesareconsecratedbelowBanyantreesofvillages. OneoftheveryimportanttemplesdedicatedtoNagaRajaandNagaYakshiislocatedinAmeda temple,whichis10kmfromThirupunithuraintheErnakulamVaikomroad.Thetempleislocated inasprawling10acresoflandontheshoresofVembanadkayal(Backwaters).Themaintempleis dedicatedtoSapthamathrukkals(Brahmi,Maheswari,Kaumari,Vaishnavi,Varahi,Indraniand Chamundi)alongwithGanapathiandVeerabadra.TemplesdedicatedtoNagarajaandNagayakshi areinthenorthwestandNortheastofthistemple.TowardstheNorththereisatemple dedicatedtoMahaVishnu ItisbelievedthatSageParsuramawhocametothisplaceoncewasdoingSandhyavandanainthe backwatersnearthetemple.Suddenlyhesawaverybrightlightinthemiddleofthewater.When hewentandinvestigatedhefoundthatitwastheSapthaMathukkal(ThesevenincarnationsofKali termedasthesevenmothers)weretravellingacrossthewatersonatortoise.Duetothepath takenbySageParasurama,theTortoisewasnotabletomove.(theplacecametobeknownas Aamaninnayidamplacewheretortoisestopped).SageParasuramabuiltahugetemplesdedicated
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thesevenmothersatthisplaceandgavetheresponsibilityoflookingafterittoANamboodiri family,whosettleddownthere.LateroveryearsthenameAamaninnaidamcametobeknownas Ameda.IcouldnotfindanyinformationabouttheoriginoftheNagarajaandNagayakshitemples. Theimportantofferingsofthetempleare: 1.BhagwatSeva ThisismainlyofferedtoGoddessVaishanavionthefirsttwelvedaysofTheMalayalammonthof Karkidagam(Julyaugust). 2.GuruthiPooja ThisisagainanofferingtoGoddessmainlytoChamundi.Guruthi(Aredcolouredfluid)inone vesselisofferedtohertowinoveronesenemiesafterthelastworshipoftheday(Athazhapooja Worshipduringsuppertime).AfterGuruthiisofferedthetempleisclosedforthedayandnoone isallowedinsidethetemple.Howeverduringthe41daysoftheMandalam(NovemberDecember) Guruthipreparedin12bigvesselsandareoffered.)OnthelastdayofthemandalamtheGuruthiis offeredtoNagaYakshialso. 3.KarthikapoojaandPayasam OnallmonthsonthedayswhenthereisKarthigastaraspecialpoojaisconductedinthetemple. ThisincludestheThanthricDwadasakshaipoojaalso.Thispoojaisagainconductedinaspecialway ontheKarthigastaroftheKarthigamonth(VruschigamOctoberNovember). OnthesedayscouplewantingchildbirthcometogetherandoffertothePayasam(Kheer)tothe goddessVaishnavicontinuouslyforoneyear(Twelvetimes) 4.SarpaBaliandAshtangaPooja ThisisconductedtowardofftheevileffectsduetoplanetRahubetween6Pmand8PMonchosen days.Howeverthishastobebookedinthemorningitself. 5.KIndieriyal(ThrowingofthevesselcalledKindi),Povattakamizhthal(PlacingPovattainthe oppositeway) Theseareveryimportantritualsofferedtothesevenmothers(SapthaMathrukkal),whichare aimedatgettingchildren. 6.MuraJapam ThisconsistsofchantingofVedasinsidethesanctumsanctorumbyNambhoodiriVedicScholars forthebettermentofthetempleanditsdevotees.Thisisconducted23timesinayear 7.PulluvanPattu PulluvansarefolksingersofKeralawhosingdevotionalsongstotheaccompanimentofaone
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stringedviolin.YouhavetotellthenameofthepersonandhisbirthstartothePulluvan(Whowill bestandingoutsidethetemple)andhewouldpraytotheGoddessaswellasNagaYakshiforyour bettermentinmellifluousMalayam.Ittakesabout35minutesperperson. 8.AyilyaDarsanam GoingtothetempleandprayingtotheNagaRajaandNagaYakshitemplesareconsideredspecially beneficialontheDaysofAyilyamstarintheMalayalammonthsofKani(Septemberoctober), Thulam(OctoberNovember),Vruschigam(NovemberDecember)andMeenam(MarchApril).Huge crowdofdevoteescometothistempleonthosedays. ThetemplehasapooramfestivalintheMeenammonth(MarchApril).Theflagforfestivalis hoistedontheMakeeram(Mrigaseersham)day.TheimportantfestivaldaysareonAyilyam(Ayilya Darsanam),Uthsava(festival)BalionMakam,ValiyaVilakku(Biglamp)orPallivetta(Royalhunt) onPooramandArattu(ceremonialbathofthedeity)onUthramdays.Thearattuwouldbeonly performedbythememberofTheAmeduMangalamfamily(Namboodirisinchargeoftheworship ofthetemple)ortheVadakkanPuliyannorNamboodiriwhoistheThanthriofthetemple.This wouldbeperformedeverydayduringthefestivalafterthefirstworshipofthetemple(UshaPooja) inthetempletankandintheeveningonthemainArattuday(Uthram),Onthisspecialdayallthe threedoors(insteadoftwo)ofthesanctumsanctorumareopenedandtherewouldbefivetimes worshipinthetempleinsteadoftheusualthreetimesworship.Theonlyotherdaywhenthisdoor openedisontheMandalaGuruthipoojaperformedonthe41stdayoftheMandalam.

25Uthalikkavu
Uthralikkavu,orRudraMahaKaliKavu,situatedinthehalcyonpasturesofAkamalaDesham(aka 'inside';malawoods,inotherwords,avalley),inThalappilliTaluk,EnkakkadVillage, WadakancheriPanchayat,TrichurDistrict,Kerala,isfamousforitsannualpooram/velafestival. UthralikavuPooramisoneofthespectaculartemplefestivalstobewitnessedinCentralKerala duringSummer(FebMarch).Itisafestivalfilledwiththrillsandexcitementswiththeprocession andmarchingpastofanumberofelephantswithcolourfuldecorationtotheaccompanimentof theresoundingPanchavadyamandthePandimelamtwotypesofdrumorchestrationquiteloved bythelocalsandtouristsalikeandthefireworksthatfollowafterthepanchavadyamand chendamelamisone,itcanbesaid,withnoparallelstobefoundanywhere,eveninTrichur Pooramthatiswellknownallovertheworld.

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 RegardingthehistoryofUthralikavu,thereisastorytoldbytheeldersaboutthistemplein Enkakad.Theysay,thenameEnkakadisderivedfromthewordThinkalkadumeaningThehairof Shiva(thirujada)inwhichmoonresides.LordSivabeggedricefromthehillnearbycalled Uriyarikunnu(UriyariAbout150mlofrice)andwiththericesoreceived,hepreparedhisdinner atanearbyplace.ThisplacewascalledVechanadinMalayalam,whichlaterbecameMachad.Lord Sivafoundthisplacesobeautifulthathegaveseatsheretothetwogoddesses(Bhagavathies),one atthenortheasti.e.,AkamalaforRudrakali(RudhiramahakaliorUthraliasknownnow)andthe otheratsouthi.e.,nearVazhaniforThiruvaani(Vaanimeansvoice,speech,musicetc.).Itisalso believedbythelocalpeoplethatThiruvaanikavuBhagavathyiseldersisterofUthralikkavilamma. Accordingly,ThiruvanikkavuVela/Pooram(betterknownasMachadMamankamorKuthiravela) takesplaceoneweekpriortoUthralikavuVela/Pooram. ThereisalsoanotherbeliefthatUthraliBhagavathiwhoisanotherformofMookambikaDevi,is thesisterofMahakurumbaBhagavathi,whoisoneofthedeitiesinstalledintheShivatemplein Karumarakkad,Wadakancheri,3Kms.awaytothesouthfromUthralikavu.So,onthedayof Pooram,KarumarakkadBhagavathicomestoUthralikvauonelephantbacktoseehersister. Pooramsatboththeselocations,KarumarakkadandUthralikavu,withcaparisonedelephants,start simultaneouslyandthenfromWadkancherithedecoratedelephantsinprocessioncometo Uthralikavuwiththeakambadi(protection)ofateamofpolicemenandalargenumberof devotees.TheyconvergeinUthralikavuwhereboththeBhagavathiesmeetandstandinlineanda *KoottiEzhunnallathutakesplace. However,therearevariationsinthestory.Aslegendgoes,Kelathachanwasalocalchieftenin TalappilliTalukofTrichurDistrict,likethePaliathachanofTrichur.Kelathachanhadhismansionin thebosomofAkamala,anevergreenforestfamousforitsfloraandfauna.Thegreenstretchesof
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paddyfieldsownedbyhimonthewesternvalleyoftheseforestswererichinyields. DuringhistoursKelathachanusedtokeepapalmleafedumbrella(Olakuda).Itwasbelievedthat GoddessMookambika,whenonceAchanvisitedKollur,camealongwithhimsittingontopofhis umbrella.WhenhekepthisumbrellaontheridgesofthepaddyfieldownedbyhimnearhisFarm HouseinMullakkal,Akamala,ontheeastsideoftherailwayline,bhagavathygotoutofthe umbrellaandsatontheridges.ThisplaceisknownastheMullakkalSreemoolasthanamofUthrali. AnAaltreewasplantedbehindthisplace,toprotectDevifromsunandrain. Afteralongtime,onceaharijanladyhadastrangeexperiencealittleawayfromthislocationon theotherside(west)oftherailwayline.Whilesharpeninghersickleonastone,underaPoovam tree,shesawblooddrippingfromthestoneandwasfrightenedandthereforescreamedaloud. Maleworkerswhoheardthesound,cametothescenetowitnessthestrangeincident.They reportedthemattertoKelathachan.Aswasthepractice,heconsultedtheAstrologer.Accordingto theastrologer,bhagavathylikedtohaveapermanentabodethereunderthetreetoblessher devotees.InthePrasnami.e.indicationsappearingtotheastrologer,thisgoddesswasfoundto beVanaDurga,wholikedtobeunderthetree,andsoanopenroofedtempleprotectingthe PoovamtreewasbuiltthereandBhagavathywasconsecratedinitandworshippedwithall relevantrituals.EvennowthesanctumsanctorumofthistempleisunderaPoovamtree,whichis replantedaftertheearliertreeperishedovertime. ItwasalsoseeninthePrasnamthatthisDevilikedapoojaribelongingtotamilBrahmin communityonlyratherthantheusualNamboodricommunitywhousedtoberulinginmostofthe templesinKerala.ATamilBrahminwas,therefore,locatedinanearbyvillagecalledPadinjattimuri village(nearWadakancheri)andhewasappointedthereastheChiefPriest.Hebelongedto ChakkingalMadamandtothisdateforgenerationsfromTippuSultanstime,thepriesthereis fromChakkingalMadamonly. Infact,thistamilBrahminfamilyoriginatedfromaBrahminladywhohadrunawayfromPalghat (previouslyofMadrasState)hearingthatTippuSultanwasgoingtoconquerPalghatverysoon.She wantedtoescapefromtheMuslimRulerandcameovertocentralKerala.Shecametoaplace calledVlahanearTriprayarSriramatempleandtookabhayam/asyluminaNamboodrisIllam.She hadhersmallchildandanUruli(avesselofaparticularalloywhichisusedformakingPayasam especiallyintemples)withherwhencameovertoVlaha.Theboywas,lateron,knownasVlahayil AnnayanPattarandtheUrulihismother(thePaattiwhocametoVlaha)hadcarriedalongwithhim wasavailable,fullywornout,eventillrecentlywiththedescendentsofthefamilyasapieceof evidenceoftheirancestralhistorytracedfromthetimeofTippuSulatanspadayottam.
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AnnayanPattarwasaverygoodcook(cookingwashisprofessionAsTNSheshanveryaptlytold, onlythreecategorieswerethereamongtamilBrahminssettledinKeralaandtheywere,cooks, crooksandcivilservants!ThethreeCees.Hisprogenies,Chakkingalmadamdescendents,became veryfamouspeoplesuchasJudges,Lawyers,CEOs,Collectors,Musicians,Doctors,Priests, Landlords,andwhatnot.Theyallowetheirprogresstothedevotionanddedicationwithwhich theyworshippedUthraliBhagavathi. ChakkingalmadamKrishnaIyer,CKKrishnaIyeradescendentofthisfamily,fondlycalledby everyoneasAmbiSwamy,andfatheroftheexistingchiefpriestofUthralikavu,SriCKRamaIyer aliasRamuSwamywastheChiefPriesthereformorethansixdecades,from1918to1981,and duringhistimethetempledevelopedfromstagetostagefromframetofame.Heusedtodevote hisentiretimeforDeviupasanaanddedicatedhislifefortheserviceofthedevoteescomingtothis temple.HewasavedicscholarbyprofessionwhohadhisAdhyayanam(Gurukulalearning)atthe SanskritVedaPatashalaatThiruvidaimarathurforoversevenyears. Thetempleadministrationandotherroutinemaintenance,etc.waspreviouslyinthehandsofthe peoplebelongingtothethreevillagesEnkakkadvillage(inwhichthetempleissituated), KumaranellurandWadakancherivillages,thetwoneighbouringvillagesadjoining.Theyconducted theannualtemplefestival(Vela)inasmallscalebycollectingsubscriptionsfromthevillagersthen andnowtheyconductitinagrandscalebycollectingmoneyfromdevoteesallovertheworld. However,theadministrationwaseventuallypassedontotheCochinDevaswamBoardandthis templeisunderthisDevaswamwhotakesalltheincomefromthistempleandalsomakemonthly paymentstotheemployeesofthistemplesuchasmelsanthi,keezhsanthi,variar,marar, masappadi,velichappad,etc.whoekeoutalivingbyservingthetemple. UthralikavupooramInoldendaysitwasUthralikavuVela.Nowitiscalledpooram.Thechange fromvelatopoorambiggerformwasgradual.SevendaysinadvanceofthePooramday,the flaghoistingceremony(kodiyettam)takesplace.Bhagavathycomesoutofthekavu(temple)and goesaroundthenearbyvillagestoblessherdevoteesattheirresidenceandtoaccepttheir offerings,intheformofNirapara(ParaisanoldmeasurementofgrainsinKerala).Thematerials offeredshouldhaveminimumoneParaofpaddy,supportedbyflowers,rawrice,friedpaddy, jaggery,turmeric,fruitsetc.TheKomaram/Velichapadwhovisitsthehomes(Velichapadubeing therepresentativeofBhagavathy)givesoracles,inafaithevokingatmospherecreatedbyChenda (trumpet),Ilathalam(cymbals)andKombu(musicalhorn).ThefirstParainthisweeklongtourof BhagavathyisexpectedtobegivenbyamemberofthefamilyofKelathachanathisMullakkal Tharavadu.Boththetemple(Uthralikavuasitiscalledbythepublic)andtheSreemoolasthanam (AkamalaMullakkalAlinchuvadu)aresituatedinEnkakadVillage.Therefore,thevillagersof Enkakadhavetheprivilegeofbeginningthepooram,onthepooramday.Thiswillbefollowedby
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KumaranellurwhilethepooramprocessionfromWadakancheriwillreachthetemplepremises whenthepoorambyKumaranellurishalfwaythrough.Laterallthethreepartieswilljointogether andlineupthedecoratedelephantsatthemainpooramvenueinfrontofthetempleafterthe fireworksareover.Thisiscalled*KoottiEzhunnallethuinMalayalam(meansjointprocession) whichwillbeawonderfulscenetoenjoywithalltheelephantswithglitteringandcolourful decorationsalongwithPandiMelam(orchestrateddrumbeating). UthralikavuPooram/VelaisalsoafestivalofVillagers,aftertheharvestingseasonpresenting variousruralartformslikepootham,thira,nayadi,kummatti,kalakalietc. Uthralikavupooramisconductedwiththeactiveparticipationofthethreevillagersin WadakancheryPanchayat,viz.Enkakad,Kumaranellur,Wadakanchery,whomobilizeresources fromallover,andmakethePoorammoreandmoregrandyearafteryear.Theyviewitheachother inpresentingleadingelephants,percussionistsandpyrotechniques.

Figure2AscenefromUthralikavuPooram Howtoreachthetempleandwheretostay 10degrees,40minutes,21secondsNorth,and76degrees,15minutes,47secondsEast UthralikavutempleiswellconnectedbyStateHighway(TrichurShornurStateHighWay22);itisat theverybrinksoftheHighwayinavalleywhichisfullofgreeneryandfoodcrops.Infact,Uthrali BhagavathiisAnnapoorneswariHerselfasisevidentfromtherichnessoftheareaandambienceof thetemplewhereSheresides.TheTrivandrumShoranurChennairaillineisrunningnexttothe boundaryofthetempleandarailtravelerinthisroutecanseethistemplefromthetrainandenjoy thescenery.

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OnecanreachthetemplebyanymodeofroadtransportrunningbetweenTrichurandShoranuror betweenTrichurandChelakara.ThenearesttownisWadakancheriwhichhasgotaRailwayStation (barely4Kms.fromthetemple)wheremostofthetrainsdohalt.However,Trichuristhemajor railheadsouthofUthralikavuwhereallthelongdistanceandotherhighspeedtrains,like RajadhaniExpress,willstop.Trichurisonlyaround20Kms.fromthetemple.SimilarlyShoranur JunctionisanothermajorrailheadnorthofUthralikavuwherepeoplefromNorthKerala,suchas Pattambi,Calicut,Kannur,Kasargod,andalsofromMangalorecandisembarkandcometothe templetravellingasmalldistanceof10Kmsbyroadwhichiswellconnectedbybusesandtaxies. ThenearestairportisNedumbansseri,nearCochinandthedistanceisabout50Kms.fromthereto thetemplewhichcanbetravelledbyrailuptoWadakancheriandfromtherebyroad4Kms,orthe entiredistancebyroad/bybusortaxi.CalicutandCoimbatorearetheothertwoairportsnearest tothislocationfromwhereplentyofsurfacetransport(railandroad)isavailabletoreachthe temple.Theapproximatetimetoreachthetemplefromthesetwoairportseitherentirelyby road/taxi/bus,orrailandroadwillbearound45hoursonlyincludingthetimetakentotravelfrom theairporttothedeparturerailheadandfromthearrivalrailheadtothetemplebyroad. OnecanstayputinWadakancheritownwithamoderatebudgetinsmallhotels,butifoneis particularaboutstayinginhighclassaccommodation/somestarhotels,onehastoseeksuch accommodationinTrichurtownonlywhichisthenearestmajortowninthemainlineatadistance of20Kms.fromthetemple.Besides,Trichurdoeshavethreefamoustemplesviz., VadakkumnathanShivatemple,ParmelkavuBhagavathitempleandThiruvambadiKrishnatemple. Apartfromthese,thefamousGuruvayoortempleisonlyat40minutestravelbytrainfrom Trichur. Thetemplecanalsobelocated/viewedbyGooglesearchatgeographicalcoordinates:10degrees, 40minutes,21secondsNorth,and76degrees,15minutes,47secondsEast.[1040'21"N 7615'47"E] Otherfestivalsinthetemple Uthralikavutemplewasreconstructedafewyearsagowithmorebeautificationplansandthe picturegivenontopofthisdescriptionisthecurrentviewofthetemplefromtheStateHighway. AsaresultofthereconstructionKalasamwasdone(itisaceremonyperformedforthe purificationofthetempleanditspremises)andthedayonwhichtheKalasamwasperformedis calledPrathistaDinamanditiscelebratedeveryyearwithpompandpageant.Althoughthis conceptofcelebratinganinstallationdayorPrathistaDinamasisknowninMalayalam,is contrarytowhatwasstatedaboveinthehistoryoftheoriginofthistemple,(i.e.,thatthe Bhagavathihereisnotaninstalleddeity,thatitoriginateditselfasSwayamboo)underaPoovam tree,forthesakeofcommemoratingthereconstructionofthetemple,thisannualfestivalis
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conducted.Duringthereconstruction,however,carewastakentopreservethePoovamtreeasit isandtheSreekovil(sanctumsanctorum)wasdoneuponlywithoutdisturbingthetreeandthe openskynatureofthesame. OnthedayofPrathistaDinamwhichisconductedontheAvittamNakshatram/starduringthe MalayalammonthofMedam(AprilMay),therewillbeSheeveli(Elephantride)ofBhagavathiwith threeelephantsforabouttwohoursinthemorningfrom10AMandalsotwohoursintheevening from4PM.Asmallscalefireworkswillalsofollowthis.InotherwordsonecanwitnessaMini Pooramhereonthisday.TherewillbeAnnadanamforallthedevoteesvisitingthistempleonthat day. AnothernotableeventinthetemplecalendarisMandalamwhichisaperiodof41daysduring whichspecialpujaisperformedbeginningfromtheMalayalamMonthVrischikamupto10thof Dhanu(NovemberDecember).Thetemplepremiseswillbedecoratedduringthesedaysand specialpujaswillbeoffered.Itissaidthatduringthesedays,thegoddesswillcomeoutof SreekovilandremaininthespecialMantapamdecoratedforthispurpose.Itisduringthisseason generallyAyyappadevoteesstartpenanceandvisitAyyappatempleatSabariMala.Soonecansee manyAyyappasvisitingthistempleduringthistime,takingbathinthetemplepondandcalling Saranam. Templetimingsandmainvazhivads/offerings Thetempleisthrownopenearlyinthemorningby430anditisclosedby1030everydayexcept onFridays,TuesdaysandSundayswhentheclosingwillbedoneonlyat11AM.Similarly,inthe evenings,thetempleopensat5PMandremainsfordarshantill8PMonalldays.OnthePooram day,however,thetemplewillbeopenthroughoutdayandnight.Themainvazhivads/offeringsin thetempleare: Niramala,Chuttuvilakku,NeiPayasam,KadanaVedi,NeiVilakku,Pushpanjali/Archana,Malaand BhagavathiSeva.Apartfromthese,thereareofferingssuchasChatussatayam,ThrikalaPujai.e., Udayasthamanapuja,andsuchothernormalvazhivadusfoundelsewhere. ToperformspecialpujassuchasChuttuvilaku,Niramala,Udayasthamanapuja,etc.,onehasto bookinadvanceandforallofferings,onehastotakereceiptfromtheDevaswamBoardemployees postedinthetemple.Theitemsofofferingsandtheirratesaredisplayedinaboardkeptnearthe cashcounterinthetemple.

26ChenganoorMahadevaandBhagawathitemples
Chengannurisavillagewhichis40kmawayfromthetownofKottayaminKerala.Lord MahaDevaisconsecratedfacingeastandtheGoddessisfacingwestinthistemple.
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WhatisveryuniqueaboutthistempleisthatpeoplebelievethattheGoddessundergoes periodsonceinawhileatthistemple.ThereisatempleofVishnualsoinChengannur. NammazhawarhasvisitedthistempleandsungabouttheLordVishnuthere.People believethatYudhishtrabuiltthefirsttempleofLordVishnutogetridofhissinoftelling alieinthebattlefield, OutsidethemaintempleofShivaandBhagawathy,therearetemplesforSastha, Neelagreeva(blueneckedLordShiva)andSthaleesa. Peoplebelievethatinthesouthernpartofthetemple,severalgreatManthrabooksto getridofpoisonareburied.Ifthedevoteestandsontherockcoverandseesthetipofthe SreeKovil,forthatentireday,peoplebelieve,thathewouldnotbeaffectedbypoison Thereisalsoabeliefthat,ifsomeoneputshishandintheholeinthewesternwalland takesafalseoath,hewouldbebittenbyadivinesnake.Itseemsalocalboyofthepoison doctorfamilywaschallengedbyagreatAzhwar.ThatnighttheboycriedtotheGoddess. Shetoldhimthatinapipeinhergranaryasnakewasliving.Theboytookoutthepipe andchallengedtheAzhwartomakethesnakecomeoutofthepipe.ThoughtheAzhwar triedhisbesthecouldnot.Theboythencommandedthesnaketocomeout.Thesnakein thepipecameoutandstartedchasingtheAzhwar.Hepleadedwiththeboytocontrolthe snakeandthentheboythenrequestedthesnaketogobacktothepipeandputthepipe outthroughtheholeinthewesternwall.Peoplebelievethatthisdivinesnakeisstillthere andwouldbitetheonewhotakesafalseoath. Thereareseveralstoriesaboutthistemple. OnebeliefisthatwhenLordShivacutthebodyofhisconsortSathiDeviintopieces andthrewthemalloverIndia,themiddlepartofherbodyfellintheplacewherethis templeislocated.(KamkahyatempleinGuahathibelievesthatthispartfellinthatplace). BecauseofthistheybelievethattheGoddessinthistemplehasmonthlyperiods.People alsobelievethatbecauseofthistheShivaLingainthistempleisconsecratedona triangularpedestal. ThereisalsoabeliefthattheGoddessconsecratedhereisnotParvathyatallbutthatof Kannagi,theTamilheroinewhoburntthecityofMaduraiforavengingtheinjusticedone toherhusband.ItseemsshecrossedovertoKeralaandstoodbelowaVengaitree.One huntresssawherandmadeherstatueinmud.LaterCheranChenguttuvanmadean exactlysimilarstatueandconsecratedithere. Yetanotherstoryisthere.ItseemswhenShivagotmarriedtoGoddessParvathi,since theentireworldwenttoattendthemarriage,theearthbecameunstable.LordShivathen sentSageAgasthyatogotothesouth.Thesagemade,LordShivapromisethathewould
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oncemorecelebratethemarriageinfrontofthesageinthesouth.WhenLordShiva camealongwithGoddessParvathitoChengannur,shecametoage.Thedevascelebrated thiseventatChengannur.Laterthisplacewascompletelyforgotten.Thisplacewas calledSonadhri(RedMountain)andsageParasuramaestablishedanAgraharamhere.At thattimeonetribalwomansharpenedherswordonastoneandbloodstartedoozingfrom thestone.TheBrahminswerecalledandtheyfoundthatthiswasastatueofLordShiva. Theydecidedtobuildatemple.TheastrologersalsofoundthepresenceofGoddess there.SoitwasdecidedobuildatemplefortheGoddessalso.Atthattimethefamous Perunthachanvisitedthetemple.Thepeoplerequestedhimtomakeastatuteofthe Goddess.Butheshowedthemaspotinthenorthwestofthetempleandaskedthemto digthere.Theydidandthepresentstatuewasrecoveredfromthere.Thenthey consecratedboththegodsafterperformingKumbhabhishekam. Onethemesanthi(thechiefpriest)openedthetempleoftheGoddessinthemorningto changetheflowers.HewasastoundedtofindthattheclothwhichtheGoddesswas wearinghadastain.ThisclothwasshowntotheladiesofVanchiPuzhathuMadamas wellasthelandladyofthehouseofThazhamanpothy.Bothofthemconfirmedthat Goddesswasundergoingperiods. ThazhamanpothyadvisedtheMesanthitoremovethestatuetoaseparatetempleand closethedoor.Thepoojaforthenextthreedayswasperformedinthenortheastern cornerofthetempleHealsoaskedhiswifeandthechiefladyofVanchiPuzhathu MadamtokeepcompanytotheGoddessduringnight.Forseveralgenerationstheladies ofthesehouseskeepcompanytotheGoddessduringthetimeofherperiods.Itwas regularlyoccurringeverymonthforsometimebutnowadays,ithappensthreetofour timesayear.Theclothwhichthegoddesswearsduringthistime(Thirupoothu)is consideredasaprizedpossessionandisworshippedinmanyhomes. Onthefourthday,thegoddessistakenonasheelephantforherritualbath, accompaniedwithmusicalinstrumentstothenearbyMithraRiver.Thenamboodiri womengivetheGoddessanoilbathandbringherback.ThestatueoftheGoddessis secretlytakenoutandmountedonthetopoftheelephantandthetempleclosed.Ladies raiseMangalaDwaniwiththeirthroat(calledKuruvai).Theelephantonwhichthe goddessridesisreceivedwithNiraPara.Aftertheritualbathgivenbytheladies,the priestdoesceremonieslikeOilAbhishekam,MilkAbhishekametcandafterworshipping her,thegoddessisbroughtbacktothetemple. Thereisanotherstorywhichispopular.ItseemsafterconsecrationoftheGoddess, PerunthachanonceagaincametothetemplealongwithaPanchalohaidolofthe Goddess.HepredictedthatthetemplewillcatchfireandthentheDeviidolwillbe
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destroyed.HesaidatthattimethisnewPanchalohaidolshouldbeconsecrated. Ithappenedthesameway.DuringthefiretheShivaLingawassavedbycoatingitwith mudbuttheidolofthegoddesscouldnotbesaved.Whentheyweresearchingfora suitablereplacementoneNeelakandanofThazamanPothishousesawadreamandwas toldabouttheabovestory.HewasalsotoldthattheidolbroughtbyPerumthachanwas preservedbelowastoneintheriver. Thoughtheytriedseveraltimestolocatetheidol,theywereunsuccessful.Atthattime somefishermenfromKarunagapallycametothisplaceandtheywereabletolocatethe idol.Theybroughttheidoltothetempleandhandeditoverthetemplepriest.Thatday coincidedwiththefestivalofShivaRathri.EvennowoneveryShivaRathriday,the fisherfolkofKarunagapallyarehonouredatthetemple. ThistemplewasunderthecontrolofTravancorekings,.OneBritishresidentcalled MunrolaughedatthebeliefoftheperiodstotheGoddessandstoppedallgrantsfor observingit,itseemsthenonwardshiswifestartedtobleedwithoutstop.Thoughhe triedwithseveraldoctors,thebleedingcouldnotbestopped.OnewellwisherofMunro toldhimthatitmaybeduetohisactioninstoppingthegrantstoChengannurtemple. ThenMunrosaidthatifhiswifeiscured,hewillcreateatrustwhoseinterestwouldbe sufficienttoobservethecelebrationoftheThirupoothu(periods)oftheGoddess.His wifewascured.Apartfromacreatingthetrust,Munroalsopresentedtwongolden banglestotheGoddess. Thetempleopensat3.30Amandremainsopenwithseveralfunctionstill11.30Am.It againopensat5Pmandremainsopenupto8Pm.Themajorfestivalofthetempleisin themonthofDhanu(DecemberJanuary)andtheArattu(ritualdipintheriver)ison Thiruvadiraday.

27ThiruvarppuKrishnatemple
ThisisoneofthefamoustemplesofKrishnainKeralawhichisatleast1500yearsold. ThistempleislocatedinThiruvarppu,whichis68kmfromthetownofKottayamonthe shoresofMeenachilRiver.(Varppuisthecastusedbysmithstomakebellmetalvessels) Thereareseveralstoriesaboutitsorigin.Allofthemtalkofrecoveringthestatueof LordKrishnawith4handswhichwaskeptinanUruli(Flatvesselmadeofbellmetal). Herearesomeofthestories: 1.ThistempleisconnectedtoMahabharata.WhenthePandavaslivedintheforest,Lord Krishnagavethemhisstatuewithfourhandssothattheycandailyworshipit.Itseems whenPandavasfinishedtheirsojournintheforestandwantedtogoback,thepeopleof
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thatarea,requestedforthatstatue.,.ThiswasworshippedbythepeopleofCherthalai. Butaftersometimeduetoreasonsbeyondtheircontrol,theywerenotabletocontinue theirworship.Sotheysimplydroppedthestatueinthesea. Afteralongtimeagreatsage(somesayitisVilwamangalamSamiyarandothersayit isPadmapadacharya,thediscipleofAdhiShankara)wastravellingbyaboatinthese parts.Suddenlyhisboatbecameimmobile.Whensomeonegotintotheseatofindout thereason,theseadriedatthatspotandtheywereabletorecoverthisstatue.Thedivine persontookthestatuewithhim.Thoughhewantedtogowest,theboattravelledtothe eastviaKunnamandPallikkaraandreachedthepresentspotofthetemple. ThedivinepersongotdowntherealongwiththestatueandfoundatempleofDharma Sasthawithoutanyidol.Soheconsecratedtheidolinthattemple. 2.Theabovedivinepersongotdownfromtheboatalongwiththestatue.Butdueto inclementweatherhewasnotabletoprovideanyfurther.Sohekeptthestatueinan Uruli,whichhefoundnearthetankandwentaway.Laterwhenhecame,hefoundthat thestatuehasgotpastedtotheUruli.ThatUrulibelongedtoanindividualcalledKunnan KariMenon.AssoonasheknewaboutthestatueinhisUruli,hegavethelandfor templeconstructionandcompletedthetemplewiththehelpofasaintcalled MadappurathuSamiyar.EventodayspecialPushpanjali(offeringofflowers)isdoneon behalfoftheAsramofMadappurathuSamiyarinthistemple. 3.ItseemsPandavasputthestatuethattheywereworshippingalongwiththeirAkshaya Pathrainthesea,beforeleavingtotheirAgnathaVasa.Itseemsthefishermenfishingin theVembanadbackwatersinaplacenearVechur(calledMangalathuVila)recovered onlythestatueandnotthevessel.TheybuiltatempleinaplacecalledCharaMangalam andconsecratedthestatuethere.Itseemsvariouscalamitiesoccurredintheirvillage.So theyagainputthestatueinthebackwaters.Itseemsthistimestatuefellinsidethe originalvesselitself.Itwasthenthedivinepersonreferredtoearlierfounditout.He foundthestatueaswellasthevessel.HisboattravelledviaKunnamandPalikkaraand wasnotabletotravelfurtherduetodenseaquaticplants.Itseemsthepeopleofthearea swamintothewaterandmadewayfortheboattoreachtheshores..Thestatueinthe vesselwaskeptintheshoretemporarilyinastructurecalledValiyaMadam.Onthatday theywereabletooffertotheGodonlytendermangopicklesandtendercoconutwater. Laterthestatuewasshiftedtothepresenttemple.DuringtheArattu,thestatueistaken toValiyaMadamandTendermangoandtendercoconutwaterisofferedtoiteventoday. TheLordfaceswestalongwithhisfourhands.Thetempleopensveryearlyaround2 AMinthemorning.Around3AMaspecialofferingcalledUshaPayasamisofferedto thislord.Thisispreparedusingrice,jaggery,ghee,kadalibananafruitanddried

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coconut.Whenthericeiscookedwell,themeltedJaggeryispouredintoittillitstopsby itself.Thismethodofpreparationisverypeculiartothistemple. Anotherpeculiarityofthistempleisthat,thepriestisgivenanaxeaswellasthekey toopenthedoorintheearlymorning.PeoplebelievethatthisGodcannottolerate hungerandsoifthereisanyprobleminopeningthedoorwiththekey,thepriestis permittedtobreakopenthedoorwithanaxe.PeoplebelievethatLordKrishnasstatuein thetempleisoftheveryexhaustedKrishnaafterhekilledKamsa.Soafterthe Abhishekamisover,theLordsheadisfirstdried,,theNaivedyamofferedtohimand thenonlyhisbodyisdried. TherearefivetimespoojabuttheDeeparadhanaisonlyaftertheAthazhapooja(last poojacarriedoutatnight7PM).Sincepeoplebelievethatthestatuecamefrom Cherthalai,thepriestaftertheAthazhapoojaasksIsthereanybodyfromCherthalai herewhoishungry?.ItisbelievedthatnobodyfromCherthalaiinthetempleshouldbe hungry. Anotherpeculiarityofthistempleisthatevenduringeclipse,thetempleisnotclosed. PeoplebelievethatthisGodwouldbecomehungry.Itseemsonce,thetemplewasclosed duringeclipse.WhentheyreopenedthedoortheyfoundthatthewaistbeltoftheLord hasslippeddown.VilwamangalamSamiyarwhocameatthattimetoldthat,itwas becauseGodbecameveryhungry.Fromthenon,theystoppedclosingthetempleduring eclipse. Thistemplehasaverypeculiardrummadeofbellmetal.ItseemsLordKrishna announcedthekillingofKamsa,playingonthisdrum.Thereisa12tierbrasslampin thistemplegiftedbyaChristiandevotee.Thistemplealsohasasubtemplefor Bhoothanatha.AllofferingstothemaindeityarealsoofferedtohimOutsidethetemple therearetemplesforSubramanya,Ganapathy,Yakshi,ShivaandBhagawathy. ThetemplefestivalisduringthefirsttendaysofthemonthofMedam.(aprilmay).On thetenthdaythereisaraceofElephantslikethatinGuruvayur.Duringthefestivaltime girlchildrenwhoarelessthantenyearsofagedressthemselveslikeLordKrishnaand offerlamptotheLordduringmorningandevening.Onthetenthdayofthemonthwhen thesunsets,hisraysenterinsidethesanctumsanctorumandthisreferredtoasPathaam Udayam,KrishnasbirthdayduringAshtamiRohiniiscelebratedinthistemple.Sundaysand Thursdaysarespecialinthistempleandattractlotofdevotes. AnotherpeculiarcelebrationofthistempleisPullattuPooja,.Itseemstherewasarich nairwithoutchildreninthePullattuhouse.Hewantedtodonateallhiswealthtothe
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templeandrequestedthemtoobservehisdeathanniversary.Whenastrologersconsulted theGod,hisconsentwasgiven.OntheThaipoosamday,PullattuNaircameinsidethe temple,keptallhiswealth,keystotreasuresanddocumentsforallhispropertiesbefore theLord.ThenheprostratedbeforetheLord.Itseemshediedthereandthen.Eventoday threespecialpoojasonedaybeforehisdeathandfifteenspecialpoojasonthedayofhis deathareperformedinhisnameandreferredtoasPllattuPooja. MilkPayasam,GheePayasam,AppametcareofferedtotheLordusully.Thereisa specialofferingcalledChathurchathadamalso.

28ThiruvallaVallabhaswamyTemple
ThisisanothertempleofKeralawhichisoneofthe108VaishnavaDivyadesams.This deityhasbeensungaboutbyThirumangaiAzhwar.ItistenkmfromChanganassery stationwhichisintherailroutebetweenErnakulamandThiruvananthapuram.This templecanalsobeapproachedbyroadorboat. InaplacecalledSankaramangalamnearbytherewasaverydevoutoldladywhowasa devoteeofLordVishnuShewasreferredtobypeopleasSnakaramangalthuamma..She wasveryparticularinobservingEkadasi.ItseemsanogrecalledThugala(tholaga)used totroubleheralot.OneDwadasidayshecouldnotfindanyBrahmintotakefood.Lord VishnuhimselftooktheformofaBrahmachariandcamethereasherguest. Sankaramangalathammarequestedhimtotakebathinthenearbywellandcome.Lord Vishnuaskedherwhetherthereareanyriversnearby.ShethentoldhimthatanAsura waslivingneartheriverandwasnotallowinganyonetotakebathintheriver.Lord VishnuwenttotheriverandkilledtheTholagasurawithhisSudarshanaChakraand washedtheChakraintheriver.ThisplaceispresentlyreferredtoasChakrasalaghat. Whenthelordreturnedback,therewerefourmoreBrahmins.Sankakamangalathamma servedfoodforallthefiveoftheminarecanutsheath(paala)Eventodaythisfeedingis doneinarecanutsheathandisreferredtoasPaalaBhojanam. Thereisanotherinterestingstoryaboutthisgreatdevotee.Itseemsshewasilliterate andusedtocalculatetheoccurrenceofEkadasi,byputtingastoneeverydayoneout ofthefifteenstonesgiventoherbyaliterateman..OncesomeBrahminscametoher houseandrequestedforfood.SankaranmangalathammatoldthemthatitwasEkadasi. TheylaughedatherandtoldthatitwasDasami.Oneofthemwasanastrologerandhe usedPrasnatofindouttheexactThithi.WhenthePrasnawasdoneinherhouseit showedEkadasibutwhentheysteppedoutofthehouse,itshowedDasami.
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ItseemswhenLordVishnucameasaBrahmacharitothehouseof SankaramangalathammaheconsecratedSudarshanaChakrathere.ThisChakrahaseight cornersdenotingConch,wheel,mace,lotusflower,rope,goad,bowandstick.Sacred ashcalledVibhuthiisgivenasPrasadainthistempleofChakra.Themaindeityofthis templeisSriVallabha.Thisisaeightfoottallstatueinthestandingposewhichfaces east.Heresandalwoodpasteisgiveninsteadofsacredash.ThereisastoryaboutSri Vallabha. ItseemsitwasthesamestatuewhichwasgotmadebyLordKrishnausingthe expertiseofViswakarma,.LordKrishnawasworshippingthisstatue.Whenhisendcame nearheentrustedthestatuetohiscousinSatyakiforConsecrationinaproperplace. SathyakientrustedtheJobtoLordGaruda.Butunfortunatelyitslippedfromhistalons andfellinariver. AfteralongtimewhenCheramanPerumalwasrulingKerala.,Godappearedinhis dreamandpointedouttheexactlocationandaskedhimtoconsecrateinatemple.The kingfoundthestatue.TherewasanemptytempleinThiruvallawhichwaswaitingfora suitableidol.Thekingconsecratedthedivinestatueinthatplace.Whenthestatue orderedfortheplacecame,itwasconsecratedinaplacecalledMalayinKeezh.Even todaythepeopleofMalayinKeezhcalltheirGodasThiruvallaAppan.Thereisan inscriptiononthestoneonthetempleindicatingthatitwasconstructedintheyear59 AD.ItseemsPadathiBananathatwasusedasanofferingbySageDurvasawhenhe visitedthetemple.EventodayPadathiPazhamisofferedtotheGod.Thetempleisbuilt insuchawaythatifyouareseeingthefaceoftheGod,youwouldnotbeabletohisfeet andifyouareseeinghisfeet,youcannotseehisface. PeoplebelievethatthegreatdevoteeofVishnucalledGandakarnawhousedtohang twobellsinhisearssothathewillneverhearthenameofLordShivaattainedsalvation inthistemple. Thereisa50feetblackgraniteflagpoleinthistemple.Thisflagpoleisburiedvery deepandonlyasmallportionisvisibleoutside.AGarudastatuemadeofPanchalohais chainedtotheflagpole..ItseemswhenPerumthachanmadetheGaruda,itstartedflying away.Sohedecidedtochainittotheflagpole.In1970anewflagpolehasalsobeen installed. Duringoldendayswomenwerenotallowedtoenterthetemple.,.Thiswasbecausea ladywassoenchantedbythebeautyoftheLordandrefusedtogooutofthetemple. Nowadaysladiesdovisitthistemple.
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InthistempletheGodisworshippedfivetimes.IntheearlymorningpoojaGodis worshippedasBrahmachari,inthePandeeratipoojaheisworshippedassanyasi,inthe noonPoojaheisworshippedasVaasudevadressedwithroyaldresses.Intheevening PoojaheisworshippedasNarayanaandinthenightPoojaheisworshippedasLakshmi Narayana.Whilethegoddessisdressedintheusualmanner,theGodduringthisPoojais dressedasaSanyasi.Latertheywillkeepallmaterialnecessaryfordoingpoojainthe sanctumsanctorumbeforeclosingthedoor,inthebeliefthatsageDurvasawouldcome inthenightanddoPoojatotheLord. ApartfromLordVallabhathistemplealsohastemplesofVaraha,Dakshinamurthy, Sastha,Ganapathi,KoorainAppan,AyalyakshiandMayayakshi. PerformingKathakaliisoneofthemainformsofworshiptothisLord.Itseemswhen VilwamangalathuSwamiyarvisitedthistemple,hefoundtheLordwatchingKathakali alongwitheveryone.Sotheykeepaseatcoveredwithsilkandakeepalitlampnearthis cdivineseat,whenKathakaliisperformedatthistemple. IntheKumbhamonth(FebruarymarchthereisanArattutotheGod,IntheMeena month(MarchApril)againthereisagrandfestivalcalledUthraSeeveli.

29ThiruvithikouUyyavandaPerumal
ThisisoneoftheVaishnaviteDivyadesamslocatedinKerala.Itislocatedabout2km fromPatambi,whichisavillagewitharailwaystationnearShoranur.Youhavetoget downinPattambi,crosstheBhatathaPuzhaRiverandwalkabout2kmtoreachthis temple.ThistemplealsoiscalledThirivichikodu,ThiruvinchiKoduandAnjumoorthi temple. AssoonasyouenterthetempleyouseeLordShivafacingtheeast.Behindhimisthe templeforLordVishnu.HeiscalledasUyyavandaPerumal(Thelordwhocametogive salvation).HeisalsocalledAbhayapradhan(Onewhosavesyou)andalsoasAbath sagayar.ThegoddessiscalledVithuvakottuvalliandalsoasPadmapaninachiyar. ThistemplehasbeensungaboutbyKulasegaraAzhvar,whowasaCheraprinceas wellasoneoftheTwelveAzhwarsofTamilNadu. PeoplebelievethatoriginallythistemplewasbuiltbykingAmmbareesha,Thisking usedtoobserveEkadasifastreligiouslyandtakefoodafterfeedingaBrahminthenext day.ItseemsoncesageDurvasacametohisplaceonanEkadasidayandacceptedhis invitationtotakefoodonDwadasi.Hewenttotakebathinthenearbyriverbutdidnot comebacktillDwadasithithiwasover.KingAmbarreshatookParanaibeforeDurvasa camebackatthepropertime.SageDurvasagotveryangryandsentanogretokillhim.
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ButLordVishnucameandsavedAmbareeshabykillingtheogre.Durvasarealizedhis mistakeandrequestedthekingspardon.AmbareeshathenrequestedtheLordtoappear himfromalldirections.ThefivestatuesoftheLordaresupposedtohavebeen consecratedbythePanchaPandavas.ThecentreonebyYudhishtra,theoneinthewest byArjuna,thatintheleftbyBhemasena,thatintherightbyNakula.ItseemsSahadeva alsojoinedintheworshipofthestatueintheright. ItisalsobelievedthatkingAmabareeshaattainedsalvationinthistemple.

30KaviyurShivaandHanumanTemple
Thissmallvillageisnearisabout56kmfromThiruvalla.TheShivatemplehereis about100yearsold.Thearchitectureofthetempleisreallygreat.TheShivainthis templeisnotaswayambhu. Thereisastoryaboutitsconsecration.ItseemsLordRamaonhiswaybackto AyodhyafromSriLanka,wantedtobuildaShivatemplehere.Soheentrustedthejobof gettingagoodShivaLingatoHanuman.Hanumanwhowasproudofhiscapabilitieswas lateinarrivingwithashivaLinga.Butbythattimetheholytime(muhurtha)waspassing away.SoLordRamatookastonefromtheneighboringmountainandshapedaShiva Lingaoutofitandconsecratedithere.WhenHanumancameback,theconsecrationwas alreadyover.Hanumanwasterriblydisappointedandrealizedthathispowerwasgranted tohimbyLordRama.ThenLordRamarequestedHanumantodoThapashereforsome time.Obeyinghiswords,afterthepattabhishekaofLordRama,Hanumanspentsome timehere.ThenitwascalledKapiyoor(Thevillageofthemonkey).Laterovertimethe namebecameKaviyoor.(thevillageofpoets).(anexactlysimilarstoryistoldaboutthe ShivaLingaofRameswaramtemple,except,itistoldthatSitafashionedtheLingaout ofsandandaftercomingwithaLingafromKasi,Hanumantriedtobreakit.) ThehanumantempleinsidetheShivatempleisconsideredasveryimportantby devotees.HanumanidolmadeofPanchalohahastheHanumanwhotoldthestoryof RamayanatoGoddessSitaintheAsokaVana.Peoplebelievethatbydoing PandhirunazhiinthistempleandbyofferingbeatenricetoLordHanuman,theirwishes canbecompletelyfulfilled. ThereisatendayfestivalstartingwiththiruvadiraintheShivatempleandHanuman Jayanthi(MoolamofDhanumonthNovemberdecember))iscelebratedintheHanuman temple.

