Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State - 2 at 9:01 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram, Kerala

Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram is a pilgrim centre in South India  It is centuries old and the most important Maha Ganapathi Temple in Kerala. Non-Hindus are permitted. It is the family of Lord Siva. This Ganapati temple is located in Kottarakkara which is 25 km from Kollam.

About Kottarakara Ganapathi

The place that we now call Mahaganapathy temple is actually Kizhakkekara Siva Temple. The main deity is none other than Lord Siva himself – Siva facing eastward. In fact Ganapathy is only a minor deity here. But the temple today is famous as a Ganapathy temple rather than a Siva temple. The legend behind this is that Kizhakkekara temple was the property of two Nampoothiri houses – Akavoor and Oomanpally. Padinjattinkara Siva temple belonged to the royal house of Elayidathu. One day, before sunrise, rituals were taking place for the consecration of Siva at the Pandinjattinkara temple, the work of which was managed by the legendary Uliyannor Perumthachan. Outside the temple , while listening to the manthras , he started chiselling a piece of jackfruit tree. To his surprise, he found that it was the form of ‘Ganapathy’ that was taking shape. Thus he asked the chief priest to enshrine ‘Ganapathy’ also after the consecration of Siva. The chief priest denied. “This is a Siva temple. Ganapathy cannot be consecrated here.” Perumthachan, desperate, walked towards the east and thus reached Kizhakkekkara Siva temple. As that priest was preparing offerings for the lord- Unniyappam. Perumthachan asked him “ Can you not sanctify this Ganapathy here ?”. The priest agreed. Perumthachan viewed the place- Siva facing east, in front of that it is Ganga, Parvathy turned towards the west. Southwest there is Sastha and northwest Subrahmanya. If Ganapathy too is installed, Siva family will be complete. The place will be none other that Kailas itself. Thus Ganapathy was installed southeast by Perumthachan. Perumthachan then asked the priest “ Unni Ganapathy must be hungry.What is the sacrificial food that you have prepared?”. “Unniyappam” was the reply. On a leaf, the priest placed six to seven Unniyappams stringed together. Perumthachan, with all his heart devoted his first offerings-Koottappam. Koottappam is still known to be the most wanted nivedhyam for Kottarakkara Ganapathy. After the offering Perumthachan affectionately declared “Though father is the main diety, the son will be much more famous”. His words proved to be true. Kizhakkekkara Siva temple is now known as Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple.  

Unniyappam

After the consecration of Ganapathy, the chief priest keenly looked at the idol. He realized that Ganapathy was starving even after snatching and consuming the Aval from his father Siva and also swallowing every eatable that came his way at Kubera’s residence. The priest decided to submit something big before Ganapathy. He collected rice powder, kadalippazham and jaggery, which were meant to make Unniyappam for the main deity Lord Siva. He started making Unniyappam, in front of the deity. With the mid rib of the blade of a coconut leaf he tied together the Unniyappam and submitted it before Ganapathy. Later on, a Devaprasnam took place on the behest of the priest. During the sacred process it was found that the upadeva Ganapathy of this temple premise would become more famous than that of the maindeity Sivan. It was also found that Ganesa was very much fond of making unniyappam in front of him. From then onwards Kottarakkara Ganapthy’s Unniyappam attracted devotees around the globe. Irrespective of caste and creed they queue before the temple for getting Unniyappam or Koottappam.

Vazhipadukal

The major vazhipadu of Kottarakkara temple is the famous Udayasthamaya pooja. There is an interesting legend behind this peculiar vazhipadu. This incident took place at the time of the construction of the temple. Kottarakkara Thampuran was not happy with Perumthachan, because he consecrated the diety of Ganesa at the Kizhakkekkara temple. Actually Thampuran’s plan to build a new temple came from some dislike with the Mana, who owned the Kizhakkekkara temple. One day with much sarcasm,Thampuran asked Perumthachan, “Is your Ganapathy that brilliant?” Thachan asserted, “Yes”. Then Thampuran challenged Perumthachan and asked him to ask Ganapathy to give him a son. Perumthachan accepted the challenge and asked, “What you will you offer as a reward?”. Thampuran declared “I will completely cover the idol with Unniyappam” .Before one year Thampuratty become pregnant and gave birth to a beautiful young boy. At the day of the newly born baby’s Choroonu preparations began to make unniappam. The choroonu ceremony can take place only after covering the idol with unniappam. The thampuran firmly believed that the idol being small would be covered within no time. Though unniappam was made right from morning, even at noon the idol could not be covered upto the waist. An old man was witness to all that was happening there. He came forward and asked the Thampuran,”Have you been testing Ganapathy? You will not be able to keep your word as you are filled with pride. As you have been making unniappams right from dawn to dusk and now that you have realized that you are insignificant before Him, you can stop your offerings.” That was the first Udayasthamanavazhipadu.
That night, Thampuran had a dream in which the old man appeared before him and said,” I am Ganapathy. You should not test me again. Every month you must do the Udayasthamana pooja.” Thus till his death the Thampuran did the pooja. From then onwards Udayasthamaya pooja become a major vazhipadu for Kottarakkara Ganapathy.
Like most other Vinayaka temples, here also Ashtadravya Ganapathyhomam acquires a prominent place. Other important offerings includes, breaking of coconuts, thulabharam,chathussatham,thrimadhuram,archana and pushpanjali.Udayasthamaya pooja and Ashtadravya Ganapathyhomam can be performed through advanced booking.