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31TrichurVadakkunathantemple
VadakkunathantemplealsoknownasThenKailasam(KailasamoftheSouth)and VrishabhachalamoccupiestheprideofplaceonahilltopinthecenterofTrichurtownof Kerala.TheMalayalamnameforTrichurisTrisivaPerur(ThebigtownofholyShiva). PeoplebelievethatthisisoneofthefistconsecrationsdonebySageParasuramaafter herecoveredthepresentlandofKeralafromthesea.ItseemsherequestedLordShivato showhimtheproperspottobuildatemple.LordShivathensenthissteedNandiand Simhodaratochooseaproperplaceforthetemple.Theychosethepresentplaceand LordParasuramaconsecratedthepresenttemplehereforLordShiva.Itseemshealso consecratedthestatuesofLordRamaandLordShankaranarayanainthistemple.Besides thesethreeGods,thetemplealsohasLordGanapathy,andGoddessParvathy. IntheShankaraVijaya,itismentionedthatAdhiShankarasparentscametothis templeanddidBhajanam(prayer)forason.LordShivablessedthemwithAdhi Shankara.SomepeoplealsobelievethatexceptfortheLordShivainthistempleallother GodswereconsecratedbysageAdhiShankarawhenhevisitedthisplace.Thereisalsoa beliefthatAdhiShankarawrotehismagnumopusSoundaryaLahariextollingthe virtuesofGoddessParavathiinthistemple. Therearemanyinterestingstoriesaboutthisgreattemple.Someofthemare: 1.WhenPoonthanamNamboodirididpoojainthistemple.,LordShivaappeared beforehimasLordVishnuandtoldtheassembledpeopleabouttheonenessofthe Gods. 2.WhenAdhiShankaracameherehefirstdidPoojatoLordShiva.Buthewasnot abletowalktothetempleofPravathywhichisbehindthistemple.Atthattimea babygirlcameandofferedhimacupofmilk.ButAdhiShankaracouldnotlift hishandstorecievthemilk.Hetoldthebaby,IdonothaveShakthi(strength)to receivethiscupfromyou..Thenthegirltoldhim,Thatisbecauseyouseemto haveforgottenaboutShakthi.Itseemsthenherealizedhismistakeandstarted composingprayersinpraiseoftheGoddess.SoundaryaLahariisamongthefirst anditwascomposedhere. 3.OnceahandsomesaintusedtodailysingthepraiseoftheLord.Allthewomen devoteesusedtowatchhimwithgreatdevotion.Butitseems,allthechildren bornafterthathadthefeaturesofthehandsomesaint.Peoplestartedgetting perturbed.ThenLordShivasenthiswhitebulltothistemple.Thenpeoplesaw thatalltheCalvesbornafterthatwerewhite.Thentheyrealizedtheirmistakeand
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requestedpardonofthegreatsaint..Thestatueofthiswhitebullisstillinthis temple. 4.ThestatuteofVadakkunathanisthatofthehunterwhogavePasupathasthrato Arjuna.Inthealtercation,ArjunahittheLordwithhisbow.Thiscausedawound. Whenthedoctorswereconsulted,theytoldthatpouringofGheeoverthewound willcureit.BecauseofthisthemainworshipoftheShivatempleisAbhisheka (Anointment)withghee.Sincethishasbeengoingonforages,wewillnotableto seetheGodbutonlyamountainofghee.Itisawonderofwondersthatthisghee nevergetsspoiledandnevermelts.Onceinawhileasmallportionoftheghee fallsfromthismountainofghee.Thisisgiventothedevoteesanditisbelieved thatithaslotofcurativeproperties. 5.Thereisbiggroundof18acressurroundingthetemple.Thiswasonceupona timeateakwoodforest(EventodayitiscalledThekkinKadu(teakwoodforest), onegreatkingofCochinwhowasinterestedinthedevelopmentofTrichurtown orderedtheclearingoftheforest.ThenthesoothsayerofParmekkavutempletold himthattheteakwoodtreesarethehairsofthegoddessandshouldnotbecut. ButShakthanThamburanfirstcutofftheheadofthesoothsayerandlatercleared theforest. AnotherstrangefactaboutthetempleisthatthoughTippuSultanmarchedthroughTrichurhedid notcauseanyharmothetemple. TherearenofestivalsinthistempleexcepttheobservationofShivaRathri.But severaltemplesintheneighbourhoodvizThiruvambadi,Chembukkavu,Paramekkavu, Naithalakkavu,Panekkampalli,Karamukku,Ayyanthol,Lalooru,Kanimangalamand PanekkampallicometoseeLordShivaontheTrichurPooramdayalongwiththeir elephants.Thirtyelephantsassembleinthecourtyard,.Thosenighthugequantitiesof crackersareburst.ThisfestivalisoneofthegreatestfestivalsinKerala. Inthistemplethereisaveryelaborateroutineforavisit.Asgivenintheprayer VadakkunathandeDarshanaKramam. Firstwehavetotakebathinthetankwhichistothewestofthetemple.Thenwehaveto Goroundthebanyantreeseventimes.Andenterthetemplethroughthemaingate.Inthe leftthereisthepitmadebyArjunasbow.Wehavetowashourlegsthereandvisitthe LordKrishnastemple.ThenwehavetosalutethestatueofNandifollowedbysaluting LordParsuramasstatue.TherewehavealsosalutetheSimhodharanwhowasoneofthe cofoundersofthetemple.LaterwehavetowalktowardsnorthandsaluteLord ViswanathaofBenares..Thenwehavetowalktowardssoutheastandclimbingthe
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stonesaluteLordRamanathaofRameshwaramandLordNatarajaofChidambaram.Then wehavetomovesouthandsalutetheBhagawathiofKodungallore,andlaterthe BhagawathyofOorakamandthenlaterLordBharathofIrinjalakkuda.Thenwehaveto meditateonVedaVyasaandwritethe51alphabetsonthestoneofVyasa.Thenwehave tosaluteLordAyyappaandwalktowardsnorth.Therewehavetopluckaflower,wear itandaftersalutingtheconchandtheholywheelenterthetempleofLordShankara Narayana.Andoffersalutationstothepictureontheleft,offerprayerstoBhoomiswara andthenenterthetempleofLordShiva. TherewehavetosalutethelearnedpeoplesittingintheMandapandsalutethedance ofChandikaontheleftside. ThenwithalldevotionsalutetheVadakkunathan.Gototherightandagainsalutethe Lord..TheninordersaluteBhagawathy,Ganapathi,andtheGodinthecentreinthe south,thenGanapathi,thenBhagawathiandthenagainVadakkunathan.

32ChothanikkaraBhagawathitemple

ThisisthemostfamoustempleofKeralawherementallydisturbedpeople,comeinthousandsand getcured.Thistempleis8KMawayfromThripoonithuraasuburbofCochin. Therearetwomaintempleshere.OneassoonasweenteristhetempleofRajarajeswariandthe onebehinditinaslightlylowerelevationcalledKeezhekavuhasBhadraKaliconsecratedthere. TheRajarajeswariisworshippedasGoddessSaraswathiinthemorning,worshippedasBhadrakali inthenoonandDurgainthenight.Thistempleopenseverydayat4AM.Peoplebelievethat GoddessMookambikaofKollurattendsthefirstworshipherebeforegoingtohertemple.Another peculiarityofthistempleisthattheGoddessisnotfixedtothegroundbutrestsonsand.Nearby heristhestatueofLordVishnu.SothedevoteesalwaysprayhertogetherwithherbrotherLord NarayanaandsayAmmeNarayana.
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Itseemsoncetheplacethistempleislocatedwasadenseforest.Therelivedatribalmancalled Kannappan,whosewifehaddied.KannappanwasagreatdevoteeofGoddessParvathy.Heusedto dailysacrificeananimaltohisfavouriteGoddess.Hehadacutedaughterwhowasveryfondofher pet,whichwasacow.Sinceherfatherusedtosacrificecows,shekeptherpetcowverynearher andlookedherafterwell.OnedayKannappancouldnotgetanyanimaltosacrificetoherGoddess. Soheorderedhisdaughtertogiveherpetcow,forthatdayssacrifice.Hisdaughterrequested Kannappantosacrificeherinstead.TheheartofKannappanchangedandherealizedthathewas doingawrongthingbypracticinganimalsacrifice.HeandthepetcowstayednearthetemplesBali stonetheentirenight.Inthemorning,thecowherselfhadturnedintoastone.Thatplaceiscalled Pavazhamallithara(Placeofthecoraljasmineflower).Peoplebelievethatpetcowofdaughterof KannappanwasindeedGoddessMahalakshmi.ThatdayLordVishnuappearedbeforeKannappan andpardonedhissinsanddecidedtobepresentinthetemplealongwiththeGoddess.Thatishow theconceptofLakshmiNarayanacameintothistemple.TheplacewhereKannappanusedto sacrificehiscowsisthelocationoftheKeezhekavilBhagawathi. Itseemsthistemplelocationwasrediscoveredaccidentallybyalowcastegrasscutter,whofound thatbloodwasflowingoutofastonewhichsheaccidentallycut.ThatdaytheBrahminofthe Yedattuhousecamealongwiththepuffedriceinacoconutshellandthiswasofferedtothe Goddessforthefirsttime.Eventodaythissystemofofferingpuffedriceinacoconutshell continues.TheBrahminsofYedattuhousebecamepriestsatthistemple.ItwasAdhiShankarawho visitedthetemple,whobroughtintotheStatuethepresenceofMookambika.Itseemswhen VilwamangalamSwamiyarvisitedthistemplehesawapowerfulhalooflightoverthetemple pond.HeinstitutedasearchandthepresentstatueofKeezhekavuwasfoundinthetank.Thereis alsoastoryofcertainGupthanNamboodiriwhowaspursuedbyaYakshi.ItseemstheYakshitook aformofaprettymaidenandtriedtoenticetheNamboodiri.SinceNamboodiriwascarryinga DeviMahatmyambook,shewasnotabletodoanything.ButbeingattractedbyherGupthan Namboodiriwantedtoleavethebook,withhismagicianfriendKosapilliNamboodiri.Themagician foundoutthattheladywasaYakshi.HegaveGupthanNamboodirianenchantedtowel.Withthe enchantedtowelGupthanranuptotheChottanikkaratemple.Therehethrewthetoweloutside andjumpedintothetemple.TheYakshiwhowaspursuinghimcouldcatchholdofhisfeet.When Gupthancriedforhelpfromthemother,shecameoutandcuttheYakshiintopiecesandthrew herintothetempletank.ThattankisknowntodayasYakshikkulamorRakthakulam.Itisto KeezheKavuBhagawathithatthementallydisturbedpeopleturntoforacure.Theyarebrought tiedtothetemple.Assoonastheyseethegoddess,especiallyduringtheGuruthi(anointingwith redsaffronliquid),theystartjumpinguncontrollably.Atnightafter8.30Pm,thereisavaliya GuruthiinwhichGuruthifrom12hugevesselsispouredovertheGoddess.Itseemsifthementally disturbedpeopleseethisGuruthidaily,thespiritwhichisaffectingthemwillrunaway.Thereis alsoapalatree,inwhichthesepeopledrivehugenailsbyknockingthenailswiththeirforeheads.

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Peoplewhoarehavingaweakmindandareeasilyscaredarerequestednottogotothe Keezhekkavutemple.TherearealsotemplesofLordShiva,GanapathiandNagarinthistemple. ThemajorfestivalofthistempleisinthemonthofKumbam(Februarymarch).Thegoddess comesoutofthetempleblessesallandafterritualbath(aarattu)goesbacktothetemple. InthesamemonthontheMakhastardaybetween2:Pmto5Pm,thereisaobservanceof MakhamthozhalPeoplebelievethatifunmarriedpeopledothat,theywillgetmarriedandif marriedpeopledothattheunderstandingbetweenhusbandandwifewouldincrease.

33ChandanakkavuGanapathiTemple
ThisuniquetemplemanagedbyShaivaVellalarsofTamilNaduissituatedinaplace calledChandakkavuwhichisabout16kmfromthetownofAleppy.Itseemsthatalarge numberofShaivaVellalarsmigratedtoplacesnearAleppyinsearchofjob.Oneofthem broughtaGanapathistatuefromShanrkaranayinrkoilinTirunelvelidistrictof TamilNadu.InitiallyasmalltemplewasbuiltinaplacecalledPurakkadu,whichwasin theshoresofthesea.Oncethistemplewasdestroyedbytheseawaves.Thenthey requestedthekingofChampagaserrytoallotthemlandtobuildatempleoftheirown. Thekinggavethem3acresinChandanakkavuinitiallytheyonlybuiltaGanapathi temple.LatertheyaddedaDurgaofUjjainiwith18hands.Sheiscalledas MutharammaninthistempleandisthefamilydeityoftheVellalars.Slowlytheyadded LordShiva,Brahmarakshas,Yoginidevi,Madasamy,Bhairavaswamy,Nagarajaand NagaYakshi,MadasamyandBhairavasamyaretheguardianGodsofsomeofthese families. ThemostimportantfestivaloftheGanapathitempleisVinayagaChathurthi.Thatdaya mahaGanapathiHomamisheldthere.BesidesthiseveryFridayaGanapathihomamis alsoconducted. Theshivatemplewhichisinthenortheastisconsideredasveryimportant. MruthyunjayaHomamleadingtolonglifeisconductedhereonrequest.Shivarathriis celebratedinagrandscale.Onthatdaylittlechildrenwillbringallthenecessitiesof PoojaonaKavadifromthenearbySaraswathiTemple. TherearespecialpoojasforMutharammanduringtheMandalaperiod.Onthetenth dayofChithirai(Medamasam),PongalisofferedbyladiestoMutharamman. ThiruvairanikkulamShivatemple ThistempleofShivaissituatednearavillagecalledSrimoolanagaram,inthebanksof Periyar,nearthetownofAlwaye
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ThetempleconsistsoftwotemplesOnededicatedtoLordShivafacingtheeastand anotherdedicatedtoGoddessParvathiwhichisfacingthewest.Thepeculiarityofthis templeisthatwhileLordShivastempleisopenallroundtheyear,thetempleof Parvathiisopenonlyfor12daysinayear.Thereisaninterestingstorybehindthis practice. ItseemstheShivatemplewasnotherebutinaplacecalledIranikkulamnear Irinjalakkuda.AnoldNamboodirifromSrimoolanagaramwhowasadevoteeoftheGod ShivausedtodailycrosstheriverandwalkalongdistancetopraytothisGod.There wasaboatmancalledChathan,whousedtokeepastoneboatandwhousedtohelpthe Namboodiritocrosstheriver.(HewasoneofthosegreatpeoplecalledParachiPetha PandheeruKulam)WhentheNamboodiribecameveryold,onedayhecriedbeforeLord Shivaandtoldhim,OhGod,thisismylastvisit.Isimplycannotcomeandseeyou. Thatdaywhilereturninghome,Namboodirifeltthathisumbrellawasunusuallyheavy. Butassoonashecrossedtheriverandgotdown,itbecameverylight.Chathan,,theboat mantoldNamboodirithatLordShivahadcomealongwithhimintheumbrellaandas soonashegotdown,hasoccupiedsomeplaceinthevillage.Nextdayaladygrasscuter, whenshewascuttingthegrass,happenedtocutastoneandthestonestartedbleeding .Thatwomenwasterriblyscaredandranaboutthreekilometersanddiedatthatplace .ChathantoldallpeoplethatthestoneshecutwasGodShivaofIranikkulam.Atemple wasbuiltthereforLordShivaandtitwascalledThiruvairanikkulam.Theyalsobuilta templeforGoddessParvathi.Theplacewherethegrasscutterfellistodaycalled Varanattumadam.InthisplaceannuallyaspecialPoojacalledIrukkiPoojaisconducted everyyear.AfterthepoojapuffedriceisgivenasPrasada.Peoplebelievethatbytaking thispuffedricealldiseasesarecured.ThestoneboatoftheChathanisstillpreservedin thistemple. InitiallyitseemsthepriestusedtokeepallmaterialformakingofferingtoGod (Naivedyam)inthetempleofGoddessParvathiandclose.Aftersometime,thefully cookedNaivedyamwaspreparedandkeptreadyinhertemplebyGoddessParvathi.One dayonedevoteepeepedthroughtheWindowastoseewhatwashappeninginsidethe ParvathitempleandhesawthatGoddessParvathiherselfwascookingtheNaivedyam. ButbecauseofthistheGoddessgotveryangryandaskedthepriesttocloseherdoorsfor ever.Allthedevoteeswailedandrequestedhertopardontheactoftheillconceived devotee.Thegoddesspardonedhimbutgavepermissionforherdoortobeopenedfor only12daysinayear. HertemplegateopensonTheThiruvadirafestivalday.Aminstrelsingercalled BrahmaniammasingsabouttheGoddessbeforehergatesareopened.Recentlytheonly
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memberofthatfamilycalledSridevirefusedtosingatthefestival.Itseemsherhusband becameterriblysickandgoddessappearedinherdreamandpointedouttoherthatshe wasinsultingtheGoddess.Sridevirealizedhermistakeandstartedsinginginthefestival again.Notonlyherhusbandwascuredbutshewasalsoblessedwithdivinepowers. SinceanybodywithprayerformarriageorchildbirthwhovisittheGoddessParvathi duringthose12days,getstheirprayersfulfilled,largenumberofdevotesfromallparts ofKeralavisitthetempleduringthattime.

34ARpudaNarayanatemple,Thirukodithaanam
ThisisoneofthefewtemplesinKeralawhichisadivyadesamofVaishnavas.This meansthatithasbeensungbyoneofthe12Azhwars,theminstrelsofVaishnavismof TamilNadu.InfactNammazhwaroneofthegreatestsaintsinthispantheonhassung aboutthistemple. Thistempleisabout3kmfromChanganaseerytown,whichisnearKottayam.The GodinthistempleiscalledArpudaNarayana(Narayanaofwonder)oramrutha Narayana(Narayanawhoisnectar)).ItisbelievedthattheGodinthistempleis consecratedbySahadeva,theyoungestofthePandavas.ItseemsSahadevawantedto buildatempleforLordVishnuhere.Sincehewasnotabletogetaproperidolhe decidedtodiebyenteringthefire.Buttheninthefire,hegotthepresentidolofLord Vishnu.SinceitwasagreatsurprisehepreferredtocallitArpudaNarayana.Itis believedthatevery60yearsthisidolgetsextrapowerandatthebeginningofthedeluge, thisidolwillconvertitselfintolightandmergewithheaven. TheGodinthistempleisinastandingposeandhasfourhands.Thegoddessiscalled KarpagaValli.ThereisalsoatempleforLordNarasimha,whichispossiblyalater addition.Onthesouthernpartofthetempletherearetwotemples,oneforLord DakshinamurthyandtheotherforLordGanapathi.Boththesetemplesdonothavedoors. NormallyPalPayasam(milkKheer)isdailyofferedtoLordNarasimha.Itis believedthatthisbeingdonetoreducehisfierceness. ThistemplealsohassubtemplesforLordSubrahmanya.,Nagar(snake),Lord AyyappaandGoddessKali.TheDasavatharsarecarvedinthistemple. ItisbelievedthatKingRukmangadhausedtoruleoverthisplace.Itseemsheusedto maintainagreatflowergarden.ItseemsDevasusedtostealtheflowersandtakeitto heaven.Thekingssoldierscaughtthem.Becauseofthisthedevas,losttheirpowerto gobacktoheaven,.TheythenrequestedKingRukmangadatogivetheeffectof

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observationofEkadasibyhim.Whenhegaveittothem,theywereabletogobackto heaven. ThereisgrandtendayfestivalinthemonthofVruschigam(NovemberDecember) .Duringthistime1008lampsarelitinthistemple.Oncelit,theselampsburnallnight. ThereasonwhyKarthigaifestivaliscelebratedinaVishnutempleisasfollows.It seemsonceLordShivaappearedbeforeLordVishnuandLordBrahmaasaballoffire. Unabletobeartheheat,theyprayedLordShiva.ThenonKarthigaiday,LordShiva transformedhimselfintoasmalllamp..ThereareTamilinscriptionsinthistemple indicatingthefactthatonceuponatime,thisplacewasruledbyTamilkings.Thisplace intheseinscriptionsasNandruUzhaithaNadu(Thecountrywhichworkedhard). ItisalsobelievedthatKuntithemotherofPandavasdiedinthisplace..Thereisa customoflightinglampsinthecornerwherethishappened. RecordsindicatethatthisplacewasaGadigaSthanawhereVedasweretaughtto people.ThepresentnamemusthavederivedoutofGadika. ThewallssurroundingthistemplearefamousandaresupposedtobebuiltbyGhosts. Theyareanarrangementofstonesnotpastedbyanymaterial.Eventoday,noharmhas cometothesewalls.

35PanachikkaduBhagawathiTemple
ThistempleissituatednearSingavanam,whichisaplaceinbetweenKottayamand Changanassery.ItistheonlytempleofGoddessSaraswathiinKerala.Peoplealsocallit DakshinaMookambika(Mookambikaofthesouth). TherewerethreeNamboodirifamiliesnearthistemple.Oneofthemwas KizhuppuramNamboodiri.Sincehedidnothavechildren,hedecidedtoundertakea pilgrimagetoKasi.OnthewayhevisitedtheTempleofMookambika.Thatnight Goddesscameinhisdreamandtoldhim,Youdonothavethelucktohavechildrenin thisbirth.OneladyofKarunattuhouseinyourplacewillgivebirthtotwins.Ifyou requestthem,theywillgiveoneofthemforadoptionbyyou.Oncethisboygrowsuphe willhave10childrenandyourfamilywouldgrowinleapsandbounds. TheNamboodirireturnedhomeandkepthisumbrellaintheshoresofthetempletank andwenttotakebath.Butafterbathhewasnotabletomovetheumbrella.Asagewho camethereatthattimetoldhimthatGoddessMookambikawantstohaveatemplethere andhecangetherstatue,neartheforestofthelocalVishnutemple.Hewastoldthata Yakshiwasguardingthatstatue,sobeforetakingpossessionofthestatue,heshould
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pleasetheYakshibyofferingherTendercoconutwater,friedricepowderandJaggery. Herecoveredthatstatueandconsecrateditfacingtheeast.Accordingtothewordsof thesagehealsoconsecratedinthesameplaceanotherstatuefacingwest.Onlythestatue facingthewestisworshipped.Thisstatuedoesnothaveanyform.Butthestatuefacing eastwhichhasaformisnotworshipped.Mountainandwaterfallssurroundthistemple. Waterwouldbefallingonthestatuealways.Thiswaterisremovedconstantlyandis usedforthepoojaatthistemple.Oppositethestatue,astonelampwillalwayskept burning.Nearbyroughsandisspreadonthewall.AftersalutingtheGoddesspeople writeHarisreeGanapathayeNamaonthesand.Peoplebelievethatbydoingthistheir knowledgewouldincreaseandtheywouldbecomeveryintelligent. PlantscalledPanathiKuthuChedicompletelysurroundtheGoddessfacingeast.Itis notpermittedtocutorremovetheseplants.Peoplesaythatthisplanthasneverever wilted.Sometimesduetowindorrain,theplantisdisturbedandwemaybeabletosee theGoddess.Butthisisveryrare. JustabovetheSaraswathiidol,theRakshasas,Nagar(snake)andYakshiare consecrated.ForanyimportantpoojaorchangeintheSaraswathitemple,itisacustom toseekthepermissionofYakshiandthenonlydoit.Itisthecustominthistempleto offerTrimadhuraminthemorning,milkandsugarinthenoonandJaggerypayasam madeofriceatnight. TheNavarathrifestivaliscelebratedinagrandmannerinthistemple.OnVijaya Dasamiday,allchildrenwhoaregoingtostartlearningarebroughthere,placedinthe lapofGuru.HewritesHarisreeonthetoungueofthechildusingsilverorgoldcoin. LatertheyaremadetowriteHarisreeonthesand. SaraswathaGhruthmSaraswathaghruthampurifiedandenrichedwith saraswathasookthamthousandtimesrepeatedisgiventothedevoteesfromthetemplewhichisa medicineforboostingmemorypowerbythegraceofDevi. Thetempleisopenbetween5.30Amto11.30amandbetween5Pmand7.30Pm.

36KumaranalloreKarthyayanitemple
Kumarnallurisasmallvillagewhichis4kmfromthetownofKottayam.Thegoddessin thisplaceisconsideredasverykind,mercifulandsoft.SheisKarthyayani. Itseemslonglongago,oncethenosestudofgoddessMeenakshiofMaduraiwas stolen.Thekingsuspectedtheinnocentpriestandtoldthatifhedoesnotreturnthestolen
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nosestudbythenextday,hewouldbekilled.Thatnight,GoddessMeenakshiappeared inthedreamofthepriestandtoldhim,Youareingreatdanger.Iwouldbeleadingyou outofthecountryintheformoflight.Sofollowme.Thepriestdidwhathewastold andfollowedthelightandreachedKumaranallur.Therewasavacanttempleinthe villagereadyforconsecrationoftheGod.Whenthepriestcamenearthetemple,the leadinglightvanishedfromhisvision.WhenhewentinsidethetemplehesawGoddess Karthyatanisittinginsidethesanctumsanctorum.Thoughhecouldseeit,nobodyelse could.Theyallsimplylaughedatthepriest.AtthetimeKulaShekharathekingatthat placehappenedtovisitthistemple.HehaddecidedtoinstallLordSubrahmaanyainside thistemple.ButthepriestfromMaduraitoldhimthatsinceGoddesswasalreadyinside thetemple,onlygoddessKarthyatanishouldbeinstalledthere.Butthekingcouldnotsee anythinginsidethetemple.Sohetoldthepriest,ifthereisagoddessinsidelether constructatempleforherselfandleftthatplace.Butwhenhecameoutsidehewasnot abletomoveoutastheentireplacewascompletelycoveredwithfog.Herealizedhis mistakeandwentandapproachedthepriest.Thepriestthenrequestedtotouchhimand thenseeinsidethetemple.Whenthekingdidthat,hewasabletoseetheGoddess.At thattimethekingwasalsoconstructingatempleatUdayanapuramfortheGoddess.So hedecidedtoshifttheSubrahmanyatempletoUdayanapuramandshifttheBhagawathi templetothisplace.SohesentpeopletobringtheidoloftheGoddessfrom Udaayanapuram.SomehowattheappointedtimetheidoloftheGoddessdidnotreach Kumaranallur.Thegoddesscameinthedreamofthekingandtoldhim,Inawellinthe forestnearbythereistheidoloftheGoddesswhichwaspersonallyworshippedbyLord Parasurama.Youcanbringtheidolandconsecrateithere.Thekingdidexactlythat. Themainidolatthetempleismadeofblackstone.Itisextremelypretty,withfour handsandisinastandingposture.Shelikestobeshoweredwithturmericpowderand thatisthemajorworshipinthistemple.Unlikeothertemples,theworshipbylights (Deeparadhana)ofthistempleinnotdoneatduskbutatnight.Thereishugestonelamp infrontofthetemple,whichwasgiftedbythekingofChembakassery.Atatime24 wickscanburnfromthislamp.Lightingthislampisalsooneoftheimportantmethodsof worship.SincetheoriginalpriestcamefromMadurai,eventodaythepriestsfamilyis calledMaduraiNamboodiri. JustoutsidethetemplethereisatempleofVanaDurga.Thereisnoroofforthis temple.SheiscalledAalingalBhagwathi(ThegoddessoftheBanyantree),possibly becauseitwasoriginallyconsecratedbelowaBanyantree.ThereisalsoaTempleof ayyappaonthewestsideofthetemple.HeiscalledManibhooshananinthistemple. ThereisasmalltempleforLordShivainthesouthernside. ThemajorfestivalinthistempleistheKarthigaFestivalinthemonthof
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Vruschiga(OctoberNovember)inthisfestivalthereisausualparadeoftheelephantsbut inthistempleonlysheelephantscanparticipate.PeoplebelievethatalltheGodsare presentwithKarthyayaniontheKarthigaday.Thereisastorythatonthatday VilwamangalamSamiyarhappenedtovisitVadakkunathantemplebutfoundthatthe Godwasnotthereinthetemple.Hesawhiminaparticularspotofthetemplewatching thefestivalatKumaranallur. AfterthemorningworshiptheymaketheGoddesswearhergoldendress.Thisis removedonlyonthenextday. PeoplebelievethatbyWorshippingKarthyayani,yourmarriagewouldbesettled quickly,thechildrenwouldbecomeintelligentetc.

37MangombuBhagawathitemple
Mangombuisaveryprosperousislandabout15kmawayfromAleppytown.Mostof peopleinthisvillagecultivatehighrisepaddy.Youcangotothisislandonlybyboat. Nowadaysthereisarrangementtocarrythevehiclesinfloats.Dr.M.S.Swaminathan,the fatherofmodernIndianAgricultureisfromthisplace. ThereisagreatBhagawathytempleinMongombu.Thereisaveryinterestingstory aboutitsorigin.DuringthereignofkingVeeraMarthandaVermaofTravancore,it seemsoneofficialcalledPavvathilKaimal.Herequestedthekingtoallothimsome forestwoodsothathecanbuildhisownhouse.ThekingaskedKaimaltocuttreesfrom MangombuhillsnearPalai.Kaimalcuttherequiredlogsandwhenhewastryingto transportthelogsbytheriver,threeveryprettywomenapproachedKaimalandrequested foralift.Kaimaltoldthem,hewouldallowthemtotravelwithhimprovidedthey becameugly.Theythentransformedthemselvestouglywomenandtravelledalongwith thelogs.WhentheboatreachedthepresentlocationofMangombu,itstoppedthereand refusedtomove.ThentheprettywomentoldKaimalthattheyweregoddessesand wantedtemplestobebuiltthere.Theythentransformedthemselvestoidols.Forthefirst GoddessatemplewasbuiltinKoyikkal,thesecondinaplacecalledVadaiattu.When theywerethinkingwheretoconsecratethethirdgoddess,Goddessenteredoneofthe peopleassembledthere.Thatmanthrewabranchofamangotreeandrequestedthemto buildatemplewhereitfalls.TheydiditasperthewishoftheGoddess.Sinceitwasthe placewherethebranchofmangofell,itwascalledMankombu,meaningBranchofa mangotree.Tillthisdaythedescendentsofthemanwhothrewthemangobranchhave asayintheaffairsofthetemple.ThetemplewasconsecratedinthemonthofMeenam (Marchapril)inthestarofBharani.Thefoundersdayiscelebratedduringthisoccasion.
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Thegoddessfaceswest.Abiglampislitallthetimewithoutstopinfrontofthe Goddess,asitisbelievedshelikeslight.Lightinglampsisoneoftheveryimportant worshipforminthistemple.InthesoutheasterncornerofthetempleoftheGoddessis thetempleofLordShiva.Soitisapracticeinthistempletocomeroundthesanctum sanctorumfourtimes.TheidoloftheGoddessismadeofJackwoodandhasafierce formofMahishasuraMardini.Butagoldenfaceandcoatisgiventothegoddesssothat shelooksverypeaceful.Thisidolhasacrownwith15serpents,hasasymbolofelephant intherightearandsymboloflionintheleftear.ShealsowearsanYerukkuMalai. RakthaPushpanjaliforfulfillingalldesiresandSwayamvaraPushpanjaliforearly marriageareperformedatthistemple.Pregnantwomenobserve12dayBhajanaminthis templeforsafedelivery.SeveraltypesofPayasamsarealsoofferedtotheGoddess. ThefirsteightdaysofMredam(aprilmay)iscelebratedasMangombuMalaketham (Moncombumountainclimbing).IrumudiwhichissimilartotheSabarimalaIrumudiis takenandpeoplegoroundthetemplewithchantingofsaranam.,Thenthenightpooja isperformedinthesoutheastofthetempleinaplacecalledMalaiNadaiMostofthe importantHindufestivalsLikeNavarathri,KrishnaJayanthi,Deepavalietcareobserved inthistemple.IntheDhanumonth(DecemberJanuaryatendayChirappuisalso observed.DuringthisfestivaltheGoddesswouldbecoveredwithsandalpaste. InthemonthofMeenam,thefoundationofthetempleiscelebrated.Akavadipoojais performedduringthisoccasion

38ChettikulangaraBhagawathiTemple
Chettikulangara,BhagawathytempleisoneoftheveryrenownedtemplesofKerala.Itis about5kmfromMavelikkaraand6kmfromKayangulam.InthistempletheGoddess appearslikeGoddessSaraswathyinthemorning,GoddessLakshmiinthenoonand GoddessDurgaatnight.Thetempleisbelievedtobe1200yearsoldandisinthemiddle of13Karas(ResidentialareasofNairs).Itisoneofthetempleswithveryhighincome runningtoseveralcroresinKerala.NairsandEzhavasplayamajorroleintheworship andconductoffestivalsinthistemple. TheidolofthetempleismadeusingJackwood.Itseemsoncetheidolgotslightly dilapidatedandthepeopledecidedtohaveanewidol.Theyafterarduoussearchlocated asuitableJackwoodtreeinaprivatecompoundinAranmula.Buttheownerofthetree refusedtogivethetreeformakingoftheidol.Thatdayitseemstheownerofthetree dreamtthathewasbeingbeatenbyTheBhadrakali.Whenhewokeupnextdayallover hisbodywerethemarkofthebeating.Immediatelyheofferedthetreeandthepresent idolwasmadefromthattree.

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Thereareseveralstoriesabouttheoriginofthistemple.Itseemsthepeopleofthis areausedtoattendthefestivalintheKoypallikarazhmaBhagavathitemplebeforethis templewasbuilt.Thatchieftainofthatvillagehumiliatedthepeopleofthisarea. BecauseofthistheyprayedGoddessBhagawathitocometotheircountry.Inthedream ofoneofthem,theGoddessappearedandtoldthatshewillcometotheircountry.Aftera fewdaysanoldwomanwasseenwalkingtowardsthetemple.Sheneededtocrossariver toreachthisplace.AChristianboatmanhelpedhertocrosstheriverandalsostarted helpinghertoreachherdestination.Onthewaythatoldladybecameverytiredandsat downbelowatree.Theboatmanwenttoanearbyhouse,wheresomeworkwasgoingon andbroughtsomeKanji(ricegruel)andchutneymadeusinghorsegram.Theoldlady tookthemandwenttoanearbytanktowashherhands.TherewasaBrahminladyin stepsofthetank.Shesawtheoldladygettingintothetankandvanishingthere.Shealso sawaverybrightlightthere.Thepeopleofthevillagecalledtheastrologerswhofound outthatthatladywasBhagawathyherself.Sotheybuiltatempleforherthere.The familyoftheChristianboatmanwereentrustedthejoboftheFirecrackerworshipinthe temple.TheyalsoofferdailytotheGoddessthericegruelandHorseGramChutney. Belowthetreewherethegoddesstookrest,theyalsobuiltatempleforhercalled Puducherrytemple. Accordingtoanotherversion,thistemplewasconsecratedbyPadmapadacharyar(a leadingdiscipleofAdiShankara)ontheUthrittathidayofMakaramonthinA.D.823. Thereisafirmargumentthatthegoddessherewasafamilydeity,andlateremergedas thevillageandregionaldeity.Localhistoriansopposetheargumentthatthetempleisnot asancientasthenearbyKandiyoorMahadevatempleorMavelikaraKrishnaSwamy templeasithadnotbeenmentionedinUnnuneeliSandesamwritteninthe14thcentury. AccordingtolateKandiyoorMahadevaShasthri,SamudraBandhanaleadingcourtier ofRaviVarman,anancientKingofVenadhadvisitedthistempleandwrotepoemson Bhagavathi.SimilarlyAadithyaKulasekharan,theKingofVenad(1374A.D.to1389 A.D.)alsohadvisitedtheChettkulangaratemple,arguesthem.However,itistobesaid thatthepresentSreekovilofthetempleisonly450480yearsold,andtheChuttambalam isnotmorethantwocenturiesold.Localhistorianssaythatthetempleinfrastructureand thesurroundingsweredevelopedbyvariouslocalchieftainsfromtimetotime.The presentSreekoilwasrevampedduringA.D.1540.Becauseofasmallfireatthistemple, theChuttambalamwasslightlymodifiedduringtheMalayalamyear1002. ItisalsobelievedthatChettikulangaraAmma(themaindeity)isthedaughterof KodungallurAmma,broughttothatplaceforthewellbeingofallpeopleat Onattukara(Mavelikara).

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Infrontofthetemplethereisahugelampinwhichyoucanputthousandwicks.One ofthemajorofferingatthetempleislightingthelamp.SincethestatueoftheGoddessis madeofJacktreewood,itiscoatedwithredpasteofKumkum(calledChandadaloften. BesidesthemaindeitytherearealsotemplesforYakshi,mukoorthi,Rakthakshi, ThevaraMurthy,KannampalliBhagawathy,Ganapathy,Nagaraja,NagaYakshi, BrahmaRakshas,ValiaAchanandBalakaninthistemple. Festivalsofthetemple TheTemplehasanumberoffestivals.Theimportantonesare Parayeduppu InthenumeroustemplesofOnattukara,the"Parayeduppu"periodisthefestivalseason. Itallbeginswhenthedeity("Devi")ofChettikulangaratempleistakenoutinprocession forParayeduppuontheMakayriamstaroftheMalayalammonthMakaram(January February).ThefestivalscontinuetotheendofMedam(AprilMay).Themainpartof ParayeduppuistheJeevathaconstructedinthemodelofthetemplestructureitself.This boxlikecarriageforthedeityrestsontwoteakwoodpolesabouttwometerslong,andis intheformofapalanquin.Thefrontresembles"Thidambu"behindwhichisakindof pettakam(smallchest)builtasperThachusaasthracalculations.Upfrontisawoollen clothembroideredwithshining,colourfulpicturesandgoldtrinkets.Behindthatiskept thedeity'sholydress,starchedandpleated,anddecoratedwithsmallmirrorpieces.More than100familiesformtheentourageofParayeduppuBhagavathysfivemonthlong visittothehomesofpeoplewholivesinherKaras TherhythmsusedduringJeevathaEzunnallathu(procession)arequitenoteworthy. Startingwithveryslowbeats,itbuildsupacrescendoandendsinfastbeats.The ensembleconsistsofVeekkanchenda,Uruttuchenda(bothdrums),Elathaalam (cymbals),KombuandKuzhal(both,windinstruments). AlthoughJeevathaEzunnallathuandParayeduppuarecenturiesoldcustoms,the "ChuvaduVechuKali"(apeculiardancewithuniquesteps)isrelativelyrecent. KumbhaBharani ThemajorfestivalatChettikulangaraisKumbhaBharaniFestival.Thisisinthemonth ofmarchorApril.ThedateisdeterminedaccordingtotheMalayalamCalendar KollaVarsham.InthatthisdaycomesinthemonthofKumbhaandthedaywhichhasthe starBharaniandhencethenameKumbhaBharani.Thehighlightofthefestivalis [Kuthiyottam]and[Kettukazha]. ThepreparationforKumbhaBharanistarts7daysbeforetheactualdayandincidentally thatdaywillbetheShivarathi.PeoplewhohadpledgedforKuthiyottamwillstart
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trainingtheirchildrenfortheofferingonthatday.Allthese7daysthesepeoplewillhost publicgettogethersandarrangefoodforthem.Thechildrenwillbetaughtaspecial dancestepscalledKuthiyootachuvadukaletc.Meanwhilethepeoplefrom13karasof chettikulangarawillarrangefortheconstructionof[Kettukazhcha]tothetemple. TheKuthiyottamprocessionsstartsearlymorningonthatdayandwilllastuntil afternoon.ThosewhohadofferedKuthiyottamtoDeviwillbringtheirchildrentothe templeasaprocessionandwillofferthechildrenbeforeDeviassacrifice.Theboyswill beplayingtheKuthiyootamdancebeforetheDevi.Duringtheeveninghoursitwillbe turnoftheKettukazhcha.PeoplefromeachareawillpulltheKettukazhchafromthe constructionsites(usuallyintheirrespectivekarasitself)tothetempletopresetthem beforetheDeviandafterhavingdarshanthepartiestakeuptheirrespectivepositionin thepaddyfieldslyingeastofthetemple Duringthenight,theimageofDeviwillbecarriedinprocessiontotheKettukazhcha stationedinthepaddyfields.Onthenextdaythesestructureswillbetakenback.Abig bazaarisalsoheldatChetikulangaraaspartofthisfestival. EthirelpuUlasvam Thisistheannualtemplefestival.OnthetenthdayfollowingtheKumbhaBharanithe annualfestivaliscelebratedinthetemplefor13days.Eachdayofthefestivalis organizedbyresidentsofeachKaranumbering13.specialritualsareheldinthetemple premises.Everyafternoon,culturalprocessionsstartformeachKaratothetemple premises,withtheaccompanimentofdrums,ornamentedumbrellas,kuthiyottamsongs, displayofeventsfromtheMahabharathaandtheRamayana,classicalartforms,folkart form,differenttypeofmusic,decoratedstructuresandcaparisonedelephants. DuringtheritualsatthetempleThottampattuissung.Thottampattuisadevotionalsong sungbyacertainsectionofthecommunityresidinginthefaroffTrivandrum.Thissong issunginthetempleonlyduringtheEtheralpufestival.Performanceofclassicalartsandother templeartsareconductedintheeveninginthetemplepremises AswathyUlasvam TheuniqueritualsduringtheAswathyfestivalclearlyconveythefirmbondageand humanpathosatthetimeofseparationbetweenthepeopleandtheirbelovedBhagavathy. HeldintheAswathydayinthemonthofMeenom(MarchApril),thisfestivalis attractingalargenumberofvisitors.Thisfestivalisimaginedasasendofftothedeityon herjourneytovisithermotheratKodungallur.Intheevening,100odddecorated [Kettukazhcha]anddifferenteffigiesarebroughttothetemplemainlymadebythe children.ThoughthesizeoftheseKettukazhchaarecomparativelysmallerthantheones
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madeforBharanifestival,thenumberofKettukazhchaprovideavisualimpacteven challengingtheaestheticeffectofBharani.Duringtheday,Bhagavathyvisitsthefour karassurroundingthetempleforParayeduppuandofficialAnpolisaregivenbyKara leadersatKuthirachevudu,theplacewhereKuthirasaremade.Afterthatshevisitsand blessestheofferingsdisplayedatthetemplepremises. Bydawn,shedecidestoleave,andseekstheirpermissiontoleaveforKodungallur.The peopleofthefirstfourkarasmakePolavilakku(alargestructuredrawnonwheels decoratedwithtenderbananastemandlightedwithnumeroustraditionallamps)during herfarewellprocession.TheyofferheragrandfarewellprocessionwithAappindi[a uniqueslowpaceddancecarryingapyramidshapeboxonhead).Aappindiwillbe embellishedwithcrackers,pookkula(clusterofcoconutflowersinflorescence),and willbecoveredwithtenderbananastemsandThalapppoli(traditionalsacredlamps carriedbyladies). PeoplefromKaithaNorthandKaithaSouthparticipateinthefunctionwith Thiruvantham.ItissaidthatThiruvantham,apalanquintypestructurewithfireballsand carriedbyfourpeople,isthelightofDarika,whichincensestheBhagavathy.Shescares themaway.Aftertheprocession,sheagainvisitstheUpaprathishtasandasksthepeople andothergodstolethervisithermotheratKodungallur. Bydawn,sheproceedswithlightningspedtowardswest.Normally,withinthe100 meters,thePoojariscarryingtheJeevathawillfalldownunconsciously,andtheJeevatha willbetakenbacktothetemple. Thetemplewillremainclosedfortheday,andwillbeopenedonlythedayafter.The Aswathyfestivalconcludesthefivemonthlongfestivitiesatthistemple. Kettukazhcha KettukazhchaisanofferingofthepeopleofChettikulangaratotheirbeloveddeity knownforherspontaneousblessingsontruedevoteesasamarkofgratitude,devotion, unflinchingfaith,andforshoweringprosperityandprotectiontotheirlives.Kettukazhcha displaysdeftlysculptedanddecoratedformsofsixtemplecarsknownasKuthiras,five Therus(Chariots)andiconsofBhimaandHanuman.Allthetemplecars,chariotsand theiconsareallincrediblygiganticinsizeandaremanytimeslargerthananyother similarKuthirasandTherusbuiltduringthefestivitiesatothertemplesintheCentral Travancoreregion.Onthemove,theseoutoftheworldskyscrappingcolourful decorationsareelectrifying,andwillcreateanunforgettableartisticimpressioninunion, especiallyduringthenightinthebackdropofilluminatedlights.Chettikulangara
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Kettukazhchaheraldsthearchitecturalandaestheticacumenoftheancientpeopleof Chettikulangara,whocouldconvertanimprobableoutoftheworldconcepttoan enormousartisticreality,achievedbycollectivehardshipsandwillpower. Lineageaccordingtohistorians HistoriansattributetheconceptofKettukazhchassimilartothearchitectureofthe Buddhatraditioninsquare,rectangularandpyramidshapes,totheremnantsofthe BuddhaculturewhichwaswidelyprevalentintheCentralTravancoreregionafew centuriesago. ManyhistorianscitethatthefamousChettikulangaraKettukazhchainthepresentformis notmorethan180to200yearsold,andwasstartedduringtheearlypartofthe19th century. Accordingtoapopularlegend,agroupofvillagechieftainsandtheirworkerswentfor civilworkstoconstructtheKollamChavaraThodu(canal),about50kmawayfrom Chettikulangara,inaccordancetothedecisionfromthethenruleroftheregion.Butthey couldnotreturntotheirnativeplaceduetotheunforeseeninordinatedelayincompletion ofthecanal.Theypleadedwiththeauthorities,buttheirrequestwasturneddown.During theperiod,theygotanopportunitytovisitthetemplefestivitiesatKollam Mulankagakamtemple,andwereattractedbytheKettukazhchathere.Theyvowedto theirlocaldeityChettikulangaraBhagavathy,thattheywouldconstructKettukazhchas forhereveryyear,iftheywereallowedtoleaveforChettkulangaraimmediately.Totheir surprise,theywereallowedtoreturntoChettikulangaratheverynextday,andas promised,theymadehugeKettukazhchasandtookthemtotheirBhagavathyspremises. Kuthiras Kuthirashaveaheightofabout70to75feets,andareaunionoffourpartsAdikkoottu, Kathirakal,Edakkodaram,PrabhadaandMelkkoodaram,oneabovetheother respectively. AdikkottuthebasicstructurealsoknownasVandikkoottu,formthebasicfoundation whichconsistsoffourbigwoodenwheelsinterconnectedwithfourotherbeamsaboveit. KuthirashaveThandu,twolonghugewoodenpoleshelpfultocontrolthedirectionwhile onthemove.Thanduandthebasicstructureareinterconnectedandhavereinforced woodenbearingssimilartothemodernshockabsorbers. Kathirukalwithabout35feetheight,consistsoffourlongpolesinterconnectedwith ArecanutpolesknownasAlakuandreinforcedwithcoirandPanavalliknots.Theseare
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againstrengthenedwithKuthukathrikaorcrisscrossformationofAlakus.Kathirakalis againbifurcatedtotwopartsthelowerportionconsistingoffourtofiveextendedlayers ofThattuandCharippu(slantingpyramidshapedboxes,madeofinterconnectedAlakus andcoirformation,thendecoratedwithwhiteclothknownasVella,colourfulglittering clothesandembellishmentscalledThookku. Prabhadaconsistsofexquisitewoodencarvedsculptorsnarratingstoriesfromthe Puranas,elephantcaparisonscalledNettipattoms,ThalekkettuandAalavattomdisplayed inthebackdropofcolourfulclothesandsculptors.ManyofthePrabhadashavestories likeGajendramoksham,Vasthrapaharanam,Krishnavatharm. EdakkoodaramalmosthalfthesizeofKathirakalwithfourtofiveCharippumadeasin thelowerportion,comesabovetheKathirakal.Italsohasglitteringdifferentclothesand Vella,interlacedwithcolourfulThookkuembellishments. Melkkoodaramthetopstructureisexactlyhavingapyramidshape,andpivotaltoitisan extendedlongsculptedwoodenpoleinwhitecolourknownasNambu.Alltheseparate unitsarepulledupandplacedoneabovetheotherwiththehelpofwoodenpulleys,giant coirropescalledVadamswithalengthofover100fts.andwithhugeironstructures, drawnbyhundredsofpeople. Theru TherudoesnothavethePrabhadasandEdakkoodarams.Theirillithattuandcharippu arelargerthanthatoftheKuthirasanddiminishesinsizeupwards.Therusarealso relativelysmallerincomparisontotheKuthirasheight BhimaandHanumanThewoodeniconsofBhimamadebyMattomNorthand HanumanbroughtbyMattomsouthareprobablythelargestofitskindintheworld,and aresuretobethelargestinKerala.BhimasiconisposturedasthePandavaenrouteto killBakaonPothuVandi(vehicledrawnbybuffalos)withfoodfortheRakshasaKing. MattomsouthkaraalsobringstheiconofPanjalialongwithHanuman PreparationsforconstructingtheKettukazhchasstartfromShivarathri,aboutsixtoten dayspriortoKumbhabharani.OntheeveningofKumbhabharani,theKettukazhchasare draggedtothetemplebyhundredsofpeople,andareparadedatthepaddyfieldinfront ofthetemple.AfterBhagavathisEzhunnellipputoblesstheKettukazhchasandpeople, theKettukazhchasaretakenbacktotherespectiveKarasbynextmorning.The dismantledpartsofKettukazhchasarekeptattheKuthirappuraofeachKaras. Kuthiyottam
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Kuthiyottamisperformedasanimportantofferingtothedeity.Somepeoplebelievethat thisisthemodifiedformofNaraBaliinwhichmenwerekilledandtheirbloodwas allowedtofallontheGoddess.Thisisaritualdancepracticedandperfectedthrough severalcenturies.Itusedtobedoneonlyinhousesinthe13KarasoftheChettikulangara TemplebutafterarecentDevaPrashnamitwasallowedtoconductKuthiyottaminthe housesoutsideofthe13Karas.Thehousesaredecorated,andtheportraitofthedeityis installedintemporarystructures.KuthiyottamstartsaweekbeforeBharaniday.Itisa typeoffolkdanceperformedbyyouthswiththeaccompanimentoffolkmusicandother musicalinstruments.Youngboysbetween8to14yearsaretaughtthisritualdanceinthe houseamidstabigsocialgatheringbeforetheportraitofthedeity.Feastsarealso providedforallthepeople. EarlyinthemorningonBharani,afterthefeastandotherrituals,theboyswhosebodies arecoiledwithsilverwires,oneendofwhichistiedaroundhisneckandanarecanut fixedonthetipofaknifeheldhighoverhisheadaretakeninprocessiontothetemple withtheaccompanimentofbeatingofdrums,music,ornamentalumbrellas,andother classicalfolkartforms,andrichlycaparisonedelephants. Allthroughthewaytothetempletendercoconutwaterwillbecontinuallypouredonhis body.AfterthecircumambulationtheboysstandsatapositionfacingtheSreekovil (SanctumSanctorum)andbeginstodance.Thisceremonyendswithdraggingthecoil piercedtotheskinwherebyafewdropofbloodcomesout.

39AttukkalBhagawathytemple,Trivandrum

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MythologicalBackground ThestorygoesthattheGoddessBhagavathyrevealedherselftoaferventdevoteeofanotable familyviz.Mulluveettilfamily.Itissaidthatoneeveningayounggirlappearedbeforetheheadof thefamilywhilehewasperforminghisoblationsintheKilliriverandrequestedhimtohelpher crosstheriver.Impressedbyhercharismaticdemeanor,theoldmanbentbeforeherwithawe andreverenceandnotonlyhelpedhercrosstheriverbuttookhertohishousenearby.Strangely enough,whilethehouseholdmemberswereamidstpreparationsforintendingawarmwelcometo theyounggirl,shevanished.ThatverynighttheGoddessBhagavathyappearedasaniconbefore theoldmaninhisdreamanddemandedthatheshouldestablishanabodeforherinthenearby sacredgroundofshrubsandherbs(kavu),ataconsecratedspotmarkedbythreelines. Thenextmorningtheoldmanwenttothespotrevealedtohiminthedreamandtohisgreat surprisehedidfindthreemarksindentedontheground.Helostnotimeinerectingatemple onthisconsecratedspottohousetheGoddess.Manyyearslater,thebuildingwasrenovatedbythe localdevotees.TheyalsoinstalledabeautifulandmajesticiconoftheDeitywithfourarms, bearingweaponsofdestructionineach,likespear,sword,skull,shieldetc.Theconsecration ceremonyofthisExaltedBeingwasperformedbynolessapersonthanthehighpriestofthe BadarinathTemple. TheAttukalBhagavathyTemple,oneoftheancienttemplesofSouthIndia,ispopularly describedasSabarimalaoftheWomen,aswomenformthemajorportionofdevotees.The GoddessinthetempleofAttukalisworshippedastheSupremeMother,creatorofallliving beingsandthemightypreserveraswellasdestroyerofthemall.Thepilgrimsfromalloverthe country,whovisitSreePadmanabhaSwamyTempleandworshiptheLord,donotconsidertheir visitscompletewithoutthevisittotheshrineofthesupremeMotherAttukalamma.Vishnumaya tooktheincarnationofBhagavathytoannihilatetheevilandprotectthegoodintheworldinthe presentEranamelyKaliyuga. Accordingtomythology,AttukalBhagavathyissupposedtobethedivinisedformofKannaki,the famousheroineofChilapathikaram,writtenbyElenkovadikal,theTamilPoet.Thestorygoesthat afterthedestructionofancientcityofMadurai,KannakileftthecityandreachedKeralavia KanyakumariandonthewaytoKodungalloortookasojournatAttukal.Kannakiissupposedtobe theincarnationofParvathy,theconsortofParamasiva.TheallpowerfulandbenignAttukal BhagavathyreignseternallysupremeatAttukalandnursesdevoteesasamotherdoesher children.ThousandsofdevoteesfromfarandnearflocktotheTempletobendbeforetheGoddess withaweandreverencetoprostrateandredresstheirafflictionandagony. ThePongalaMahotsavamisthemostimportantfestivalofAttukalBhagavathyTemple.The offeringofPongalaisaspecialtemplepracticeprevalentinthesouthernpartofKeralaandsome
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partsofTamilnadu.ItisatendayprogrammecommencingontheKarthikastaroftheMalayalam monthofMakaramKumbham(FebruaryMarch)andclosingwiththesacrificialofferingknownas Kuruthitharpanamatnight.OntheninthdayofthefestivaltheworldfamousAttukalPongala Mahotsavamtakesplace.Theentireareaofabout5kilometreradiusaroundtemplewithpremises ofhousesofpeopleofallcaste,creedandreligion,openfields,roads,commercialinstitutions, premisesofGovernmentofficesetc.emergesasaconsecratedgroundforobservingPongalarituals forlakhsofwomendevoteesassemblingfromdifferentpartsofKeralaandoutside.Theceremony isexclusivelyconfinedtowomenfolkandtheenormouscrowd,whichgathersin ThiruvananthapuramonthisauspiciousdayisreminiscentoftheKumbhamelaFestivalofNorth India. Theotherfestivalsinthistempleare: 1.MandalaVrathamFestivalinconnectionwiththeannualUtsavamofSabarimala 2.VinayakaChathurthiPoojatotheLordGanapathy 3.PoojaVaypuIdenticaltoDusserafestival(SaraswathyPoojaand Vidyarambham) 4.SivarathriSivaPooja 5.KarthikaKarthikaDeepa 6.AyilyaPoojaMilk,flowersetc.offeredtoserpentGodandspecialrites 7.AiswaryaPooiaOnallfullmoon(Pournami)days 8.NirayumPuthariyum(RamayanaParayanam)DuringthemonthofKarkadakam 9.AkhandanamaJapam4thSundayofeverymonthIncarnationofGoddessIndiahaseverbeen theholylandofgodsandgoddesses.Sinceagespast,menandwomenkingsandemperors,saints andsagesherewereworshippingtheLordnotonlyastheomnipotent andabsolute'one'butalsoasthe'one'whosemanifestationsarevariedandmanifoldandwho possessesdifferentnames,formsanddivineattributes.ThusAlmightytheEternalGodwas worshippedindifferentformssuchasBrahma,VishnuandSiva,andtheirconsorts;representing specificdivineattributesoftheLord.AncientpuranashavedescribedthatSivaandSakthiwere simultaneouslyworshippedfromtheperiodofAryansandDravidians.Vishnumayatookthe incarnationofBhagavathytoannihilateevilandprotectthegoodinthisworld.Shegrantsevery wishofHerdevoteesandresidesintheirheartsinmultifariousforms. StoryofKannaki Accordingtomythology,AttukalBhagavathyissupposedtobethedivinisedformof"Kannaki",the famousheroineofChilappatikaram,thesanghamworkofTamilLiteraturewrittenby ilamkovadikal.AfterthedestructionoftheancientcityofMadurai,Kannakileftthatcityand reachedKeralaviaKanyakumariandonherwaytoKodungalloortookasojournatAttukal.The hymnsofthe"Thottampattu)sungduringtheannualtemplefestival,arebasedonthestoryof
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Kannaki.Moreover,architecturaldepictionsofGoddessKannakiseenontheGopuramtemple substantiatethismythology.Smallwonderthen.that,Sri.VidyadhirajaChattambiSwamy,thewell knownsaintofKerala,foundthistemplepremisesidealforhismeditations.Andtherearesomany storieswhichprovethegreatnessoftheGoddessandwhichattractthousandsofdevoteestothe temple. AestheticsofArchitecture AnyonevisitingtheAttukaltempleisfirststruckbythebeautyandcharmofthetemple architecture.ThetemplestructureisaharmoniousconglomerationofbothKeralaandTamil stylesofarchitecture.ThebeautifullycarvedfiguresofMahishasuramarddini,GoddessKali, Rajarajeswari,SreeParvathywithLordParamasivaandvariousotherdepictionsoftheGoddess inandaroundthetempleareundoubtedlytheworkofagiftedartist.Equallywellpresented aroundthecorridorssurroundingthetemple,arethedepictionofvariousotherGodsandtheepic storiesofthetenincarnationsofLordVishnuviz.,the"Desavathara".Oneithersideoftheelegant frontgopuraaretheiconsbasedonthestoryofGoddessKannaki.OnthesouthernGopura,the puranicstoryof"Dakshayaga"isdepictedinsculptures.Thedecoratedgateattheentranceofthe templeisbyitselfanexcellentexampleofarchitecturalbeauty. TherearetwoidolsoftheGoddessinthesanctumsanctorum.Theoriginalidolispreservedinall itspristinebeautycoveredinornamentalgoldembeddedwithinstalledstones. ThesecondidoloftheGoddessisinstalledbesidestheoriginalone.Withinthetemplecorridorsare alsoinstalledcarvingsandsculpturesofLordGanesan,theserpentGodandLordShiva.Atthe centreoftheSanctumwithintheSreekovil,ataconsecratedspotisinstalledtheidolofthe GoddessAttukalBhagavathyemanatinglightandlustretoall.

40TriprayarRamaTemple

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LiketheneighboringstatesinKeralaalsothenumberoftemplesdedicatedtoRamaare veryfew.OneofthemisthefamousTruprayartemple.Thistempleisabout20kmfrom thetownofTrichur.ItisbetweenKodungallorandGuruvayur.,.Theriverflowing throughthisvillageiscalledTruprayarPuzha. Itseemsoncefishermentryingtocatchfishinthesea,got4statutes.Theywerenot abletoidentifythemandtookittothehouseofVaykkalKaimal.Recognizingthe divinityinthestatues,asisusual,daivaprasnamwasdone.Theycametoknowthatthe statuesarethatofRama,Bharatha,LakshmanaandShatrugna.Thegodorderedthemto consecrateRamainTruprayarandotherGodsinnearbyplaces.ThisorderofGodwas followed.RamawasconsecratedinTruprayar,BharathainIrinjalakuda,Lakshmanain MoozhikulamandShatrugnainPayamel. TheyheardadivinevoicetellthemthatRamaidolhastobeconsecratedinaplace shownbyadivinepeacockbird.Inspiteofwaitingforlong,thebirddidnotcome.So theyconsecratedtheidolinaplacechosenbythem.Laterthedivinebirddidcomeand satinanotherplace.ThepeopleconstructedabigBalikkalinthatplace.ButtheBalikkal startedmovingonitsown.AgreatMahatmacalledNarayanathuBranthanhitanailand fixedtheBalikkalinaplace.EventodaywecanseetheholeofthenailintheBalikkal. ThereisabeliefthatgoingroundthetempleshouldincludethatBalikkalalso. TheGodRamainthistemplehasfourhands.Heholdsthewheel,conch,Kodanda bowandAkshamalainhishands.HeissurroundedbyGoddessLakshmiandGoddess Bhoodevionbothsides.ItisbelievedthatitwasVilwamangalamSwamiyarwho consecratedGoddessLakshmiandBhoodeviinthistemple.Whenhewasonavisitto thistemple,hesawtheBhoodeviandSridevienterthetemplefordoingPoojathrough thewesterngate,Heconsecratedthemthereitselfandorderedthewesterngateshould beclosedforever,tohavetheirdivinepresencealwaysandforever..Thereisnotemple ofHanumaninthisplacebutitisbelievedthatHanumanisalwayspresenthere.Daily beatenriceisofferedtohimintheMukhamandapam.Inthesouthofthesanctum sanctorum,thereisatempleforDakshinamurthy.,GanesaandAyyappa.Gingellylamp isofferedasworshiptothisAyyappaonSaturdays.Strangelythereisatemplefor Chathan(devil)Saminearthistemple.PeoplebelievethatChathanSamiisthesonof LordRama. ThereisareferencetothistempleinoneoftheancientworksofMalayalamcalled Kokasandesham.Takingthisintoaccount,itisclearthatthistemplewasveryfamous eveninthefourteenthcentury.

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ThethreemainfestivalsofthistemplearetheEkadasiofKrishnaPakshainthemonth ofVruschiga(NovemberDecember)calledTruprayarEkadasi,,Mageeramofthemonth ofMeenam(MarchApril)andArattupuzhapuram. OntheEkadasidaytheGodtravelsourofthetemplewith21elephantsandgoesto seehissonatChathanSamiTemple.WhenthisprocessionnearstheAvanangaduShiva temple,itmovessilentlytillitpassesthetemple.ItseemsonceLordRamapromised LordShivaofAvanangaduthathewouldgivepaddywhichhasbeengrownwithinaday andacoconut.Sincehewasnotabletofulfillthispromise.LordRamaprefersLord Shivanottoknowabouthispassingbythistemple.Arattupuzhapooramisheldin Arattupuzhawith101elephantscomingfrom101temples.Theleaderofthegroupisthe LordofTruprayar. ThereisabeliefthatifweareabletostartfromthisRamaTempleandseetheother threetemplesofhisbrothersinnearbyplacesbeforenoon,wewouldgetourwishes fulfilled.ThisiscalledNalambalamKanal.Therearespecialbusesstartingfrom Truprayar,intheearlymorningforthispurpose. ThiruvegappuraMahadevakshethram ThiruvegapuraisavillageinOttapalamTalukainPalakkadDistrict.ItisonthePattambi ValancherryRoad,5KmsfromValancherry.ThiruvegapuraistheGatewayof PalakkadDistrictasonereachesMalappuramDistrictoncrossingtheThuthapuzha riverbridgewhichisborderingthevillage.ItisatypicalValluvanadanvillagewith beautifullandscapeandvegetationonthebanksofThuthaPuzha,atributaryofBharata Puzha.ThepeoplearemainlyHindusandMuslims.HindusconsistsofNairs, Nambuthirisandambalavasicommunities.FairlyagoodnumberofNambuthiriIllams arethereinthisvillage.OnlythreeTamilBrahminfamilieswerestayinghereoutof whichonefamilyhasmovedout.Thisvillagehasproducedmanyeminentpeople: FamousSanskritscholar,ThiruvegapuraAnayathKrishnaPisharodywastheGuruof ManavedanRaja,thethenZamorinRajaofKozhikode.AllareawarethatManadevan RajastartedKrishnanattam,thepresentdayKathakaliandPisharoti,beinghisGuruwas alsoinvolvedinthedevelopmentofKathakali.Worldfamousmagician Prof.Vaazhakunnam,wasanativeofthisvillage.ChendamaestroThiruvegapuraRama PoduvalwhoexcelledinThayambakaduringhisdays,poetandShaakunthalam translatorCheruliyilKunchunniNambeesanandScientistDr.T.M.K.Nedungadiaclose discipleofProf.C.V.Raman,NobelLaureate,areallfromThiruvegapura. Temple:
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ThiruvegapuraisfamousfortheMahadevaKshetram.ThisSivaTempleisonthebanks ofThuthaPuzha,atributaryofBharathaPuzha.Thistempleisbuiltinthe14thcentury andisuniqueinmanyways.ThemaindeitiesareLordSivan,LordSankaranarayanan andLordKrishnan.ThesthalapuranamsaysthattheLingamwasfoundedbyGarudan. GarudanwasbringingtheidolfromHimalayasandthemuhurthamtimewasfast approaching.TheLordaskGarudantoflyfast(Vegamparakkanam)andthusthename Thiruvegampara.Thisisoneofthefewtemples,whereyoucanfindintheinner prakaramthreeseparateSreekovilsforthethreedeitieswiththreeflagposts (Kodimaram),threebalikalluattheentrances,alsothreeseparatesetsofupadevataslike smallbalikalluandstonenavagrahamsaroundthegarbhagrahams.Apartfromthese threedeities,Ganapathyprathishtaisthereintheinnerprakaramontherightsideof Siva.Intheinnerprakarambighomakundambuiltwithstone,whichlookslikeawell fromoutsideisthere.InoldendaysonVaikkathashtamidayVasordharahomam (continuouspouringofgheewithoutbreakintothehomakundamwithchantingof manthras)wasconductedhere.Intheouterprakaram,theKoothambalamisthereinthe southeastcornerwhichisverylargewithexquisitetypicalKeralaarchitecture.(bigger thantheoneatGuruvayur).PadmaShriManiMadhavaChakyarusedtoperform ChakyarKoothuandKoodiyattamherefordecades.Intheouterprakaramwehavethe prathishtaforSastha,Erinjoodan(Thripuranthakan),andKirathamoorthy.Herethe abhishekajalamandwaterforNeivedhyamarebroughtfromtheriverbytheNambuthiri whoisdoingthepoojas. Offerings: ThemainofferingsareDivasapooja,PalpayasamandSathasathayam.Koovalamala,Nei Vilakkuarealsoofferedbydevotees. Festivals: VaikkathashtamiiscelebratedinVrischikaMasam.Sivarathriisimportantin Kumbamasam.UlsavamforeightdaysarecelebratedfromKumbhaMasamUthrttathi. Ulsavamendswitharattuonthelastday. Income: ThetemplegetsanamountfromGuruvayurDewasthanamandDevaswonboard.Thisis justsufficienttodopoojas.Thetempleisinadilapilatedstageandneedsurgentrepairs. Timings: Thetempleisopeninthemorningupto9.3010AMandintheeveningupto7.30PM. Howtoreach: ThetempleissituatedinthePattambiValancheryroute.BusesaretherefromPalakkad, Pattanbi,Valancheryetc.OnehastotakethetickettoAmbalanadastop.NearestRailway stationisKuttippuram
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ThiruvegapuraNearbyplaces: Vettekaran(Kirathamoorthy): InThiruvegapura,thereisafamousKirathamoorthytemplemanagedbyPadinjarepattu Mana.InthistempletheprathishtaisLordVettekaran(Kirathamoorthy)andhisconsort Kirathalady(Parvathy)Thousandsofpeoplevisitthistempleandfulfiltheirwishes. NaranathuBranthan,RayiranellurMala: NaranathuBranthanwasoneofthe12sonssonsofParayiandVararuchiinthestoryof Parayipettapanthirukulam.ThisMalaisatNaduvattom,3KmsfromThiruvegapura. Herethehillhasaheightof500feetwithanareaof300acres.NaranathuBranthangot Devidarshanatthisplace.TheplacewhereNaranathuBranthangotvisionofDeviis convertedintoatemple.ThereisnoidolherebutDevisfootprinthasformedapitand itisinthispit,aGoddessshrinewasbuiltlater.Thepitistheincessantsourceforwater andbeingonthehilltop,thewaterinthepitneverwentdown(neverdriedup). ThousandsofpeopleoutsideandinsideKeralavisittheplacetohaveblessingsfromthe DevioneveryyearonthenextdayofDeepavaliinthemonthofThulamNaranathu BranthanissupposedtohavegotDevisvisiononthisday.Thereisabigstatueof NaranathuBranthanonthehilltopwhichcanbeseenfromtheplains.Therearecaves andblackrocksbuiltbyNaranathuBranthanhere.ItistothishilltopthatNaranathu Branthanrolledupthebigstoneandafterreachingthetop,heusedtopushthestone down.ThishewasdoingEveryday.Theserenityandscenicbeautyoftheplace attractsthousandsofpeopleonthedayafterDeepavali.

41PallasenaGargeswaraTemple
Asisthenormalpractice,whenourTamilBrahminsmovedtoEastPallassana,theystartedlooking foraplaceofworshiptemple.ThustheSiva templecametoexistence.TheSivaLingamofthepresenttemple wasoriginallyconsecratedandworshippedbyaRishi,knownbythe name,GargamuniswarandhencethenameforourSwamyGargeswara Swamy.Theoriginaltemplewasverymuchbelowgroundlevelinapit. Laterontheyraisedtheleveltohighandreconstructedthetemple tothecurrentlevel.TheAmbalofthetempleisKalyanaParvathy.The originalstoneidolwasapproximately5feethighandwithalllakshanams. Latertheidolwaschangedastheoriginalonedevelopeddeformityin stomachregion(challavizharathu).Thiswaspredictedinprasnamand thepresentidolwasconsecratedintheplaceofoldone,somehundred yearago.TheoriginalidolwasputinGramakulam(SivanKulam)and remainedtheretill195758.Beforetheashtabandhakalasa
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kumbhabhishekamin195758ashtamangalyaprasnamwasconducted andtheyrecommendedtoremovetheidolfromthevillagetankasithad somebadeffects.In195758theentirewaterwaspumpedoutoftheSivankulam andtheidolwasretrievedfromthetank.ItwasthentakentoGayathri riverandburiedthere.TillthisKumbhabishekamin1958asnakeshapedidolas Subramaniaswamywasalsobeingworshipped.During195758 KumbhabishekamnewSubramaniaswamyidolwasconsecratedand oldidolbecameNagar(snake). ApartfromGargeswararandKalyanaParvathithereareotherprathishtas likeNandikeswarar,Vigeswarar,Subranmaniaswami,Nagar,Sastha, Chandikeswarar,navagrahangal(smalllingamshapedninestonepratishtas ininvertedUShapenearChandikeswarar)etcarethereinthetemple. Thetempleisconstructedinthetypicalstyle(Agamavidhi)foundin anyotherTamilBrahminagraharamtemples.InallTamilBrahminSiva temple,ifAmbalprathishtaisthereandwhenSivanfacesEastdirection, thenAmbalsprathishtaisdonefacingSouthdirection.Inthistemple GoddessalsoisfacingSouthdirection. InEastatKovilvaasal,5layerstoneDeepasthambhamisthere.Afterthat whenweclimbthesteps,Kodimaram(Flagpost)andBalikalluarethere. OnenteringtheinnerprakaramNandimandapamisthere.Totheleft attheSouthWestcornerGanapathypratishtaisdone. AfterworshippingVigneswararwehavetogobacktoGargeswaraSwamy darshanwhichisinthecenter.ThenwehavetogoclockwisetothebackofLordSiva. ThereintheNorthWestcornerthereisprathishtaofSubramania swamy,NagarandSastha.Afterthatwehavetocomeuptotheoutletfor abhishekajalamforprokshanam.TherewehavetoseetheChandikeswarar andNavagrahangalplacedininvertedUshape(TypicalofKerala temples).Fromtherewithoutcompletingthepradhakshinam wehavetogobacktoworshipKalyanaParvathiattheNorthEastcornerat LordSivasleftside.HerewealsoworshiptheSivaParvathyuthsava moorthies.Intheinnerprakaramweshouldnotcompletepradhakshinam asisthepracticeinSivatemples.Intheouterprakaramwemakethree pradhakshinams.InthefrontsideoftheTemplewehaveArayalthara andSivankulam. Festivals: Annabhishekam:OnThulamMasampornamidayAnnabhishekam
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iscelebratedinagrandway.EarlymorningthedaystartswithGanapathi Homam.InthemorningThirumanjanamezhunthalathu(jalamisbrought) fromGayathririverwithelephantprocessionandvadhyamelangallikechenda, nadaswarametc.andtheabhishekamisdonewithVedaparayanam. Atabout2.303.00PMAnnam(cookedrice)ispouredonGargeswarar. Thisisveryimportantandifoneviewsthisannamchoriyalheis devoidofallsickness.Stepsaremadeanddecoratedwithflowers, fruits,cheeruitemslikeMurukku,Neyyappam,athirasamandmany otheritems.At4PMPanchavadhyamandGramaseeveli(elephant procession)arethere.LotofdevoteespourintohaveAnnappadiDarshan. IntheeveningThayambakaisattraction.VedaparayanamandKramarchana arechanted.Thentheannapadi(Sirasuportion)isdepositedinSivanKulam. ThecelebrationendswiththenightpallackuKacheri. Vaikkaththashtami&Thiruvathira:VaikkaththashtamiandThiruvathira arecelebratedandSamaradhanaonbothdays. Sivarathri:EveryyearMahasivarathriiscelebratedinKumbhamasam. InthemorningrudrabhishekamandDeeparadhanaaredone. OnthisdayPoornabhishekamisdonetoGargeswaraswamyinthenight withchantingofRudrameleventimeswithChamakam.Kramarchana, Vedaparayanametcareconducted.AfterwardsPallackuKacheriand Gramaurvalamaredone. Sasthapreethi:InKizhakkeGramamSasthapreethiiscelebratedon theSaturdayfollowingSivarathrieveryyearinKumbhamasam. InPalakkadregionthefirstSasthapreethiisconductedinNurani andthelastSasthapreethiatPallassanaKizhekkeGramam.Onthis day,afterspecialpoojasandlaksharchanasamaradhanaandannadhanam areconducted. Pradhosham:PradhoshamiscelebratedregularlywithRudrabhishekam AndVedaparayanam. Income:Thetemplehadgoodagriculturalincome15Vandi(Acartload1050paras) ofPaddywastheagriculturalincomeperyear.Thisdrieduptonilin1969 whentheCommunistministryheadedbyAchuthaMenonpassedthelandact. Nowthetemplemainlydependsonthecontributionfromdevotees. Timings:Templeisopeninthemorningandintheevening. Howtoreach:Pallassanais20KMsfromPalakkadandbusesareavailable.
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42IrinjalakkudaKoodalManikkamtemple
Irinjalakkudaisasmalltownwhichisabout25KmfromTrichur.Itisbelievedthattwo streamswereflowingthroughthisplaceanditwascalledIruchalakkuda,whichlater becameIrinjalakkuda.ThisistheonlytemplewhichisdedicatedtoBharatha,the youngerbrotherofLordSriRama,inIndia.TheGodisalsocalledSangameshwara.Itis believedthatasaintcalledKuleepathiwasdoingyagasatthespotwherethetempleis built.ThereisatempletankinsidethetemplewhichiscalledKuleepathitank.People believeitasthespotwheretheabovesaintwasdoingYagnas.Todaythewaterofthis tankisonlyusedtotheworshipoftheGodBharathainthetemple.Thistempletankdoes nothaveanyotheraquaticlifeexceptfishes.Peoplebelievethatthefishesinthistank werethesageswhousedtodoYagathere.Thereisacustomoffeedingthesefishto pleasetheGod,becauseofthis. Peoplebelievethattherewasaveryancienttempleatthisspotbutthepowerofthe deitystarteddiminishing.AstrologerswereconsultedandtheytoldthatanewPrathishta shouldbedone.AtthattimesomefishermenfishedoutfourstatutesofGodsfromthe sea.Thenitwasdecidedbasedonadivinevoice,thatoneofthosestatueswouldbe consecratedinthisplace.ThestatuechosenwasthatofBharatha.TheRamaStatuewas consecratedinTriprayar,theLakshmanastatueinMuzhikkulamandtheShattrugna statueinPayamel.Alltheseplacesarenotveryfaroff.Aftertheconsecration,thepower ofthetempleincreased.TheidolofBharathaisfivefeettallwithfourhandsholding bow,conch,wheelandAbhayamudra.OfferingLotustothisLordisconsideredasvery propitious. Duringthattime,thepriestnoticedaveryredglowbeingthestatue.Thepeoplewanted tomeasurethestrengthoftheglow,whichwasliketheglowofManikkam(acostly gem).TheonlyrichmaninpossessionofsuchagemwasthekingOfKayankulam.He willfullygavehisverycostlyManikkam.Butwhenitwastakenneartheglowbehindthe statue,themanikkamofthekinggotmergedwiththestatue.Fromthattimethistemple wasknownasKoodalManikkamKshethram(ThetempleofaddedManikkam).,Since thegembelongedtokingofKayankulam,thistemplewasgivenunderhiscontrolAfter sometimetheKingofTravancoreconqueredKayankulamandthenthetemplebelonged tohimThusatempleinthemiddleofCochinKingdomwasownedbythekingof Travancore.Afterindependencethetemplecameunderthecontrolofthegovernment. Anotherpeculiarityofthistempleistheofferingof101BrinjalstotheLord.Thisis followedbecauseofastory.Therewasadevoteeofthetemplewhosuffereddueto severestomachache.TheLordcameinhisdreamandorderedhimtooffer101Brinjals

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totheLord.Hisachedisappeared.Eversincethisincidentpeopleoffer101Brinjalsto getcuredofdiseases. Thepunartham(Punarvasu)staroftheMakara(JanuaryFebruary)iscelebratedasthe foundationdayofthetemple.IntheThiruonam(Sravana)starofthemonthofThulam (OctoberNovember)Puthari(newrice)festivaliscelebratedinthistemple.Peoplebring newrice,vegetables,Bananaetctothetemplefromallvillagesaroundthetemple.Next daytheyareofferedtoGodandgrandfeastforeveryoneisarrangedwiththenew producebroughtbythem.NextdayamedicinecalledMukkudiisofferedtotheLordand distributedtothedevotees. ThetemplehasPoojasinthemorning,noonandintheevening.ForthenightPooja womenarenotallowedtoparticipate.Anotherpeculiarpracticeinthistempleisthat bellsarenotrung,camphornotlightedandincensenotofferedduringworship.People believethatLordBharathaisdoingmeditationhereanddoingallthesethingswould disturbhim.

43PerungottukavuBhagawathitemple
SthalaPuranam: Onceaking(SomesaythekingwasSamoothiriRajawhowasrulingMalabarinthe oldendays)wantedtohavedarshanofhisfavouriteGoddessanddidsevereThapas. Afterworshippingformanyyears,theBhagavathi,pleasedwithhisdevotion,decidedto fulfillhiswishesandaskedthekingtofollowherbythesoundofheranklets.The Bhagavathitoldhimthatthemomentheuttersawordshewouldfreezeattheplaceand thekingwouldgetonlyapartialdarshanofGoddess.Hefollowedherforquitealong timeandgotthepartialdarshansoftheGoddessinthedifferentformsofsound,hands, abovebreastandlegs.Notsatisfiedwiththesepartialdarshanhefollowedherfurtherto getafulldarshan.AfteralongtimehegotpoornadarshanofBhagavathyattheslopes ofThenmala(partofWesternGhats)atPerungottukavu.Afterthatthekingattained moksham. PresentForm: HeretheBhagavathiisinasittingpositionwithleftlegfoldedandrightlegkeptonthe peetam.Till2002theidolwasofstoneandwas2feethigh.In2002puna:prathishtawas doneandthepresentDharusilpamwasplaced.Thisidolisapproximately4feetinheight andtheGoddessholdsaThrisoolaminrightupperhand,swordinrightlowerhand,the severedheadoftheasurainleftupperhandandplateinleftlowerhand. InsidethegarbhagrihatotherightsideofthemaindeityisGanapathy.Ganeshaisvisible
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onlyifthedevoteesviewfromtheside.Thenwecanseetheoillampinsideandthisis worshippedasGanapathy.IntheinnerprakaramintheSouthWestcornerAyyappas prathishtaisthere.Whenwedoouterpradakshinam,intheNorthWestcorner,Nagas arealsothere. Festivals: IntheKaritakamasam,Laksharchanaisconductedinabigwayfortwodays.Ganapathi homam,Kalasapooja,Laksharchana,SandyaDeepam,elephantprocessionand kalasabhishekamaredoneonthefirstday.OntheseconddayalsoGanapathihomam, KalasapoojaandLaksharchana,aredonefollowedbyKalasamprocessiononelephant alongwithPanchvadyam,Nadaswarametcandthisendswithkalasabhishekam.Later annadhanamisorganised.Onthefirst12daysinKarkitakamasamspecialpoojasare doneeveryyear.AlsoBhagavathisevasaredoneinthismasam.OnthefirstFridayofall Malayalamasams(Mupattuvelliyazhcha)Devinamajapamandannadhanamare conducted. Management:ThetempleaffairsarelookedafterbyEralpaduRajaandhismanager, Karyasthanetc.ThepresentexecutiveofficerisSriJayadevanRaja. Importantvazhipadu: GanapathyHomam,TrikalaPooja,KadumadhuraPayasam,Bhavathiseva,Annadhanam, Neyyappam(eveningonly),NeiVilakku,ThechimalaRakthapushpanjali,Kadhanavedi etc. Timings: Sunday,Tuesday&Friday5.30AMto12Noon&5.30PMto7.30PM. Otherdays:6.00AMto9.00AM&5.30PMto7.30PM. Address: Trustee/Manager, PerugottukavuDewaswom, KizhakkumuriP.O., ViaNemmara,Dist.Palakkad,Kerala. Tel:04923266399/266431. Howtoreach: ThetempleissituatedatKizhakkumuri,nearElavancherry.ThePerungottukavuBus StopisonthePollachiThrissurmainRoad.ItisinbetweenKollengode(7Kms)and Nemmara.BusesfromPalakkad(20KmsfromPalakkad)toNemmara,Pothundi Dam(ViaKollengode)aregoingthroughthisplace.AlsoPollachiThrissur,Kollengode Nemmara,GovindapuramThrissurbusesareavailablefromKollengodeAyyappan KavuBusstop.Aftergettingdownonthemainroad,youneedtowalkoneKmtowards souththroughthepanchayatroadtoreachthetemple.Thetempleisaccessiblebytaxior
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autorikshafromKollengode. Sivatemple: OneKMfromtheBhagavathytemple,ancientSivatempleisthereinElavanchery belongingtothesamemanagement.Thistempleisunderrenovation.

44KallekulangaraHemambikaTemple
Thistempleisabout8kilometersfromPalakkadtown..ThetemplealsoiscalledEmoor Bhagawathytempleorkaipathi(hand)templeorHemambikatemple.Inthistemplethe handsoftheBhagawathyareconsecrated.Thereareseveraldifferentstoriesaboutthe originofthistemple. 1.OntheirregulartrekthroughthedenseVadamalaforesttoworshipatthevalley shrineofDurga,onedayKururandKaimukkuNambudirisweregrantedavision.The goldenGoddessstoodbesideanelephantunderatree. WhentheagedKururwasdisheartenedbyhisinabilitytoundertakehazardous pilgrimages,theGoddessassuredhiminadreamthathewouldfindherinthe neighborhood.Thenextdaywitnessedtheemergenceofherhandsinthemiddleofalake closeby.WhenKururswamthroughtoclaspthem,thedivinehandsturnedintostone. Thelakewasfilledandashrineerectedbythelocalruler,whosedescendentremainsin chargeoftempleadministration(Hindu,June14,2002) .2.Thegoddesshadonceagreedtoappearbeforeadevoteeontheconditionthathewill notdiscloseittoanyone.Theexcitementledthedevoteetodisclosethefacttoothers. Whenthegoddessappearedbeforethedevotee,shenoticedmanypeoplealongwithhim. Thedispleasedgoddessvanishedsuddenly.BythattimeThedevoteeshadseenonlyher upraisedhandandinthetempleherupraisedhandisworshipped Itisbelieved,thedeitytakesthreeformsadayinthemorningasSaraswathi,inthe noonasLaxmiandintheeveningasDurga.Theritualsvaryaccordingtotheformofthe deityatthetimeofworship.(gansripar.blogspot.com/2008/07/emoorbhagavathygoddess hemambika.html 3.EmurBhagavathy(Hemambika),thebestowerofprosperity,boonsandauspiciousness raisedherdivinehandsinthemiddleoftheblessedpondKallekulam.Inaparoxysmof devotion,herimpatientpriestjumpedintothepondandcaughtholdofthosehands beforeshefullymanifested.TheDevistoppedappearing.ThepriestgotonlytheDevis emerginghands.ThisisthegreatlegendofthefamousHemambikaTemplewherethe Devishandsareenshrinedinthesanctumsanctorum. 4.Thetemplewithuniqueidolofonly"twohands".Itiswidelybelievedthatthe "DEVI"thegoddessemergedfromthemidstofpondtoblessanailingdevotee,whoout ofexcitementcaughtholdoftwohandsbeforeitcouldcomeout.Thenatemplewas
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consecratedwiththosetwohandsasgoddess.Thisbeautifultemplesurroundedby5 pondsandpaddyfields.anaturekissed environment.wikimapia.org/1616355/HemambikaTempleKallekulangara 5.Thestoryorthebelief,behindthisuniquedeityoftworaisedTheHandswasthatagirl (incarnationoftheGoddessParvathy),whoescapedfrommolestationjumpedintothe river,holdingherhandsforhelp.Andthestoryorbeliefgoesthatshewashelpedbythe LordShiva,onseeingthehandsfloatingabovetheriver. Dailypoojatimingsare0500hrsto1130inthemorningand1700hrsto2030inthe evening ThistempleisthefamilydeityofPalakkadkings.InfacttheariyittuVazchaofthe king(coronation)usedtobeconductedhere.Mainattractionistheninedayfestivalof shivratri.Thousandsofdevoteesattendthefestivalwithpompandfanfare.The celebrationendsattheKalpathyRiver.Apartfromthisinthemonthofmayeveryyeara Laksharchanaisconducted.TheNavarathrifestivalalsoiscelebratedinthistemple.A kalamezhuthupattaumahothsavamiscelebratedeveryyearinthemonthsofVrichigam Dhanu(FromNovember16thtoDecember25th). Thereisthesnippetaboutthistemple.ItseemstheformerPrimeMinisterofIndia, IndraGandhivisitedthistempleaftertheCongresssplitalongwithSriKarunakaran.She wasimpressedbythegoddessandmadethepalmofthegoddessasherelectionsymbol.

45VadakkantharaBhagawathitemple,Palakkad
ThistempleislocatedinVadakkantharalocalityofthePalakkadtown.Itisbelieved tobeaKannagitemple. Ithihyam(story) KannagiistheheroineofthefamousTamilepicSilappadikaram.Herhusband KovilaniswronglysentencedbythekingofMaduraitodeath.WhenKannagicameto knowofthissheaskedforjustice.Thekingrealizinghismistakediedinstantly.Inher furyKannagiburntthecityofMaduraiandthencameandsettleddownasaGoddessin Kodsungaloore.ButonherwaytoKodungallore,shetookrestunderafigtreeIn Vadakkanthara,Palakkad.Intheplacewhereshetookrestanidolwasformed.Sinceno roofwasbuiltoverthegoddess,shewascalledThirupurakkalBhagawathy.Evenin rainyseasonsduringheavydownpouralongwithwindnoneoftheoillampsburningin frontoftheGoddessaredisturbedorputout..Thesereneatmosphereisalwaysinour mindwhenwegohomeafterdarshanofDevi. ThereisanotherstorythatLordShivacreatedKannagialongwithKannukottu BhagawathyandKannadathuBhagawathytokillDharukaKannagiafterkillingof
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Dharuka,wasbornasahumanbeingCalledKannagi,whoburntthecityofMaduraias toldabove.ShecametoKeralaalongwithhertwosisters.AkingcalledKeasariVerma builtatempleforallthethreeofthem.LateritseemstheKannadathuandKannuKottu BhagawathywentandsettledinaplacecalledPirayari,wherethetempleforKannukottu Bhagawathiisstillthere.AtemplewaslaterbuiltnearThirunallaivillageofPalakkadfor KannadathuBhagawathy.OnlyKannagiremainedinaplacecalledNadupathimandil. Oncewhentherewasawar(Padayottam)inPalakkad,thetemplewasshiftedtothe presentlocation. ThereisyetanotherstorythattheidolofKannagiwasbroughtwasbroughttoKerala byagroupofPeoplecalledsMuthaanfromTamilNadu,,whenthePandyakingwanted tomarryKannagi.TheMoothaansaremerchantsTheircastedeityisKannagi.Theyhave alsobuiltatempleforherinaplacecalledMoothanTharai,inPalakkaditself. InthemonthofKumbam(FebruaryMarch),theVadakkantharaVelais celebrated.ThisisoneofthefamousfestivalsofPalakkad. TheDeviisverypowerfulandrushofdevoteesislarge,especiallyonTuesdaysand Fridays.Thetemplesnormallyopensat4.30AMinthemorningwithdevotionalsongs arebroadcastthroughloudspeakersItremainsopenupto12noonwhentheUchaPooja takesplace.Thenthetempleopensat430Pmandremainsopenupto8.30Pm TheKoottupayasamvazhipaduatUchchapoojaisfamousandthetasteofthepayasam prasadamremainsinourtonguesforever..Hundredsofdevoteesmakecheettufor koottupayasamvazhipadueveryday.. AnotherfamousvazhipaduiskadhanavediDailyat7.30AM,11.45AMand6.15PM (Eveningthenumberofvediismorealmostahundred)kadanaislightedandthe soundcanbeheardinmanypartsofPalakkadtown..AnothervazhipaduisVivaha archana.. Festivals:Navarathrifestivalisveryimportant..Manyfamouscarnatiksingerscometo thistempleduringNavarathriandsinginfrontofBhagavathi..SriChembaiVaidyanatha Bhagavatharusedtofindtimeinhisbusyscheduleandcometothistempleeveryyear withoutfailandrenderhiskacheriinfrontofDevi.. VijayadasamidayisreservedforstudentsofPalakkadMusicAcademi(ChembaiMusic Academi)andotherbeginersarangettam.. AnotherfestivalisVadakkantharaVela(Valiyavela..Thisiscelebratedonceinthree yearsonthelastFridayofKumbhamasamFebMarch..IntheyearofVadakkanthara valiyavela,allFridaysofKumbahmasamareimportantandcheriyavelaswithoneto
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threeelephants,cometotempleorganisedbymanygroups..OnVadakkantharavaliya veladay9or11elephantstakepartandthenightvedikkattuisveryfamous..Thetemple isrunbyexecutiveofficerappointedbyGovtDevaswomBoard.. Thereareotherthreetempleinarowhere..TheyareKrishnatemple,Ayyappa templeandSivatemple..TheAyyappaandSivatemplesareinVadakkantharaGramam..

46KuzhalmannamVisweswaratemple
AsyouentertheAgraharam,thefirstonyourrightisVisalakshiSamethaSriVisweswara temple.LordShivaistheeternalremoverofallobstaclesandprotectorofmankind. Propitiatingthegodsherewillgivebenefitsoflongevityandgoodhealth. MaindeityisShivaLingafacingeast.NearthemaindeityistheshrineofVisalakshifacing south.TherearealsoseparatesreekovilsforGanapathyandSubramania. AyyappaTempleissituatedonsouthwesternsidewithseparatecompoundwall.Herethereisno idol.AavahanamisdoneonthreestoneoillampsforPoornaPushkalaandAyyappa.Behindthe lamps,therearestoneidolsofSarparaja. MainOfferingsatSivaTemple RudrabhishekamandDharaaretheimportantofferingstoSriVisweswara.Manjalkappu, Pattupaavadai,thaliChrathalandSwayamvaraArchanaaretheimportantofferingstoDevi. BreakingofcoconutisthefavouriteofferingtoLordAyyappa. ImportantFestivals. Navarathri,Annabhishekam,Thiruvathira,ThaipoosamandSivarathri.

47KuzhalmannamLakshmiNarayanaTemple
Situatedintheheartoftheagraharam,thisancienttempleisconsideredasthejewelforits beautifulworkmanship.TheentrancetothetempleisthroughaMukhaMantapam.Thecarvingof GajaLakshmi,thepillarsandvariousscrollworkontheceilinggiveanelegantlook. Whenweenterthetemple,thenonstopNamaJapa"OMNAMONARAYANAYA"emanatingfrom thetempleiswelcomingthedevoteesanditgivessolaceandpeacetoall.ThemainPrathishtais LordNarayanaalongwithLakshmi,thegoddessofplentyandprosperity.HereLakshmiissittingon LordNarayana'sleftthigh.LakshmiNarayanaSwamithepresidingdeityoftheagraharamhasbeen showeringonhisdevoteeswithbeautifulblessings.Heisreputedfortheblessingsfor Santhanabhagyam.ThefloorsoftheNamaskaraMantapamarebuiltinwhitemarble.Thetemple SreeKovilwearsadecoratedlookwithGraniteflooring.The frontsideoftheSreeKovil,SopanamandSreekovildoorsiscoveredwithbeautifullydesignedbrass sheets.SreekovildoorsarecoveredwithAshtalakshmifigures.Importantfestivaldays
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LakshmiNarayanaTempleNavarathri,UriyadiRatholsavam,VaikuntaEkadasi,Makara Sankranthi,Sasthapreethi,SriRamaNavami,andPrathishtaDinam MainOfferingsLakshmiNarayanaTemplePerformingNavarathriVilakku,Abhishekam,Kalabham Charthu,PalpayasaNivedyam.Nowthistemplehasbecomeadynamiccentreofspiritualityand attractingmoreandmoredevotees.ManyarecomingforwardtoperformUpanayamandmarriage atthistemple. Kachankurichitemple,Kollengode ThisisatemplesituatedinKollengode,asmalltownnearPalakkadtownofKerala. ThoughthisisconsideredasatempleofLordShiva,moreimportanceisgiventoLord Vishnustemplewithinthetemplecomplex. TheVishnusidolismadeofJacktreewoodandisabout6feettallandfacestheeast. HeissittingonAnantha(Snake)andholdsinhishandConch,wheel,andmaceand lotusflower.Onbothhissidearehisconsorts,BhoodeviandSridevi.Sinceitisdifficult toseehisconsorts,mirrorsarekeptonbothsidessothatthedevoteecanseeallthethree statuestogether.ButinspiteofthistheGodisworshippedasRama. ItisbelievedthattheseidolswereconsecratedbySageKasyapa.Thistemplehasbeen namedafterthissageasKasaypamkurichi,whichoverdecadeshasbecome Kachankurichi.VerynearthetemplearetwosacredriversIkshuandGayathri.Thereis alsoamountainnearbycalledtheGovindaMountain.Peoplebelievethereisacavein themountaincalledSitharakundam.InthiscaveitisbelievedthatLordRamaandSita stayedforsometime.Thereisastonetherebythesideofastreamnearby,whichis yellow.PeoplebelievethatSitausedtoapplyturmericfromthisstone..Sincethistemple wasalsoknownasVenkatadesamandtheGodhereisalsoreferredtoasVenkatesan. Sincetheidolismadeofwood,thereisnoregularAbishekam.Theidolisanointedwith oilonceinayear.Inthesepartspeoplewhoarenotregularintheirbathinghabitsare teasinglyreferredasKachankurichiPerumal ItseemsSageKasyapadidanAswamedhasacrificeherealongwithSagesAthri, AgasthyaandMarkandeya.TheYagakunda(thepitwherethesacrificeisdone)isthe presentdayTempletank.ItiscalledasYagnatheertham.Thewatersareconsideredas verysacredandsupposedtoremoveallsins.Thestepstothistempletankgoesvery deep.Verynearthemain(northside)templetank,thereisanothersmalltank,whichis referredtoasKuthiraKulam.(Horsetank).Itisbelievedthatthesagestiedthehorse ofAswamedhasacrificeatthisspot.Inthesouthernsidealsothereisatank.Itseemsa kinggotleprosyduetohisinsultingLordShiva.AccordingtotheadviceofSage
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Agasthya,hegotcuredofthisdisease,byperformingAbishekamstoLordShivausing thiswater. ItseemsduringtheinvasionofTippusultanhewantedtoplunderthistemple.But oncehewastoldabouttheimmensepowerofthislord,insteadhegavemanyproperties tothistemple. Itisinterestingtonotethat,whereveraYagaisperformedinKerala,ThesomaLatha, theKarungaliwoodandthedeersskinwhicharetobeusedintheYagaarebroughtfirst tothistemple,keptbeforePerumal(LordVishnu)statueandpoojaperformed.Thenonly itbecomesfittobeusedintheYaga. InsidethistempletherearetemplesforAyyappa,LordShivaandLordNaga Subrahamanya.OutsidethetempleisaNagaPrathishta ThearattufestivaltakesplaceinthistempleinthemonthofMedam.Thefestivalstarts intheHasthaNakshathramandthefestivalgoesuptotheThiruonamstar. Allamavasyadaysareimportanttothistemple,especiallyTheDeepavaliamavasya. Thaipoosamalsoisagalafestivalatthistemple.Onthatday,devoteesgotothe GovindaMountain,bringwaterfromastreamthere.(ItseemstherearemarksofConch andVishnuPadainthestream)andusethewatertodoAbhishekatoLordVishnu. DuringallThiruonamdays,PaalpayasamisofferedtotheGod. Thetempleopensat5Amandremainsopenedtill11Am.Inbetweenseveraltypesof worshipincludingSeeveliandPandheeradiPoojaareperformed.Itagainopensat5Pm andremainsopentill8Pm..

48PayyaloreKrishnaSwamiTemple
GeneralInformation Location19KmfromPalghat DeityLordGopalakrishnaSwamy Origin17thcentaury ThistempleofGopalakrishna(thecowherd)issituatedinPayyalore(villageofcows)whichis showeredwithnaturalbountyoftheAanamalairangeofKeralaandisonthewaytoKachankurichi templefromKollengode.,Thistempleisabout19kmfromPalghat.ItissituatedintheAgraharam andtheworshipisdonebyaTamilIyerpriestwhoisaVaishnavite.(Azhwar)

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TheIthihyam(ancientstory)isthatamigrantBrahminhadadreaminwhichLordKrishna commandedhimtolookforanidollyingimmersedinthevillagetank.Thenextmorningthe BrahmintohisdelightgottheIdolfromthetank.TheBrahminwithhisothercommunitymembers constructedasmallshelterforthisGodgivenidol.Thereisastorythatthistemplewasconstructed byoneSankupattarwhowasthesonofGangapattarlater.Itseemsthat,a strangervisitedSankupatterandgavehimasealedjarandrequestedhimtokeepitinsafecustody forashortperiod.Afterayearofwaitingforthestranger,outofsimplecuriositySankupattar openedthejar.Tohissurprise,hefoundvaluablegoldcoins.Hewith hisvillagersthoughtthatitwasaGodgivengift.Sankupatterinconsultationwiththevillagers spenttheentiregoldfortheconstructionoftheKrishnatemple.Sankusfamilywhoareknownas KolathuranPattarFamilyarestillcontributingliberallyforthemaintenanceofthetemple.Even todaytheyhavespecialprivilegesasamarkofrespectforthe contributionoftheirforefatherswhoconstructedthepresentSreeKrishnaTemple.The UpadevathasareMahaGanapathyandNaagar(serpent).ThereisalsoashrineofAanjaneyar. PayyalorevillageisnowadestinationtoalldevoteesseekingthedivinegraceoftheLord GopalakrishnaSwamy. TempletimingsThetempleiskeptopenfrom5amto9amand 5pmto7.30pm FestivalsRatholsavamfamousfestivalcelebratedinthemonthof Jan,Feb NerchasPazzam,paanakamandpayar.

49MullakkalBhagawathitemple
MullakkalBhagawathytempleissituatedinthetownofAleppy,calledAlappuzhain Malayalam.Byroaditisabout60kmfromErnakulam.(ThistowniscalledtheVenice oftheeast,becauselikeVenice,allpartsofthistownareconnectedbycanals.)This templewhichisabout500yearsoldhasatumultuoushistory. Therearetwodifferentstoriesregardingtheoriginofthistemple.Onestorysaysthat thisidolwasbroughtbythebanishedsoldiersofTheThekkumkurking.Theyare supposedtohavebroughtthisidolandkeptitinajasmineGarden.Theidolgot permanentlyfixedhereandatemplewasconstructedbythekingDevanarayanaof Chembagasery..TheotherstorysaysthatoncethatgreatkingwenttoKodungallorefor prayerandwantedtohavethetempleofKodungalloreBhagawathyinhistown.Thatday thegoddesscameinhisdreamandtoldhimthatshewillfollowhim.Whenhereached Aleppy,thekingkepthisUmbrellainthejasminegardenbeforetakingrest.The umbrellagotfixedthere.LatertheastrologersfoundthattheGoddesswantedtostay
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there.Thekingbuiltatempleforher.Anotherstorytellsthat,someNamboodiri BrahminscamefromMalabaralongwiththeAnnapurneswariidoltheywere worshipping,duringtheinvasionofKeralabyTippuSultanandtheyconsecratedtheidol atthisspot. Theidolpriortom1961inthistemplewasindeedthatofAnnapurneswariwithladlein onehandandapotintheotherhand.Sincethetemplewasbuiltinajasminegarden,she wascalledMullakkalBhagawthy.Shewasconsecratedinthestandingposefacingthe west. In1961whentheywereconsecratingthegoldenflagstafffortheGoddess,onemad manwentinsidethesanctumsanctorumandembracedtheidol.Lateritwasfoundthat crackshavedevelopedintheidol.AgainDevaprasnam(gettingopinionofGoddess throughastrology)wasdoneandshewantedanewidoltobeconsecratedthere.Soon 16thJuly1962inthesameplaceaRajarajeswarioffourfeetheightwasconsecratedin thetemple.ApartfromthemainGoddesstherearealsosmalltemplesforHanuman, Subramanyaandserpentsinthetemple.AnidolofLordKrishnaandLordAyyappahas alsobeenconsecrated. Payasam,Vadai,AppamarenormallyofferedtotheGoddessasNaivedyam..It seemsonthefirstdaywhentheAnnapurneswariidolwasconsecrated,theywereforced tomakeVadausingfullBlackgramwithblackskinfromthenearbyBrahminsfamily.. Soeventodayatthenightpooja,thistypeofVadaisofferedtotheGoddess. FromfirstofVruschigamonth(OctoberNovember)afestivaliscelebratedforforty onedays.ThelastelevendaysiscalledasChirappufestivalandisafamousfestivalin thesepartsandisreferredasAlappuzhaChirappu. ThefirstSundayofDecemberiscelebratedinthistempleasaladiesfestival.Onthat Dayallfunctionsofthetemplearecarriedoutbyladiesonly.Thousandsoflampsarelit onthatdayeveningbyladiescomingfromfarandnear. Navarathri(Dussera)isalsocelebratedinthetemple.OnMahanavamiday150girl childrenaregivennewclothsandareworshippedasKumaris.Theyattuiscelebratedthat daynight.InthisfunctionahugedrawingoftheGoddessismadeinthefloorandthisis slowlyremovedbydancingoverit. Thetempletimingsare5Amto10.30Amandbetween5to8PM.

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51ManthakkaraMahaGanapathitemple
OntheEasternsideofSreeViswanathaSwamyTemplelaystheNewKalpathyVillage, whichconsistedofhomesmostlybuiltofthatchedroofing.Itbelongedperhapstothelast batchofTamilBrahminmigrants.Harassedbyfrequentfires,lossoflifeandproperty, thevillagersconsecratedatemplededicatedtoLordMahaGanapathytowardoff Sivadrishti.TheidolofMahaganapathyrestingunderaBanyantreenearatanklying ontheeasternsideofthisvillage(Manthakkara)wasinstalledfacingLordSiva.The residentsofthisvillagewerewellknownscholarsofVedas&purohitswellversedin theirprofession.MostofthesurroundingvillagesofPalakkadtownusedtodependon themfortheconductofVedicrituals.Anydoubtonobservationofritualsand interpretationofsastrasusedtobedebatedanddecidedhere.Thisvillageisalsothebirth placeofmanyprofessionals,musicians,scientistsandmenofletters. NewKalpathyvillagewasusedtobeacitadelofVediccultureandSanathanadharma andithasproducednumerousscholarsofVedasandVedangas.Theyarestillbeing rememberedbyvillagerswithreverenceanddevotion.Theirscholarshipusedtobe recognizedbybothShringeri&KanchiSankaracharayaMutts.Thisvillagesentthe largestcontingentofVedicScholarstoattendtheAllIndiaSanathanaConferenceheldat Kasiduring193233. Thesemenoflearningnevercaredforrichesormaterialcomforts.Forthisreasonthe MandhakkaraLordMahaGanapathyTemplehadnopropertiesworthmentioning.The poojasandFestivalsusedtobeconductedonadhocbasis.Whenoncethepoojari desertedthetempleindisgustthegreatvedicscholarBrahmashriSangameswara Ganapadikal(fatherofeminentSanskritscholarShriK.S.GanapathySastri)usedtooffer NivediyamtoLordMahaGanapathyfromhishouse.LateronShriM.K.Venkateswara Iyer,K.D.SubramanuaIyerandMagistrateSwaminathaIyerraisedfundsandbought someagriculturallandsandcreatedatrustforNityaNivedyamforthistemple.Shri M.N.RamaswamyIyeralsocreatedaTrustfortheconductingofCarFestival. ThepresentDwajasthampamwasconsecratedon8thofMithunam1109(ME)by MagistrateSwaminathaIyerincurringtheentireexpenditure.Thenextyearon2ndof Kumbham1110(ME)amahaKumbhabhishekamwasperformedafterextensiverepairs andcoveringtheroofofGarbhagrihamwithcopperplates.Theexpensesforthiswere fullymetbyAnnakuttyVamsomLateSubramaniaPattar(fatherofLateS.Chidambara IyeralsomadearrangementstohaveGanapathyHomamperformedeverydayandstarted thebigeventofconductingMahaGanapathyHomamonVinayakaChathurthyDayusing 1024coconutsandproportionateotherAshtadravyams.Thisformofritualisknowntobe conductedonlyatthistempleanditcontinueseventoday.
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IMPORTANTFESTIVALSATMANTHAKKARASREEMAHAGANAPATHY TEMPLE Ratholsavam(CarFestival) ThefestivalcentresroundtheViswanathaswamyTemple(Kundampalaminlocal parlance)onthebanksoftheBharathapuzhaatKalpathy,anancientshrine. Accordingtomythology,thedeitywasbroughtfromtheholyGangaatVaranasiandthe greatBanahadworshippedinthetemple. AninscriptiononastoneattheeastoftheSivatempleproclaimsthatitwasbuiltinthe Malayalamyear600(1425AD)byIttiKombiAchan,thethenRajaofPalakkad. TheCarFestivaliscelebratedinthelastweekoftheTamilmonthofAippasi.The festivalstartsonthe22nddayofAippasiandconcludesonthelastdayofthemonth. ThissynchroniseswiththefestivalcelebratedatMayiladuthuraiinThanjavurdistrict. ThemaincentreofthefestivalisKalpathySreeViswanathaswamyTemple. ThethreesatellitetemplesinthevillageofNewKalpathy,OldKalpathyand Chathapuramalsocelebratethefestivalduringthistime. TheDhwajaArohanamtakesplaceonthe2nddayinallthefourtemples.Onthe fifthdayofthefestival,thefamousRishabhaVahanaprocessionistakenoutinthe night,withthedeitiesfromallthetemplestakenoutindecoratedcars.They convergeatthewesternendoftheNewKalpathyvillagegroundaroundmidnight. Theydisperseaftertwohours.Competitionsareregularlyheldforpercussionists. ThisattractsthousandsofpeoplefromvillagesaroundKalpathyandotherpartsofthe districtandoutside. Onthefifthday,the28thdayofAippasi,thedeityfromViswanathaswamyTempleis takenoutandinstalledinthreecars,oneforthemaindeitySreeViswanathaswamyand hisconsortGoddessParvathy,thesecondforVigneswaraandthethirdforLord Subramaniaswamy. Thechariotssetoutonvillagetouraround10a.m.Aftergoingaroundallthevillagesthe threechariotsreturntothebaseonthe30thdayaroundsunset. ThedeitiesofOldKalpathyTempleandChathapuramTemplemountthecarsandgoon villagetourthesameday.Bysunset,allthecarsreturntotheirbases.`Abhishekams'are performedandthedeitiesredecoratedandtakenoutonprocessioninfloralpalanquins aroundmidnight. ThepalanquinsreturntothetempleatdawnonthefirstdayoftheTamilmonthof Karthigai,coincidingwiththeKadamukhamfestivalatMayiladuthuraiandthecurtain fallsonthecarfestival.
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TheKalpathyCarFestivalisbasedontheVedicTamilBrahminculture.TheTamil BrahminswhomigratedtoPalakkadinthe14thcenturyestablishedasmanyas96 Agraharamsinthedistrictand18withinthetown. ThemostcolorfulandimportantfestivalofthistempleistheRatholsavam(carfestival) heldduringthemiddleofNovembereveryyear.Thecommencementandterminationof thefestivalsynchronizeswiththatofSreeViswanathaSwamyTemple,whichcoincides withtheconductofthisfestivalatMayavaramTempleinTamilNadu.Buttheactual RathYathraatNewKalpathyisheldonlyfortwodays.Thistemplecarbeingmassive andlargecannotbetakeninprocessionthroughalltheKalpathystreetsandhenceitis drawnonlythroughthemainstreetintwolaps.Thefestivalisheldfor10daysinalland theRathaYatraisonlyonthetwolastdays.Ontheremainingdays,thetempledeityis takeninprocessionthroughalltheKalpathystreetsinsmallGorathamaccompaniedby Nadaswaramandfireworks.DuringthemainRathaYatradaystheChendaMelamis accompanied,whichisuniqueinKerala.TheKuthirayottamprocessionheldonthe seventhdayofthefestivalisveryfamousandtheYoungstersAssociationconductsthe sameandthisattractshugecrowdduringnight.The5thdayfestivalandthepallack processionatnightonthe9thdayarealsoimportantandcolorfullikethetwodaysRath Yatra.Onallthetendays,highlyqualifiedVedicscholarschantYajurvedacompletetext inthetemple. VinayakaChathurthi ThisisheldnormallyduringAugustSeptembereveryyear.Onthemorningof VinayakaChathurthidayGanapathiHomamwith1024coconutsandproportionateother 8itemsisperformedearlymorning.SimultaneouslyaspecialRudrabhishekamisalso performed.Intheevening,thedeityistakeninprocessionthroughthevillagewith Nadaswaram. Navarathri Navarathrifestivalisalsocelebratedinourtemple.Rudrabhishekaminthemorningand Kramarchanaintheeveningareperformedonallthe9days.OntheVihayadashamiday, thedeityistakeninprocessionthroughthevillagewithNadaswaramandAsura Nigrahom(VazhaVettal)isconducted. Dailyroutinepoojas Thetempleopenat5.45a.m.andclosesat9a.m.inthemorningandbetween5.45p.m. and7.30p.m.intheevening.GanapathyHomamisperformedonallthedaysbetween 5.45a.m.and6.15a.m.ThemorningAbhishekamandNivedayamisconductedbetween 7.30and8.30a.m. ThetemplebelongstotheNewKalpathyGramaJanaSamoohamandthesameis

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administratedbytheBrahminsresidingwithinthetraditionalboundaries(Vasthu)of NewKalpathythatconsistsofalmost150households. Theprivatenatureofthetempleisestablishedbythefactthatthetempleremainsclosed wheneveramemberdies(withinVastu)asamarkofrespecttillthedeadbodyistaken outforcremation.

52KalpathyViswanathaswamytemple
TheKalpathyVishwanathaSwamyshrineistheoldestShivatemplesituated3kms fromPalakkad.ThetempleisdedicatedtoLordShiva.Itisfamousfortheannual ChariotFestival.Thefestivalisagalaeventandlastsforsevendays. TheKalpathyVishwanathaSwamytempleistheoldestShivatempleinMalabar.It wasbuiltaround1425A.D.byKombiAchan;thethenrajaofPalakkad.KalpathyCar FestivalisbasedonVedicTamilBrahminCulture. Onthelastthreedaysofthecarfestival,beautifullydecoratedtemplechariotsare ceremoniouslydrawnthroughthestreetsbythousandsofdevoteeswhosesoul stirringchantsrenttheair.Threemagnificentchariots,bedeckedwithflowersand flags,dominatethefestival,eachsanctifiedbythepresenceofthelord.Crowdsof peopleandmillionsofhandstrytoreachouttobeoneoftheprivilegedtohavethe honorofpullingthechariots,astheyproceedinstatelygrandeur. TheweeklongannualChariotFestivalbeginsinthemonthofNovember,everyyear. Thousandsofdevoteeshaulthehuge,intricatelycarvedtemplechariotsthroughthe streets.Vedicrecitalsareheldinthetemplethroughoutthefestival.Vedicchants sonorouslyrecitedbytheVedicscholarsescortingthegod,makesKalpathycome alivewiththespiritoftruedevotionandjoyouscelebration.TheTamilBrahmin villagesadjacenttothetemplehavebeendeclaredaWorldHeritagesite.Avisitto thesevillagesofferaglimpseoftheculturallifethatexisted1000yearsago. Legend LegendhasitthataBrahminwidownamedLakshmiammalwenttoBanarasand broughtLingamandinstalledinthepresentsiteontheSouthernbankofriverNeela Bhagirathi.Thelocationofthetempleandstepsleadingtotheriverbringsmindofa visitortheBanarasTemplesonthebankofGanges.Hencethistempleiscalled "KasiyilPakuthiKalpathy"(HalfBanaras).

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TheprimacyofSreeViswanathaSwamyTempleinPalakkadTowniseventoday accepted,asthedeitiesofallthetemplesofthetownistakeninprocessiontothe ViswanathaSwamyTempleonMamankamdayheldoncein12years.Aninscriptionin Vattezutheonastoneplantedtotheeastofthistemplerecordssomeendowments witnessedbyItikombiAchan,amemberofthePalakkadRoyalfamilyinMalayalamEra 600(142425AD).Evidentlythistemplewasconsecratedearlierandifwearetogoby legends,itwasbuiltattheinstanceofoneLakshmyAmmalawidowofSekaripuram whogavethePrince1320goldcoinstobuildthetempleandentrustedwithhimits management.Thistrusteesystemstillcontinuesinthetemple. PresentlyitislocatedatthemeetingpointofOldandNewKalpathy.Thereareabout150 housesoneachsideofthetemple.Recently,thesehavebeendeclaredasTheHeritage bytheArcheologicalSurveyofIndia,sincesuchalargecongregationoftiledlinehouses sharingwallsbelongingtotheoldarchitectureisfoundhereonly.Ittakesonedownthe memorylanetoshowthatcivilizationsurvivedandprosperedonlyatplaceswherewater wasfoundinabundance.ItrightlyplacesPalakkaddistrictasthericebowlofKerala.

53KottayamThirunakkaraTemple
KottayamisatownintheplantationbeltofKeralaandisabout60KmfromCochin. Thisgreattempleissituatedinthemiddleofthecityinahugeopengroundcalled ThirunakkaraMaidanam.Thoughthelocalpeopleclaimthatthisidolwasconsecratedby LordParasuramahimself,thepresenttempleisonlyabout500yearsold. ThisareawasonceuponatimeruledbyThekkumkoorkings.Onekingofthisdynasty usedtovisittheVadakkunathantempleatTrichureverymonth.Whenhebecameoldhe toldtheGodthatsincehecannotundertakethisjourneyduetooldage,hecannotsee Vadakkunathaandhewouldpreferdeath.Godtoldhiminhisdreamthathewould accompanyhimtoKottayam.Onhiswaybackthekinghappenedtomeetaverylearned BrahminpriestinVaikombelongingtothePereparambufamily.Onthekingsrequest theBrahminaccompaniedthekingtoKottayam.AccidentallyinaplacecalledSamiyar Madam,thisBrahminwasabletorecoveraShivaLingadeepwithintheearth..The Lingawasroughallover.AccordingtotheadviceoftheBrahmin,thekingbuiltatemple forthisLinga.AlongwiththeLinga(whichisnormallykeptcoveredbyagoldcover), thereisaPanchaLohastatueoftheGoddess,LordSubramanya,LordGanesaandLord Ayyappaidolsarethere.BesidesthesethereisseparatetempleforVadakkunathan, Subrahmanya,DurgaandBrahmaRakshas.

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ThereisaninterstingstoryabouttheBrahmaRakshas.ItseemsoneMooswasagreat friendoftheking.Thekingwasnotknownforhisbeautybuthisfriendwasvery handsome.Thequeenfellinlovewiththefriendoftheking.Onknowingthistheking orderedhisservantstokilltheMoos.ButinsteadofhimtheKingsservantskilledthe juniorpriestofthetemple(keezhSanthi).ThewifeofthepriestbecameaBrahma Rakshasandstartedtroublingeverybody.Sothekingbuiltatempleforher.Foralong timeafterwardswomendonotprefertoenterthistemple. AnotherinterestingfactaboutthetempleisthatNandi,thesteedofLordShivaisgiven lotofimportancehere. Itseemslongagoonenightsomepeoplesawabulleatingtheircrops.Theythrewa stoneatitanditwasinjured.ThentheBullranaway.Thatdaythatbullwhichwas actuallyNandicameinthedreamofthekingandtoldhim,Youconsecratedmehere. Butyouarenotgivingmeanyfood.WhatalternativedoIhaveexcepteatingwhatis available.Iamnowinjuredbecauseyourpeoplethrewstonesatme.Nextdaytheking calledtheownerofthefieldfromwhichNandihaseatenandorderedthattheproduce fromthefieldshouldgotowardsNaivedyamforNandi. ItseemsinsomeyearsaboilappearsonthestonestatueofNandiinthistemple.Then theAyurvedicdoctorstreattheboil.Duringtheyearswhentheboilappears,itseems somecalamitywillhappentothepeopleorcountry.Thelasttimeitappearedwasinthe year1932. TherearethreemajorfestivalsinthistempleinthemonthofThulam(October November),Meenam(MarchApril)andMithunam.(JuneJuly)Outofthesethefestival inthemonthofMeenamisthemostimportant.

54GuruvayoorKrishnaTemple
OmShreeGurupavanapuradheesayaShreeKrishnayaParabrahmaneNamah! GuruvayoorTempleisfamousas*BhoolokaVaikuntam*(Vaikuntamonearth). *SrimadNarayaneeyam*(whichhasthestampofapprovalbyBhagavanKrishnaHimself)begins withthestatement: Itisthegreatestfortuneofmankindinthis*KaliYuga*thatthe*ParaBrahman*manifestsitself asBhagavanKrishnaDeityinGuruvayoortempletoblesstheBhaktas.Heisincomparable,eternal ,freeofMaya(illusion),allpervadingandtherootcauseofentireUniverse.EventheVedas cannotfullyunderstandHim.But,justbyKrishnabhaktialone,devoteeseasilyattainGuruvayoor Bhagavan.AlthoughsuchaveryeasyKrishnarealizationisreadilyavailableatGuruvayoortemple, foolishpeoplefailtoworshipHim.But,weKrishnaBhaktas,withafirmmindtakerefugein
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GuruvayoorBhagavan,theveryembodimentof*ParaBrahman*. Yes!MankindisfortunateindeedforhavingbeenblessedwithGuruvayoorTemple.Shree GuruvayoorappaniseverwillingtograntthegloriousvisionofHischarmingformandshowerHis blessingsontheBhaktaswhocometoGuruvayoortemple.ManyBhaktasarethankingHimfor favoursalreadygranted,andsomeprayingfordesirestobefulfilled,andsomejusttooffertheir humbleprostrations.Guruvayoorappanhasbeenpresentedtothedevotees,as decreedbyBhagavanHimselfforthebenefitofmankindintheKaliyuga.Isnotthemankind fortunate?. ManyMahAtmAslikeSankaracharyaandVilwamangalamhadthedivinevisionofBhagavanShree KrishnainGuruvayoortemple.Guruvayoorappanis*Pratyaksadeva*(visibleGod)totheliving legendBhagavatahamsamMalliyoorSankararanNamboodiri. Guruvayoortemplesunique*Acharams*(traditions)includingdailyritualsandPoojaswere formulatedbyAdiSankaracharyaunderBhagavansguidance.These*KshetraAcharams*are beingstrictlyfollowedwithoutanycompromise.TheTempleTantrisareavailablefulltimeatthe Templetoensurethis.The*Melsanti*(ChiefPriest)entersthe*SriKovil*((sanctumsanctorum)) at2:30AMandhedoesnotdrinkevenaglassofwateruptothecompletionofnoon poojasat12:30PM.ThisabsolutepurityofvedictraditionisthehallmarkofGuruvayoortemple. EARLYHISTORY The*NaradaPurana*initschapter*GurupavanapuraMahatmya*states:"KingJanamejaya,in ordertoavengethedeathofhisfatherPareekshit,(whowaskilledbySerpentChiefTakshaka), performedthe*Sarpayajna*(snakesacrifice)inwhichthousandsofinnocentserpentswereburnt alive.Asaresultoftheircurse,Janamejayawasafflictedwithterribleleprosy,whichlefthimin utterdespair.Sensingthis,SageDattatreyaappearedbeforehimwitharemedySeekthemercy ofBhagavanKrishna,atGuruvayoortemple. TheSagerecountedthat,BhagavanMahaVishuHimselfwasthefirsttoworshipthis*Moorty*.At thebeginningofthePadmaKalpa,HegavetheimagetoBrahma.Atthebeginningofthe*Varaha Kalpa*,thechildlesscouple,Sutepa&PrisnaprayedtoBrahmaforason.Brahmagavethemthis Moorty,assuringthemoftheirwishiftheyworshippedthe Moortywithsinceredevotion.Thistheydidwithexcellence,somuchsothattheLordMahaVishnu Himselfappearedbeforethem.Asaboon,theyprayedHimthreetimes,forason.Heblessedthem that,Hewouldbeborntothemassoninthreesuccessivebirths.And,theywouldalsohavethe goodfortuneofworshippingthedivineMoortyinallthethree births.Accordingly,inthefirstbirth,SutepaandPrisnahadPrisigarbhaasson.Intheirsecondbirth ,asKasyapa&Aditi,thecoupleworshippedthesameMoortyandgottheirsonVamana.Intheir thirdandthemostauspiciousbirthasVasudevaandDevaki,SreeKrishnawasborntothem.

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AfterkillingKamsa,ShreeKrishnamovedtoDwarakawhereHebuiltatemple,installedthis Moortyandworshippedit.WhenthetimecameforHisreturn(toVaikunta),BhagavanKrishna entrustedthisimagetoUddhava,(whenthelatterexpressed,hisfearsregardingthefatethat wouldbefallmankindin*Kaliyuga*duringBhagavan'sabsence).BhagavanassuredUdhavathat, HewouldmanifestinthisMoorty,toshieldHisdevoteesfromtheilleffects ofKaliyugaandtoblessthemankind.HeappraisedUdhavathat,soonafterHisdepartureDwaraka wouldsubmergeintheocean;assuch,heshouldinstalltheMoortyinanequallysacredspotin consultationwithBrihaspati(GuruofGods). Accordingly,GurualongwithVayu(WindGod)setforthtoDwarakawheretheyfound,theimage beingtossedaboutintheseabythesurgingwaves.Vayucarriedtheimageandbothstarted searchingforasacredplaceforitsinstallation.TheywerelaterjoinedbySageParasurama,and theycameuponalakeoflotuses(Rudratheertha)whereLordSivaandParvathiwerewaitingto receivethem.SivatoldthemthatthatspotwasetchedoutforNarayanalongago;henceHeand Parvathideviwouldmovetotheoppositebank.GuruandVayuinstalledtheimageinthetemple builtbyViswakarma,thedivinearchitectof Gods.AsGuruandVayutogetherfoundedthetemple,theplacecametobeknownas GuruvayoorpurawhichwaslatershortenedtoGuruvayoor. Movedbythisstory,JanamejayaproceededtoGuruvayoortemplewhereheworshippedSree Krishnawithgreatfaith,forfourmonths.Onenightwhileasleep,hefeltBhagavanKrishna's healingtouchoverhisbodyandhisillness(leprosy)wasnomore!.KingJanamejayareturnedtohis kingdomelatedsingingpraisesforBhagavanKrishna. MODERNHISTORY in1789AD,themuslimtyrantTippuSultan,withtheintentionofconvertingHindustoMuslims, invadedthekingdomofCalicutwhereGuruvayoorislocated. Apprehendingthedestruction,theimagewashiddenundergroundandthe*UtsavaMoorty*was shiftedtoanotherplace.TippusetfiretotheTemple,butitwassavedbyacelestialvoicefollowed bytimelyrain.Terriblyfrightenedatthisdivineintervention,Tippuandhismightyarmyfledfrom Guruvayoor. Later,TippuwasdefeatedandkilledbythecombinedarmyofCalicutandtheEnglish. OnNovember30,1970,anuncontrollablemammothfirebrokeoutinGuruvayoortemple.Itraged allaroundforfivehours,buttheSriKovil(SanctumSanctorum),flagstaffandallthesupport deitiesremainedunaffected.Thefireguttedtheentiresurroundings.The*SriKovil*wasonly3 yardsoff,butstillthefiercefiredidnottoucheventhedryflowergarlands,whichhungonthe cornerofthe*SriKovil*!.
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GuruvayoorTempleArchitecture GuruvayurtempleisanepitomeofKerala'stempleVastuvidya.ItisfacedtowardstheEastwith two*Gopurams*,oneatEast(*Kizhakkenada*)andotheratWest(*Padinjarenada*). Theentireareabetweenthese*Gopurams*isroofedwithtilesandknownas*Anapanthal*.At thecentreofthisisasquareshapedpillaredhallcalled*Nalambalam*,theouterwallofwhichis fixedwithagalleryofoillamps.Atthesouthsideofthe*Nalambalam*,thereisasubshrineof SastaorLordAyyappan.Atthenortheastsideofthisshrineisthe*Koothambalam*,where,in oldentimes,danceperformanceswereheld.Inthefrontandtheeastsideof*Nalambalam*,the *Belikkal*and*Deepastambas*Pillaroflightsarelocated.Thereareanumberofsuchlight pillarsintheTemple.The*Deepastambas* ,ateachGopurams,areofspecialinterest. Theeasternside*Deepastambam*is24feetinheightandhasthirteencircularreceptaclestohold thewicks.OftheothertwoatWestGopuram,oneisintheshapeofatree.DwijasthambaItisa flagstaff,around70feetheight,fullycoveredwithgold. Thesquareshaped*SriKovil*hastwostairsandthreeroomsinside.Theinnermostroomisknown as*Garbhagriha*(TheMoortyofBhagavanKrishnaisplacedhere).Here,thetwodoorsandthe roofarecoveredbyGold.Allthearticlesinsidethe*Garbhagriha*areinGold. Theouterroomiscalled*Mukhamandapam*.ThewallofSreeKovilisdecoratedwithancient (17thcentury)murals.InfrontoftheSreeKovilisthe*NamaskaraMandapam*,squareinshape andwithapyramidalroof.Surroundingthisisapillaredsquarehallcalled*Nalambalam*or *Chuttambalam*.Agalleryofoillampsisfixedonthewallof*Nalambalam*.Inthenorth easternsideoftheSreeKovilisthetemplewellcalled*Manikinar*.IntheNorthsideofthe temple,asubshrineofDevi,*EdathirithiKavu*issituated. The*Oottupura*,theplacefor*prasadauttu*isalsolocatedinthenorthsideHere,thedailylunch isarrangedforthedevotees.Nexttoitisthetempletank*Rudratheertha*whichislocatednear thenorthsideofthetemple. POOJAS ThepresidingDeityinthe*Garbhagraha*(centralshrine)isMahaVishnu,worshippedandserved accordingtothespecificpoojaroutineslaiddownbyAdiSankaracharya.Bhaktasatlarge, however,invoketheBhagavanasUnnikrishnaorBalakrishna.The*Moorty*iscarvedoutof *PathalanjanaSila*,whichissupremelysacred. NIRMALYADARSHAN(3A.Mto3.20A.M).Thisisthefirstdarshanoftheday.Bhagavanisstill adornedwiththeflowersandgarlandsofthepreviousnight.AfterthenightPooja(worship),when thedoorsareclosed,theDevas(Gods)comeandworshiptheMoorty.AdarshanofBhagavanwho
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hasjustbeenworshippedbytheDevasthemselvesisconsideredhighlyauspicious.Amidstthelit lamps,thechimingbellsandtheconch,thespontaneousloudchantingofthedevotees "Narayana","Guruvayurappa","Govinda",etc.,yourmindwillbeliftedtothehigherlevelsof devotion. THAILABHISHEKAM,VAKACHARTH&SANKABHISHEKAM(3.20A.Mto3.30A.M).Theriteof bathingtheMoortywithgingerlyoiltakesplace,afterremovingtheadornmentsoftheprevious day.Thencomes`Vakacharth'i.e.sprinklingtheMoortywiththe`Vaka'powder.Thekorkofatree called`vaka'ispowderedandused.Afterthisisperformed,the`abhishekam'(riteofbathingthe Moorty),withwatersanctifiedina`sankhu'(conch). ALANKARAM&MALARNIVEDYAM(3.30A.Mto4.15A.M).Afterthebath,theMoortyiswiped withathincloth,thenadornedwithgarlands,earornaments,Kasthuritilakaandaredloincloth. Butterinhandandplayingtheflute,BhagavanhereappearsasUnnikrishna(childKrishna), reminiscentofHisplayfuldaysatGokulam.Afterthe`alankaram'(adornmentordecoration),the `malar'(puffedrice)`naivedyam',plantainandjaggeryareofferedtoBhagavan . USHANAIVEDYAM&USHAPOOJA(4.15AMto4.30AM).Offeringsofcookedriceand `naipayasam'(ricecookedinjaggery)constitutethe`usha naivedyam'(morningoffering).The'UshaPooja'(morningworship)isalsoconductedatthistime. ETHIRETTUPOOJA(4.30AMto6.15AM).NowBhagavanandtheSunarefacingeachotherand Poojaisperformedbyoffering`vellanaivadyam'(whiteofferingi.e.ofcookedrice); simultaneously,thesubdeitiesinthetempleareattendedbyassociatepriests.`Ganapathyhoma' isperformedinthetemplekitchen. SIVELI(6.15AMto7.00AM).TheSreekovil(Sanctumsanctorum)opensallowingthedevoteesto havetheirdarshan.TheMOORTYthenproceedsfortheSiveli(procession).The`utsavaMoorty' (processionalMoorty)ismountedonanelephantandtakenroundthetemplethrice.Bhagavan wantsthisexercisetobedone,sothatHehimselfcanascertain,ifallHiscelestialattendantsand devoteesinplacearekeepingwell. PALABHISHEKAM,NAVABHISHEKAM,PANTIRADINAIVEDYAM&POOJA(7AMto9AM).What followsisaseriesof`abhishekams',firstintheseriesbeing`Palabhishekam'or`Kshirabhishekam' (bathinginmilk).Thenthe`Navabhishekam'isdonewith,waterfilledinninesilverpotsand sanctifiedwithacourseofPoojas.`PantiradiPooja'isdonewhentheshadowmeasures12feet. DARSHAN(9AMto11.30AM).Timeisgiventodevoteesfordarshan. UCHAPOOJA(NoonPooja11.30AMto12.30PM).Conductedataround12noon,itisthemost importantandelaboratePoojaoftheday.The`naivedyam'(Offering)consistsofcookedriceand `palpayasam'(ricecookedinmilkandsugar).Simultaneously,aBrahminisseatedinthetemple kitchenandfedwell.Thiscustomismandatoryatthisritual. THETEMPLEREMAINSCLOSEDFROM12.30PMto4.30PM.Bhagavanrestsduringthisperiod.
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SIVELI(4.30PMto5PM).ThesecondprocessionofBhagavantakesplaceatthistime. DARSHAN(5PMto6.15PM).Thetimeisgiventothedevoteefordarshan. DEEPARADHANA(6.15PMto6.45PM).AllthelampsinthetemplearelightedandBhagavanis worshippedwithoillampsandcamphorflames.Conchshellsareblown,drumsbeaten,bells chimedandpipesplayed.TheviewofBhagavaninfullgloryisvisiblefromaverylongdistance itself.Bhagavanlookssomarvelousamidstthelampsandthatevenanonbelieverwillhave secondthoughts. DARSHAN(6.45PMto7.30PM).Devoteesallowedfordarshan. ATHAZHAPOOJA&ATHAZHANAIVEDYAM(7.30PMto8.15PM).Thenightworshipis`Athazha Pooja'andtheofferingmadeatthattimeis`athazhanaivedyam'.`Appam'and`Ada'(sweetened ricepreparation),betelleafandarecanutareofferedatthistime. ATHAZHASIVELI(8.45PMto9.00PM).Thenightprocession,thethirdandlastprocessionofthe daytakesplace. TRIPUKA&OLAVAYANA(9.PMto9.15PM).Fumigationofthecentralshrineandtemplewith nineodoriferousgumsinasilvertrayisknownas`tripuka'.`Olavayana'isthecustomaryfunction ofreadingoutday'sincomeandexpenditurebeforeBhagavan. TheSriKovilclosesat9.15p.m. FESTIVALS Ulsavam(AnnualFestival): Thisisconductedinthemonthof*Kumbha*(FebMarch)andlastsfor10days.Thehoistingofthe templeflagatoptheflagstaff(Dwajastambham)about70feethighheraldsthefestival.Onthe1st day,anelephantraceisheld.Onthenext6days,thereareelephantprocessionsinthemorning, afternoonandnight.Inthemorning,thereistheSribhutaBali(OfferingofoblationtoBhagavans celestialattendants).Therearevariousculturalprogramslikedance,music,religiousdiscussesare heldatMelpathurAuditorium(outsidethetemple)onallthesedays.Onthe8thday,Utsavabali (from10amto4pm)oroblationsareofferedtoBhagavanslieutenants.Asumptuousfeastthen awaitsthedevotees.PallivettaorthehuntingexpeditionofBhagavantakesplaceonthe9thday. ThishuntissymbolicofthedestructionofKama(desire),Krodha(anger)andothersuchevilsthat plagueusinourlife.AfterthatBhagavansThidambuistakentotheRudratheertham(temple pond)forAarattu,amidstthechantingofmantras.Thousandsofdevoteesalsotakethedip, chantingBhagavansnametopurgethemoftheirsins.ThenUchaPooja(i.e,noonworshipthis takesplaceatnightonlyonthisday)isheldattheBhagavatishrine.Finally,Bhagavanreturnsto thesanctumsanctorumafter11circumambulations.TheTempleflagisthenloweredsignifyingthe endofthefestival. Vishu: TheMalayaliNewYearday,Vishu,fallsonthe1stof*Medam*month(midApril).Onesfortunes fortheyeardependsontheauspiciousnessoftheobjectsthatoneseesfirstatdawnonthisday.
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Accordinglya*kani*(omen)consistingof*konna*flowers,rawrice,gold,betelleavesandnuts, yellowcucumberandcoins,aresoarrangedinfrontofthe*IshtaDeva*inthepreviousnightitself, sothatoneseesthematfirstglimpseonwakingupinthe morning.Seeingthe*kani*atGuruvayurisveryauspiciousandhencemillionsofdevoteesstay overnight,blindfoldthemselvesandsettheireyesonthe*Kani*andthegloriousBhagavanasthe doorsareasusualopenedforthedharshanat3a.m. Vaishka: Thelunarmonthfromthedayfollowingthenewmoonof*Medam*(AprilMay)tothefollowing newmoon.TheobservanceofausteritiesorVrathaduringthismonthisespeciallysacredto Vishnu. AshtamiRohini: Inthemonthof*Chingam*(JulyAug),underthe*RohiniNakshatra*,onthe8thdayofthewaning moonofSravanaisthedayofBhagavanKrishnasbirthi.e.Janmashtami.Averyspecialdayinall SriKrishnatemples,GuruvayurDevaswomitselfofferaniramala(fullofgarlandsandvilakku), devoteesflockinwith*Appam*(Cakesofricepasteandjaggery)consideredthemostfavourite foodofBhagavanonthatday. KuchelasDay: ThisisobservedonthefirstWednesdayof*Dhanu*(DecemberJanuary).Kuchelawasapoverty strickenBrahmin,achildhoodfriendandagreatdevoteeofBhagavanKrishna.Oneday,hewent toseekKrishnashelp,attheinsistenceofhiswife.Hecarriedwithhimasmallgiftofparchedrice toofferhisfriend.OnreachingDwaraka,hewasnotonlywelcomedwarmlybyKrishna,andmade tofeelathome,butwasalsoaskedwhathehadbroughtforhim.Bhagavanblessedhimwithgreat prosperity! Otherimportantfestivals:Mandalam,Ekadasi,Chembaimusicfestival&Narayaneeyamday. GuruvayoorMahAtmAsThefamousMahAtmAswhoreceivedthevisionofBhagavanKrishnaat Guruvayoorare,Sankaracharya,MelpatturNarayanaBhattathiri,Poonthanam Namboodiri,VilvamangalamSwamiyar,Kururamma,PrinceManadevanandKudallurKunjikkavu Namboodiri. 1.SANKARACHARYA OnceSankaracharyawasonanaerialjourneytoShringeri.WhileaboveGuruvayoortemplehe smiledattheprocessionof*SreebhoothaBali*(feedingcelestialattendants)andtriedtopassthe templeignoringBhagavan.Suddenlyhecamecrashingdownandtheprocessionstoppedthereat thenorthwestcorner.HesoonrecoveredandsawBhagavanKrishnainallHisroyalty.Realizingthe causeofhisfall,SankaracharyaprostratedbeforeBhagavanand eulogizedHimbychantingeightslokasinpraiseofGovinda,knownasGovindaAshtakam.The smallopeningintheroofovertheNorthWestcourtyardisincommemorationofthisevent.
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AsadvisedbyBhagavanKrishna,Sankaracharyahaddone41days*Bhajanam*atGuruvayoor temple.Duringthisperiod,Heestablishedthespecificcodeof*GuruvayoorKshetraAcharas*( templetraditions).Thetraditionof*MandalaVilakku*(lightingoflampsfor41days)wasinitiated byHim. 2.MELPATHURNARAYANABHATTATHIRI. HewasborninMelpathurBrahminhousenearTirunavaya.Hewasaffectedwithparalysisand searchedforaremedy.Ezhuthachan,thefamousMalayalampoetandSanskritscholartoldhim "Startwithfish)".Bhattathiritookitinthepropersensedecidedtopresentthevariousincarnations ofBhagavanMahaVishnustartingwiththefish,asnarratedinthe Bhagavathaminaseriesof*Dasakas*(Groupsoftenslokas).HereachedGuruvayoortempleand startedcomposingone*Dasaka*adayinfrontoftheMoorty.Therefraininlast*Sloka*ofevery *Dasaka*isaprayertoBhagavantoremovetheailmentsandsufferings.Hecomposedhisworkin onehundred*Dasakas*onthe*Kali*day.Thisworkisknownas *NARAYANEEYAM*afterwhichherecoveredfullyandregainedhappiness.*Narayaneeyam*isin praiseofGuruvayoorBhagavan.*Narayaneeyam*isthecondensationof*MahaBhagavatham* anditsparayana(reading)confersdefinitebenefits;itisaneffectivefaiththerapy.Itmakesone pureKrishnabhakt,itconcernsmainlyaboutourpresentlifeAarogyam(healthandfreedom fromdiseases)andsaukhyam(happiness). AtGuruvayurtemple,*Narayaneeyam*isofutmostimportance.Noworkofthismagnitudehas everbeendedicatedandaddressedtotheDeityofanyothertemple.ItprovidestheBhaktaan opportunitytovisualiseandworshipBhagavanKrishnabyreadingitorlisteningtoitsrendition.It willshineandconjureupatGuruvayurintheheartofposterity.The*Narayaneeyam*Dayis celebratedeveryyearinGuruvayoortemple. 3.POONTHANAMNAMBOODIRI. PoonthanamandMelpathurwerecontemporaries.Poonthanamwasthefamilyname.Hemarried aheiressat20,butforalongtime,theyhadnochildren.PoonthanambegantopropitiatetheLord ofGuruvayoor;andasonwasborntohimin1586.Hecalledforacelebrationandeverybody knownwasinvited,butthechilddiedanhourbeforetheceremony.GriefstrickenPoonthanam soughtrefugeatGuruvayurandstartedprayingwiththepuranicstoryof*Kumaraharanam*. GraduallyPoonthanambecameenlightenedandrealized"WhilelittleKrishnaisdancinginour hearts,whydoweneedlittleonesofour own?".OnseveraloccasionshewasblessedwiththedivinevisionofSreeKrishna. *Jnanappana*andthesong*AnjanaSreedara*werewrittenbyPoonthanamwiththehelpof Bhagavan.Poonthanamspenttherestofhislifeof90oddyearsreadingtheBhagavathamand singingtheLord'sgloriesinsimpleMalayalam.Hecomposedmanydevotionalhymnsinpraiseof Bhagavan.

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4.VILLWAMANGALAMSWAMIYAR. Villwamangalamisthefamilyname.Hewasawanderingsaint.Hewasblessedhimwiththe miraculousgiftofseeingBhagavaninpersonasdistinguishedfromtheMoorty.HespottedSree KrishnamanytimesinsideGuruvayoorshrine. 5.KUROORAMMA. KuroorammawasachildlesswidowandsettledinGuruvayoorasadevotee.Thanksto Vilwamangalam'sguidance,sheadoptedUnnikrishnaofGuruvayurasherson;andBhagavan arrivedatherhouseasasmallBrahminkid.Kuruoorammatreatedthekidasherownson, fondlinghim,playingwithhim,chidinghimwhenhebecamenaughtyandweepingathischildish freaks.Thedevotionalsongof*Kanikanumneram*wascomposedbyher. 6.MANAVEDAN. PrinceManavedanofCalicutwasbornin1595andhadearlyeducationinSanskrit.Laterhe becamethediscipleofVillwamangalam.WithhisdevotiontoBhagavanandguidanceof Villwamangalam,hesawtheBhagavanasUnnikrishna,standingundertheElajhitreeontheway fromthePalacetoGuruvayoortemple.Thepresentkoothambalamislocatedatthisspot.The PrincewroteaseriesofeightdramasforKrishnanattam.TheKrishnanattambegantobe stagedinthetempleregularlyasanofferingtoGuruvayoorappan.Thusthedancedrama, Krishnanattam,becameyetanothermediumtospreadthefameofGuruvayooralloverKerala. 7.KUDALLURKUNJHIKKAVUNAMBOODIRI. KunjhikkavuwasknownasRamaninhischildhood.HelearntPuranasthroughhismother'sdaily parayana(recitation)ofBhagavathamandRamayanamandlearntSanskritonhisown.He formerlybeganhis*puranaparayana*inhishomeandslowlybecomefamousasamysticdevotee .Veryoftenheforgotthisrealworld,helookedateverywomenhemetasaGopiofVrindavanam. Hestartedcircumambulatingandprostratingbeforeeveryoneincludinganimals.Heusedtotake whateverhewantedfrom*Srikovil*.TheparticularplaceinGuruvayoortemplewhereheusedto sitfor*puranaparayana*isstillknownas *Kunjhikkavu'scorner*. 8.MALLIYOORSANKARANNAMBOODIRI *BhagavataHamsam*BrahmasriMalliyoorShankaranNamboodiriisalivingLegendofKrishna bhakti.Hewasbornon02February1921astheeldestsonofParameswaranNamboodiriandArya Antarjanam,intheVedicbrahminfamily,Malliyoor.Hewassickbybirth.Severeillnessesand extremepovertymadehischildhoodmiserable.Inspiteofallthesemiseries,hegrewupasaloyal Krishnabhakta.ThepoorparentssomehowmanagedtoprovidehimVediceducation.The traditional*Brahmanaupanayanam*(initiation)wasperformedattheageof(8)followedby Samavartanambeforehewas(14).
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BrahmasriMalliyoorstartedworkingasatemplePujari.BeingascholarinSrimadBhagavatam,he laterdedicatedownlifeto*Bhagavatakathakathanam*(ritualnarrationofBhagavatamstories). BhagavanHimselfpresentedabookofBhagavatamtoSankaranNamboodiri.HisBhagavatam nectarquicklygainedimmensepopularityamongKrishnabhaktas.Later,Malliyoorinitiated BhagavataSaptAhammovementinVedic temples,whichpracticallyBhagavatisedKerala.BhagavatamistheessenceoftheVedas;andit iscalledadhyAthmadeepa,thelightoftheself.Itisbeneficialtothewholehumanity,and removesthethreekindsofmiseries,namely,Adhidaivika(calamitiesduetokarmaorfate), Adhibouthika,(obstaclesduetootherbeings),andadhyAthma (troublesthatcomefromone'sownnature).Itisafactthat,whenonewishestoreadorhear Bhagavathm,BhagavanSriKrishnaappearsinhisheart.SageSukanarratedBhagavatamtoking Parikshitinsevendays.Onthefirstday,itwastillvarahavathara,onseconddaytill jatabharathaepisode,onthethirdtillamrthamathanam,onthefourthtillkrishnavathara,on thefifthtillRukminikalyanam,onthesixthdayitwastill uddhavasamvAdhaandthelastdayBhagavatamwasfinished.ThispracticetoreadBhagavatham inthesameorderforsevendaysisknownasBhagavatasapthAham. BrahmasriMalliyooranddiscipleshavesuccessfullycompletedseveralthousandsof *BhagavatasapthAhams*feedingthenectarofKrishnaBhaktitomillionsofdevotees.The numeroustitlesbestowedonBrahmasreeMalliyoorinclude*BhagavataHamsam*(ByGuruvayoor BhagavataVijananaSamiti)and*BhagavatasevaRatnam*(GuruvayoortemplesJanamashtami award.TheHeadofKanchiMathapersonallycametopresentthis). Malliyoorsfamilydeityis*BeejaGanapati*intheveryancientstonecarvedtemple.Sincemore than(50)yearsBrahamasreeMalliyoorhasbeenrecitingBhagavatamkeepingasalagramamin frontoftemplesPresidingDeityGanapati.Itisaveryrarepracticetoworshipones*Ishta Devata*infrontofanotherDeity.However,MalliyoordidthistofulfillHisobligationstowardsHis familydeityGanaptiandHisown*IshtaDevata,SriKrishna*. Theresultoftheaboveatmicsadhanawasamiracle.VedicBrahmanasandVedicJyotishishave foundinthisGanapatiDeityanextremelyraresuperimpositionof*KrishnaChaitanyam*.Hence thisDeityhasbecomeaunique*VaishnavaGanapati*.InspiteofHisexaltedstatusasthetop VaishnavaAcharyainKerala,BrahmasriMalliyoorMalliyoorisapictureofhumilityand compassion.TheeversmilingAcharyafeedseveryonewhovisitsHimisabsolutelyfreefrom materialism.InthetrueVaishnavatradition,HeimbibedinbothofHissons(Paramseswaran NamboodiriandDivakaranNamboodiri)Bhagavatadharma;andbothofthemareassistingHim in*BhagavatasapthAhams*. HOWTOREACHGURUVAYOOR? ByAir:Guruvayoorissituatedatadistanceof80kmfromtheKochiinternationalairport (Nedumbassery)and100kmfromCalicut(Kozhikode)airport.Allmajorinternationalflightservices
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operatefromtheseairports. ByRail:TheGuruvayoorRailwayStationisconnectedtotheMadrasMangaloremainlineat Thrissur.ThosecomingfromtheMadras/ThiruvananthapuramsidecangetdownatThrissur.From ThrissurRailwayStation,thereareregularbusservicestoGuruvayoor. ByRoad:Guruvayooriswellconnectedwiththeotherpartsofthecountrybyroad.Boththe KSRTCbusstandandPrivateBusstandareabout500metresfromthetemple. OmNamoNarayanaya!!!

55MaruthoorvattamDhanvantharitemple

MaruthorvattomisavillageinbetweenAleppeyandCherthalaTownsofKerala. Dhanwanthariwhoisbelievedtobeanavataram(incarnation)ofLordVishu,who cameoutoftheoceanofmilk,whenGodsandAsuraschurnedtheoceanisconsecrated here.Itisbelievedthatthistempleisatleast500yearsold.Thereisalsoonemore DhanwantharitempleinKeralainEllijay,avillagenearGruver. ItseemstherewasaThampaninthisvillagewhowassufferingfromaverysevere stomachache.HewenttothetempleatViacomandassoonasheenteredthetemplehis stomachachewascured.Butassoonashecameout,itstartedagain.Thampanprayed Vaikathappan.ThatdayinhiddreamVaikathappancameandtoldhim,Yourstomach achewillnotbethereaslongasyouareinmytemple.Itwouldreappearassoonasyou leavethistemple.Togetitcuredpermanently,wehavetogotothepondcalledKelam nearCherthalai.Ifyougoinsidethepondyouwillgetthreestatutes.Pleaseleavethefirst statuethereitselfandtakethesecondstatue,whichwouldbethatofGodDhanwanthari toaBrahmin.YouwillagaingetanotherstatueofMahavishnu.Takeithomeanddo pooja." TheThampandidastoldbyGod.HegavetheDhanwantharistatuetoaBrahmin belongingtoVelladuMana.HeconsecratedthethirdstatueinAdhithyapuramnearhis house.TheVelladuNamboodiriwasworshippingtheDhanwantharistatueinhishouse itself.LaterwiththehelpofCheerataamanMoosu,hebuiltatempleforDhanwanthariat Maruthorvattom.UnfortunatelytheVellattuNamboodiriandtheMoosuhadafight.In thefightthehandoftheDhanwantharistatuebroke.Moosutookthebrokenarmand consecrateditinOlachainKottayam.InMaruthorVattom,theNamboodirimadeahand
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insilverandattachedtotheGod.EventodaythisGodisworshippedinMaruthor Vattom.TheGodfaceswest.TheGodhasagoldenpotinhisrighthand.Allmedicines ofthetemplearefirstkeptinthispotandthengiventothedevotee.Inhislefthandmade ofsilverhekeepsanAttai(bloodsuckingleech) InthemonthofThulam(OctoberNovember)ontheKrishnaPakshadwadasiday,the birthdayofDhanwanthariiscelebratedinthistemple.Manypeoplecometoworship theirPithrus(manes)onthatdaytothistemple.OnthatdayThaalKari(avegetable preparationinvolvingColacasiastemwhichnormallycausesitching)isgivenasPrasadam.Butthe Prasadamdoesnotcauseitching.Thisisalsopreparedonthe Amavasyaofthesamemonth.Thisisconsideredasagreatmedicineandpeoplefromfar andnearflockthetempletogetthismedicine. InthemonthofMesha(AprilMay)onUthraNakashtram,thefoundationdayofthis templeiscelebrated.ThethiruonamofthesamemonthiscelebratedasArattu.Theyhave aceremonycalled"kayethalVanam"onthisday,whichissupposedtobeacurefor Asthma.Togetchildren,peoplearrangefor"SanthanaGopalam"Kathakaliinthis temple.Forrheumaticdisordersthetempledistributesamedicinecalled"attayum Kuzhambum".SimilarlytheyalsoprepareamedicinecalledMukkudiwhichisamixture of24drugsforcuringstomachache.Thesetwomedicinesaregivenonlyinthefirst thursdayofeverymalayalammonth.Youhaveregisterearlyatthistempletogetthese medicines.Itisalsobelievedthatcoveringtheidolfullywithbutterorsandalwoodpaste andeatingthebuttercuresalldiseases. SeveralpeculiarworshipslikeAdima,ThazhichuKoda,NagarajaPoojaetcareoffered atthistemple.

56KodungaloorBhagawathiTemple

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CherthalaisatownnearAleppey.ThereisAKarthyaytanitemplethere.Thereisastory aboutthistemple.ItseemsVilawamangalamSawmiyarwasreturningafterconsecrating AnanthapadmanabhainTrivandrumtoGuruvayur.HereachedthepresentCherthalaiand wastakingrestbelowaThambakatree.Henoticedseveralswansswimminginthe severalpondsinthatplace.Suddenlyhesawadivineladyswinginginaswing,tiedto theThambakatree..HerecognizedherasgoddessKarthyayaniandwentnearher.Then shejumpedinanearbypond.ThoughVilwamangalathuswamiyarsearchedforherinthe pond,hecouldnotfindher.Thenextdayalsohesawherinthesameplaceandthistime shejumpedintoasecondpond.Thishappenedforsixdays.Ontheseventhday,the swamiyarcaughtholdofthehairoftheGoddessandpulledher.Hecouldonlypullher head(thalai)uptoherneck.Alsoseveralhairswhichhewasholdinggotuprooted.The seventhtankwasfullofslushymudcalledCherinMalayalam.Becauseofthisincident theplacewascalledCherthalai.(Thisbeingagreatcentreforcoirmanufacturewasalso calledShertalaibytheBritish).Thepresentstatuehasonlytheheadvisible.Youcansee theseholesfromwhichhairshavebeenpulledout.SoafterAbhisheka,thispartisthe waterismoppedoutbyusingacloth.AlsowhiledoingflowerofferingtotheGoddess, thesepartsarecoveredwithcloth.Itseemstheswamiyargotangrywithherbecausehe wasnotabletocatchher.So,commemoratingtheeventinthemonthofEdavam(May June),thepeopleplayfullyabusethegoddessinapooramfestival. TheGoddessinthesanctumsanctorumisbelowthesurfacelevel.Outsidethetemple, thereareseparatetemplesforLordVishnuandLordShiva.Thedevoteeshandovercock asanofferingtothegoddessKarthyayani.Soyoucanfindseveralcocksatthistemple. Nearthesanctumsanctorumofthegoddess,thereareseparatetemplesforGanapathyand LordDharmaSasthaalso.JustoutsidethetempleistheplacewhereVilwamangalam Swamiyarfoundherinaswing. Itseemsagandharvawasgivinglotoftroubletothepeoplearoundthistemple.Sothe goddessrequestedShasthatoteachthegandharvaalesson.LordSasthawentoutsideand killedtheGandharva.Whenhewasreturningtothetemple,theGoddessaskedhimto stayoutsideitselfsothathecanprotectthepeople.Aseparatetemplewasbuiltthere. TheSasthainthistempleiscalledKavuudayon(hewhohasjobofsecurityorHewho hasaKavu).Heholdsamaceinhishand.Peoplewhoareinfearorareattackedbyevil spiritsmakeamaceofwood,colouritandgiveitasofferingtoKavuudayon. Thearattu(bathintank)festivaliscelebratedinthemonthofEdavam(MayJune)for eightdays.EachdayGoddessisdippedinadifferentpondandontheeighthdaysheis broughtbacktothetemplealongwithLordVishnuandLordShiva.

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Therearetwoveryspecialandpeculiarofferingsatthistemple.TheyarecalledIratti andThadi.IrattiisnothingbuttheGheePayasamwiththedoublethequantityofjaggery .Thadiismadebythefollowingmethod: Mixriceflour,Jaggery,andcoconutalongwithpowdereddrygingerandotherspices. Thisismadeintoapasteformtiedinthesheathofarecanutandtiedatbothends.Then thesandisheatedbyburningsticks.Asmalldepressionismade.Theabovebundleisput insideandcoveredwithhotsand.Againfuelssuchascoconutshellsareburntoverit. Thisofferingismadeonlyifdevoteesdesireforit.

57CherthalaKarthyayanitemple
CherthalaisatownnearAleppey.ThereisAKarthyaytanitemplethere.Thereisastory aboutthistemple.ItseemsVilawamangalamSawmiyarwasreturningafterconsecrating AnanthapadmanabhainTrivandrumtoGuruvayur.HereachedthepresentCherthalaiand wastakingrestbelowaThambakatree.Henoticedseveralswansswimminginthe severalpondsinthatplace.Suddenlyhesawadivineladyswinginginaswing,tiedto theThambakatree..HerecognizedherasgoddessKarthyayaniandwentnearher.Then shejumpedinanearbypond.ThoughVilwamangalathuswamiyarsearchedforherinthe pond,hecouldnotfindher.Thenextdayalsohesawherinthesameplaceandthistime shejumpedintoasecondpond.Thishappenedforsixdays.Ontheseventhday,the swamiyarcaughtholdofthehairoftheGoddessandpulledher.Hecouldonlypullher head(thalai)uptoherneck.Alsoseveralhairswhichhewasholdinggotuprooted.The seventhtankwasfullofslushymudcalledCherinMalayalam.Becauseofthisincident theplacewascalledCherthalai.(Thisbeingagreatcentreforcoirmanufacturewasalso calledShertalaibytheBritish).Thepresentstatuehasonlytheheadvisible.Youcansee theseholesfromwhichhairshavebeenpulledout.SoafterAbhisheka,thispartisthe waterismoppedoutbyusingacloth.AlsowhiledoingflowerofferingtotheGoddess, thesepartsarecoveredwithcloth.Itseemstheswamiyargotangrywithherbecausehe wasnotabletocatchher.So,commemoratingtheeventinthemonthofEdavam(May June),thepeopleplayfullyabusethegoddessinapooramfestival. TheGoddessinthesanctumsanctorumisbelowthesurfacelevel.Outsidethetemple, thereareseparatetemplesforLordVishnuandLordShiva.Thedevoteeshandovercock asanofferingtothegoddessKarthyayani.Soyoucanfindseveralcocksatthistemple. Nearthesanctumsanctorumofthegoddess,thereareseparatetemplesforGanapathyand LordDharmaSasthaalso.JustoutsidethetempleistheplacewhereVilwamangalam Swamiyarfoundherinaswing.

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Itseemsagandharvawasgivinglotoftroubletothepeoplearoundthistemple.Sothe goddessrequestedShasthatoteachthegandharvaalesson.LordSasthawentoutsideand killedtheGandharva.Whenhewasreturningtothetemple,theGoddessaskedhimto stayoutsideitselfsothathecanprotectthepeople.Aseparatetemplewasbuiltthere. TheSasthainthistempleiscalledKavuudayon(hewhohasjobofsecurityorHewho hasaKavu).Heholdsamaceinhishand.Peoplewhoareinfearorareattackedbyevil spiritsmakeamaceofwood,colouritandgiveitasofferingtoKavuudayon. Thearattu(bathintank)festivaliscelebratedinthemonthofEdavam(MayJune)for eightdays.EachdayGoddessisdippedinadifferentpondandontheeighthdaysheis broughtbacktothetemplealongwithLordVishnuandLordShiva. Therearetwoveryspecialandpeculiarofferingsatthistemple.TheyarecalledIratti andThadi.IrattiisnothingbuttheGheePayasamwiththedoublethequantityofjaggery .Thadiismadebythefollowingmethod: Mixriceflour,Jaggery,andcoconutalongwithpowdereddrygingerandotherspices. Thisismadeintoapasteformtiedinthesheathofarecanutandtiedatbothends.Then thesandisheatedbyburningsticks.Asmalldepressionismade.Theabovebundleisput insideandcoveredwithhotsand.Againfuelssuchascoconutshellsareburntoverit. Thisofferingismadeonlyifdevoteesdesireforit.

58RanduMoorthitemple,Alathur
AlathurisabigvillagenearPalakkadtown,Thereisverypeculiartempleinthisvillage calledRandumoorthitemple.(Templewithtwogods).Inthistempletherearetwo goddessesbothfacingthewest.OneisAnnapurniandtheotherisMahishasuramardhini. ItisbelievedthatthistemplewasestablishedbySureshwaracharyar,oneofthechief disciplesofAdhiShankara.ThisismanagedeventodaybyNaduvilmadam,established byhim.ItseemsforalongtimethatthebuildingaroundtheBhagwathiwasincomplete inspiteofgreateffortsandpeopleusedtocallitpanitheerathakovil.(theincomplete temple.).Itseemsthensuddenly,someBhoothasconstructedtheentiretemplein14 days.Theentireconstructionwasdonebygranitestones. ThetwoBhagawathisareintwodifferentheights.TheAnnapurneswariisatalower heightandMahishasuraMardhiniinthehigherplane.WhiletheAnnapurneswariisa swayumbustatutethatofMahishasuraMardhiniismadeofjackwood.Shehaseight handsandholdsallherweaponsinthosehands.Unlikeothertempleswithidolsmadeof jackwood,hereChandhattam(painitingthestatuewithkumkum)isnotdone.Inspiteof thisthestatueisnotevenslightlydamaged
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Thereisuthasavaidolforthisstatue,forwhichabishekaisdone.Thisidolis surroundedthesevenDurgasvizBrahmani,Maheswari,Koumari,Vaishnavi,Vaarahi, IndraniandChamundi.. TheentireRamayanahasbeenpaintedintheroofofthemandapamofthistempleinsix parts.Inspiteofnomaintenance,thesepictureslookasiftheywerejustpainted. AnotherpeculiarityofthistempleisthatunlikeallothertemplesinKerala,inthis templeBrahminsarenotallowedtositintheMandapamoppositethesanctum sanctorum. InthemonthofKarthigai,thereisatendaylongfestivalinthistemple.IntheMeda masam(AprilMay)thefoundationdayisobserved.Onthisdayallthe4000lamps surroundingthetemplearelit.Itseemstheoilforthisusedtocomefromtheincome fromthefieldsofaneighboringvillagecalledennaPadam(oilfields)..Thetempleis openfrom5.30Amupto10Amand5Pmto8Pm.

59MithranandaPuramTemple,Trivandrum
ThistempleisactuallyacollectionoftemplesandissituatedveryNearPadmanabha Swamytemple,Trivandrum.InsidethiscompoundtherearetemplesforLordShiva, LordKrishnaandLordBrahma.Thoughinitiallythesetempleswereunderthecontrolof SriPadmanabhaSwamyTemple,laterthistemplecomplexbecameindependent.Itis believedthattheTrimurthysconductedagreatfiresacrificehereaddressedtotheSun God.AnothernameofSunisMithra.Sincethisfiresacrificegavelotofhappinesstothe Sungod,thistemplecomplexiscalledMithranandaPuram(Thetownwhichgave happinesstotheSun)ItisveryinterestingtonotethatthepriestsofAnantha PadmanabhaSwamytemplestayinMithranandaPuram.ItisalsoknownthattheVedic pundits,whoassembleinTrivandrum,oncein12yearsforMurajapam,stayinthis compound.Fromtheverybeginning,theadministrationofthistemplewasjointlydone bytheTravancoreandtheCochinkings. Thepathintothetempleleadstothethreetemples.FirstthereisAVishnutemple withaGarudaStatuejustoutside.SomepeopleareoftheopinionthatthisisinfactaSri Krishnatemple.TheidolisinastandingpostureandcarriesConch,wheel,maceand lotusflowerinhisfourhands.AshtamiRohini,thebirthdayofLordKrishnais celebratedinthistemple. NexttotheVishnutempleisthetempleofLordShiva.Inthesouthwesterncornerof thistemplethereisaGanapathytemplealso.Shivarathriiscelebratedasagreatfestival

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inthistemple.ChantingofRudramissupposedtobeverydeartothisGod.Nexttothe templeisatempleofsnake,whichisbecomingincreasinglypopular. SlightlybehindtheVishnutempleistheBrahmatemple.TemplesforBrahmaarevery rareinIndia.PossiblythisistheonlyBrahmatempleinIndiawherepoojaisbeingdone likeanyothertemple.TheBrahmastatueismadeofstoneandhasonlyonehead.And fourhands.InsidetheBrahmatemple,thereisasmallGanesatemplealongwithhis wives.ThemainformofworshipofthisGanesaistocoveritwithappam.Theheadof NaduvilMadam,Trichuralsohasanashramtostayhere.Thereisabeliefthatthis templeforBrahmawasconsecratedheretowardofaYakshiwhowastroubling everybody.Intheinitialdays,womenwerenotallowedinthistemple.Nowadayswith certainrules,theyareallowedtoenterthistemple. ThereisalsoAKrishnatempleinthecomplexwhereitisbelievedSage VilwamangalamhashisSamadhi.ThisiscontestedbecausetheKrishnadevoteesof NorthbelievethathisSamadhiisinMathura,nearBrindavan.Thistempleisunderthe controlofNaduvilMadam,Trichur.Infrontofthemaingranitestatueisasmallmetallic statue,whichisbelievedtobetheonethatwasworshippedbySageVilwamangalam.It isalsobelievedthatTheSamadhiofthesageisbelowtheKrishnastatue.Hereagain thereisaGanapathytempleattachedtothetemple.

60VaikomMahadevaTemple
Thisisaverybigtemplewithanareaofapproximatelyeightacres.Itisbelievedthat VaikathuAppan(GodinVaikomtemple)hasthreedifferentaspects.Bysalutinghimin themorning,yougetwisdom,bydoingitatnoonyougetvictoryandbydoingitatnight yougethappylife. Thereisastoryabouttheoriginofthistemple.ItisbelievedthatanAsuracalledKhara gotthreeShivalingasfromLordShivahimself.HebroughtthemtoKerala,holdingone byhisteethandoneeachinhisleftandrighthand.WhiletheLingamheldbyhisteeth wasconsecratedinKaduthurthi,theoneheldinhisrighthandwasconsecratedin VaikomandtheoneheldinhislefthandwasconsecratedinEthumanur.Peoplebelieve thatifwecanvisitallthesetemplesonthesameday,itisverypropitious. The45feettallGodstandsonatwofeethighpedestal.TheUthsavaVigrahais decoratedwithgoldencrescent,threeeyesetc.Thestatueisnormallydecoratedwith Bilwaleavesandotherflowers. Onthesouthofthetemple,isthetempleofPanachikkalBhagawathy.Sheis consideredasVanaDurga.Thereisnoroofoverheridol.Itseemsthatafterthetemple
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wasbuilt,therewereproblemscreatedbyaYakshi.Sopeoplewentandrequestedfor helpfromVyagrapadaMuni.HetoldthemthatoneGandharwamaidenhadbecome YakshiduetothecurseofAgasthya.ShecanbesavedonlybyanassistantofGanapathi calledTrishuli.SoallthepeopleprayedLordGanapathi.ThenLordGanapathisent TrishulitoremovethecursegiventotheYakshiTrishulicutherintothreepiecesand threwthosepieces.ThepresenttempleofPanachikkatuBhagawathiisintheplacewhere hertrunkfell.Wheretheheadfell,thereisatemplecalledMoothedethuKavuandwhere thelegsfell,thereisatemplecalledKoodacheluBhagawathi.ItisbelievedthatThe Ganapthistatueinthenortheasternportionofthetempleisduetothisincident. ThegreatestofferinginVaikomisAnnadhanam.Originallythefeastwasrestricted onlytoBrahminsbutnowitisforeverybody.ItisbelievedthatLordShivaandGoddess ParvathypartakeintheMorningfeastatVaikomintheformofBrahmins.Theprasadaof thetempleistheashcollectedfromthebigmainkitchenofthetemple.Dailyallthatis preparedisofferedtoGod,beforeofferingittoothers.Itisbelievedbypartakinginthis morningfeastallincurablediseaseswouldbecuredandwealthwillaccumulateinour house. TheVaikathuAshtami(dhanumonthNovemberDecember)whichiscelebratedfor12 days,isthebiggestfestivalinthistemple.Thereisacustomofsickpeoplerollingonthe leavesusedtoeatafterthefeast.PeoplebelievethatonesuchleafwasusedbyLord Shivaandifyouhappentorollonit,allyourdiseaseswouldbeimmediatelycured.From theSubrahmanyatempleofUdayanapuram,LordSubrahmanyagoesouttokillthe TharakasuraandSoorapadma.ItisbelievedthattheAshtamifeastisgivenbyLordShiva forthevictoryofhisson.AfterthefeatLordShivawaitsoutsidethetempleforhissonin theeastsideofthetemple.Afterhisvictorioussoncomes.LordShivaalongwithhisson takesupseatintheeastgateandgreatofferingsaremadetothefatherandson.The KaimalbelongingtoKarugahosehastherighttogivethefirstoffering.Whenhereturns peopleshoutathimandthrowarecanutpealsathim.Thereasonforthisisnotknown.

61EthumanurMahadevaTemple
ThistempleissituatedinEthumanur,asmalltownnearVaikom.Itisbelievedthatan AsuracalledKharagotthreeShivalingasfromLordShivahimself.Hebroughtthemto Kerala,holdingonebyhisteethandoneeachinhisleftandrighthand.Whilethe LingamheldbyhisteethwasconsecratedinKaduthurthi,theoneheldinhisrighthand wasconsecratedinVaikomandtheoneheldinhislefthandwasconsecratedin Ethumanur.Afterconsecratingallthesethreetemplesinthesameday,Kharaisbelieved tohavebecomeadeerandwasdoingservicetotheGods.ItisbelievedthattheGodin Ethumanurtookthedeerinhishandandhelditthere,Becauseofthatthisplacewas
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calledUdhruthainaPuram,whichtranslatedintoMalayalambecameEthumanur(The placewherethedeerwaslifted). Themajorworshipinthistempleislightingoflamp.Aneverglowing,verybiglampis keptassoonasyouenterthetemple.Thedevoteespouroilintothislamp.Recentlya vesselisalsokeptnearbysothat,ifthelampisfull,devoteescanpourtheoilthey broughtintothisvessel.Thereisastorybehindthis.Itseemsabrassmasononcemadea hugelampandbroughtittothistemple.Hepleadedwiththemanagementofthetemple tobuythelampfromhim.Theysimplylaughedathim.Theytoldhimthatthetemple neednotbuyalamppayingmoney.ThatbrassmasonpleadedwiththeGodforbuying thelampandsalutedhim.Thensuddenlyabigstormstartedaroundthetemple.The templemanagementrealizedtheGodwasangryattheirbehaviourandboughtthelamp andinstalleditthere.Fromthattimethelamphasbeenconstantlyburninginfrontofthe temple. TheuthsavaidolofShivaisaneighthandedfigurewhichappearsveryangry.Butthe devoteesonlyseemercyinthatform. Thetempleisveryartisticandhasacopperroof.Severalwoodensculpturescanbe foundaroundthetemple.Therearealsostatuesoftwobullsinthistemple.Therearealso templesforDakshinamrthy(veryrareinKerala),GanapathiandSasthainthistemple. Thereisanengravinginthetemplewhichindicatesthatitwasconstructedabout400 yearsback. ThefestivalinthistempleiscelebratedinthemonthofKumbham(FebruaryMarch), whichlastsfortendays.TheThiruvadirafestivalandShivarathriarealsocelebratedin thistemple.TheeighteenpartworshipforShivarathriisfamous.PeoplerefertheGodin thistempleasEthumanurAppan. KadunthuruthiMahadevaThaliKshethram ThisisaplacebetweenVaikomandEthumanurandisveryneartotheVembaNaduback watersofKerala.ThenamemighthavederivedfromKadalthuruthi(intrusionfrom sea).ButitisbelievedthatasasuracalledKharagotthreeholyLingasfromLordShiva. Hetookoneeachinhishandandthethirdonebybitingbyhismouth.Heconsecratedall thesethreeLingasinKerala.TheLingawhichcarriedinmouthbybitingissupposedto beconsecratedinthistemple.Kadichuiruthi(heconsecratedthemafterbiting)musthave beentheoriginalname.Thepresenttempleisonahilltopandfaceseast.Thetempleis undertheadministrationofTravancoreDevaswamboard.Theothertwolingamswhich aresmallerarebelievedtobeconsecratedbyKharainVaikomandEthumanur.
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Itseemsoncethistemplecaughtfire.Thepriestsimplyembracedtheidolanddiedin thefireratherthanallowittobespoiled.Hisstatueisalsoconsecratedinthetemple. Apartfromhisstatue,theidolsofYakshi,DurgaandGanapathiarealsofoundinsidethe temple. ThereisabeliefthatifonecanprostrateinthethreeidolsatKaduthurthi,Ethumanur andVaikomonthesameday,itwouldleadtofulfillmentofallourwishes.One VadakkumkoorKingwhowasadevoteeusedtodothattillhebecameveryold.Later whenhewasnotabletodothat,heconsecratedGodofEthumanuristhesoutherngate andLordofVaikominthenortherngate.ItisbelievedthatifwevisitKaduthuruthiwe willgetthebenefitofvisitingallthethreeshrines. Thereisafestivaloftendaysinthistemple.Itdoesnothavethegrandeurofthe festivalsofVaikomandEthumanur.SinceseveralNamboodirivillagesweresurrounding thistemple,thistemplewasclassifiedasaThalitemple. NeyathinkaraNavaneethaKrishnan Thistempleissituatedabout20kmfromTrivandruminthemiddleofNeyathinkara town.ThegodconsecratedhereisLordKrishnaasachildholdinginhishandaballof butter,DailythepriestkeepsafreshballofbutterinLordKrishnashands. ItisbelievedthatthegheewhichwascollectedintheashramaofAghasthya(inthetop ofthemountain)overflowedandbecameariverofghee.NeyyarinMalayalammeans riverofGhee.NeyathinKarameansOnthebanksofNeyyar.ThetempleofLord KrishnaissituatedinthebanksofNeyyar.Thereisaghat(steps)intotheriverfromthe temple.ThistemplewasconstructedbySriMarthandaVerma,thefamouskingof Travancore.Thiskinginhisyouthwashuntedbyseveralofhisenemiesandreachednear ajackfruittreeinNeyathinkara.Whenhisenemieswerechasinghim,ayoungboy appearedfromnowhereandshowedhimacavebelowthejackfruittree.(Ammachi Plavumotherjacktree).Thekingescaped.LaterLordKrishnaappearedinhisdream andtoldthatitwashewhohassavedtheking.Thekingimmediatelyorderedthe buildingofatemple.Thekingorderedastatuemadeofblackstone.Buttheboatcarrying theblackstoneidolsomehowstucktoapoint.Thekingconsultedtheastrologerswho toldthatGodwantedanidolmadeofPanchaLohaandnotblackstone.Theblackstone idolwasconsecratedinavillagecalledKrishnaPuramandanewPanchalohaidolwas made.TheidolofKrishnafacesthewest.Theroofofthesanctumsanctorumismadeof copper.ThereisatendaylongfestivalinthemonthofMeeanam(MarchApril) MukkuthalaBhagawathy
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MukkuthalapreviouslyknownasMukthiSthala(PlaceofSalvation),alsoknownas MukkolayakkalisintheMalappuramdistrictofKeralaandisthreekilometersfrom Changaramkulamkara.MelpathurNarayanaBhattathiri,theauthorofNarayaneeyam becameafflictedwithaseriousstomachache.Inhisdream,thegoddesscameandtold him,thatifhecomestohertemple,hewouldbecuredofhisproblem.Bhattathiriwrotea verygreatpoeticworkcalledSripadaSapthathiinpraiseoftheBhagawathihere. ThistemplehasbeenalsoreferredinMukthiSthalaDeviStotramwhichdatesback tothe8thcentauryandreferredbyUlloorParamaeshwaraIyerinhismagnumopus KeralaSahithyaCharithram.HequotesacoupletprayingtheGoddesstocurehis diabetesfromthatbook. ThistempleissituatedinthemeetingpointofthreedesamsvizThekkummuri, VadakkummuriandKaniyur.PossiblyitwasinitiallycalledMukkavala(Joiningpointof threeroads). ItisbelievedthatAdhiShankarahappenedtopassthroughthisplace.Atthattimea grasscutterladyssicklefellonarockandbloodstartedoozingoutofthestone.Adhi Shankaracouldseeagreatluminouspower,whichheidentifiedasthemotherGoddessat thatplace.HealsohadthevisionofLordShivaandLordNarasimhaMurthy.He requestedpeopletoconstructatemplefortheGoddessaswelltheotherGodsthere.The templeforGoddessisthetemplereferredtoasMelekkavu(theuppertemple)in Mukkuthala.LordShivastemplenearbyisknownasKeezheKavuandthetempleof NarasimhamurtyisinKolancherry.TheyalsoconsecratedatempleforBhadrakaliin Kannenkavu,nearby.TheplacewhereAdhishankarameditatedispreservedinthe northernsideoftheMelekkavutempleandisknownthereasPunyaBhoomi.Therea statueofAdhiShankarahasbeenconsecrated. Thereisnousualpoojawithringingofbellsinthistemple.OnlyNaivedya(offering) isofferedtotheGoddess.DuringtheKarthigastarofVruschigamasa,TheAnimangalam Thanthrioncedoesthepoojawithringingofbells,onlyonceinayear. TheofferingofMalar(Poriorpuffedrice)isveryimportantinthistemple.Everyday freshpuffedriceispreparedformakingtheoffering.ThisofferingisdoneafterAbisheka inthenoonaswellasafterthepoojaatnight.InnoothertempleinKerala,Malaris offeredtotheGoddessatnight.QuarterkilometerfromtheMelekkavuisthetempleof BhadraKaliinKannenkavu.ShesitsfacingtheMelekkavu.Whateverofferingismade toMelekkavu,itisofferedatthegateofthesanctumsanctorumofMeleKkavutothe BhadraKalialso(ThatisitisofferedinMelekkavutemplefacingtheBhadrakali temple).

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SomestoneswhichbecomeavailablebelowtheidolofMelekkavuBhagawathi,known asMukkolaKalluiscollectedbythepriestandgiventothedevotees.Itisbelievedthat thisstonecandriveoutalltheevilspiritsandcurealldiseases.Thiscanbewornbymen aswellaswoman. ThereisaplantcalledVazhagrowninthecompoundofthistemple.Peoplebelieve thattheleafofthistreehasthepowertodriveawayevilspirits.Theycollecttheleaves anduseittoadornthehairoftheirchildren. ThemajorprayerforMelekkavuBhagwathiisVaram(ReadingofVedas).Thefeast (varaSadhya)isgivenonlyintheKeezhekkavu.Itisalsobelievedthatifwepresenta heargearmadeofflowerstotheGoddess,marriageswouldbesettledsoon.Amongthegreat devoteesofthetemplewereKakkaseriBhatathiri,Poonthanam,MeppathurNarayanaBhatathiri, KoodalloorNamboothirietc.

62EvoorKrishnaSwamytemple
EvoorisasacredHindureligiousplaceintheOnattukaraareanexttoKayamkulam municipalityindistrictAlappuzhaoftheIndianstateofKerala.Evooris40Kilometers southofAlappuzhaintheOnattukaraareaandnexttoCheppadrailwaystation.Itis famousfortheancientSriKrishnaswamytemplewhichoriginatedinthepresenceof BhagavanSriKrishnaHimself.. EvoorSriKrishnaswamyTemple,(Onattukara'sGuruvayoor) EvoorMajorSrikrishnaswamytempleisoneofthemostimportant26Mahavishnu shrines.ItislinkedtoKhandavadahanam(burningofKhandavaforest),describedin Mahabharata.Theremainsofburnttreesbeingwidelyfoundhere,confirmthis.Further evidenceare,nearbyMannarasalaandPandavarkavutemplesinthispartof Onattukara. ThegreatKanvaMaharishi(oneoftheSaptarshis),hadbeenlivinginthisarea. Kannamangalam(Kanvamangalam)isnearby.HisAshrama(hermitage)later becameatemple.EvoorKrishnaswamysyearlyAraattu(ceremonialbath)isheldin thistemplestank. OriginofEvoorTemple Agnideva(FireGod)hadbeensufferingfromaseverestomachailment.Asaremedy, LordBrahmaadvisedhimtoconsumetheherbrichKhandavaforest.Unfortunately, TakshakatheSerpentkingandaclosefriendofLordIndra,wasresidingthere. WheneverAgnitriedtoconsumetheforest,LordIndrasthundershowersdutifully extinguishedthefire.
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Once,SriKrishnaandArjunawerevisitingthisplace.AppearingintheformofaBrahmanaAgni devsoughttheirhelpandtheyagreed.ThenKanvaMaharshiarrivedtheretosavehisArcaMurty (afourarmedimageofMahavishnu).BhagavanKrishnagrantedaboonthattheMurtywillnot beharmedbyfire.Soon,AgnistartedconsumingKhandavaforest.Lord[Indra]used thundershowerspromptly.ButlisteningtoSriKrishnasadvice,Arjunaconstructeda Sharakoodam(shelterofarrows)tocompleteKhandavadahanam.ThusAgnisailmentwas cured.AnimmenselygratefulAgnidevasoughtBhagavanKrishna'spermissiontoinstallthat Murthyinanewtempletheretofacilitatepermanent worship. AsinstructedbySriKrishna,Arjunafiredanarrowtodeterminethelocation.Anew templewassoonconsecratedwherethearrowhadlanded.(Evooristheshortenedform of'Eythaooru',meaningtheplacefromwherethearrowswereshoweredtomakethe 'sharakoodam').BhagavanKrishnaHimselfinfusedHisdivinepowerintotheMurty.AndArjuna performedthefirstpoojaafterthe*PranaPrathishta*.AMurtyofBhoothanathaswamy (KirathaMurthyformofLordSiva)togetherwithYakshiAmma(DeviParvathy)wereconsecrated astheSubDeities.TheancienttreesroofingthemarethesurvivorsofKhandavaforest.Fireand Reconstruction About125yearsback,thistemplewasdestroyedinafire.Whenthe'Sreekovil'( Sanctumsanctorum)wascaughtfire,somanypeopletriedtoremovetheDeity,but failed.Atlast,anoldBrahmanadevoteeoftheadjacenthouse,aftertakingadipinthe templetank,enteredtheragingflamesandbroughtouttheDeity,safely. SriMoolamThirunalthenkingofTravancore,wasinKasiatthattime.Appearingasa Brahmanaboyinhisdream,SriKrishnaaskedthekingtoreconstructtheEvoortemple. Immediately,thekingreturnedhomeandconstructedahugetemplecomplex.It containedroyalfacilitiessuchassecuritytrenchesatoptheroofallaroundand undergrounddrainagenetworktodischargetheabhishekawaterfromSreekovilto adjacenttempletank. TherenownedTharananalloorTantri(whoseancestorhadbeenbroughttoKeralaby SriParashuramawasappointedasthetraditionalTantri.Immensewealth(including landsandotherassets)wasarrangedtoensureselfreliance.Also,extensiveneighborhoodfacilities andallnecessaryinfrastructurewereputinplaceforthetemple.PrayogaChakraPrathishta EvoorBhagavansDeityistheuniquePrayogaChakraPrathishta:PanchjanyaSankhainrear Livelefthand;SudarshanaChakrainrearrighthand;ButterinthefrontalFrontallefthand isheldonthehipasmanibandham;righthand.
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BhagavanisinacombativemoodreadytoreleaseSudarshanaChakra.Heisthe72 yearoldSriKrishnaatHispeakgloryandpower.Vedicexpertshaveconfirmedtheextremelyrare presenceofSrichakraonthisDeity.Consequently,Rakthapushpanjaliisaspecialofferinghere whichisunavailableinVishnutempleselsewhere.Evoortempleispopularlyknownasthe GuruvayoorofOnattukara. UTSAVAM(AnnualFestival) Theintensityofthelivingaura(JeevaChaithanyam)inandaroundtheDeityisof primeimportanceinavedictemple.Itisnaturalfortheauratooverfloworradiate whentheDeityisconsecratedbygreatYogisandRishis.AtEvoor,BhagavanSriKrishnaHimself breathedintolifeintotheDeity.So,thelivingaurahereoverflowsandfloodsallaroundthe entiresurroundings.Also,Tantrismeditation,chantingofVedas,PushpaanjaliandAbhishekam withvedam,thePoojari'sdiscipline;andearnestperformanceofritesandrituals,specialfestivals likeUtsavam(annualfestival),anddistributionoffood,havefurtherenhancedthepowerofthe Deity.UtsavamisfortherestorationofdivineChaithanyamofDeity,byperformingnecessary purificationandenergizationrituals.Culturally,itconsistsofvariousprocessions,illumination, fireworks,artforms,etc. EvoorUtsavamlastsfortendays.BeginningthefirstdayofMakaram(January).It endsaftertheAaaraattu(HolyBath).Alltendays,theplacewearsafestivelook, streetsdressedupwitharches,festoons,etc.Everybuildingistastefullydecoratedwith lights,plantaintrunks,bunchesofcoconutandarecanuts.TheGopuramandcourtyards aredecoratedwithilluminations.Manylamps,deepasthambamsandvilakkuareall lighted. The"Utsavam"ritualsinclude"PrasaadaSudhhi"(purificationofMurthy),"Rakshoghna VaasthuHomam","PrasaadaRaksha","Chathassudhhi","Dhaara","Navakam", "Panchakam","PanchagavyaKalasam",etc.(thesesare"Abhishekams"),"Kotiyettu" (Flaghoisting),"Pallivetta"(HolyHunting),"Aaraattu"(Holybath),"Kotiyirakku", "Pallikkuruppu"etc.,andinbetween"SreebhoothaBali"and"UtsavaBali". Kotiyettam(FlagHoisting) TheTantrifirstinvokestheDeitybytantricritualssuchasKalasamandotherpoojas;andthen infusesauraontotheFlagbearingGarudaemblem.Afterfurtherpoojas,theconsecratedFlagis hoistedonthegoldenFlagstaff.AmidloudcriesofNarayana,Narayana,thedivineFlagplays aroundalittleandthenfliesupresemblingabirdtakingofftothesky.AsupplementaryFlagis hoistedatopthewoodenFlagstaff,manuallyerectedinfrontofBhutanathaswamy(Upadeva).A largecrowdofDevoteeshappilywitnesses,theauspiciouscompletionofKotiyettam.

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Utsavam(Days1to8) TheeventsoffirstfivedaysaresponsoredjointlybyTravancoreDevaswomboardandspecific groupsofdevotees.ThreeKaras(villages)namelyEvoorSouth,EvoorNorthandEvoorNorth Westconducttheeventsofdays7,8and9respectively.EachKaracompeteswithotherstomake ownUtsavamthebest.Afterthepoojas,tantricritualsanddaytimeculturalprogramssuchas Ottanthullaletc,thousandsofoillampsarelitallaroundtempleintheevening.Uponcompletion ofDeeparadhana,twohourlongSevastartsat7.15PM.ThePoojaricarriesatopthemale elephant,BhagavansThidambu(directmanifestationoftheDeity).Renownedmusiciansplay Nadaswaram(awindinstrument)supportedbypercussioninstruments,tosingdevotionalsongs inpraiseofBhagavan.Itisabeautifuldevotionalfeastfortheeye,earandheart.Andisfollowed bypopularculturalprogramslikeKathakali',velakalietc. 9thDayUtsavam Onthisday,inadditiontotheregularitems,Kalakali(decoratedeffigiesofBulls)isa specialevent.Kalakettuisathanksgivingofferingtothelordbyfarmers.SmallKalaeffigies arehandcarriedwhereasthebigonesaremountedonwheels.ThecolourfulKalakalicompletes 3roundsaroundthetemple,wildlyswingingintheairamidthunderous cheersofArppooooIrrooooo. AfterDeeparadhanaandSEVA,thePaliivettaisperformedatmidnight. Pallivetta(HolyHunting)Pallivettaisthetraditionalyearlyevent,whereinEvoorBhagavan proceedstothedistantbanyantree(300mawayattheentrypoint)tohuntdownevilforces. Accordingtothetradition,"JeevathaEzunnallathus"oftwonearbyBhagavathytemples (KannamballilandKalloorath)arrivestogether.TheyareBhagavanssisters.Whentheyarrivein frontoftheSreekovil(sanctumsanctorum),theyareaccordedatraditional welcome. EvoorBhagavansThidambuismountedatopthegoldcaparisonedelephant. Accompaniedbyservantsanddevotees,HestartsforthePallivetta.Uponreachingthe spotbeneaththebanyantree,abowandarrowsareusedforPallivetta.Whenthe victoriousBhagavanturnsaroundtoreturn,the"JeevathaEzunnallathus"ofHis jubilantBhagavathysisterswelcomeHim. ThepriestlyBrahmanadancers,cladinthetraditionalstyleholdingtheheavy"Jeevatha"on shoulders,performthedivinedance.Thedancebeginswith"KottiUrayikkal"(drummingtomake thedancerspossessed).Thedrummingindifferentrhythmsaccompaniedbyscintillatingmusic coaxestheperformerstodancetoeachrhythm,creatingaholyatmosphere.Eachcircumlocutionis regulatedbyadifferentThaalam(beat).Thisisverytouchingwiththousandsofdevotees watchingwithtearfuljoy,EvoorSriKrishnasbothBhagavathysistersplayaboutecstaticallyin frontofHimwholovinglyappreciatesthembyswayingatopHiselephant.

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The"Jeevathas"dancejustinfrontofBhagavan,thenrunningbacktodanceatadistance, holdinghandstodanceinunison,etc.Each"Ezhunnallathukaaran"(Leaddancer)directshisgroup accordingtoBhagavathisrevelationtohim.(ItisawonderofwondershowsuchfragileBrahmanas coulddancewildlylikethisbearingweight.Nomortalhumanbeingcandothis.Onecouldseered lumpsoffleshbuildinguponthedancersshoulders;buttheydontshowanysignsofpainor fatigueatall.Inreality,itisBhagavathywhoisdancing,intheformofHerPriests).Uponreaching thetemple,EvoorBhagavanstandsontheeasterncourtyardfacingwest.BothHisBhagavathy sistesdancewildlyraisingthetempotosupremeecstasy. Finally,afterbiddingfarewelltobrotherSriKrishna,theyquicklycompletepradakshinaaround temple,bowdownonceagaininfrontoftheSreekovilandrunoutside.Beingsadatthe separation,asilentBhagavanreturnstoHisSreekovil. Aaraattu(HolyBath) The10dayslongUtsavamculminateswithagrandAaraattuprocession,withtheUtsavaDeity beingcarriedtotheAaraattupalacetankatMuttamwhichis3Kilometersaway.(Thiswas whereKanvaMaharshiusedtoworshiptheDeitybeforeitmovedtoEvoortemple).Aaraattu referstothesacramentalablutionoftheDeityinthesacredtank. Inthemorning,Devoteestakeadipinthetempletankandperformthetraditionalurulal (sayanapradakshinambeneaththeFlagstaffandentrances).Somedevoteestakethetraditional fastingtotakepartinthe,Aaraattutobeheldatmidnight.Intheafternoon,theKettukazhcha processionisheldwithparticipationfrom3Karasaroundthetempleandfromseveral communities.Decoratedeffigiesofbulls,andepicfigurescomplete3roundsaroundthetemple. Themarvelousaswellasmagicaleffectofthecombinationofnumerouspercussionandwind instrumentsismostthunderous,spectacularanddazzling.Theenthusiasmanddedicationall aroundrevealsupremeBhakthytotheirIshtaDevan,EvoorBhagavan.AftertheKettukazhacha procession,thousandsofoillampsarelitallaroundthetemple.Devoteeswaitinanticipationfor Bhagavansarrival.TheTantrirituallytransfersthelivingaurafromprincipalDeitytotheUtsava DeitytobeboardedontheThidambu. AmongecstaticcheersArppooo.IrroooofromthousandsofBhakthas,Melsanti(leadPujari) comesoutcarryingtheThidambu.ThehugemailelephantbowslowfortheMelsantiandother threebrahmanastositonhistop.Whenthemajesticelephantstandsup,itisasightforGodsto behold!BhagavanSriKrishnaswamyinallHisglory!!!ManyTheevettis(oillitmultifires)being heldaloftbymenonthefloorilluminateHim;Muthukkuta(ornamentalsilkumbrella)covers Him;Alavattam(coupleofcircularhandfansmadeofpeacockfeathers)andVenchamaram (coupleofwhitefeathersticks)fanningfromHisback!

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Amidhugecheersfromdevotees,Bhagavanselephantescortedbytwootherelephants(Poojaris carryingMuthukkutasatopthem),proceedstothemaingateandstandstherefacingthousands ofdevoteesontheeast.Thencomesthemagnificentdisplayofthunderousfireworks.Itisindeed grandandextremelycolourful.BhagavanselephantstartsmovinggracefullyforAaraattu procession.ThencomesthetraditionalKuchelavruthmVanchippattuinfrontofBhagavan. Fragileelderssingthevanchippattumelodiouslyandyoungstersrepeatloudly.Beautiful Vanchippattuandecstaticdancingtoitstunetogetherwiththemusicofpercussionandwind instrumentsenliventheprocession.BhagavansDeityatoptheelephantgentlyswaysin appreciation;andthisdivinesightmotivatethesingersinfinitely.BhaktaswelcometheAaarattu processionatvariouspointsbydazzlingfireworksandotherofferings.Whentheprocession reachesthepaddyfieldaheadoftheAaarattupalace,Bhagavanisceremoniouslywelcomedby thetwinBulleffigiesandassociatedritualsbelongingtoHistraditionallabourers. UponreachingtheAaarattupalace,theThidambuisseatedatthedesignatedplace.Singers completethelastlinesofKuchelavruthamandthenseekBhagavanspermissiontoleave, singingAdiyangalvidakollanBhagavananuvadikkane!!(Pleasepermitustoleave,OBhagavan !!). Afterconductingthepoojasby1AM,theTantriandMelsantibringtheUtsavaDeitytothetank platformandperformfurtherpoojas.Finally,carryingtheDeityintheirhands,theytakethreedips inthewaterandcompletetheritualisticAaraattu.Afterwards,theUtsavaDeityisseatedat thepalaceforDarshan.Immediately,allBhakthasjumpintothetankandaftertaking(3)dips, performedUrulal(Sayanapradakshinam)aroundthepalacetosubmitthemselvesentirelyto Bhagavan. Kotiyirakkam(LoweringofFlag) AftertheAaaraattu,theprocessionreturnstoEvoortemple.TheritualsofKotiyirakkamstart around5.00AM.TheTantriperformstantricritualstorestoreaurafromFlagtotheUtsava Deity.Afterthis,helowerstheFlagtocompleteKotiyirakkam.Later,theUtsavaDeityis shifted totheArdhamandapinsidetempleforPallikkuruppu(sleep). Pallikkuruppu(HolySleep) AfterreturningfromAaraattu,BhagavansleepsnicelyontheArdhamandapinfront ofSanctumSanctorum.Asmallcalf(youngcow)istiedtothepillarandthemaintemple isclosed.Bhagavanwouldwakeuponlyafterhearingthecryofthecalf.Tantri, Poojaris,staffanddevoteeswaitoutsideinanticipation. Whenthecalfcries,TantriandMelsantienteredthetempletotransferBhagavans livingaura(chaithanyam)fromtheUtsavaDeitytotheprincipalDeity.Thenthe
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templedoorisopened,toallowdarshantothedevotees.OtherFestivalsAssociatedwithEvoor TempleAiyalyamMakam,ShankaranthiVallamKali,TiruonamUlsavam,AshtamiRohini,Kuchela dinam,etc. HowtoreachEvoor EvoortempleissituatedneartheCheppadRailwaystation(BetweenKayamkulamand Harippad.Itisthecoastalrailwayroute.Itismoreeasytoreachtherebybus.Cheppad isabout7kmnorthofKayamkulamBusstand.FrombothHarippadandMavelikaraBus standsEvoorisabout5kmsouth.YoucangetdownatCheppadJunctionandgobyan autorikshawtoEvoortemple.Alternatively,youcangetdownatthebusstop(southof CheppadandnorthofRamapuramDevitemple)onNH47andwalkuptothetemple whichisabout1kmeastofNH47.OmNamoBhagavatheVasudevaya!!!

63ParakkattuKavu
ThistempleissituatedinKavaseeriwhichisfivekilometersfromAlathur,whichistwenty kilometersfromPalakkad.TheholyGayathriRiverflowsbythesideofthistemple. ItseemswhileGoddessDurgawastryingtokillMookasura,fromeverydropofhisbloodoneAsura arose.Goddesskilledallofthem.OneofthatasuraswasPara.ItisbelievedthatParawaskilledin thisforestandthenameofthetempleisderivedfromthis.ItseemsinitiallytheGoddesstookher placeinaplacecalledParacheriandlatermigratedtotheplacewhichiscalledKoottala.Shewas dissatisfiedbeingthereandrequestedforafiretorch(Pandam)fromanoldladybelongingto Unnikumarathufamily.Thatladymadeabundleofpaddystrawtieditinaclothanddippeditinoil andlighteditandgaveittoher.ThenthegoddesstookthattorchandarrivedinKavasseri.This templeisbelievedtobeatleast300yearsold. Inthemonthofmeena(MarchApril),thevillageplants18pillarposts((ariaKodi maram)andthegoddessisbroughtfromthetempletothisplaceinaprocession.,The peopleofUnnikumarathufamilyholdthetorchbeforethisprocession,.Laterafestival forsevendaysiscelebrated.TherewouldbesongcalledBhagawathiPattuduringthese sevendays. Peopleofallcastesjoinintheworshipatthistemple.Therearespecialrightsfor manyofthecastesofthisareaduringthefestival.Itisbelievedthatonceuponatime PeopleweresacrificedtopropitiatetheGoddess.Oncewhenayoungboywasaboutto besacrificedhecriedandentreatedtheGoddesstohelphim.Thegoddessthrewthe swordandshieldinanearbywell.Afterthatthecustomofsacrificewasstoppedatthis temple.

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ItisbelievedthatthisgoddessisthesisterofMangottuKavuBhagwathiofAthiPetta. Everyyearshegoesshuttingdownherowntempleforsevendaystobewithhersister. ThisalsoisinthemonthofMeena(MarchApril).Ifanymalechildisborninanyofthehousesin thesurroundingvillage,theywouldcomeandmakeamusicalthroatysound(Kurava)facingthe templeoftheGoddess.

64MangottuKavu
ThistempleissituatedinaplacecalledAthipotha,whichis24kmfromPalakkad.FromPalakkad youhavetogoviaAlathur.Thegoddessinthistempleissupposedtobeinherveryfierceform. SheisalsoconsideredastheyoungersisterofParakkattuBhagwathiwhohasatemplein Kavasseri. MangottuBhagawathiissupposedtohavecometothisplacetofulfillthedesireofaweaver.This weaverwasagreatdevoteeoftheGoddess.HisnamewasKuttan.Heandhispeopleusedto weaveclothsandsellitinplaceswherefestivalsareheld.Itseemsinoneplace,hewasso enchantedbytheDevitherethathementallyrequestedhertocomealongwithhim.Atthattime, therewasawhirlwindwhichremovedtheclothsofthe idoloftheGoddesswhichwasbeingbroughtinprocession,Kuttanimmediatelythrew, thecloththathehasbroughttosellonthegoddess.ThisclothfellontheGoddessandgot attachedthere.NextdayKuttanreturnedtohisvillage.HewascarryinganUmbrella.At aparticularpointhegotsotiredthathekepttheUmbrellaonfloorandsleptnearby. Whenhewokeup,hewasnotabletoremovetheumbrellafromtheground.An astrologerwassummonedwhotoldKuttanthattheGoddesshasoccupiedtheUmbrella andshewantstoliveinthisplace.Thentheastrologerthrewthestickinhishandand toldthatatempleshouldbebuiltwhereitfalls.ThisplaceisthepresentAthipotha. InthemonthofMedam(AprilMay)therewillbeafestivalinthistempleforseven days,afterthefirstSundayofthatmonth.ApartfromthatafterthePooramfestivalof ParakkattuBhagawathitemple,thatBhagawathishutshertempleandcomesandstaysin AthipothaforsevendaysinthemonthofMeenam(MarchApril). Thisisaveryimportanttempleandvarioustypesofworshipareofferedatthis temple.SomeofthemarePanaPatasam,NeyPayasam,Trikalapooja,Chandattam, Sahasranamapoojaetc.TherearealsospecialpoojasalongwithchantingofEikamathya Sooktham,SriSookthamandBhagyaSuktham. ThereisaseparatetempleforGanesainsidethetemple.Justoutsideisthetempleof MookanChathan.

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65Thirunelli
ThisisafamoustempleinKeralawheretheworshipofPithrus(manes)isdone.Itis32Kmfrom theManandavaditownofVayanaddistrict,whichisadensetribalareaofKerala.Thenearest RailwaystationisKozhikodeinKerala,whichis72Kmfromthisplace.Itisinavalleycalled BrahmaGiri(MountainofBrahma)ItisbelievedthatLordBrahmadidagreatfiresacrificehere andbecauseofthat,thisplaceisdivine.Accordingtolegends,onceuponatime,someBrahmins happenedtotravelthroughthesedenseforests.Whentheywereveryhungryandhadnothingto eat,theycalledLordVishnufortheirhelp.Thentheysawagooseberrytree.(CalledNelliin Malayalam),whichwasladenwithfruits.Allofthemsatiatedtheirhungerbyeatingfruitsofthis tree.Suddenlytheirhungerandthirstwassatiatedandtheyfeltthedivinepresence.Thenthey decidedtocalltheplaceasThiruNelli(sacredGooseberry).Recordsexisttoprovethatthis templeofLordVishnuisatleast1000yearsold.ItisalsoreferredinUnnineeliCharithamwhichis thefirstbookwritteninMalayalam. The temple is a very simple structure made of granite stone. The idol consecrated in this temple is that of Lord Vishnu with four arms. The walls of this temple are also made of granite. On these walls, very beautiful etchings are there. It seems one king of Coorg, tried to renovate this temple. When he was half through, the Vellattiri king who owned the temple objected. The renovation was discontinued. Even today we can see proof of the half finished renovation work. There are no wells in this temple. Water is being brought by a stone aqueduct from a stream in the Brahma Giri valley. Very near the temple , there is a river called Papa Nasini(killer of sins). It is believed that if we do rituals to the manes (pithrus), they would get salvation. It is believed that the good effect is equivalent to doing Karmas(Rituals ) in Gaya. The Pindas (rice balls ) are placed in the stream after the worship. People believe that both Lord Rama and Lord Parasurama did the Pithru Karmas here Also in the vicinity is a sacred rock where ritual offerings (known as bali) are made for the ancestors on the New Moon days of the Malayalam months Karkkidakom, Thulam and Kumbham. Besides the rituals during the two-day festival, art forms like Kathakali and Ottanthullal are performed. Very near the Papa Nasini is the Padma Theertha pond. . In the middle of it on a raised stone, you find the marks of Lord Vishnus feet. People believe that Lord Vishnu stood on this rock and gave divine advice to Lord Brahma. Nearby in a cave there is a Shiva temple also. All the people who do Pithru Karma visit this temple on their way back. There is a great lodge called Thirunelli Agraharam in these sylvan surroundings. Its address is Address YatriNivasRoad ThirunelliTemplePost
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Manathavadi,Wayanad Kerala670646 India

66Thirumandhankunnu
ThisisoneofthemostimportanttemplesofMalabar.Thetempleissituatedonasmall hillinAngadippuramwhichisnearPerunthalmanna,whichisabout60kilometerfrom Shoranur..AngadippuramisalsoarailwaystationintheShoranurNilamburroute.. Peoplewhodonotgetmarriedcometothistempleforperformingspecialpoojatoget married. ItisbelievedthatthistempleisassociatedwithkingMandhatha,whowasanancestor ofLordRama.,Thestorygoeslikethis.YuvanasvawasagreatkingintheIkshuvaku dynasty.Hedidnothavechildren.HehappenedtogototheashramofBhrugu Maharishi.Thesageagreedtodoaspecialpooja.IthappenedthatYuvanasvadrankthe divinewaterkeptinapotafterpoojainthesagesashram.Hebecamepregnant.Ason wasdeliveredtohimbycuttinghisstomach.Whenthechildwascryingformilk, DevendraaskedthechildtosuckitsownthumbsayingMaamdaasya(drinkme).This boybecameagreatkingcalledMandatha.HepleasedLordShivabydoinggreatpenance andatlastLordShivaappearedbeforehimandgavehim,Shivasownstatue,which goddessParvathiworshippedforgettinghimasherhusband.Mandathaconsecratedthis LingaminThiruMandhanKunnu.WhenGoddessParvathicametoknowaboutit,she wasupsetandsentherdaughterBhadrakalitorecoverit.TherewasGreatWarbetween BhadrakaliandMandatha.(commemoratingthis,thereisafestivalinthistempleinthe monthofThulainwhichtwogroupsofpeoplethrowAttanga(awildfruitofatree growinginthetemple)ateachother).WhenBhadrakalitriedtosnatchtheShivaLinga fromthehandsofMandatha,itsplitintotwo.LordShivaandParvathiappearedbefore them.ThisiswhytheShivalingaminstalledinthetempleissplitintotwo.ThenKing MandathaconsecratedanothertempleforBhadrakali,whowasthedaughterofParvathi. Shefacesnorthatthistemple.WhenKingMandathawasnearinghisend,twolearned Brahminscametothetemple.Thekingtaughtalltheritualstobefollowedtothemand entrustedthetemplestothem.HeissupposedtohaveattainedSamadhithen.His SamadhicanbefoundinKukshiparawhichistothenorthofthemaintemple. Sometextssaythatthistemplewasbuiltin343AD.TheayilyastaroftheKanni month(SeptemberOctober)iscelebratedasthefoundersday.Somepeoplesaythe GoddessatKodungallooristhesisteroftheBhadraKalihere.Amongallthethreegods, Bhadrakaliisconsideredmostimportant.Butanyonevisitingthetempleshouldfirst visittheLordShivatempleandTheParvathitemplebeforevisitingtheBhadraKali
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temple.TheShivalingaminthistemplecanbeseenonlyduringearlymorningand duringtheAbhishekabefore.PuffedriceisofferedtotheGod.OntheNorthernsideof theShivatempleistheplacewhereGoddessParvathiprayedtogethimasherhusband. TheBhdrakaliStatueismadeoutofJackwood.AndnoAbhishekaisperformedto her.Shehaseightarmsandholdssword.,Soola,snakeandStickinherrighthandsand Asurashead,bell,swordandshieldinherlefthands,Shesitswithherleftlegfolded andrightleghangingdown.Sheappearsasterribletobadpeopleandmercifultogood people.OnceinayearChandu(kumkumpaste)isappliedonthestatueinaceremony calledChandattam.Thewesterngateofthistempleisalwayskeptclosed.Itwouldopen onlyifthekingofVellatirikingdomwhobuiltthetemplecomestovisitthetemple.This templewasinitiallyunderthemanagementofthisking. MangalyaPoojaisextremelyimportantinthistemple.Itisbelievedthatifthisisdone, theconcernedpersonwouldgetmarriedsoon.ThisisdoneinthemonthofThula (OctoberNovember)onthefirstSunday,TuesdayandWednesday.Thepeopledoingthis Poojashouldcometothetempleat9AM.AfterthePantheeradipoojatheyshouldgoto theParvathitemple.Thechiefpriestwillgivethemagarlandmadeofleafandbetelleaf. Theyhavetoeatthebetelleaf.Andwearoneleafperdayfromthegarlandontheir heads.VerylargenumberofpeoplefromalloverIndiacometothistempletoattendthis poojaandgetmarried.Thepooramfestivalofthistemple,whichisheldinthemonthof Vruschigam(NovemberDecember)isagreatfestivalofthistemple.

67Thiruvizha
Thistempleissituated40kmawayfromErnakulamontheErnakulamCherthalairoad. ThereisaShivatemplewhichisconsecratedinapitwherewaterkeepsonebbing.Itis believedthatpeoplewhoaremadorpeoplewhohavebeenunderthecontrolevileffects setonthembyblackmagiciansgetcuredatthistemple.ThefamousNadaswara Vidhwan,ThiruvizhaJayaShankarhailsfromthisplace. Therewasaverydenseforestinthisareabelongingtoarakkalpanikkars.Therewasa pondintheforestwhichhadlotoftortoises.AgroupofhunterscalledUlladaasusedto catchthesetortoisesfortheirliving.Theywouldintroducealongsharpstaffintothe pondandkeeponhitting.Thentheinjuredtortoiseswouldcomeup.Thentheywould catchthem.Oncewhenaladyoftheirtribewasdoingit,suddenlyshesawbloodebbing outofthepond.Theentirepondbecamethecolouroftheblood.Thentheystarted pumpingoutthewaterofthepond.Afterthreefulldaysofremovingthewater,theysaw astoneinthebottomofthepondfromwhichthebloodwasoozingout.Onthefourth day,agreatsagecameandappliedsacredashonthewound.Thebloodimmediately
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stopped.Hetoldthepeopletheretobuildatempleoverthepondwithoutremovingthe stonefromthatplace.Theyfilledupthepond,partiallybysand.Eventoday,wecansee theLingaonlyatthebottomofthepond,wherewaterwouldbeconstantlyoozingout.In rainyseason,theidolwillbecoveredbywaterandwewouldnotbeabletoseeit.Soin rainyseasonthepoojaisperformedonlytotheUthsavamoorthi. ImmediatelyafterthetemplewasbuiltamadmanbelongingtotheThalakkattfamily ofnairsusedtodailyvisitthistemple.Thedevoteeswereafraidofhimandprayedtothe Lordtocurehim.Thatday,onenairwasinstructedinhisdreamTieupthemadman overnight.Nextday,anewplantwillappearnearthetemple.Collectonehandfullof leavesfromthisplantandhanditovertothepriest.Hewouldtakeoutthejuiceinsidethe temple,mixitwithcowsmilkanddoPandeeradipoojatotheGod,Thenkeep,three chakras(ThecoinofTravancore)beforethetempleandtakeoutthemilkandmakethe madmandrinkit.(Themixturewouldfirstbecomeblue,thenbecomedarkredandthen blackandlaterbecomeyellowandthenwhite.)Onehourafterhedrinksthemilk,give himtepidwatertodrink.Thenthatmadmanwouldvomitalot.Theninthenoonmake himeatthemilkkheer(paalPayasam)offeredtotheYakshi.Hewouldbecomeallright. Thiswasfollowedandthemanregainedhissanity.Peoplewhoweremadwerethen broughttothetempleandthesametreatmentfollowed.Mostofthembecameallright. Peoplewhoaremad,arebroughttothetempleinthepreviousnightitself.Thenafter theeveningworshipofthetempletheyattendthesaffron(kuruthi)worshiptothe BhoothakalaYakshiwhichisoutsidethetemple.Thennextdaythetreatment describedabovewillbedoneat9Am.Mostofthembecomeabsolutelyallright.So largenumberofpilgrimsbringthemadpersonsfromalloverIndiatothistemple.The righttobringtheholymedicinalleavesisforeverwithThalakkatfamily,towhichthe originalmadmanbelonged. ThereisacustomofworshippinglordShivabyabhisheka(anointing)oftender coconutwaterandmilk,Theabhisheka(ceremonialdrenching)withmilkfor1001times isspecialtothistemple. ItisbelievedthattheGoddessinKanichukulangaratempleintheneighborhoodofthis templeisthedaughterofLordShiva.SoeverydaynoontheGoddessisbroughttothis templeforanofferingofPayasamalongwithherfather Thetempleopensat5AmimmediatelythereisAbhishekaandthegodisadornedwith sacredashandsandalwoodpaste.Immediatelypuffedrice(Pori)isofferedtothegod.At 8.15Am,Pandeeradipoojaisdoneandlaterthemedicinalmilkisdistributedtothe patients.At11am,PayasamisofferedtoLordVishnuwhoishavingatempleinthis
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complexitself.Thisalsoisgiventothepatientsaftertheyvomitthemilktakenbythem. InMarchApril,thereisArattufestivalinthistemple.Thereisafestivalinthemonthof Dhanu(MargazhiNovemberDecember),whichlastsfortendays.

68ParavurPuthingaldevitemple
ParavurputtingalDeviTempleisoneoftheoldesttemplesinKollamdistrict.Peoplein andoutKollamdistrictcometothistemple.'Puttu'inMalayammeansanthill.Asmall templewasconstructedwhenthepresenceofGodessherselfwasexperienceonanant hill.Lateron,thetemplewasreconstructedacoupleofcenturiesback.

Thisisthepictureofthetemplewhichexistedtill2006.Thistemplewasreconstructed on2006andnowitlooksoneofthebiggesttemplesinthestateofKerala.The renovationworkisstillgoingonandoncompletionofitwouldmakePuttingaltemple oneofthebiggesttemplecomplexesinKerala.Themassiverenovationprojectiscarried outbyasetofpeoplewhohavevastexperienceinhandlingsimilarhugeprojects.The renovationworkhasalreadybeenstratedwiththe'thodupani'puja.Theelaborate estimateandplanofsreekovil(sanctumsantorium),Upadevalayas,nalambalam, kambapuras,kalithattu,dwajam(theflagpost),kshetrakulam(templepond), gopurams(towers),koothambalamandchuttumathil(compoundwalls)arealreadydone. Attheextremeendofthefrontcompound,thereistheprathishtaofLordshivawhich facewithputtingalDevi.TheentireprojectisestimatedatRs.5crore.Butmostpeople respondverypositivelyandthefundisgettingwithoutanydelay.Thestructureofthe newsreekovilisaspicturedbelow:

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 ThefullfurnitureframeworkisonTeakandeachpartofthesreekovillookingfully devotional. Aval(beatenrice)andmalar(thepuffedrice)arethemainofferingsforthePuttungal Goddessalongwithtendercoconutandflowers.Theannualtemplefestivalwhichisalso thebirthdayoftheGoddessiscelebratedonthedayoftheBharaniintheMalayalam monthofMeenam(MarchApril).Aswathyvilakku,Kampadikali,Kathakali,Marameduppuand otherculturaleventsareassociatedwiththefestival.Thefestivallastsforsevendayseachyear.On eachdays,thetempleandthesurroundingscrowdwithlotofpilgrims.Thereisaverybig compoundaroundthetempleespeciallyonthefrontside.ThereisaItcanincludemorethanlakh ofpeoplewithoutanyproblem.MalsaraKambam(fireworks)isoneofthemainitemsin connectionwithmeenabharanimaholtsavam.Itstartsaround10'oclockinthelastdaytillthenext morning..Kathakaliisalsoaninevitableitemofthefestival.Thefestivalsattractthousandsof visitorsandforeigners.Afterthefestivalthetemplecloseforsevendays.Inthesedaystherewornt beanypoojaorotherthings.Thottampaattuisalsoamainofferingoftheputtingaltemple.It beginsonthe21stdayofVrischikam(NovemberDecember)andlaststilltheprincipalfestivalof theGoddess.ThreepersonstellthestoryofDeviinthreepartsoneachdayandtwotimesinaday firstintheeveningandlateronafterDeeparadhana.AftertheThottampaattuseasonalsothe templecloseforsevendays.Thepictureofthottampattuisgivenbelow: Therearelotoftemplesinandaroundparavur.Onthedayofthefestivalofeachtemple, theeveningprocessioncometoPuttingaltemplebeforeitends.Peoplebelievethatifwe prayPuttingalDevideeply,theirsufferingswillbesolvedbytheAmma.Lotsofpeople witnessthis. GETTINGTHETEMPLE: Bytrain:ParavuristhefirstmainrailwaystationfromKollamtoTrivandrum.Getdown atParavurRailwaystationandgothewestside.Itwilltake15mntstowalkandonauto itisaminimumchargetrip. Bybus:FromKollaminKSRTCFastPassenger:getdownatChathannoorandcatch anotherbusfromthere.Ittakes15minutestoreachParavurBusstand
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FromTrivandrum,bybus:getdownatParipally(1hrfromTrivandrum)andcatch ParavurBus.Itisaround10KmsfromParipallytoParavurbusstand. FromParavurBusstand,itisonly10minuteswalkingdistancetotheTemple.

69Padmanabhaswamytemple,Trivandrum

ThisgreattempleissituatedinthemiddleofthecapitalcityofKeralaTrivandrum.It isalsopossiblyoneoftheveryfewtemplesinKeralawithaRajaGopuramof7tiers.It isbelievedthatthegreatSaintVilwaMangalathuSwamiyar,withwhomLordKrishna wasalwaysthere,onceirritatedLordKrishnaduetohispride.LordKrishnadisappeared fromthere.WhentheSwamiyarprayed,LordKrishnatoldhiminhisdreamtofindhim inAnathanKadu.Aftermanydaysofarduoussearch,Swamiyarreachedaplacecalled AnanthanKadu.TherehesatnearabigstoneandlaterrealizedthatitwastheLord himself.TherewasnothingwithhimtooffertotheLord.Soheapproachedapoorfamily nearbyandtookfromthemtendermangopickledinsaltandofferedittotheLord.This traditionofofferingtenderpickledmangoisbeingcontinuedtillthistime.Itisalso believedthatthisisaoneofthetemplesestablishedbyLordParasurama.Itbecame dilapidatedbynonuseandwaslaterfoundbyVilwamangalathuSwamiyar. TheGodinthistempleisLordPadmanabharecliningonhisserpentbedAnantha.Itis believedthatthisstatuewasmadebyusing10008salagramas(holystonestakenfromthe GandakiriverofNepal).KingMarthandaVermaoftheTravancoredynasty[resented theentireKingdomofTravancoretothislordandtookthetitleofPadmanabhadasa, (servantofPadmanabha) Thetempleopensat3,30AmthetimingswhendevoteescanseetheLordare(before noon)3.304.45,6.307.00,8.3010.00,10.3011.00,11.4512.00;(afternoon)5.006.15
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and6.457.20.OnlyHindusarepermittedinsidethetemple.Thereareseveralfestivalsin thetemple.GaneshChathurthi,AshtamiRohiniandthefestivalinthulaandMeenamasa arefamous.Oncein12yearsthereisAlaksha(hundredthousand)deepa(lamps) observedinthistemple.ThisisaccompaniedbyrecitationofVedasbyNamboothiri BrahminscalledMuraJapam. Apartfromthetendermangomentionedearlier,Milkkheerisofferedasofferingina coconutshelldaily.OthernaivedyamsareUnniappam,avaletc.

70OchiraParaBrahmatemple
ParabrahmaistheconceptualformofGodwhichpervadeseverywhereandin everything.ItisthebasisofthephilosophicalreligionoftheVedas.Therecanneverbea templeforthisconcept.ButinKerala32KmawayfromthetownofKollam,inOchira, thereisatempleforthisconcept.Ascanbeexpected,thereisnodeitythere.Itisa36 acresofopenlandcoveredbytrees.Thepooja(worshipisofferedtotwobanyantreesin thisland.SomeoldKavu(temple)structuresarealsothereinthisland.Normally nothingisofferedtothisGodwhohimselfisnothing.SomeearthisofferedasPrasada ItseemstheTravancoreandKayamkulamkingstriedtobuildatempleherebutalltheir attemptsfailed.ItisbelievedthatPakkanar(alsocalledAkavoorChathan)oneofthe greatphilosophersonofVararuchiwhowasbroughtupbyalowcasteHinduwas connectedwiththistemple. Thefestivalinthistempleiscelebratedfor12daysinthemonthofVrushigam. Peopleofallcastesandreligioncomeandcampinthegroundsofthetemple. Erupethettamonamiscelebratedeveryyearinochiraonthe28thdayoftheOnam festivalwithprocessiongenerallyknownas"Kaalakettu".Normallythedayfallsin
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SeptemberorOctober.ErupethettamonamisaprocessionoftheseOchirakkaladummies madeandbroughttothePadanilambydifferentgroupsofpeoplefromallthesidesof Ochira.Manybullsarelookedafterbythistemple.

71Meenkolathikavu
MeenKolathimeansShewhohasatankoffish.ThisisatempleofMeenakshiandis situatedinthePallasenavillageofPalakkadDistrictontheroadconnectingPalakkadand Kollengode. ThistemplewasestablishedbythefamilyofMandradiyars.Thisfamilyoriginally belongedtoChidambaraminTamilNadu.Afterloosingalltheirbusinessassets,they decidedtomigratetoKerala.TheywenttotheMeenakshiTempleinMadurai,whichwas theirfamilydeity,beforecomingtoKerala.Theeldestmemberofthefamilytookastone fromMaduraiwhilecomingfurther.Hewasdailyofferingworshiptothestone.Inearlier yearsheusedtovisitMaduraitempleeveryyear.Oncewhenhebecameveryold,hekept hisumbrellaandthedivinestoneontheshoreandgotintothepondtotakebath.While bathinghecriedbecausehewouldnotbeabletogotoMaduraiagainduetohisoldage, Whenhefinishedhisbath,hecameout.HecouldnotliftboththeUmbrellaandthestone fromthere.Theyhadgotfixedtotheland.Whentheycalledastrologersandconducted DevaPrasnam(askingquestionstoGod),theyfoundoutthatthestonewhichwasfixed totheshorewasGoddessMeenakshiofMaduraiherself.After400years,the MandradiyarfamilybuiltatempleforGoddessMeenakshiatthesamespot.They consecratedtheashtaDurgas(Brahmini,Kaumari,Maheswari,IndriVaishnavi, NarasimhiandVarahiaroundthesanctumsanctorum.Becauseofthisnobodyis permittedtogoroundthesanctumsanctorum.Themainfestivalsofthetempleare navarathri,Karthiga,Mandalavilakku,foundationday,andpallivettaiandvairapoojai. Onfestivaldays,theswordandlampistakeninprocession.Peoplebelievethatall sicknesswillvanish,ifpeoplebathinthepondoppositethetemple. Thetemplewouldbeopenfrom5.30Amto12.30AmonSundays,TuesdaysandFridays andduringtheotherdaysbetween5.30Amto10.30Am.Intheeveningitwouldbeopen between5.30Pmto8Pm. InthetemplethereareseparatesubtemplesforGanapathi,,Nagar(snakegod)and Bhairava. ChandattamtoremoveproblemsfromenemiesisperformedduringthefirstTuesdays ofcertainmonthsinthistemple.SeperatepoojarecitingBhagyasukthamand Eikamathyasukthamarealsodoneinthistemple.Inthemayjunemonth(Vaikasi
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Edavam)month,thetholpavaiKoothu(shadowplayusingdollsmadeofleather)is conductedfortendays.TheysingandenactthestoryofRamayanaduringthistime.On thelastday,thearrowofLordRamaiskeptinfrontoftheGoddessandisworshipped. Oncein12yearsduringthefullmoondayofthesamemonth,afestivalcalledPallipana iscelebrated.Firewalkingisoneofthehighlightofthisfestivalwhichiscelebratedfor fourdays.Onthefourthday,thedemoncalledDarukaiskilledbytheGoddess. Intheeasternandwesternpartofthetempletherearetwoagraharas(villageswhere Brahminsreside).Intheeastsidevillagethereisashivatempleandthewestsidevillage thereisaVishnutemple.EffectofpilgrimagetoMeenKolathiisconsideredenhanced, ifwecanvisitthesetwotemplesalso.

72Kadampuzha
Kadampuzha(meaningForestRiver)isafamoustempleofthemothergoddess.This placeisintheroadbetweenShoranurandCalicut.Thenearestrailwaystationis Kuttipuram.YoucanreachthetemplefromGuruvayuralso. Thegoddessinthistempleisintheformofahuntress.ShetookthisformwhenShiva tooktheformofahuntertotestthedisciplineofArjuna,beforegivinghimthe Pasupathasthra.Atthattime,oneboarsentbyDuryodhanawastryingtokillArjuna. BothArjunaaswellasLordShivaintheformofhuntershotarrowsattheboar.Bothof themclaimedthattheboarwaskilledbythem.Afightensued.Arjunashotmanyarrows atthelord.Butallarrowsturnedintoflowers.GoddessandLordlaterblessedArjuna, ThereisabeliefthatwhenAdhishankarawaspassingthroughthisplacehesawavery brightlightemanatingfromahole.UnderstandingthepresenceofGoddessinthishole, heconsecratedtheGoddessnearby. TheAshtaMangalyaPrasnaconductedatthetempleindicatesthatthistempleis1900 yearsold.ItseemswhenAdhiShankarawaspassingthroughthisway,hesawafierce lightinthisplace.ThroughhisdivineintellecthecouldseethatGoddesswashereina veryfuriousform.Hedecidedtoconsecrateherthere.Hewashelpedinthisjobbya Varrierfamily.EventodaythisVarrierfamilylivesinnearthetempleandmanagesit. EveryFridaynight,theidoloftheGoddessiscoveredandcompletelyhiddenby Thechiflowers(redsmallflowerswhichislikedbytheGoddess).ThisiscalledPoo moodal(coveringwithflowers),.Theexpenseforthisisnormallygivenbythedevotees. Itseemsthishasbeenbookeduptotheyear2020. AnotherinterestingprayerhereisMuttuNeekal(Removingofroadblocks).Thisis donebythepriestbreakingacoconuttellingournameandourproblem.Ifitbreaks
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properlythedevoteebelievesthathisproblemissolved.Ifnothebreaksanother coconut.Itisbelievedthatthetenderwaterofthecoconutwebreakgoesintothehole, whereBhagawathyisthereandbeingpleasedsheblessesfortheremovaloftheobstacle. MuttuNeekalisdoneforgettingknowledge,children,gettingfreedomfromdisease, gettingmarried,owningatroublefreevehicleandsoon.Thistempleisopenfrom6Am to12Noonandintheeveningbetween5PMto6PM.Nobodygoesothetempleafter6 PM.

73Ambalappuzha
Ambalappuzha,literallymeansTempleRiver.ThisvillageisverynearAleppytownand is75kmfromthecityofCochin.ThereisveryfamoustempleofKrishnainthisvillage. OncewhentheVilwamangalamSwamiyar(averyfamoussageofKerala)andthe kingofChempagasseryweretravellinginaboat,theyheardtheflutebeingplayedonthe shoresofthebackwaters.VilwamangalamcouldseeLordKrishnasittingonabranchof abanyantreeandplayingflute.Thistreewasinthemiddleofwater.Theyboughtthe landfromtheowner,filledupthatareaandbuiltatemplethere.(ThisBanyantreestill existsinthebackofthetempleandiscalledGanapathiBanyantree).Thekingwantedto consecrateLordKrishnaasthecowherdinthetemple.Butoncetheidolwasmade,itwas foundtobedefective,byafamousNamboodiri.Heshoweditbytappingthehandofthe idolwhichbroke.TheythenboughtanalreadyavailableidolfromKurichi.Sincethe kingofKurichiwastheenemyoftheChempagasseryking,thisidolwassmuggledfrom therewithahelpofaPanikkar.ThisPanikkarsfamilyhasthepostofChiefofthetemple (koyma).WhilebringingitfromKurichi,duringthedaytime,theidolwashiddeninthe houseofaChristiancalledIttythoman.foraday.Eventodaytheroominwhichthe idolwaskeptisconsideredasaholyplaceandalamplitthere. Whileconsecratingtheidol,itwasshakinginitspositionandwasnotstable.Thena sagecameandaskedthemtokeeptheidolonabetelleaf.Thenitstoodfirm.Becauseof thistheplacewascalledThamboolaPuzhai..Thisnamelatergotcorruptedandbecame thepresentdayAmbalapuzhai.Itisbelievedthatthisidolwasoneofthethreeidols givenbyLordKrishnatoArjuna. OncewhensageVilwamangalamvisitedthistemple,thekingexpressedadesiretosee LordKrishnainperson.WhenhewasshownLordKrishnainpersonbysage Vilwamangalam,thekingdedicatedhiscountrytothetempleandtookthenameofDeva Narayanan.EventodaytheeldestmemberofthekingsfamilyiscalledDevaNarayanan, ThePalapayasam(about100liters)prepareddailyinthistempleisveryfamous.Itis believedthatLordGuruvayurappanandtheThiruvarpuKrishnadailycomeheretoeat
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thisPayasam.Itisdivinelytastyandnoonewilleverforgetitstaste,ifheisluckyto tastethis,Payasam.Therequiredmilkwithfourtimeswaterisboiledforfivehours. Thentherequiredquantityofriceisaddedandboiledforanother45minutes.Duringthe sixhours,thepayasamhastobeconstantlystirred.AftersixhoursKhandasarisugaris addedandboiledtillitdissolves.Beforeputtingthesugar,thecookshouts,Vasudeva. Theidolofthetempleisreallyintheformofadriverofachariotbut,heisworshipped intheformofacowherd.ItisbelievedthatduringtheconquestofTippuSultan,theidol ofGuruvayurappanwasbroughttothistempleandworshippedhere. Krishnasbirthday(ashtamiRohini)iscelebratedhereinagalaway.Therearemany otherfestivalsinthistemple.Thetempleisopenfrom3Amto12.30PMandthenfrom5 to8,30Pm.

74Mannarsala
MannarsalaIsthefamoustempleofsnakesinKerala.ThisalsoissituatednearAleppy townofKeralaandisnearHarippad.Thistempleissupposedtobe6000yearsoldandis believedtobebuiltbySageParasurama.ThisplacewassupposedtobetheGandeeva forestofMahabharatha,whichwasburntbyArjuna.Thepeoplelivinginthisvillagehad savedseveralsnakesoftheforestbyconstantlypouringwateranddrenchingtheearth. Sincethisisaplacewheremudbecamecold,itwasinitiallycalledManaariyaSalai andlaterthisbecameMannarasalai. LordParasuramawhobuiltatempleinthisplacebroughtseveralBrahminsandmade themliveinthisplace.Butduetoverylargenumberofsnakesandthewaterbeing saline,thoseBrahminswentaway.LordParasuramadidThapastoLordShiva.Whotold him,thatifParasuramarequestsVasuki,thekingofsnakes,everythingwouldbeset right.Parasuramadidaccordingly.Vasukiwaspleasedandtoldhim,Lord,thesesnakes willremainhereonlybutwouldnothurtanybodyinthisvillage.Allthepeopleinthis villagehavetobuildasnaketempleintheirhouseanddailylitalampinfrontofitat dusk.Iwouldmyselftakeoutthesaltfromthisvillageandmixitinthesea, ParasuramagladlyagreedandagainbroughttheBrahmins.TheywereallNamboodiri Brahmins.Theybuilttheirhouseshereandlivedhappily.Parasuramabuiltatempleof NagaRajaandNagaYakshiinthatplace.HemadeonefamilycalledIrinadapallito havetheirhomeinthetemplecompound.Thefirstresidentsofthishousewere VasudevanNamboodiriandhiswifeSrideviandarjanam. Theirfamilycontinuedtolookafterthetemple,aftersometime,theonlylivingcouple ofthefamilydidnothavechildren.Theyprayedatthetempleandasaresultgottwo
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sons.Oneofthemwasasnake.ThissnakewasborninAslesha(Ayilyam)starofthe Kumbhamonth(FebruaryMarch)..Assoonthesnakesonwasborn,ittold,mother,we thesnakesareveryhappywithyourfamily.Wewanttheeldestfemalememberofthis familytoconducttheceremonialworshipinourtemple.Sinceyouaretheeldest,nowI willteachyoualltheritualsthathavetobefollowedinourworship.Hetaughthis mothertheritualsandsincethatthattime,theworshipinthattempleisofferedbythe eldestladyofthefamily(SheiscalledMannarsalaAmma(mother))..Thatsonthen enteredthedarkstoreroomofthathouse.Hehadalsowarnedthatnobodyshouldenter theroom.ButitisopenedonceadayforworshipbytheAmmaofthetemple.She normallykeepsacupofmilkandthenclosesthedoor.Nextday,thecupisfoundempty. ThissnakeinthestoreiscalledGrandfatherbyallpeopleandallofthemreverethat snake.TheothersonbornwiththesnakeestablishedtwotemplesinMannarsala,one dedicatedtoNagaRajaandanothertoNagaYakshi..Oneofthesnakestherewasgiven asadowryforagirlwhogotmarriedaBrahminfamilyinKayankulam.Thatsnake enteredthestoreroomofthathouseandasimilartemplelikeMannarsalaiwasbuilt there.ThistempleiscalledMeyPalli.AndisnearKayamkulam. Themostimportantofferinginthetempleisnoorumpalaum..Thisisthemixtureof ricepowder,turmericpowderandmilk.Thesewouldbekeptoutsidethetempleatnight. Inthemorningthecontentsofthevesselarepouredinthemud.TheNoorumpalumis alsogiventothegrandfatherinthestorehouse.Butthecontentsofthevesseldisappear nextday,whenthestoreisopened. Itiswellknownthatsnakesofthetempledonotbiteanybody.Evenifitbitesnothing happenstotheperson.Itisalsowellknownthatnothingisstolenfromthetemple.Itis believedthatthesnakesofthetempleguardthepropertyofthetemple.Ontheaslesha (Ayilyam)staroftheThulamonth(OctoberNovember)iscelebratedasagreatfestival inthistemple. PeoplewantingchildrenaswellasthoseaffectedbyNagaDoshacometothistemple anditisbelievedthatalltheirproblemsaresolved. Harippadisasmalltown,whichisabout1520kmfromAlleppyinKerala,Agreat templededicatedtoLordSubrahmanyaissituatedthere.ItisbelievedthatwhenLord SubrahmanyavictoriouslyvanquishedTharakasuraandSooraPadmaandwasreturning backhewasreceivedinthisplacewithMusicbyLordVishnu.Sothisplacewascalled HariGeethaPuramandpossibly(intherivernearPathiramanalIslandand)wascalledHari pattu(songofLordVishnu)inMalayalamoritmayhavegotitsnamefromtheVishnu
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Padaintheeasterngateofthetemple(HariPaduVishnusmarks).Somepeopleareof theopinionthatithasnothingtodowithGodbutHarippadmayhavetakenitsname fromtoomuchofrice Itisbelievedthatthistempleis3500yearsoldandwasconsecratedbyLord ParasuramaHimself.ThereareseveralinscriptionsinthistempleinTamil.Thetemple gotfireandwasreconsecratedaboutonehundredyearsback. ThereisastorythatafterbuildingthetempletheNamboodiriswereinsearchofa properidoltoconsecratehere.Oneofthemwasorderedinthedreamtogoto Kayamkulamandvisitapond(there,.Hewastoldthatagarlandwouldbefloatingatone spotandifhemakesasearchthere,hewouldgetthesuitableidol.TheNamboodiriswent thereandgotanIdolofthepresentGodwithfourarms,onearmholdingaVel,another Vajrayudha,oneshowingthesignofblessingandonehandtouchingitsthigh,Thisidol wasbroughtandconsecratedonthePushya(poosam)starofMakaraMasa(Thaimaasam Januaryfebruary).Thisdayiscelebratedasthefoundingdayofthetempleeveryyear. ApartfromSubrahmanya,thetemplealsohastheidolsofMahaGanapathiand Dakshinamurthy.PeoplebelievethatthattheSubrahmanyaidolhastheSannidhya (presence)ofShiva,VishnuandBrahma.Severalpeacockswanderinthistemple ThemajorofferingsinthistempleincalledThulaPayasaminwhichrice,greengram dhal,jaggerycoconuts,ghee,bananafruits(kadali),blackgrapes,sugarcandy, cardamometcareadded.ApartfromthisKadumPayasam(strongPayasam),neyyappam ,Paalpayasam,VellaiNeivedhyam,PayasammadeofcoconutmilkPanchamrutham, IlaiadaietcarealsoofferedtotheGod.Peopleofferagarlandmadeoflimefruitsto LordSubrahmanya, ThereisastorythatarichBrahminwhowasagreatdevoteeofLordSubrahmanya wasnotblessedwithanychildren.Hetransferredallhispropertiestothetempleand wentoutsidethetemplebythewesterngateandcommittedsuicide.Fromthatday,the westerngateiskeptlocked.Toatonethis,atemplehasbeenbuiltinKaruNattuIllam andeveryyeartheGodsprocessionpassesbyitsfront.Butassoonastheprocession comesnearthehouse,allmusicisstoppedandonlythesoundofconchaccompaniesthe procession. Outsidethemaintemple,thereisaoriginaltemple.HeretheGodisVelayudhawith twohands.ThistempleiscalledTheTemplewhichisbelow(keezhthirukoil). Gettingthere: ThetempleislocatedjustakilometerawayfromHarippadtowninAlappuzha district.
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Nearestrailwaystation:Harippad,about5kmaway. Nearestairport:CochinInternationalAirport,about85kmawayfromAlappuzha.

75Varkala
TempleinthistownisdedicatedtoLordVishnu.HeiscalledJanardhananthere.The placeis45kmfromTrivandrumintheTrivandrumKollamroad.Thetempleis3km fromtheVarkalastationwhichisintherailrouteconnectingTrivandrumandKollam. Storyofthetemple. Intimesofyore,LordBrahmacametotheearthtoperformaYaga(fireSacrifice).He diditinthepresentVarkala.HewassomuchimmersedindoingYagathatheforgothis jobofcreation.LordVishnucametoVarkalatoremindLordBrahmaaboutitintheform ofaveryoldman.TheBrahminsassistingLordBrahma,receivedtheoldmanandgave himfood.Butwhateverheate,hishungerwasnotsatiated.LordBrahmasassistants wentandtoldhimaboutit.ThenLordBrahmacouldunderstandthattheguestwasLord Vishnuhimself.HeimmediatelycamenearLordVishnu.Andfoundhimtryingtoeat AAbhojanam.LordBrahmathenpreventedLordVishnufromeatingitandtoldhim, Lord,ifyoueatit,thenthefinaldelugewillswallowthisworld.LordVishnuthenre questedLordBrahmatostoptheYagaandrecommencehisjobofcreation.Healso showedhimhisViswaroopa, AfterthisonedaySageNaradafollowedbyLordVishnuwaswalkingintheskyover Varkala.LordBrahmawhocametheresalutedLordVishnu.Thenineprajapathisto whomonlysageNaradawasvisiblelaughedatLordBrahma.Becausetheythoughtthat LordBrahmawassalutinghisownsonSageNarada.ThenLordBrahmacorrectedthem. Theyfeltsadathavingcommittedasinfuldeed.LordBrahmatoldthemthattheproper placetoprayfortheirredemptionwouldbeshowntothembysageNarada.SageNarada threwtheValkala(deersskin)thathewaswearingtowardstheearth.Itfellinthe presentVarkala.ThePrajapathiswantedapondtodotheatonement.SageNarada requestedlordVishnu,whomadeapondthere;usinghisChakra(wheel)ThePrajapathis didthapasthereandwerepardonedfortheirsins.Itisbelievedthatthedevasconstructed atempleofLordVishnuthereandwereworshippingtheLordJanardhana.Butthis templegotdilapidated. AtthistimethePandyakingwasaffectedbyaghost.Hewentonapilgrimagebutno wherehewascured.WhenhecametothepresentdayVarkala,hesawtheremnantsofa dilapidatedtemplebythesidethesea.HeprayedGodsayingthathewouldrebuildthe templethere.Nextdayhehadadream.Ittoldhimthatthenextdayheshouldgotothe
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seaandstandnearthedilapidatedtemple.Nearbyhewouldseehugeamountofflowers floatinginthesea,ifhesearchestherehewouldgettheidol.Thatidolwillnothaveleft hand.Hewasinstructedtomakeagoldenhandandattachittotheidolandbuilda templeroundit.ThepresentJanardhanaidolwasrecoveredfromtheseabyhim.Hebuilt thetempleandlaiddowntherulesformaintenanceofthetemple.Theidolof JanardhanahasAabhojanainitsrighthand.Peoplebelievethatoveryearsthishandis raisingslowly.Thedaythattheidolisabletoeattheaabhojanafromhisrighthand;the worldwillfacethegreatdeluge. TherearesmalltemplesofLordShiva,Ganapathi,SasthaandNagaDevathainthis temple.TheidolisalwaysdressedinsandalandflowerseitherintheformofJanardhana, Narasimha,VenugopalaorMohini.TherohinistaraswellasAshtamithithiofthemonth ofChingam(AugustSeptember)iscelebratedasafestivalhere. Onthesouthernsideofthetempletwobellsaretied.Thereisastoryaboutit.Itseems onedutchshipwaspassingthiswayandsuddenlytheshiprefusedtomoveinspiteofall efforts.ThepeopletoldthecaptainoftheshiptotieabellintheJanardhanatemple.It seemsthecaptainandhisassistantcameashoreandtiedthebells.Assoonastheytied thebells,theshipitseemsstartedmoving.ThenamesinscribedinthebellarePetervon BelsonandMichelleevarald. Peoplebelievethatifworshipofancestorsisdoneinthistemple,thentheywouldbe pleased.PossiblybecauseofthistheJanardhanaisalsocalledPithruMokshakan.

76ChenganoorMahadevaandBhagawathitemples
Chengannurisavillagewhichis40kmawayfromthetownofKottayaminKerala.Lord MahaDevaisconsecratedfacingeastandtheGoddessisfacingwestinthistemple. WhatisveryuniqueaboutthistempleisthatpeoplebelievethattheGoddessundergoes periodsonceinawhileatthistemple.ThereisatempleofVishnualsoinChengannur. NammazhawarhasvisitedthistempleandsungabouttheLordVishnuthere.People believethatYudhishtrabuiltthefirsttempleofLordVishnutogetridofhissinoftelling alieinthebattlefield,OutsidethemaintempleofShivaandBhagawathy,therearetemplesfor Sastha,Neelagreeva(blueneckedLordShiva)andSthaleesa. Peoplebelievethatinthesouthernpartofthetemple,severalgreatManthrabooksto getridofpoisonareburied.Ifthedevoteestandsontherockcoverandseesthetipofthe SreeKovil,forthatentireday,peoplebelieve,thathewouldnotbeaffectedbypoison Thereisalsoabeliefthat,ifsomeoneputshishandintheholeinthewesternwalland takesafalseoath,hewouldbebittenbyadivinesnake.Itseemsalocalboyofthepoison
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doctorfamilywaschallengedbyagreatAzhwar.ThatnighttheboycriedtotheGoddess. Shetoldhimthatinapipeinhergranaryasnakewasliving.Theboytookoutthepipe andchallengedtheAzhwartomakethesnakecomeoutofthepipe.ThoughtheAzhwar triedhisbesthecouldnot.Theboythencommandedthesnaketocomeout.Thesnakein thepipecameoutandstartedchasingtheAzhwar.Hepleadedwiththeboytocontrolthe snakeandthentheboythenrequestedthesnaketogobacktothepipeandputthepipe outthroughtheholeinthewesternwall.Peoplebelievethatthisdivinesnakeisstillthere andwouldbitetheonewhotakesafalseoath. Thereareseveralstoriesaboutthistemple. OnebeliefisthatwhenLordShivacutthebodyofhisconsortSathiDeviintopieces andthrewthemalloverIndia,themiddlepartofherbodyfellintheplacewherethis templeislocated.(KamkahyatempleinGuahathibelievesthatthispartfellinthatplace). BecauseofthistheybelievethattheGoddessinthistemplehasmonthlyperiods.People alsobelievethatbecauseofthistheShivaLingainthistempleisconsecratedona triangularpedestal. ThereisalsoabeliefthattheGoddessconsecratedhereisnotParvathyatallbutthatof Kannagi,theTamilheroinewhoburntthecityofMaduraiforavengingtheinjusticedone toherhusband.ItseemsshecrossedovertoKeralaandstoodbelowaVengaitree.One huntresssawherandmadeherstatueinmud.LaterCheranChenguttuvanmadean exactlysimilarstatueandconsecratedithere. Yetanotherstoryisthere.ItseemswhenShivagotmarriedtoGoddessParvathi,since theentireworldwenttoattendthemarriage,theearthbecameunstable.LordShivathen sentSageAgasthyatogotothesouth.Thesagemade,LordShivapromisethathewould oncemorecelebratethemarriageinfrontofthesageinthesouth.WhenLordShiva camealongwithGoddessParvathitoChengannur,shecametoage.Thedevascelebrated thiseventatChengannur.Laterthisplacewascompletelyforgotten.Thisplacewas calledSonadhri(RedMountain)andsageParasuramaestablishedanAgraharamhere.At thattimeonetribalwomansharpenedherswordonastoneandbloodstartedoozingfrom thestone.TheBrahminswerecalledandtheyfoundthatthiswasastatueofLordShiva. Theydecidedtobuildatemple.TheastrologersalsofoundthepresenceofGoddess there.SoitwasdecidedobuildatemplefortheGoddessalso.Atthattimethefamous Perunthachanvisitedthetemple.Thepeoplerequestedhimtomakeastatuteofthe Goddess.Butheshowedthemaspotinthenorthwestofthetempleandaskedthemto digthere.Theydidandthepresentstatuewasrecoveredfromthere.Thenthey consecratedboththegodsafterperformingKumbhabhishekam.

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Onethemesanthi(thechiefpriest)openedthetempleoftheGoddessinthemorningto changetheflowers.HewasastoundedtofindthattheclothwhichtheGoddesswas wearinghadastain.ThisclothwasshowntotheladiesofVanchiPuzhathuMadamas wellasthelandladyofthehouseofThazhamanpothy.Bothofthemconfirmedthat Goddesswasundergoingperiods. ThazhamanpothyadvisedtheMesanthitoremovethestatuetoaseparatetempleand closethedoor.Thepoojaforthenextthreedayswasperformedinthenortheastern cornerofthetempleHealsoaskedhiswifeandthechiefladyofVanchiPuzhathu MadamtokeepcompanytotheGoddessduringnight.Forseveralgenerationstheladies ofthesehouseskeepcompanytotheGoddessduringthetimeofherperiods.Itwas regularlyoccurringeverymonthforsometimebutnowadays,ithappensthreetofour timesayear.Theclothwhichthegoddesswearsduringthistime(Thirupoothu)is consideredasaprizedpossessionandisworshippedinmanyhomes. Onthefourthday,thegoddessistakenonasheelephantforherritualbath, accompaniedwithmusicalinstrumentstothenearbyMithraRiver.Thenamboodiri womengivetheGoddessanoilbathandbringherback.ThestatueoftheGoddessis secretlytakenoutandmountedonthetopoftheelephantandthetempleclosed.Ladies raiseMangalaDwaniwiththeirthroat(calledKuruvai).Theelephantonwhichthe goddessridesisreceivedwithNiraPara.Aftertheritualbathgivenbytheladies,the priestdoesceremonieslikeOilAbhishekam,MilkAbhishekametcandafterworshipping her,thegoddessisbroughtbacktothetemple. Thereisanotherstorywhichispopular.ItseemsafterconsecrationoftheGoddess, PerunthachanonceagaincametothetemplealongwithaPanchalohaidolofthe Goddess.HepredictedthatthetemplewillcatchfireandthentheDeviidolwillbe destroyed.HesaidatthattimethisnewPanchalohaidolshouldbeconsecrated. Ithappenedthesameway.DuringthefiretheShivaLingawassavedbycoatingitwith mudbuttheidolofthegoddesscouldnotbesaved.Whentheyweresearchingfora suitablereplacementoneNeelakandanofThazamanPothishousesawadreamandwas toldabouttheabovestory.HewasalsotoldthattheidolbroughtbyPerumthachanwas preservedbelowastoneintheriver. Thoughtheytriedseveraltimestolocatetheidol,theywereunsuccessful.Atthattime somefishermenfromKarunagapallycametothisplaceandtheywereabletolocatethe idol.Theybroughttheidoltothetempleandhandeditoverthetemplepriest.Thatday coincidedwiththefestivalofShivaRathri.EvennowoneveryShivaRathriday,the fisherfolkofKarunagapallyarehonouredatthetemple.
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ThistemplewasunderthecontrolofTravancorekings,.OneBritishresidentcalled MunrolaughedatthebeliefoftheperiodstotheGoddessandstoppedallgrantsfor observingit,itseemsthenonwardshiswifestartedtobleedwithoutstop.Thoughhe triedwithseveraldoctors,thebleedingcouldnotbestopped.OnewellwisherofMunro toldhimthatitmaybeduetohisactioninstoppingthegrantstoChengannurtemple. ThenMunrosaidthatifhiswifeiscured,hewillcreateatrustwhoseinterestwouldbe sufficienttoobservethecelebrationoftheThirupoothu(periods)oftheGoddess.His wifewascured.Apartfromacreatingthetrust,Munroalsopresentedtwongolden banglestotheGoddess. Thetempleopensat3.30Amandremainsopenwithseveralfunctionstill11.30Am.It againopensat5Pmandremainsopenupto8Pm.Themajorfestivalofthetempleisin themonthofDhanu(DecemberJanuary)andtheArattu(ritualdipintheriver)ison Thiruvadiraday.

77ThiruvarppuKrishnatemple
ThisisoneofthefamoustemplesofKrishnainKeralawhichisatleast1500yearsold. ThistempleislocatedinThiruvarppu,whichis68kmfromthetownofKottayamonthe shoresofMeenachilRiver.(Varppuisthecastusedbysmithstomakebellmetalvessels) Thereareseveralstoriesaboutitsorigin.Allofthemtalkofrecoveringthestatueof LordKrishnawith4handswhichwaskeptinanUruli(Flatvesselmadeofbellmetal). Herearesomeofthestories: 1.ThistempleisconnectedtoMahabharata.WhenthePandavaslivedintheforest,Lord Krishnagavethemhisstatuewithfourhandssothattheycandailyworshipit.Itseems whenPandavasfinishedtheirsojournintheforestandwantedtogoback,thepeopleof thatarea,requestedforthatstatue.,.ThiswasworshippedbythepeopleofCherthalai. Butaftersometimeduetoreasonsbeyondtheircontrol,theywerenotabletocontinue theirworship.Sotheysimplydroppedthestatueinthesea. Afteralongtimeagreatsage(somesayitisVilwamangalamSamiyarandothersayit isPadmapadacharya,thediscipleofAdhiShankara)wastravellingbyaboatinthese parts.Suddenlyhisboatbecameimmobile.Whensomeonegotintotheseatofindout thereason,theseadriedatthatspotandtheywereabletorecoverthisstatue.Thedivine persontookthestatuewithhim.Thoughhewantedtogowest,theboattravelledtothe eastviaKunnamandPallikkaraandreachedthepresentspotofthetemple. ThedivinepersongotdowntherealongwiththestatueandfoundatempleofDharma Sasthawithoutanyidol.Soheconsecratedtheidolinthattemple.
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2.Theabovedivinepersongotdownfromtheboatalongwiththestatue.Butdueto inclementweatherhewasnotabletoprovideanyfurther.Sohekeptthestatueinan Uruli,whichhefoundnearthetankandwentaway.Laterwhenhecame,hefoundthat thestatuehasgotpastedtotheUruli.ThatUrulibelongedtoanindividualcalledKunnan KariMenon.AssoonasheknewaboutthestatueinhisUruli,hegavethelandfor templeconstructionandcompletedthetemplewiththehelpofasaintcalled MadappurathuSamiyar.EventodayspecialPushpanjali(offeringofflowers)isdoneon behalfoftheAsramofMadappurathuSamiyarinthistemple. 3.ItseemsPandavasputthestatuethattheywereworshippingalongwiththeirAkshaya Pathrainthesea,beforeleavingtotheirAgnathaVasa.Itseemsthefishermenfishingin theVembanadbackwatersinaplacenearVechur(calledMangalathuVila)recovered onlythestatueandnotthevessel.TheybuiltatempleinaplacecalledCharaMangalam andconsecratedthestatuethere.Itseemsvariouscalamitiesoccurredintheirvillage.So theyagainputthestatueinthebackwaters.Itseemsthistimestatuefellinsidethe originalvesselitself.Itwasthenthedivinepersonreferredtoearlierfounditout.He foundthestatueaswellasthevessel.HisboattravelledviaKunnamandPalikkaraand wasnotabletotravelfurtherduetodenseaquaticplants.Itseemsthepeopleofthearea swamintothewaterandmadewayfortheboattoreachtheshores..Thestatueinthe vesselwaskeptintheshoretemporarilyinastructurecalledValiyaMadam.Onthatday theywereabletooffertotheGodonlytendermangopicklesandtendercoconutwater. Laterthestatuewasshiftedtothepresenttemple.DuringtheArattu,thestatueistaken toValiyaMadamandTendermangoandtendercoconutwaterisofferedtoiteventoday. TheLordfaceswestalongwithhisfourhands.Thetempleopensveryearlyaround2 AMinthemorning.Around3AMaspecialofferingcalledUshaPayasamisofferedto thislord.Thisispreparedusingrice,jaggery,ghee,kadalibananafruitanddried coconut.Whenthericeiscookedwell,themeltedJaggeryispouredintoittillitstopsby itself.Thismethodofpreparationisverypeculiartothistemple. Anotherpeculiarityofthistempleisthat,thepriestisgivenanaxeaswellasthekey toopenthedoorintheearlymorning.PeoplebelievethatthisGodcannottolerate hungerandsoifthereisanyprobleminopeningthedoorwiththekey,thepriestis permittedtobreakopenthedoorwithanaxe.PeoplebelievethatLordKrishnasstatuein thetempleisoftheveryexhaustedKrishnaafterhekilledKamsa.Soafterthe Abhishekamisover,theLordsheadisfirstdried,,theNaivedyamofferedtohimand thenonlyhisbodyisdried. TherearefivetimespoojabuttheDeeparadhanaisonlyaftertheAthazhapooja(last poojacarriedoutatnight7PM).Sincepeoplebelievethatthestatuecamefrom
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Cherthalai,thepriestaftertheAthazhapoojaasksIsthereanybodyfromCherthalai herewhoishungry?.ItisbelievedthatnobodyfromCherthalaiinthetempleshouldbe hungry. Anotherpeculiarityofthistempleisthatevenduringeclipse,thetempleisnotclosed. PeoplebelievethatthisGodwouldbecomehungry.Itseemsonce,thetemplewasclosed duringeclipse.WhentheyreopenedthedoortheyfoundthatthewaistbeltoftheLord hasslippeddown.VilwamangalamSamiyarwhocameatthattimetoldthat,itwas becauseGodbecameveryhungry.Fromthenon,theystoppedclosingthetempleduring eclipse. Thistemplehasaverypeculiardrummadeofbellmetal.ItseemsLordKrishna announcedthekillingofKamsa,playingonthisdrum.Thereisa12tierbrasslampin thistemplegiftedbyaChristiandevotee.Thistemplealsohasasubtemplefor Bhoothanatha.AllofferingstothemaindeityarealsoofferedtohimOutsidethetemple therearetemplesforSubramanya,Ganapathy,Yakshi,ShivaandBhagawathy. ThetemplefestivalisduringthefirsttendaysofthemonthofMedam.(aprilmay).On thetenthdaythereisaraceofElephantslikethatinGuruvayur.Duringthefestivaltime girlchildrenwhoarelessthantenyearsofagedressthemselveslikeLordKrishnaand offerlamptotheLordduringmorningandevening.Onthetenthdayofthemonthwhen thesunsets,hisraysenterinsidethesanctumsanctorumandthisreferredtoasPathaam Udayam, KrishnasbirthdayduringAshtamiRohiniiscelebratedinthistemple.Sundaysand Thursdaysarespecialinthistempleandattractlotofdevotes. AnotherpeculiarcelebrationofthistempleisPullattuPooja,.Itseemstherewasarich nairwithoutchildreninthePullattuhouse.Hewantedtodonateallhiswealthtothe templeandrequestedthemtoobservehisdeathanniversary.Whenastrologersconsulted theGod,hisconsentwasgiven.OntheThaipoosamday,PullattuNaircameinsidethe temple,keptallhiswealth,keystotreasuresanddocumentsforallhispropertiesbefore theLord.ThenheprostratedbeforetheLord.Itseemshediedthereandthen.Eventoday threespecialpoojasonedaybeforehisdeathandfifteenspecialpoojasonthedayofhis deathareperformedinhisnameandreferredtoasPllattuPooja. MilkPayasam,GheePayasam,AppametcareofferedtotheLordusully.Thereisa specialofferingcalledChathurchathadamalso.

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78ThiruvallaVallabhaswamyTemple
ThisisanothertempleofKeralawhichisoneofthe108VaishnavaDivyadesams.This deityhasbeensungaboutbyThirumangaiAzhwar.ItistenkmfromChanganassery stationwhichisintherailroutebetweenErnakulamandThiruvananthapuram.This templecanalsobeapproachedbyroadorboat. InaplacecalledSankaramangalamnearbytherewasaverydevoutoldladywhowasa devoteeofLordVishnuShewasreferredtobypeopleasSnakaramangalthuamma..She wasveryparticularinobservingEkadasi.ItseemsanogrecalledThugala(tholaga)used totroubleheralot.OneDwadasidayshecouldnotfindanyBrahmintotakefood.Lord VishnuhimselftooktheformofaBrahmachariandcamethereasherguest. Sankaramangalathammarequestedhimtotakebathinthenearbywellandcome.Lord Vishnuaskedherwhetherthereareanyriversnearby.ShethentoldhimthatanAsura waslivingneartheriverandwasnotallowinganyonetotakebathintheriver.Lord VishnuwenttotheriverandkilledtheTholagasurawithhisSudarshanaChakraand washedtheChakraintheriver.ThisplaceispresentlyreferredtoasChakrasalaghat. Whenthelordreturnedback,therewerefourmoreBrahmins.Sankakamangalathamma servedfoodforallthefiveoftheminarecanutsheath(paala)Eventodaythisfeedingis doneinarecanutsheathandisreferredtoasPaalaBhojanam. Thereisanotherinterestingstoryaboutthisgreatdevotee.Itseemsshewasilliterate andusedtocalculatetheoccurrenceofEkadasi,byputtingastoneeverydayoneout ofthefifteenstonesgiventoherbyaliterateman..OncesomeBrahminscametoher houseandrequestedforfood.SankaranmangalathammatoldthemthatitwasEkadasi. TheylaughedatherandtoldthatitwasDasami.Oneofthemwasanastrologerandhe usedPrasnatofindouttheexactThithi.WhenthePrasnawasdoneinherhouseit showedEkadasibutwhentheysteppedoutofthehouse,itshowedDasami. ItseemswhenLordVishnucameasaBrahmacharitothehouseof SankaramangalathammaheconsecratedSudarshanaChakrathere.ThisChakrahaseight cornersdenotingConch,wheel,mace,lotusflower,rope,goad,bowandstick.Sacred ashcalledVibhuthiisgivenasPrasadainthistempleofChakra.Themaindeityofthis templeisSriVallabha.Thisisaeightfoottallstatueinthestandingposewhichfaces east.Heresandalwoodpasteisgiveninsteadofsacredash.ThereisastoryaboutSri Vallabha. ItseemsitwasthesamestatuewhichwasgotmadebyLordKrishnausingthe expertiseofViswakarma,.LordKrishnawasworshippingthisstatue.Whenhisendcame
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nearheentrustedthestatuetohiscousinSatyakiforConsecrationinaproperplace. SathyakientrustedtheJobtoLordGaruda.Butunfortunatelyitslippedfromhistalons andfellinariver. AfteralongtimewhenCheramanPerumalwasrulingKerala.,Godappearedinhis dreamandpointedouttheexactlocationandaskedhimtoconsecrateinatemple.The kingfoundthestatue.TherewasanemptytempleinThiruvallawhichwaswaitingfora suitableidol.Thekingconsecratedthedivinestatueinthatplace.Whenthestatue orderedfortheplacecame,itwasconsecratedinaplacecalledMalayinKeezh.Even todaythepeopleofMalayinKeezhcalltheirGodasThiruvallaAppan.Thereisan inscriptiononthestoneonthetempleindicatingthatitwasconstructedintheyear59 AD.ItseemsPadathiBananathatwasusedasanofferingbySageDurvasawhenhe visitedthetemple.EventodayPadathiPazhamisofferedtotheGod.Thetempleisbuilt insuchawaythatifyouareseeingthefaceoftheGod,youwouldnotbeabletohisfeet andifyouareseeinghisfeet,youcannotseehisface. PeoplebelievethatthegreatdevoteeofVishnucalledGandakarnawhousedtohang twobellsinhisearssothathewillneverhearthenameofLordShivaattainedsalvation inthistemple. Thereisa50feetblackgraniteflagpoleinthistemple.Thisflagpoleisburiedvery deepandonlyasmallportionisvisibleoutside.AGarudastatuemadeofPanchalohais chainedtotheflagpole..ItseemswhenPerumthachanmadetheGaruda,itstartedflying away.Sohedecidedtochainittotheflagpole.In1970anewflagpolehasalsobeen installed. Duringoldendayswomenwerenotallowedtoenterthetemple.,.Thiswasbecausea ladywassoenchantedbythebeautyoftheLordandrefusedtogooutofthetemple. Nowadaysladiesdovisitthistemple. InthistempletheGodisworshippedfivetimes.IntheearlymorningpoojaGodis worshippedasBrahmachari,inthePandeeratipoojaheisworshippedassanyasi,inthe noonPoojaheisworshippedasVaasudevadressedwithroyaldresses.Intheevening PoojaheisworshippedasNarayanaandinthenightPoojaheisworshippedasLakshmi Narayana.Whilethegoddessisdressedintheusualmanner,theGodduringthisPoojais dressedasaSanyasi.Latertheywillkeepallmaterialnecessaryfordoingpoojainthe sanctumsanctorumbeforeclosingthedoor,inthebeliefthatsageDurvasawouldcome inthenightanddoPoojatotheLord.

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ApartfromLordVallabhathistemplealsohastemplesofVaraha,Dakshinamurthy, Sastha,Ganapathi,KoorainAppan,AyalyakshiandMayayakshi. PerformingKathakaliisoneofthemainformsofworshiptothisLord.Itseemswhen VilwamangalathuSwamiyarvisitedthistemple,hefoundtheLordwatchingKathakali alongwitheveryone.Sotheykeepaseatcoveredwithsilkandakeepalitlampnearthis cdivineseat,whenKathakaliisperformedatthistemple. IntheKumbhamonth(FebruarymarchthereisanArattutotheGod,IntheMeena month(MarchApril)againthereisagrandfestivalcalledUthraSeeveli.

79ThiruvithikouUyyavandaPerumal
ThisisoneoftheVaishnaviteDivyadesamslocatedinKerala.Itislocatedabout2km fromPatambi,whichisavillagewitharailwaystationnearShoranur.Youhavetoget downinPattambi,crosstheBhatathaPuzhaRiverandwalkabout2kmtoreachthis temple.ThistemplealsoiscalledThirivichikodu,ThiruvinchiKoduandAnjumoorthi temple. AssoonasyouenterthetempleyouseeLordShivafacingtheeast.Behindhimisthe templeforLordVishnu.HeiscalledasUyyavandaPerumal(Thelordwhocametogive salvation).HeisalsocalledAbhayapradhan(Onewhosavesyou)andalsoasAbath sagayar.ThegoddessiscalledVithuvakottuvalliandalsoasPadmapaninachiyar. ThistemplehasbeensungaboutbyKulasegaraAzhvar,whowasaCheraprinceas wellasoneoftheTwelveAzhwarsofTamilNadu. PeoplebelievethatoriginallythistemplewasbuiltbykingAmmbareesha,Thisking usedtoobserveEkadasifastreligiouslyandtakefoodafterfeedingaBrahminthenext day.ItseemsoncesageDurvasacametohisplaceonanEkadasidayandacceptedhis invitationtotakefoodonDwadasi.Hewenttotakebathinthenearbyriverbutdidnot comebacktillDwadasithithiwasover.KingAmbarreshatookParanaibeforeDurvasa camebackatthepropertime.SageDurvasagotveryangryandsentanogretokillhim. ButLordVishnucameandsavedAmbareeshabykillingtheogre.Durvasarealizedhis mistakeandrequestedthekingspardon.AmbareeshathenrequestedtheLordtoappear himfromalldirections.ThefivestatuesoftheLordaresupposedtohavebeen consecratedbythePanchaPandavas.ThecentreonebyYudhishtra,theoneinthewest byArjuna,thatintheleftbyBhemasena,thatintherightbyNakula.ItseemsSahadeva alsojoinedintheworshipofthestatueintheright. ItisalsobelievedthatkingAmabareeshaattainedsalvationinthistemple.

80KaviyurShivaandHanumanTemple
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Thissmallvillageisnearisabout56kmfromThiruvalla.TheShivatemplehereis about100yearsold.Thearchitectureofthetempleisreallygreat.TheShivainthis templeisnotaswayambhu. Thereisastoryaboutitsconsecration.ItseemsLordRamaonhiswaybackto AyodhyafromSriLanka,wantedtobuildaShivatemplehere.Soheentrustedthejobof gettingagoodShivaLingatoHanuman.Hanumanwhowasproudofhiscapabilitieswas lateinarrivingwithashivaLinga.Butbythattimetheholytime(muhurtha)waspassing away.SoLordRamatookastonefromtheneighboringmountainandshapedaShiva Lingaoutofitandconsecratedithere.WhenHanumancameback,theconsecrationwas alreadyover.Hanumanwasterriblydisappointedandrealizedthathispowerwasgranted tohimbyLordRama.ThenLordRamarequestedHanumantodoThapashereforsome time.Obeyinghiswords,afterthepattabhishekaofLordRama,Hanumanspentsome timehere.ThenitwascalledKapiyoor(Thevillageofthemonkey).Laterovertimethe namebecameKaviyoor.(thevillageofpoets).(anexactlysimilarstoryistoldaboutthe ShivaLingaofRameswaramtemple,except,itistoldthatSitafashionedtheLingaout ofsandandaftercomingwithaLingafromKasi,Hanumantriedtobreakit.) ThehanumantempleinsidetheShivatempleisconsideredasveryimportantby devotees.HanumanidolmadeofPanchalohahastheHanumanwhotoldthestoryof RamayanatoGoddessSitaintheAsokaVana.Peoplebelievethatbydoing PandhirunazhiinthistempleandbyofferingbeatenricetoLordHanuman,theirwishes canbecompletelyfulfilled. ThereisatendayfestivalstartingwiththiruvadiraintheShivatempleandHanuman Jayanthi(MoolamofDhanumonthNovemberdecember))iscelebratedintheHanuman temple.

81TrichurVadakkunathantemple
VadakkunathantemplealsoknownasThenKailasam(KailasamoftheSouth)and VrishabhachalamoccupiestheprideofplaceonahilltopinthecenterofTrichurtownof Kerala.TheMalayalamnameforTrichurisTrisivaPerur(ThebigtownofholyShiva). PeoplebelievethatthisisoneofthefistconsecrationsdonebySageParasuramaafter herecoveredthepresentlandofKeralafromthesea.ItseemsherequestedLordShivato showhimtheproperspottobuildatemple.LordShivathensenthissteedNandiand Simhodaratochooseaproperplaceforthetemple.Theychosethepresentplaceand LordParasuramaconsecratedthepresenttemplehereforLordShiva.Itseemshealso consecratedthestatuesofLordRamaandLordShankaranarayanainthistemple.Besides thesethreeGods,thetemplealsohasLordGanapathy,andGoddessParvathy.
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IntheShankaraVijaya,itismentionedthatAdhiShankarasparentscametothis templeanddidBhajanam(prayer)forason.LordShivablessedthemwithAdhi Shankara.SomepeoplealsobelievethatexceptfortheLordShivainthistempleallother GodswereconsecratedbysageAdhiShankarawhenhevisitedthisplace.Thereisalsoa beliefthatAdhiShankarawrotehismagnumopusSoundaryaLahariextollingthe virtuesofGoddessParavathiinthistemple. Therearemanyinterestingstoriesaboutthisgreattemple.Someofthemare: 1.WhenPoonthanamNamboodirididpoojainthistemple.,LordShivaappeared beforehimasLordVishnuandtoldtheassembledpeopleabouttheonenessofthe Gods. 2.WhenAdhiShankaracameherehefirstdidPoojatoLordShiva.Buthewasnot abletowalktothetempleofPravathywhichisbehindthistemple.Atthattimea babygirlcameandofferedhimacupofmilk.ButAdhiShankaracouldnotlift hishandstorecievthemilk.Hetoldthebaby,IdonothaveShakthi(strength)to receivethiscupfromyou..Thenthegirltoldhim,Thatisbecauseyouseemto haveforgottenaboutShakthi.Itseemsthenherealizedhismistakeandstarted composingprayersinpraiseoftheGoddess.SoundaryaLahariisamongthefirst anditwascomposedhere. 3.OnceahandsomesaintusedtodailysingthepraiseoftheLord.Allthewomen devoteesusedtowatchhimwithgreatdevotion.Butitseems,allthechildren bornafterthathadthefeaturesofthehandsomesaint.Peoplestartedgetting perturbed.ThenLordShivasenthiswhitebulltothistemple.Thenpeoplesaw thatalltheCalvesbornafterthatwerewhite.Thentheyrealizedtheirmistakeand requestedpardonofthegreatsaint..Thestatueofthiswhitebullisstillinthis temple. 4.ThestatuteofVadakkunathanisthatofthehunterwhogavePasupathasthrato Arjuna.Inthealtercation,ArjunahittheLordwithhisbow.Thiscausedawound. Whenthedoctorswereconsulted,theytoldthatpouringofGheeoverthewound willcureit.BecauseofthisthemainworshipoftheShivatempleisAbhisheka (Anointment)withghee.Sincethishasbeengoingonforages,wewillnotableto seetheGodbutonlyamountainofghee.Itisawonderofwondersthatthisghee nevergetsspoiledandnevermelts.Onceinawhileasmallportionoftheghee fallsfromthismountainofghee.Thisisgiventothedevoteesanditisbelieved thatithaslotofcurativeproperties. 5.Thereisbiggroundof18acressurroundingthetemple.Thiswasonceupona timeateakwoodforest(EventodayitiscalledThekkinKadu(teakwoodforest), onegreatkingofCochinwhowasinterestedinthedevelopmentofTrichurtown
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orderedtheclearingoftheforest.ThenthesoothsayerofParmekkavutempletold himthattheteakwoodtreesarethehairsofthegoddessandshouldnotbecut. ButShakthanThamburanfirstcutofftheheadofthesoothsayerandlatercleared theforest.AnotherstrangefactaboutthetempleisthatthoughTippuSultanmarched throughTrichurhedidnotcauseanyharmothetemple. TherearenofestivalsinthistempleexcepttheobservationofShivaRathri.But severaltemplesintheneighbourhoodvizThiruvambadi,Chembukkavu,Paramekkavu, Naithalakkavu,Panekkampalli,Karamukku,Ayyanthol,Lalooru,Kanimangalamand PanekkampallicometoseeLordShivaontheTrichurPooramdayalongwiththeir elephants.Thirtyelephantsassembleinthecourtyard,.Thosenighthugequantitiesof crackersareburst.ThisfestivalisoneofthegreatestfestivalsinKerala. Inthistemplethereisaveryelaborateroutineforavisit.Asgivenintheprayer VadakkunathandeDarshanaKramam. Firstwehavetotakebathinthetankwhichistothewestofthetemple.Thenwehaveto Goroundthebanyantreeseventimes.Andenterthetemplethroughthemaingate.Inthe leftthereisthepitmadebyArjunasbow.Wehavetowashourlegsthereandvisitthe LordKrishnastemple.ThenwehavetosalutethestatueofNandifollowedbysaluting LordParsuramasstatue.TherewehavealsosalutetheSimhodharanwhowasoneofthe cofoundersofthetemple.LaterwehavetowalktowardsnorthandsaluteLord ViswanathaofBenares..Thenwehavetowalktowardssoutheastandclimbingthe stonesaluteLordRamanathaofRameshwaramandLordNatarajaofChidambaram.Then wehavetomovesouthandsalutetheBhagawathiofKodungallore,andlaterthe BhagawathyofOorakamandthenlaterLordBharathofIrinjalakkuda.Thenwehaveto meditateonVedaVyasaandwritethe51alphabetsonthestoneofVyasa.Thenwehave tosaluteLordAyyappaandwalktowardsnorth.Therewehavetopluckaflower,wear itandaftersalutingtheconchandtheholywheelenterthetempleofLordShankara Narayana.Andoffersalutationstothepictureontheleft,offerprayerstoBhoomiswara andthenenterthetempleofLordShiva. TherewehavetosalutethelearnedpeoplesittingintheMandapandsalutethedance ofChandikaontheleftside. ThenwithalldevotionsalutetheVadakkunathan.Gototherightandagainsalutethe Lord..TheninordersaluteBhagawathy,Ganapathi,andtheGodinthecentreinthe south,thenGanapathi,thenBhagawathiandthenagainVadakkunathan.

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82ChothanikkaraBhagawathitemple
ThisisthemostfamoustempleofKeralawherementallydisturbedpeople,comeinthousandsand getcured.Thistempleis8KMawayfromThripoonithuraasuburbofCochin. Therearetwomaintempleshere.OneassoonasweenteristhetempleofRajarajeswariandthe onebehinditinaslightlylowerelevationcalledKeezhekavuhasBhadraKaliconsecratedthere. TheRajarajeswariisworshippedasGoddessSaraswathiinthemorning,worshippedasBhadrakali inthenoonandDurgainthenight.Thistempleopenseverydayat4AM.Peoplebelievethat GoddessMookambikaofKollurattendsthefirstworshipherebeforegoingtohertemple.Another peculiarityofthistempleisthattheGoddessisnotfixedtothegroundbutrestsonsand.Nearby heristhestatueofLordVishnu.SothedevoteesalwaysprayhertogetherwithherbrotherLord NarayanaandsayAmmeNarayana. Itseemsoncetheplacethistempleislocatedwasadenseforest.Therelivedatribalmancalled Kannappan,whosewifehaddied.KannappanwasagreatdevoteeofGoddessParvathy.Heusedto dailysacrificeananimaltohisfavouriteGoddess.Hehadacutedaughterwhowasveryfondofher pet,whichwasacow.Sinceherfatherusedtosacrificecows,shekeptherpetcowverynearher andlookedherafterwell.OnedayKannappancouldnotgetanyanimaltosacrificetoherGoddess. Soheorderedhisdaughtertogiveherpetcow,forthatdayssacrifice.Hisdaughterrequested Kannappantosacrificeherinstead.TheheartofKannappanchangedandherealizedthathewas doingawrongthingbypracticinganimalsacrifice.HeandthepetcowstayednearthetemplesBali stonetheentirenight.Inthemorning,thecowherselfhadturnedintoastone.Thatplaceiscalled Pavazhamallithara(Placeofthecoraljasmineflower).Peoplebelievethatpetcowofdaughterof KannappanwasindeedGoddessMahalakshmi.ThatdayLordVishnuappearedbeforeKannappan andpardonedhissinsanddecidedtobepresentinthetemplealongwiththeGoddess.Thatishow theconceptofLakshmiNarayanacameintothistemple.TheplacewhereKannappanusedto sacrificehiscowsisthelocationoftheKeezhekavilBhagawathi. Itseemsthistemplelocationwasrediscoveredaccidentallybyalowcastegrasscutter,whofound thatbloodwasflowingoutofastonewhichsheaccidentallycut.ThatdaytheBrahminofthe Yedattuhousecamealongwiththepuffedriceinacoconutshellandthiswasofferedtothe Goddessforthefirsttime.Eventodaythissystemofofferingpuffedriceinacoconutshell continues.TheBrahminsofYedattuhousebecamepriestsatthistemple.ItwasAdhiShankarawho visitedthetemple,whobroughtintotheStatuethepresenceofMookambika.Itseemswhen VilwamangalamSwamiyarvisitedthistemplehesawapowerfulhalooflightoverthetemple pond.HeinstitutedasearchandthepresentstatueofKeezhekavuwasfoundinthetank.Thereis alsoastoryofcertainGupthanNamboodiriwhowaspursuedbyaYakshi.ItseemstheYakshitook aformofaprettymaidenandtriedtoenticetheNamboodiri.SinceNamboodiriwascarryinga
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DeviMahatmyambook,shewasnotabletodoanything.ButbeingattractedbyherGupthan Namboodiriwantedtoleavethebook,withhismagicianfriendKosapilliNamboodiri.Themagician foundoutthattheladywasaYakshi.HegaveGupthanNamboodirianenchantedtowel.Withthe enchantedtowelGupthanranuptotheChottanikkaratemple.Therehethrewthetoweloutside andjumpedintothetemple.TheYakshiwhowaspursuinghimcouldcatchholdofhisfeet.When Gupthancriedforhelpfromthemother,shecameoutandcuttheYakshiintopiecesandthrew herintothetempletank.ThattankisknowntodayasYakshikkulamorRakthakulam.Itisto KeezheKavuBhagawathithatthementallydisturbedpeopleturntoforacure.Theyarebrought tiedtothetemple.Assoonastheyseethegoddess,especiallyduringtheGuruthi(anointingwith redsaffronliquid),theystartjumpinguncontrollably.Atnightafter8.30Pm,thereisavaliya GuruthiinwhichGuruthifrom12hugevesselsispouredovertheGoddess.Itseemsifthementally disturbedpeopleseethisGuruthidaily,thespiritwhichisaffectingthemwillrunaway.Thereis alsoapalatree,inwhichthesepeopledrivehugenailsbyknockingthenailswiththeirforeheads. Peoplewhoarehavingaweakmindandareeasilyscaredarerequestednottogotothe Keezhekkavutemple.TherearealsotemplesofLordShiva,GanapathiandNagarinthistemple. ThemajorfestivalofthistempleisinthemonthofKumbam(Februarymarch).Thegoddess comesoutofthetempleblessesallandafterritualbath(aarattu)goesbacktothetemple. InthesamemonthontheMakhastardaybetween2:Pmto5Pm,thereisaobservanceof MakhamthozhalPeoplebelievethatifunmarriedpeopledothat,theywillgetmarriedandif marriedpeopledothattheunderstandingbetweenhusbandandwifewouldincrease.

83ChandanakkavuGanapathiTemple
ThisuniquetemplemanagedbyShaivaVellalarsofTamilNaduissituatedinaplace calledChandakkavuwhichisabout16kmfromthetownofAleppy.Itseemsthatalarge numberofShaivaVellalarsmigratedtoplacesnearAleppyinsearchofjob.Oneofthem broughtaGanapathistatuefromShanrkaranayinrkoilinTirunelvelidistrictof TamilNadu.InitiallyasmalltemplewasbuiltinaplacecalledPurakkadu,whichwasin theshoresofthesea.Oncethistemplewasdestroyedbytheseawaves.Thenthey requestedthekingofChampagaserrytoallotthemlandtobuildatempleoftheirown. Thekinggavethem3acresinChandanakkavuinitiallytheyonlybuiltaGanapathi temple.LatertheyaddedaDurgaofUjjainiwith18hands.Sheiscalledas MutharammaninthistempleandisthefamilydeityoftheVellalars.Slowlytheyadded LordShiva,Brahmarakshas,Yoginidevi,Madasamy,Bhairavaswamy,Nagarajaand NagaYakshi,MadasamyandBhairavasamyaretheguardianGodsofsomeofthese families.

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ThemostimportantfestivaloftheGanapathitempleisVinayagaChathurthi.Thatdaya mahaGanapathiHomamisheldthere.BesidesthiseveryFridayaGanapathihomamis alsoconducted. Theshivatemplewhichisinthenortheastisconsideredasveryimportant. MruthyunjayaHomamleadingtolonglifeisconductedhereonrequest.Shivarathriis celebratedinagrandscale.Onthatdaylittlechildrenwillbringallthenecessitiesof PoojaonaKavadifromthenearbySaraswathiTemple. TherearespecialpoojasforMutharammanduringtheMandalaperiod.Onthetenth dayofChithirai(Medamasam),PongalisofferedbyladiestoMutharamman.

84ThiruvairanikkulamShivatemple
ThistempleofShivaissituatednearavillagecalledSrimoolanagaram,inthebanksof Periyar,nearthetownofAlwaye ThetempleconsistsoftwotemplesOnededicatedtoLordShivafacingtheeastand anotherdedicatedtoGoddessParvathiwhichisfacingthewest.Thepeculiarityofthis templeisthatwhileLordShivastempleisopenallroundtheyear,thetempleof Parvathiisopenonlyfor12daysinayear.Thereisaninterestingstorybehindthis practice. ItseemstheShivatemplewasnotherebutinaplacecalledIranikkulamnear Irinjalakkuda.AnoldNamboodirifromSrimoolanagaramwhowasadevoteeoftheGod ShivausedtodailycrosstheriverandwalkalongdistancetopraytothisGod.There wasaboatmancalledChathan,whousedtokeepastoneboatandwhousedtohelpthe Namboodiritocrosstheriver.(HewasoneofthosegreatpeoplecalledParachiPetha PandheeruKulam)WhentheNamboodiribecameveryold,onedayhecriedbeforeLord Shivaandtoldhim,OhGod,thisismylastvisit.Isimplycannotcomeandseeyou. Thatdaywhilereturninghome,Namboodirifeltthathisumbrellawasunusuallyheavy. Butassoonashecrossedtheriverandgotdown,itbecameverylight.Chathan,,theboat mantoldNamboodirithatLordShivahadcomealongwithhimintheumbrellaandas soonashegotdown,hasoccupiedsomeplaceinthevillage.Nextdayaladygrasscuter, whenshewascuttingthegrass,happenedtocutastoneandthestonestartedbleeding .Thatwomenwasterriblyscaredandranaboutthreekilometersanddiedatthatplace .ChathantoldallpeoplethatthestoneshecutwasGodShivaofIranikkulam.Atemple wasbuiltthereforLordShivaandtitwascalledThiruvairanikkulam.Theyalsobuilta templeforGoddessParvathi.Theplacewherethegrasscutterfellistodaycalled Varanattumadam.InthisplaceannuallyaspecialPoojacalledIrukkiPoojaisconducted everyyear.AfterthepoojapuffedriceisgivenasPrasada.Peoplebelievethatbytaking
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thispuffedricealldiseasesarecured.ThestoneboatoftheChathanisstillpreservedin thistemple. InitiallyitseemsthepriestusedtokeepallmaterialformakingofferingtoGod (Naivedyam)inthetempleofGoddessParvathiandclose.Aftersometime,thefully cookedNaivedyamwaspreparedandkeptreadyinhertemplebyGoddessParvathi.One dayonedevoteepeepedthroughtheWindowastoseewhatwashappeninginsidethe ParvathitempleandhesawthatGoddessParvathiherselfwascookingtheNaivedyam. ButbecauseofthistheGoddessgotveryangryandaskedthepriesttocloseherdoorsfor ever.Allthedevoteeswailedandrequestedhertopardontheactoftheillconceived devotee.Thegoddesspardonedhimbutgavepermissionforherdoortobeopenedfor only12daysinayear. HertemplegateopensonTheThiruvadirafestivalday.Aminstrelsingercalled BrahmaniammasingsabouttheGoddessbeforehergatesareopened.Recentlytheonly memberofthatfamilycalledSridevirefusedtosingatthefestival.Itseemsherhusband becameterriblysickandgoddessappearedinherdreamandpointedouttoherthatshe wasinsultingtheGoddess.Sridevirealizedhermistakeandstartedsinginginthefestival again.Notonlyherhusbandwascuredbutshewasalsoblessedwithdivinepowers. SinceanybodywithprayerformarriageorchildbirthwhovisittheGoddessParvathi duringthose12days,getstheirprayersfulfilled,largenumberofdevotesfromallparts ofKeralavisitthetempleduringthattime.

85ARpudaNarayanatemple,Thirukodithaanam
ThisisoneofthefewtemplesinKeralawhichisadivyadesamofVaishnavas.This meansthatithasbeensungbyoneofthe12Azhwars,theminstrelsofVaishnavismof TamilNadu.InfactNammazhwaroneofthegreatestsaintsinthispantheonhassung aboutthistemple. Thistempleisabout3kmfromChanganaseerytown,whichisnearKottayam.The GodinthistempleiscalledArpudaNarayana(Narayanaofwonder)oramrutha Narayana(Narayanawhoisnectar)).ItisbelievedthattheGodinthistempleis consecratedbySahadeva,theyoungestofthePandavas.ItseemsSahadevawantedto buildatempleforLordVishnuhere.Sincehewasnotabletogetaproperidolhe decidedtodiebyenteringthefire.Buttheninthefire,hegotthepresentidolofLord Vishnu.SinceitwasagreatsurprisehepreferredtocallitArpudaNarayana.Itis believedthatevery60yearsthisidolgetsextrapowerandatthebeginningofthedeluge, thisidolwillconvertitselfintolightandmergewithheaven.
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TheGodinthistempleisinastandingposeandhasfourhands.Thegoddessiscalled KarpagaValli.ThereisalsoatempleforLordNarasimha,whichispossiblyalater addition.Onthesouthernpartofthetempletherearetwotemples,oneforLord DakshinamurthyandtheotherforLordGanapathi.Boththesetemplesdonothavedoors. NormallyPalPayasam(milkKheer)isdailyofferedtoLordNarasimha.Itis believedthatthisbeingdonetoreducehisfierceness. ThistemplealsohassubtemplesforLordSubrahmanya.,Nagar(snake),Lord AyyappaandGoddessKali.TheDasavatharsarecarvedinthistemple. ItisbelievedthatKingRukmangadhausedtoruleoverthisplace.Itseemsheusedto maintainagreatflowergarden.ItseemsDevasusedtostealtheflowersandtakeitto heaven.Thekingssoldierscaughtthem.Becauseofthisthedevas,losttheirpowerto gobacktoheaven,.TheythenrequestedKingRukmangadatogivetheeffectof observationofEkadasibyhim.Whenhegaveittothem,theywereabletogobackto heaven. ThereisgrandtendayfestivalinthemonthofVruschigam(NovemberDecember) .Duringthistime1008lampsarelitinthistemple.Oncelit,theselampsburnallnight. ThereasonwhyKarthigaifestivaliscelebratedinaVishnutempleisasfollows.It seemsonceLordShivaappearedbeforeLordVishnuandLordBrahmaasaballoffire. Unabletobeartheheat,theyprayedLordShiva.ThenonKarthigaiday,LordShiva transformedhimselfintoasmalllamp..ThereareTamilinscriptionsinthistemple indicatingthefactthatonceuponatime,thisplacewasruledbyTamilkings.Thisplace intheseinscriptionsasNandruUzhaithaNadu(Thecountrywhichworkedhard). ItisalsobelievedthatKuntithemotherofPandavasdiedinthisplace..Thereisa customoflightinglampsinthecornerwherethishappened. RecordsindicatethatthisplacewasaGadigaSthanawhereVedasweretaughtto people.ThepresentnamemusthavederivedoutofGadika. ThewallssurroundingthistemplearefamousandaresupposedtobebuiltbyGhosts. Theyareanarrangementofstonesnotpastedbyanymaterial.Eventoday,noharmhas cometothesewalls.

86PanachikkaduBhagawathiTemple
ThistempleissituatednearSingavanam,whichisaplaceinbetweenKottayamand Changanassery.ItistheonlytempleofGoddessSaraswathiinKerala.Peoplealsocallit DakshinaMookambika(Mookambikaofthesouth).

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TherewerethreeNamboodirifamiliesnearthistemple.Oneofthemwas KizhuppuramNamboodiri.Sincehedidnothavechildren,hedecidedtoundertakea pilgrimagetoKasi.OnthewayhevisitedtheTempleofMookambika.Thatnight Goddesscameinhisdreamandtoldhim,Youdonothavethelucktohavechildrenin thisbirth.OneladyofKarunattuhouseinyourplacewillgivebirthtotwins.Ifyou requestthem,theywillgiveoneofthemforadoptionbyyou.Oncethisboygrowsuphe willhave10childrenandyourfamilywouldgrowinleapsandbounds. TheNamboodirireturnedhomeandkepthisumbrellaintheshoresofthetempletank andwenttotakebath.Butafterbathhewasnotabletomovetheumbrella.Asagewho camethereatthattimetoldhimthatGoddessMookambikawantstohaveatemplethere andhecangetherstatue,neartheforestofthelocalVishnutemple.Hewastoldthata Yakshiwasguardingthatstatue,sobeforetakingpossessionofthestatue,heshould pleasetheYakshibyofferingherTendercoconutwater,friedricepowderandJaggery. Herecoveredthatstatueandconsecrateditfacingtheeast.Accordingtothewordsof thesagehealsoconsecratedinthesameplaceanotherstatuefacingwest.Onlythestatue facingthewestisworshipped.Thisstatuedoesnothaveanyform.Butthestatuefacing eastwhichhasaformisnotworshipped.Mountainandwaterfallssurroundthistemple. Waterwouldbefallingonthestatuealways.Thiswaterisremovedconstantlyandis usedforthepoojaatthistemple.Oppositethestatue,astonelampwillalwayskept burning.Nearbyroughsandisspreadonthewall.AftersalutingtheGoddesspeople writeHarisreeGanapathayeNamaonthesand.Peoplebelievethatbydoingthistheir knowledgewouldincreaseandtheywouldbecomeveryintelligent. PlantscalledPanathiKuthuChedicompletelysurroundtheGoddessfacingeast.Itis notpermittedtocutorremovetheseplants.Peoplesaythatthisplanthasneverever wilted.Sometimesduetowindorrain,theplantisdisturbedandwemaybeabletosee theGoddess.Butthisisveryrare. JustabovetheSaraswathiidol,theRakshasas,Nagar(snake)andYakshiare consecrated.ForanyimportantpoojaorchangeintheSaraswathitemple,itisacustom toseekthepermissionofYakshiandthenonlydoit.Itisthecustominthistempleto offerTrimadhuraminthemorning,milkandsugarinthenoonandJaggerypayasam madeofriceatnight. TheNavarathrifestivaliscelebratedinagrandmannerinthistemple.OnVijaya Dasamiday,allchildrenwhoaregoingtostartlearningarebroughthere,placedinthe lapofGuru.HewritesHarisreeonthetoungueofthechildusingsilverorgoldcoin. LatertheyaremadetowriteHarisreeonthesand.
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SaraswathaGhruthmSaraswathaghruthampurifiedandenrichedwith saraswathasookthamthousandtimesrepeatedisgiventothedevoteesfromthetemplewhich isamedicineforboostingmemorypowerbythegraceofDevi. Thetempleisopenbetween5.30Amto11.30amandbetween5Pmand7.30Pm.

87KumaranalloreKarthyayanitemple
Kumarnallurisasmallvillagewhichis4kmfromthetownofKottayam.Thegoddessin thisplaceisconsideredasverykind,mercifulandsoft.SheisKarthyayani. Itseemslonglongago,oncethenosestudofgoddessMeenakshiofMaduraiwas stolen.Thekingsuspectedtheinnocentpriestandtoldthatifhedoesnotreturnthestolen nosestudbythenextday,hewouldbekilled.Thatnight,GoddessMeenakshiappeared inthedreamofthepriestandtoldhim,Youareingreatdanger.Iwouldbeleadingyou outofthecountryintheformoflight.Sofollowme.Thepriestdidwhathewastold andfollowedthelightandreachedKumaranallur.Therewasavacanttempleinthe villagereadyforconsecrationoftheGod.Whenthepriestcamenearthetemple,the leadinglightvanishedfromhisvision.WhenhewentinsidethetemplehesawGoddess Karthyatanisittinginsidethesanctumsanctorum.Thoughhecouldseeit,nobodyelse could.Theyallsimplylaughedatthepriest.AtthetimeKulaShekharathekingatthat placehappenedtovisitthistemple.HehaddecidedtoinstallLordSubrahmaanyainside thistemple.ButthepriestfromMaduraitoldhimthatsinceGoddesswasalreadyinside thetemple,onlygoddessKarthyatanishouldbeinstalledthere.Butthekingcouldnotsee anythinginsidethetemple.Sohetoldthepriest,ifthereisagoddessinsidelether constructatempleforherselfandleftthatplace.Butwhenhecameoutsidehewasnot abletomoveoutastheentireplacewascompletelycoveredwithfog.Herealizedhis mistakeandwentandapproachedthepriest.Thepriestthenrequestedtotouchhimand thenseeinsidethetemple.Whenthekingdidthat,hewasabletoseetheGoddess.At thattimethekingwasalsoconstructingatempleatUdayanapuramfortheGoddess.So hedecidedtoshifttheSubrahmanyatempletoUdayanapuramandshifttheBhagawathi templetothisplace.SohesentpeopletobringtheidoloftheGoddessfrom Udaayanapuram.SomehowattheappointedtimetheidoloftheGoddessdidnotreach Kumaranallur.Thegoddesscameinthedreamofthekingandtoldhim,Inawellinthe forestnearbythereistheidoloftheGoddesswhichwaspersonallyworshippedbyLord Parasurama.Youcanbringtheidolandconsecrateithere.Thekingdidexactlythat. Themainidolatthetempleismadeofblackstone.Itisextremelypretty,withfour handsandisinastandingposture.Shelikestobeshoweredwithturmericpowderand thatisthemajorworshipinthistemple.Unlikeothertemples,theworshipbylights (Deeparadhana)ofthistempleinnotdoneatduskbutatnight.Thereishugestonelamp
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infrontofthetemple,whichwasgiftedbythekingofChembakassery.Atatime24 wickscanburnfromthislamp.Lightingthislampisalsooneoftheimportantmethodsof worship.SincetheoriginalpriestcamefromMadurai,eventodaythepriestsfamilyis calledMaduraiNamboodiri. JustoutsidethetemplethereisatempleofVanaDurga.Thereisnoroofforthis temple.SheiscalledAalingalBhagwathi(ThegoddessoftheBanyantree),possibly becauseitwasoriginallyconsecratedbelowaBanyantree.ThereisalsoaTempleof ayyappaonthewestsideofthetemple.HeiscalledManibhooshananinthistemple. ThereisasmalltempleforLordShivainthesouthernside. ThemajorfestivalinthistempleistheKarthigaFestivalinthemonthof Vruschiga(OctoberNovember)inthisfestivalthereisausualparadeoftheelephantsbut inthistempleonlysheelephantscanparticipate.PeoplebelievethatalltheGodsare presentwithKarthyayaniontheKarthigaday.Thereisastorythatonthatday VilwamangalamSamiyarhappenedtovisitVadakkunathantemplebutfoundthatthe Godwasnotthereinthetemple.Hesawhiminaparticularspotofthetemplewatching thefestivalatKumaranallur. AfterthemorningworshiptheymaketheGoddesswearhergoldendress.Thisis removedonlyonthenextday. PeoplebelievethatbyWorshippingKarthyayani,yourmarriagewouldbesettled quickly,thechildrenwouldbecomeintelligentetc.

88MangombuBhagawathitemple
Mangombuisaveryprosperousislandabout15kmawayfromAleppytown.Mostof peopleinthisvillagecultivatehighrisepaddy.Youcangotothisislandonlybyboat. Nowadaysthereisarrangementtocarrythevehiclesinfloats.Dr.M.S.Swaminathan,the fatherofmodernIndianAgricultureisfromthisplace. ThereisagreatBhagawathytempleinMongombu.Thereisaveryinterestingstory aboutitsorigin.DuringthereignofkingVeeraMarthandaVermaofTravancore,it seemsoneofficialcalledPavvathilKaimal.Herequestedthekingtoallothimsome forestwoodsothathecanbuildhisownhouse.ThekingaskedKaimaltocuttreesfrom MangombuhillsnearPalai.Kaimalcuttherequiredlogsandwhenhewastryingto transportthelogsbytheriver,threeveryprettywomenapproachedKaimalandrequested foralift.Kaimaltoldthem,hewouldallowthemtotravelwithhimprovidedthey becameugly.Theythentransformedthemselvestouglywomenandtravelledalongwith
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thelogs.WhentheboatreachedthepresentlocationofMangombu,itstoppedthereand refusedtomove.ThentheprettywomentoldKaimalthattheyweregoddessesand wantedtemplestobebuiltthere.Theythentransformedthemselvestoidols.Forthefirst GoddessatemplewasbuiltinKoyikkal,thesecondinaplacecalledVadaiattu.When theywerethinkingwheretoconsecratethethirdgoddess,Goddessenteredoneofthe peopleassembledthere.Thatmanthrewabranchofamangotreeandrequestedthemto buildatemplewhereitfalls.TheydiditasperthewishoftheGoddess.Sinceitwasthe placewherethebranchofmangofell,itwascalledMankombu,meaningBranchofa mangotree.Tillthisdaythedescendentsofthemanwhothrewthemangobranchhave asayintheaffairsofthetemple.ThetemplewasconsecratedinthemonthofMeenam (Marchapril)inthestarofBharani.Thefoundersdayiscelebratedduringthisoccasion. Thegoddessfaceswest.Abiglampislitallthetimewithoutstopinfrontofthe Goddess,asitisbelievedshelikeslight.Lightinglampsisoneoftheveryimportant worshipforminthistemple.InthesoutheasterncornerofthetempleoftheGoddessis thetempleofLordShiva.Soitisapracticeinthistempletocomeroundthesanctum sanctorumfourtimes.TheidoloftheGoddessismadeofJackwoodandhasafierce formofMahishasuraMardini.Butagoldenfaceandcoatisgiventothegoddesssothat shelooksverypeaceful.Thisidolhasacrownwith15serpents,hasasymbolofelephant intherightearandsymboloflionintheleftear.ShealsowearsanYerukkuMalai. RakthaPushpanjaliforfulfillingalldesiresandSwayamvaraPushpanjaliforearly marriageareperformedatthistemple.Pregnantwomenobserve12dayBhajanaminthis templeforsafedelivery.SeveraltypesofPayasamsarealsoofferedtotheGoddess. ThefirsteightdaysofMredam(aprilmay)iscelebratedasMangombuMalaketham (Moncombumountainclimbing).IrumudiwhichissimilartotheSabarimalaIrumudiis takenandpeoplegoroundthetemplewithchantingofsaranam.,Thenthenightpooja isperformedinthesoutheastofthetempleinaplacecalledMalaiNadaiMostofthe importantHindufestivalsLikeNavarathri,KrishnaJayanthi,Deepavalietcareobserved inthistemple.IntheDhanumonth(DecemberJanuaryatendayChirappuisalso observed.DuringthisfestivaltheGoddesswouldbecoveredwithsandalpaste. InthemonthofMeenam,thefoundationofthetempleiscelebrated.Akavadipoojais performedduringthisoccasion

89ChettikulangaraBhagawathiTemple
Chettikulangara,BhagawathytempleisoneoftheveryrenownedtemplesofKerala.Itis about5kmfromMavelikkaraand6kmfromKayangulam.InthistempletheGoddess appearslikeGoddessSaraswathyinthemorning,GoddessLakshmiinthenoonand GoddessDurgaatnight.Thetempleisbelievedtobe1200yearsoldandisinthemiddle of13Karas(ResidentialareasofNairs).Itisoneofthetempleswithveryhighincome
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runningtoseveralcroresinKerala.NairsandEzhavasplayamajorroleintheworship andconductoffestivalsinthistemple. TheidolofthetempleismadeusingJackwood.Itseemsoncetheidolgotslightly dilapidatedandthepeopledecidedtohaveanewidol.Theyafterarduoussearchlocated asuitableJackwoodtreeinaprivatecompoundinAranmula.Buttheownerofthetree refusedtogivethetreeformakingoftheidol.Thatdayitseemstheownerofthetree dreamtthathewasbeingbeatenbyTheBhadrakali.Whenhewokeupnextdayallover hisbodywerethemarkofthebeating.Immediatelyheofferedthetreeandthepresent idolwasmadefromthattree. Thereareseveralstoriesabouttheoriginofthistemple.Itseemsthepeopleofthis areausedtoattendthefestivalintheKoypallikarazhmaBhagavathitemplebeforethis templewasbuilt.Thatchieftainofthatvillagehumiliatedthepeopleofthisarea. BecauseofthistheyprayedGoddessBhagawathitocometotheircountry.Inthedream ofoneofthem,theGoddessappearedandtoldthatshewillcometotheircountry.Aftera fewdaysanoldwomanwasseenwalkingtowardsthetemple.Sheneededtocrossariver toreachthisplace.AChristianboatmanhelpedhertocrosstheriverandalsostarted helpinghertoreachherdestination.Onthewaythatoldladybecameverytiredandsat downbelowatree.Theboatmanwenttoanearbyhouse,wheresomeworkwasgoingon andbroughtsomeKanji(ricegruel)andchutneymadeusinghorsegram.Theoldlady tookthemandwenttoanearbytanktowashherhands.TherewasaBrahminladyin stepsofthetank.Shesawtheoldladygettingintothetankandvanishingthere.Shealso sawaverybrightlightthere.Thepeopleofthevillagecalledtheastrologerswhofound outthatthatladywasBhagawathyherself.Sotheybuiltatempleforherthere.The familyoftheChristianboatmanwereentrustedthejoboftheFirecrackerworshipinthe temple.TheyalsoofferdailytotheGoddessthericegruelandHorseGramChutney. Belowthetreewherethegoddesstookrest,theyalsobuiltatempleforhercalled Puducherrytemple. Accordingtoanotherversion,thistemplewasconsecratedbyPadmapadacharyar(a leadingdiscipleofAdiShankara)ontheUthrittathidayofMakaramonthinA.D.823. Thereisafirmargumentthatthegoddessherewasafamilydeity,andlateremergedas thevillageandregionaldeity.Localhistoriansopposetheargumentthatthetempleisnot asancientasthenearbyKandiyoorMahadevatempleorMavelikaraKrishnaSwamy templeasithadnotbeenmentionedinUnnuneeliSandesamwritteninthe14thcentury. AccordingtolateKandiyoorMahadevaShasthri,SamudraBandhanaleadingcourtier ofRaviVarman,anancientKingofVenadhadvisitedthistempleandwrotepoemson Bhagavathi.SimilarlyAadithyaKulasekharan,theKingofVenad(1374A.D.to1389
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A.D.)alsohadvisitedtheChettkulangaratemple,arguesthem.However,itistobesaid thatthepresentSreekovilofthetempleisonly450480yearsold,andtheChuttambalam isnotmorethantwocenturiesold.Localhistorianssaythatthetempleinfrastructureand thesurroundingsweredevelopedbyvariouslocalchieftainsfromtimetotime.The presentSreekoilwasrevampedduringA.D.1540.Becauseofasmallfireatthistemple, theChuttambalamwasslightlymodifiedduringtheMalayalamyear1002. ItisalsobelievedthatChettikulangaraAmma(themaindeity)isthedaughterof KodungallurAmma,broughttothatplaceforthewellbeingofallpeopleat Onattukara(Mavelikara). Infrontofthetemplethereisahugelampinwhichyoucanputthousandwicks.One ofthemajorofferingatthetempleislightingthelamp.SincethestatueoftheGoddessis madeofJacktreewood,itiscoatedwithredpasteofKumkum(calledChandadaloften. BesidesthemaindeitytherearealsotemplesforYakshi,mukoorthi,Rakthakshi, ThevaraMurthy,KannampalliBhagawathy,Ganapathy,Nagaraja,NagaYakshi, BrahmaRakshas,ValiaAchanandBalakaninthistemple. Festivalsofthetemple TheTemplehasanumberoffestivals.TheimportantonesareParayeduppu InthenumeroustemplesofOnattukara,the"Parayeduppu"periodisthefestivalseason. Itallbeginswhenthedeity("Devi")ofChettikulangaratempleistakenoutinprocession forParayeduppuontheMakayriamstaroftheMalayalammonthMakaram(January February).ThefestivalscontinuetotheendofMedam(AprilMay).Themainpartof ParayeduppuistheJeevathaconstructedinthemodelofthetemplestructureitself.This boxlikecarriageforthedeityrestsontwoteakwoodpolesabouttwometerslong,andis intheformofapalanquin.Thefrontresembles"Thidambu"behindwhichisakindof pettakam(smallchest)builtasperThachusaasthracalculations.Upfrontisawoollen clothembroideredwithshining,colourfulpicturesandgoldtrinkets.Behindthatiskept thedeity'sholydress,starchedandpleated,anddecoratedwithsmallmirrorpieces.More than100familiesformtheentourageofParayeduppuBhagavathysfivemonthlong visittothehomesofpeoplewholivesinherKaras. TherhythmsusedduringJeevathaEzunnallathu(procession)arequitenoteworthy. Startingwithveryslowbeats,itbuildsupacrescendoandendsinfastbeats.The ensembleconsistsofVeekkanchenda,Uruttuchenda(bothdrums),Elathaalam (cymbals),KombuandKuzhal(both,windinstruments).

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AlthoughJeevathaEzunnallathuandParayeduppuarecenturiesoldcustoms,the "ChuvaduVechuKali"(apeculiardancewithuniquesteps)isrelativelyrecent. KumbhaBharani. ThemajorfestivalatChettikulangaraisKumbhaBharaniFestival.Thisisinthemonth ofmarchorApril.ThedateisdeterminedaccordingtotheMalayalamCalendar KollaVarsham.InthatthisdaycomesinthemonthofKumbhaandthedaywhichhasthe starBharaniandhencethenameKumbhaBharani.Thehighlightofthefestivalis [Kuthiyottam]and[Kettukazha]. ThepreparationforKumbhaBharanistarts7daysbeforetheactualdayandincidentally thatdaywillbetheShivarathi.PeoplewhohadpledgedforKuthiyottamwillstart trainingtheirchildrenfortheofferingonthatday.Allthese7daysthesepeoplewillhost publicgettogethersandarrangefoodforthem.Thechildrenwillbetaughtaspecial dancestepscalledKuthiyootachuvadukaletc.Meanwhilethepeoplefrom13karasof chettikulangarawillarrangefortheconstructionof[Kettukazhcha]tothetemple. TheKuthiyottamprocessionsstartsearlymorningonthatdayandwilllastuntil afternoon.ThosewhohadofferedKuthiyottamtoDeviwillbringtheirchildrentothe templeasaprocessionandwillofferthechildrenbeforeDeviassacrifice.Theboyswill beplayingtheKuthiyootamdancebeforetheDevi.Duringtheeveninghoursitwillbe turnoftheKettukazhcha.PeoplefromeachareawillpulltheKettukazhchafromthe constructionsites(usuallyintheirrespectivekarasitself)tothetempletopresetthem beforetheDeviandafterhavingdarshanthepartiestakeuptheirrespectivepositionin thepaddyfieldslyingeastofthetemple. Duringthenight,theimageofDeviwillbecarriedinprocessiontotheKettukazhcha stationedinthepaddyfields.Onthenextdaythesestructureswillbetakenback.Abig bazaarisalsoheldatChetikulangaraaspartofthisfestival. EthirelpuUlasvam Thisistheannualtemplefestival.OnthetenthdayfollowingtheKumbhaBharanithe annualfestivaliscelebratedinthetemplefor13days.Eachdayofthefestivalis organizedbyresidentsofeachKaranumbering13.specialritualsareheldinthetemple premises.Everyafternoon,culturalprocessionsstartformeachKaratothetemple premises,withtheaccompanimentofdrums,ornamentedumbrellas,kuthiyottamsongs, displayofeventsfromtheMahabharathaandtheRamayana,classicalartforms,folkart form,differenttypeofmusic,decoratedstructuresandcaparisonedelephants. DuringtheritualsatthetempleThottampattuissung.Thottampattuisadevotionalsong sungbyacertainsectionofthecommunityresidinginthefaroffTrivandrum.Thissong
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issunginthetempleonlyduringtheEtheralpufestival.Performanceofclassicalartsandother templeartsareconductedintheeveninginthetemplepremises. AswathyUlasvam TheuniqueritualsduringtheAswathyfestivalclearlyconveythefirmbondageand humanpathosatthetimeofseparationbetweenthepeopleandtheirbelovedBhagavathy. HeldintheAswathydayinthemonthofMeenom(MarchApril),thisfestivalis attractingalargenumberofvisitors.Thisfestivalisimaginedasasendofftothedeityon herjourneytovisithermotheratKodungallur.Intheevening,100odddecorated [Kettukazhcha]anddifferenteffigiesarebroughttothetemplemainlymadebythe children.ThoughthesizeoftheseKettukazhchaarecomparativelysmallerthantheones madeforBharanifestival,thenumberofKettukazhchaprovideavisualimpacteven challengingtheaestheticeffectofBharani.Duringtheday,Bhagavathyvisitsthefour karassurroundingthetempleforParayeduppuandofficialAnpolisaregivenbyKara leadersatKuthirachevudu,theplacewhereKuthirasaremade.Afterthatshevisitsand blessestheofferingsdisplayedatthetemplepremises. Bydawn,shedecidestoleave,andseekstheirpermissiontoleaveforKodungallur.The peopleofthefirstfourkarasmakePolavilakku(alargestructuredrawnonwheels decoratedwithtenderbananastemandlightedwithnumeroustraditionallamps)during herfarewellprocession.TheyofferheragrandfarewellprocessionwithAappindi[a uniqueslowpaceddancecarryingapyramidshapeboxonhead).Aappindiwillbe embellishedwithcrackers,pookkula(clusterofcoconutflowersinflorescence),and willbecoveredwithtenderbananastemsandThalapppoli(traditionalsacredlamps carriedbyladies). PeoplefromKaithaNorthandKaithaSouthparticipateinthefunctionwith Thiruvantham.ItissaidthatThiruvantham,apalanquintypestructurewithfireballsand carriedbyfourpeople,isthelightofDarika,whichincensestheBhagavathy.Shescares themaway.Aftertheprocession,sheagainvisitstheUpaprathishtasandasksthepeople andothergodstolethervisithermotheratKodungallur. Bydawn,sheproceedswithlightningspedtowardswest.Normally,withinthe100 meters,thePoojariscarryingtheJeevathawillfalldownunconsciously,andtheJeevatha willbetakenbacktothetemple. Thetemplewillremainclosedfortheday,andwillbeopenedonlythedayafter.The Aswathyfestivalconcludesthefivemonthlongfestivitiesatthistemple.

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Kettukazhcha KettukazhchaisanofferingofthepeopleofChettikulangaratotheirbeloveddeity knownforherspontaneousblessingsontruedevoteesasamarkofgratitude,devotion, unflinchingfaith,andforshoweringprosperityandprotectiontotheirlives.Kettukazhcha displaysdeftlysculptedanddecoratedformsofsixtemplecarsknownasKuthiras,five Therus(Chariots)andiconsofBhimaandHanuman.Allthetemplecars,chariotsand theiconsareallincrediblygiganticinsizeandaremanytimeslargerthananyother similarKuthirasandTherusbuiltduringthefestivitiesatothertemplesintheCentral Travancoreregion.Onthemove,theseoutoftheworldskyscrappingcolourful decorationsareelectrifying,andwillcreateanunforgettableartisticimpressioninunion, especiallyduringthenightinthebackdropofilluminatedlights.Chettikulangara Kettukazhchaheraldsthearchitecturalandaestheticacumenoftheancientpeopleof Chettikulangara,whocouldconvertanimprobableoutoftheworldconcepttoan enormousartisticreality,achievedbycollectivehardshipsandwillpower. Lineageaccordingtohistorians HistoriansattributetheconceptofKettukazhchassimilartothearchitectureofthe Buddhatraditioninsquare,rectangularandpyramidshapes,totheremnantsofthe BuddhaculturewhichwaswidelyprevalentintheCentralTravancoreregionafew centuriesago. ManyhistorianscitethatthefamousChettikulangaraKettukazhchainthepresentformis notmorethan180to200yearsold,andwasstartedduringtheearlypartofthe19th century. Accordingtoapopularlegend,agroupofvillagechieftainsandtheirworkerswentfor civilworkstoconstructtheKollamChavaraThodu(canal),about50kmawayfrom Chettikulangara,inaccordancetothedecisionfromthethenruleroftheregion.Butthey couldnotreturntotheirnativeplaceduetotheunforeseeninordinatedelayincompletion ofthecanal.Theypleadedwiththeauthorities,buttheirrequestwasturneddown.During theperiod,theygotanopportunitytovisitthetemplefestivitiesatKollamMulankagakamtemple, andwereattractedbytheKettukazhchathere.TheyvowedtotheirlocaldeityChettikulangara Bhagavathy,thattheywouldconstructKettukazhchasforhereveryyear,iftheywereallowedto leaveforChettkulangaraimmediately.Totheirsurprise,theywereallowedtoreturnto Chettikulangaratheverynextday,andaspromised,theymadehugeKettukazhchasandtookthem totheirBhagavathyspremises. Kuthiras Kuthirashaveaheightofabout70to75feets,andareaunionoffourpartsAdikkoottu,
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Kathirakal,Edakkodaram,PrabhadaandMelkkoodaram,oneabovetheother respectively. AdikkottuthebasicstructurealsoknownasVandikkoottu,formthebasicfoundation whichconsistsoffourbigwoodenwheelsinterconnectedwithfourotherbeamsaboveit. KuthirashaveThandu,twolonghugewoodenpoleshelpfultocontrolthedirectionwhile onthemove.Thanduandthebasicstructureareinterconnectedandhavereinforced woodenbearingssimilartothemodernshockabsorbers. Kathirukalwithabout35feetheight,consistsoffourlongpolesinterconnectedwith ArecanutpolesknownasAlakuandreinforcedwithcoirandPanavalliknots.Theseare againstrengthenedwithKuthukathrikaorcrisscrossformationofAlakus.Kathirakalis againbifurcatedtotwopartsthelowerportionconsistingoffourtofiveextendedlayers ofThattuandCharippu(slantingpyramidshapedboxes,madeofinterconnectedAlakus andcoirformation,thendecoratedwithwhiteclothknownasVella,colourfulglittering clothesandembellishmentscalledThookku. Prabhadaconsistsofexquisitewoodencarvedsculptorsnarratingstoriesfromthe Puranas,elephantcaparisonscalledNettipattoms,ThalekkettuandAalavattomdisplayed inthebackdropofcolourfulclothesandsculptors.ManyofthePrabhadashavestories likeGajendramoksham,Vasthrapaharanam,Krishnavatharm. EdakkoodaramalmosthalfthesizeofKathirakalwithfourtofiveCharippumadeasin thelowerportion,comesabovetheKathirakal.Italsohasglitteringdifferentclothesand Vella,interlacedwithcolourfulThookkuembellishments. Melkkoodaramthetopstructureisexactlyhavingapyramidshape,andpivotaltoitisan extendedlongsculptedwoodenpoleinwhitecolourknownasNambu.Alltheseparate unitsarepulledupandplacedoneabovetheotherwiththehelpofwoodenpulleys,giant coirropescalledVadamswithalengthofover100fts.andwithhugeironstructures, drawnbyhundredsofpeople. Theru TherudoesnothavethePrabhadasandEdakkoodarams.Theirillithattuandcharippu arelargerthanthatoftheKuthirasanddiminishesinsizeupwards.Therusarealso relativelysmallerincomparisontotheKuthirasheight.BhimaandHanumanThewoodeniconsof BhimamadebyMattomNorthandHanumanbroughtbyMattomsouthareprobablythelargestof itskindintheworld,andaresuretobethelargestinKerala.Bhimasiconisposturedasthe PandavaenroutetokillBakaonPothuVandi(vehicledrawnbybuffalos)withfoodforthe RakshasaKing.MattomsouthkaraalsobringstheiconofPanjalialongwithHanuman
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PreparationsforconstructingtheKettukazhchasstartfromShivarathri,aboutsixtoten dayspriortoKumbhabharani.OntheeveningofKumbhabharani,theKettukazhchasare draggedtothetemplebyhundredsofpeople,andareparadedatthepaddyfieldinfront ofthetemple.AfterBhagavathisEzhunnellipputoblesstheKettukazhchasandpeople, theKettukazhchasaretakenbacktotherespectiveKarasbynextmorning.The dismantledpartsofKettukazhchasarekeptattheKuthirappuraofeachKaras. Kuthiyottam Kuthiyottamisperformedasanimportantofferingtothedeity.Somepeoplebelievethat thisisthemodifiedformofNaraBaliinwhichmenwerekilledandtheirbloodwas allowedtofallontheGoddess.Thisisaritualdancepracticedandperfectedthrough severalcenturies.Itusedtobedoneonlyinhousesinthe13KarasoftheChettikulangara TemplebutafterarecentDevaPrashnamitwasallowedtoconductKuthiyottaminthe housesoutsideofthe13Karas.Thehousesaredecorated,andtheportraitofthedeityis installedintemporarystructures.KuthiyottamstartsaweekbeforeBharaniday.Itisa typeoffolkdanceperformedbyyouthswiththeaccompanimentoffolkmusicandother musicalinstruments.Youngboysbetween8to14yearsaretaughtthisritualdanceinthe houseamidstabigsocialgatheringbeforetheportraitofthedeity.Feastsarealso providedforallthepeople. EarlyinthemorningonBharani,afterthefeastandotherrituals,theboyswhosebodies arecoiledwithsilverwires,oneendofwhichistiedaroundhisneckandanarecanut fixedonthetipofaknifeheldhighoverhisheadaretakeninprocessiontothetemple withtheaccompanimentofbeatingofdrums,music,ornamentalumbrellas,andother classicalfolkartforms,andrichlycaparisonedelephants. Allthroughthewaytothetempletendercoconutwaterwillbecontinuallypouredonhis body.AfterthecircumambulationtheboysstandsatapositionfacingtheSreekovil (SanctumSanctorum)andbeginstodance.Thisceremonyendswithdraggingthecoil piercedtotheskinwherebyafewdropofbloodcomesout.

90AttukkalBhagawathytemple,Trivandrum
MythologicalBackground ThestorygoesthattheGoddessBhagavathyrevealedherselftoaferventdevoteeofanotable familyviz.Mulluveettilfamily.Itissaidthatoneeveningayounggirlappearedbeforetheheadof thefamilywhilehewasperforminghisoblationsintheKilliriverandrequestedhimtohelpher crosstheriver.Impressedbyhercharismaticdemeanor,theoldmanbentbeforeherwithawe andreverenceandnotonlyhelpedhercrosstheriverbuttookhertohishousenearby.Strangely
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enough,whilethehouseholdmemberswereamidstpreparationsforintendingawarmwelcome totheyounggirl,shevanished.ThatverynighttheGoddessBhagavathyappearedasanicon beforetheoldmaninhisdreamanddemandedthatheshouldestablishanabodeforherinthe nearbysacredgroundofshrubsandherbs(kavu),ataconsecratedspotmarkedbythreelines. Thenextmorningtheoldmanwenttothespotrevealedtohiminthedreamandtohisgreat surprisehedidfindthreemarksindentedontheground.Helostnotimeinerectingatempleon thisconsecratedspottohousetheGoddess.Manyyearslater,thebuildingwasrenovatedbythe localdevotees.TheyalsoinstalledabeautifulandmajesticiconoftheDeitywithfourarms, bearingweaponsofdestructionineach,likespear,sword,skull,shieldetc.Theconsecration ceremonyofthisExaltedBeingwasperformedbynolessapersonthanthehighpriestofthe BadarinathTemple. TheAttukalBhagavathyTemple,oneoftheancienttemplesofSouthIndia,ispopularly describedasSabarimalaoftheWomen,aswomenformthemajorportionofdevotees.The GoddessinthetempleofAttukalisworshippedastheSupremeMother,creatorofallliving beingsandthemightypreserveraswellasdestroyerofthemall.Thepilgrimsfromalloverthe country,whovisitSreePadmanabhaSwamyTempleandworshiptheLord,donotconsidertheir visitscompletewithoutthevisittotheshrineofthesupremeMotherAttukalamma.Vishnumaya tooktheincarnationofBhagavathytoannihilatetheevilandprotectthegoodintheworldinthe presentEranamelyKaliyuga. Accordingtomythology,AttukalBhagavathyissupposedtobethedivinisedformofKannaki,the famousheroineofChilapathikaram,writtenbyElenkovadikal,theTamilPoet.Thestorygoesthat afterthedestructionofancientcityofMadurai,KannakileftthecityandreachedKeralavia KanyakumariandonthewaytoKodungalloortookasojournatAttukal.Kannakiissupposedto betheincarnationofParvathy,theconsortofParamasiva.TheallpowerfulandbenignAttukal BhagavathyreignseternallysupremeatAttukalandnursesdevoteesasamotherdoesher children.ThousandsofdevoteesfromfarandnearflocktotheTempletobendbeforethe Goddesswithaweandreverencetoprostrateandredresstheirafflictionandagony. ThePongalaMahotsavamisthemostimportantfestivalofAttukalBhagavathyTemple.The offeringofPongalaisaspecialtemplepracticeprevalentinthesouthernpartofKeralaandsome partsofTamilnadu.ItisatendayprogrammecommencingontheKarthikastaroftheMalayalam monthofMakaramKumbham(FebruaryMarch)andclosingwiththesacrificialofferingknownas Kuruthitharpanamatnight.OntheninthdayofthefestivaltheworldfamousAttukalPongala Mahotsavamtakesplace.Theentireareaofabout5kilometreradiusaroundtemplewith premisesofhousesofpeopleofallcaste,creedandreligion,openfields,roads,commercial institutions,premisesofGovernmentofficesetc.emergesasaconsecratedgroundforobserving PongalaritualsforlakhsofwomendevoteesassemblingfromdifferentpartsofKeralaand outside.Theceremonyisexclusivelyconfinedtowomenfolkandtheenormouscrowd,which
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gathersinThiruvananthapuramonthisauspiciousdayisreminiscentoftheKumbhamelaFestival ofNorthIndia. Theotherfestivalsinthistempleare: 1.MandalaVrathamFestivalinconnectionwiththeannualUtsavamofSabarimala 2.VinayakaChathurthiPoojatotheLordGanapathy 3.PoojaVaypuIdenticaltoDusserafestival(SaraswathyPoojaand Vidyarambham) 4.SivarathriSivaPooja 5.KarthikaKarthikaDeepa 6.AyilyaPoojaMilk,flowersetc.offeredtoserpentGodandspecialrites 7.AiswaryaPooiaOnallfullmoon(Pournami)days 8.NirayumPuthariyum(RamayanaParayanam)DuringthemonthofKarkadakam 9.AkhandanamaJapam4thSundayofeverymonth IncarnationofGoddess Indiahaseverbeentheholylandofgodsandgoddesses.Sinceagespast,menandwomen kingsandemperors,saintsandsagesherewereworshippingtheLordnotonlyastheomnipotent andabsolute'one'butalsoasthe'one'whosemanifestationsarevariedandmanifoldandwho possessesdifferentnames,formsanddivineattributes.ThusAlmightytheEternalGodwas worshippedindifferentformssuchasBrahma,VishnuandSiva,andtheirconsorts;representing specificdivineattributesoftheLord.AncientpuranashavedescribedthatSivaandSakthiwere simultaneouslyworshippedfromtheperiodofAryansandDravidians.Vishnumayatookthe incarnationofBhagavathytoannihilateevilandprotectthegoodinthisworld.Shegrantsevery wishofHerdevoteesandresidesintheirheartsinmultifariousforms. StoryofKannaki Accordingtomythology,AttukalBhagavathyissupposedtobethedivinisedformof"Kannaki", thefamousheroineofChilappatikaram,thesanghamworkofTamilLiteraturewrittenby ilamkovadikal.AfterthedestructionoftheancientcityofMadurai,Kannakileftthatcityand reachedKeralaviaKanyakumariandonherwaytoKodungalloortookasojournatAttukal.The hymnsofthe"Thottampattu)sungduringtheannualtemplefestival,arebasedonthestoryof Kannaki.Moreover,architecturaldepictionsofGoddessKannakiseenontheGopuramtemple substantiatethismythology.Smallwonderthen.that,Sri.VidyadhirajaChattambiSwamy,the wellknownsaintofKerala,foundthistemplepremisesidealforhismeditations.Andthereareso manystorieswhichprovethegreatnessoftheGoddessandwhichattractthousandsofdevotees tothetemple. AestheticsofArchitecture AnyonevisitingtheAttukaltempleisfirststruckbythebeautyandcharmofthetemple
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architecture.ThetemplestructureisaharmoniousconglomerationofbothKeralaandTamil stylesofarchitecture.ThebeautifullycarvedfiguresofMahishasuramarddini,GoddessKali, Rajarajeswari,SreeParvathywithLordParamasivaandvariousotherdepictionsoftheGoddess inandaroundthetempleareundoubtedlytheworkofagiftedartist.Equallywellpresented aroundthecorridorssurroundingthetemple,arethedepictionofvariousotherGodsandtheepic storiesofthetenincarnationsofLordVishnuviz.,the"Desavathara".Oneithersideofthe elegantfrontgopuraaretheiconsbasedonthestoryofGoddessKannaki.Onthesouthern Gopura,thepuranicstoryof"Dakshayaga"isdepictedinsculptures.Thedecoratedgateatthe entranceofthetempleisbyitselfanexcellentexampleofarchitecturalbeauty. TherearetwoidolsoftheGoddessinthesanctumsanctorum.Theoriginalidolispreservedinall itspristinebeautycoveredinornamentalgoldembeddedwithinstalledstones. ThesecondidoloftheGoddessisinstalledbesidestheoriginalone.Withinthetemplecorridors arealsoinstalledcarvingsandsculpturesofLordGanesan,theserpentGodandLordShiva.At thecentreoftheSanctumwithintheSreekovil,ataconsecratedspotisinstalledtheidolofthe GoddessAttukalBhagavathyemanatinglightandlustretoall.

91TriprayarRamaTemple
LiketheneighboringstatesinKeralaalsothenumberoftemplesdedicatedtoRamaare veryfew.OneofthemisthefamousTruprayartemple.Thistempleisabout20kmfrom thetownofTrichur.ItisbetweenKodungallorandGuruvayur.,.Theriverflowing throughthisvillageiscalledTruprayarPuzha. Itseemsoncefishermentryingtocatchfishinthesea,got4statutes.Theywerenot abletoidentifythemandtookittothehouseofVaykkalKaimal.Recognizingthe divinityinthestatues,asisusual,daivaprasnamwasdone.Theycametoknowthatthe statuesarethatofRama,Bharatha,LakshmanaandShatrugna.Thegodorderedthemto consecrateRamainTruprayarandotherGodsinnearbyplaces.ThisorderofGodwas followed.RamawasconsecratedinTruprayar,BharathainIrinjalakuda,Lakshmanain MoozhikulamandShatrugnainPayamel. TheyheardadivinevoicetellthemthatRamaidolhastobeconsecratedinaplace shownbyadivinepeacockbird.Inspiteofwaitingforlong,thebirddidnotcome.So theyconsecratedtheidolinaplacechosenbythem.Laterthedivinebirddidcomeand satinanotherplace.ThepeopleconstructedabigBalikkalinthatplace.ButtheBalikkal startedmovingonitsown.AgreatMahatmacalledNarayanathuBranthanhitanailand fixedtheBalikkalinaplace.EventodaywecanseetheholeofthenailintheBalikkal. ThereisabeliefthatgoingroundthetempleshouldincludethatBalikkalalso. TheGodRamainthistemplehasfourhands.Heholdsthewheel,conch,Kodanda
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bowandAkshamalainhishands.HeissurroundedbyGoddessLakshmiandGoddess Bhoodevionbothsides.ItisbelievedthatitwasVilwamangalamSwamiyarwho consecratedGoddessLakshmiandBhoodeviinthistemple.Whenhewasonavisitto thistemple,hesawtheBhoodeviandSridevienterthetemplefordoingPoojathrough thewesterngate,Heconsecratedthemthereitselfandorderedthewesterngateshould beclosedforever,tohavetheirdivinepresencealwaysandforever..Thereisnotemple ofHanumaninthisplacebutitisbelievedthatHanumanisalwayspresenthere.Daily beatenriceisofferedtohimintheMukhamandapam.Inthesouthofthesanctum sanctorum,thereisatempleforDakshinamurthy.,GanesaandAyyappa.Gingellylamp isofferedasworshiptothisAyyappaonSaturdays.Strangelythereisatemplefor Chathan(devil)Saminearthistemple.PeoplebelievethatChathanSamiisthesonof LordRama. ThereisareferencetothistempleinoneoftheancientworksofMalayalamcalled Kokasandesham.Takingthisintoaccount,itisclearthatthistemplewasveryfamous eveninthefourteenthcentury. ThethreemainfestivalsofthistemplearetheEkadasiofKrishnaPakshainthemonth ofVruschiga(NovemberDecember)calledTruprayarEkadasi,,Mageeramofthemonth ofMeenam(MarchApril)andArattupuzhapuram. OntheEkadasidaytheGodtravelsourofthetemplewith21elephantsandgoesto seehissonatChathanSamiTemple.WhenthisprocessionnearstheAvanangaduShiva temple,itmovessilentlytillitpassesthetemple.ItseemsonceLordRamapromised LordShivaofAvanangaduthathewouldgivepaddywhichhasbeengrownwithinaday andacoconut.Sincehewasnotabletofulfillthispromise.LordRamaprefersLord Shivanottoknowabouthispassingbythistemple.Arattupuzhapooramisheldin Arattupuzhawith101elephantscomingfrom101temples.Theleaderofthegroupisthe LordofTruprayar. ThereisabeliefthatifweareabletostartfromthisRamaTempleandseetheother threetemplesofhisbrothersinnearbyplacesbeforenoon,wewouldgetourwishes fulfilled.ThisiscalledNalambalamKanal.Therearespecialbusesstartingfrom Truprayar,intheearlymorningforthispurpose.

92ThiruvegappuraMahadevakshethram
ThiruvegapuraisavillageinOttapalamTalukainPalakkadDistrict.ItisonthePattambi ValancherryRoad,5KmsfromValancherry.ThiruvegapuraistheGatewayof PalakkadDistrictasonereachesMalappuramDistrictoncrossingtheThuthapuzha
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riverbridgewhichisborderingthevillage.ItisatypicalValluvanadanvillagewith beautifullandscapeandvegetationonthebanksofThuthaPuzha,atributaryofBharata Puzha.ThepeoplearemainlyHindusandMuslims.HindusconsistsofNairs, Nambuthirisandambalavasicommunities.FairlyagoodnumberofNambuthiriIllams arethereinthisvillage.OnlythreeTamilBrahminfamilieswerestayinghereoutof whichonefamilyhasmovedout.Thisvillagehasproducedmanyeminentpeople: FamousSanskritscholar,ThiruvegapuraAnayathKrishnaPisharodywastheGuruof ManavedanRaja,thethenZamorinRajaofKozhikode.AllareawarethatManadevan RajastartedKrishnanattam,thepresentdayKathakaliandPisharoti,beinghisGuruwas alsoinvolvedinthedevelopmentofKathakali.Worldfamousmagician Prof.Vaazhakunnam,wasanativeofthisvillage.ChendamaestroThiruvegapuraRama PoduvalwhoexcelledinThayambakaduringhisdays,poetandShaakunthalam translatorCheruliyilKunchunniNambeesanandScientistDr.T.M.K.Nedungadiaclose discipleofProf.C.V.Raman,NobelLaureate,areallfromThiruvegapura. Temple: ThiruvegapuraisfamousfortheMahadevaKshetram.ThisSivaTempleisonthebanks ofThuthaPuzha,atributaryofBharathaPuzha.Thistempleisbuiltinthe14thcentury andisuniqueinmanyways.ThemaindeitiesareLordSivan,LordSankaranarayanan andLordKrishnan.ThesthalapuranamsaysthattheLingamwasfoundedbyGarudan. GarudanwasbringingtheidolfromHimalayasandthemuhurthamtimewasfast approaching.TheLordaskGarudantoflyfast(Vegamparakkanam)andthusthename Thiruvegampara.Thisisoneofthefewtemples,whereyoucanfindintheinner prakaramthreeseparateSreekovilsforthethreedeitieswiththreeflagposts (Kodimaram),threebalikalluattheentrances,alsothreeseparatesetsofupadevataslike smallbalikalluandstonenavagrahamsaroundthegarbhagrahams.Apartfromthese threedeities,Ganapathyprathishtaisthereintheinnerprakaramontherightsideof Siva.Intheinnerprakarambighomakundambuiltwithstone,whichlookslikeawell fromoutsideisthere.InoldendaysonVaikkathashtamidayVasordharahomam (continuouspouringofgheewithoutbreakintothehomakundamwithchantingof manthras)wasconductedhere.Intheouterprakaram,theKoothambalamisthereinthe southeastcornerwhichisverylargewithexquisitetypicalKeralaarchitecture.(bigger thantheoneatGuruvayur).PadmaShriManiMadhavaChakyarusedtoperform ChakyarKoothuandKoodiyattamherefordecades.Intheouterprakaramwehavethe prathishtaforSastha,Erinjoodan(Thripuranthakan),andKirathamoorthy.Herethe abhishekajalamandwaterforNeivedhyamarebroughtfromtheriverbytheNambuthiri whoisdoingthepoojas.

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Offerings: ThemainofferingsareDivasapooja,PalpayasamandSathasathayam.Koovalamala,Nei Vilakkuarealsoofferedbydevotees. Festivals: VaikkathashtamiiscelebratedinVrischikaMasam.Sivarathriisimportantin Kumbamasam.UlsavamforeightdaysarecelebratedfromKumbhaMasamUthrttathi. Ulsavamendswitharattuonthelastday. Income: ThetemplegetsanamountfromGuruvayurDewasthanamandDevaswonboard.Thisis justsufficienttodopoojas.Thetempleisinadilapilatedstageandneedsurgentrepairs. Timings: Thetempleisopeninthemorningupto9.3010AMandintheeveningupto7.30PM. Howtoreach: ThetempleissituatedinthePattambiValancheryroute.BusesaretherefromPalakkad, Pattanbi,Valancheryetc.OnehastotakethetickettoAmbalanadastop.NearestRailway stationisKuttippuram ThiruvegapuraNearbyplaces: Vettekaran(Kirathamoorthy): InThiruvegapura,thereisafamousKirathamoorthytemplemanagedbyPadinjarepattu Mana.InthistempletheprathishtaisLordVettekaran(Kirathamoorthy)andhisconsort Kirathalady(Parvathy)Thousandsofpeoplevisitthistempleandfulfiltheirwishes. NaranathuBranthan,RayiranellurMala: NaranathuBranthanwasoneofthe12sonssonsofParayiandVararuchiinthestoryof Parayipettapanthirukulam.ThisMalaisatNaduvattom,3KmsfromThiruvegapura. Herethehillhasaheightof500feetwithanareaof300acres.NaranathuBranthangot Devidarshanatthisplace.TheplacewhereNaranathuBranthangotvisionofDeviis convertedintoatemple.ThereisnoidolherebutDevisfootprinthasformedapitand itisinthispit,aGoddessshrinewasbuiltlater.Thepitistheincessantsourceforwater andbeingonthehilltop,thewaterinthepitneverwentdown(neverdriedup). ThousandsofpeopleoutsideandinsideKeralavisittheplacetohaveblessingsfromthe DevioneveryyearonthenextdayofDeepavaliinthemonthofThulamNaranathu BranthanissupposedtohavegotDevisvisiononthisday.Thereisabigstatueof NaranathuBranthanonthehilltopwhichcanbeseenfromtheplains.Therearecaves andblackrocksbuiltbyNaranathuBranthanhere.ItistothishilltopthatNaranathu Branthanrolledupthebigstoneandafterreachingthetop,heusedtopushthestone down.ThishewasdoingEveryday.Theserenityandscenicbeautyoftheplace attractsthousandsofpeopleonthedayafterDeepavali.

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93PallasenaGargeswaraTemple
Asisthenormalpractice,whenourTamilBrahminsmovedtoEastPallassana,theystartedlooking foraplaceofworshiptemple.ThustheSivatemplecametoexistence.TheSivaLingamofthe presenttemplewasoriginallyconsecratedandworshippedbyaRishi,knownbythename, GargamuniswarandhencethenameforourSwamyGargeswaraSwamy.Theoriginaltemplewas verymuchbelowgroundlevelinapit.Laterontheyraisedtheleveltohighandreconstructed thetempletothecurrentlevel.TheAmbalofthetempleisKalyanaParvathy.Theoriginalstone idolwasapproximately5feethighandwithalllakshanams.Latertheidolwaschangedasthe originalonedevelopeddeformityinstomachregion(challavizharathu).Thiswaspredictedin prasnamandthepresentidolwasconsecratedintheplaceofoldone,somehundredyearago ApartfromGargeswararandKalyanaParvathithereareotherprathishtaslike Nandikeswarar,Vigeswarar,Subranmaniaswami,Nagar,Sastha,Chandikeswarar,navagrahangal (smalllingamshapedninestonepratishtasininvertedUShapenearChandikeswarar)etcare thereinthetemple.Thetempleisconstructedinthetypicalstyle(Agamavidhi)foundinanyother TamilBrahminagraharamtemples.InallTamilBrahminSivatemple,ifAmbalprathishtaisthere andwhenSivanfacesEastdirection,thenAmbalsprathishtaisdonefacingSouthdirection.Inthis templeGoddessalsoisfacingSouthdirection.InEastatKovilvaasal,5layerstoneDeepasthambham isthere.Afterthatwhenweclimbthesteps,Kodimaram(Flagpost)andBalikalluarethere.On enteringtheinnerprakaramNandimandapamisthere.TotheleftattheSouthWestcorner Ganapathypratishtaisdone.AfterworshippingVigneswararwehavetogobacktoGargeswara Swamydarshanwhichisinthecenter.ThenwehavetogoclockwisetothebackofLordSiva.There intheNorthWestcornerthereisprathishtaofSubramaniaswamy,NagarandSastha.Afterthatwe havetocomeuptotheoutletforabhishekajalamforprokshanam.Therewehavetoseethe ChandikeswararandNavagrahangalplacedininvertedUshape(TypicalofKeralatemples).From therewithoutcompletingthepradhakshinamwehavetogobacktoworshipKalyanaParvathiat theNorthEastcorneratLordSivasleftside.HerewealsoworshiptheSivaParvathy uthsavamoorthies.Intheinnerprakaramweshouldnotcompletepradhakshinamasisthepractice inSivatemples.Intheouterprakaramwemakethreepradhakshinams.Inthefrontsideofthe TemplewehaveArayaltharaandSivankulam.Festivals:Annabhishekam:OnThulamMasam pornamidayAnnabhishekamiscelebratedinagrandway.Earlymorningthedaystartswith GanapathiHomam.InthemorningThirumanjanamezhunthalathu(jalamisbrought)fromGayathri riverwithelephantprocessionandvadhyamelangallikechenda,nadaswarametc.andthe abhishekamisdonewithVedaparayanam.Atabout2.303.00PMAnnam(cookedrice)ispoured onGargeswarar.Thisisveryimportantandifoneviewsthisannamchoriyalheisdevoidofall sickness.Stepsaremadeanddecoratedwithflowers,fruits,cheeruitemslikeMurukku, Neyyappam,athirasamandmanyotheritems.At4PMPanchavadhyamandGramaseeveli (elephantprocession)arethere.LotofdevoteespourintohaveAnnappadiDarshan.Intheevening
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Thayambakaisattraction.VedaparayanamandKramarchanaarechanted.Thentheannapadi (Sirasuportion)isdepositedinSivanKulam.ThecelebrationendswiththenightpallackuKacheri .Vaikkaththashtami&Thiruvathira:VaikkaththashtamiandThiruvathiraarecelebratedand Samaradhanaonbothdays.Sivarathri:EveryyearMahasivarathriiscelebratedin Kumbhamasam.InthemorningrudrabhishekamandDeeparadhanaaredone.Onthisday PoornabhishekamisdonetoGargeswaraswamyinthenightwithchantingofRudrameleventimes withChamakam.Kramarchana,Vedaparayanametcareconducted.AfterwardsPallackuKacheri andGramaurvalamaredone.Sasthapreethi:InKizhakkeGramamSasthapreethiiscelebrated ontheSaturdayfollowingSivarathrieveryyearinKumbhamasam.InPalakkadregionthefirst SasthapreethiisconductedinNuraniandthelastSasthapreethiatPallassanaKizhekkeGramam.On thisday,afterspecialpoojasandlaksharchanasamaradhanaandannadhanamare conducted.Pradhosham:PradhoshamiscelebratedregularlywithRudrabhishekamAnd Vedaparayanam.Income:Thetemplehadgoodagriculturalincome15Vandi(Acartload1050 paras)ofPaddywastheagriculturalincomeperyear.Thisdrieduptonilin1969whenthe CommunistministryheadedbyAchuthaMenonpassedthelandact.Nowthetemplemainly dependsonthecontributionfromdevotees.Timings:Templeisopeninthemorningandinthe evening.Howtoreach:Pallassanais20KMsfromPalakkadandbusesareavailable.

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