Pooja schedule

Morning

• 4:00 Palliyunathal
• 4:30 Nadathurakkal
• 4.40 Nirmalyam
• 4:50 Abhishekam
• 5.30 Ashtadravya Ganapathyhomam
• 6.00 Usha: Pooja
• 7.00 Ethritheu Pooja
• 7.15 Sreebali
• 9.00 Pantheeradi Pooja
• 10:00 Navaka Pooja
• 10.30 Ucha Pooja
• 11:00 Uchasreebali
• 11:30 Nadayadappu

Evening

• 5:00 Nadathurappu
• 6:30 Deeparadhana
• 7:30 Athazhappoja
• 7:45 Athazha Sreebali
• 8:00 Nadayadappu.

 

Sree Indilayappan Temple,  Kerala

Marayikkodu Sree Indilayappan Kshethram (മലയാളം:ഇണ്ടിളയപ്പൻ ക്ഷേത്രം, മാരായിക്കോട്) is a powerful 1500-year-old Hindu temple in South India. Non-Hindus are permitted in the temple. It is in Karickom, 5 km from Kottarakara.

Temple

Lord Shiva (Shiva Lingam), Devi Parvathy and Lord Vishnu are the main deities of this temple. The sub-deities of the temple are Lord Ganesh, Nagarajavu & Nagayakshi, Brahmarakshas and Yakshi.
Here devotees are considering the temple as two. One is Lord Shiva Temple and the other is Lord Vishnu Temple. The Lord Shiva temple has two separate sanctum sanctorums, one devoted to Lord Shiva (Shivalingam), looking to the east, and the other for Devi Parvathy looking to the west. The Lord Vishnu temple has one sanctum sanctorum for Lord Vishnu, looking to the east.
The Lord Ganesha shrine has one separate sanctum sanctorum. As per vastu, the sanctum sanctorum is located on the "Kanni mula" (south-west corner) of Lord Shiva temple. Sri Nagaraj & Nagayakshi and Brahmarakshas are worshipping devotees on the "Kanni mula" of Lord Ganesha. Yakshi have the place beneath the Strychine tree (Kanjirum) near the Lord Vishnu's sanctum sanctorum

 

Pattazhy Bhagavathy Temple, Kerala

Pattazhy, also Pattazhi (malayalam:പട്ടാഴി) , is a village located in Pathanapuram taluk in the eastern part of the Kollam District, Kerala state, India. It is best known as the site of an ancient Bhagavathy temple, Pattazhy Devi Temple.

Etymology

The name Pattazhy has an uncertain etymology. Pattazhy may stem from an imperfect Malayalam portmanteau fusing Patt ("Soft") and Aazhy ("Ocean"). Thus the word Pattazhy represents the compassion and affection of Pattazhy Devi to her beloved devotees and depth of her grace. The name Pattazhy may have also derived from the word Bhattarika which means a virtuous and pious woman.

Culture

Pattazhy is a temple situated in Pathanapuram Taluk of Kollam District in Kerala. The land of Pattazhy comprising two panchayat areas (Pattazhy and Pattazhy vadakekara) was given as a gift to Pattazhy Devi by the King of Travancore for the help and shelter given in the fierce fight against the king of Kayamkulam. Pattazhy also got a place in the Guinness Book of world records for the 'Longest bamboo'. The first syllable of the word Pattazhy (Patt) means soft and it represents the compassion and affection of Devi to her beloved devotees. The second part Aazhy means ocean which represents the depth of Devi's grace. The name Pattazhy was also derived from the word Bhattarika which means a virtuous and pious women.
The ancient history shows that Pattazhy desom was gifted on behalf of Devi from The King Marthanda Varma. He was an efficient ruler. He set the kingdom in order by initiating progressive measures to bring in prosperity and equality among the people. The king extended the kingdom by winning war with the neighboring countries with the help of Ramayyan Dalava, his loyal minister. Kambithan also helped the king to take over Kayamkulam desam. Kayamkulam had become a part of Venad. As a symbol of his gratitude the king ordered to let Pattazhy be named and dedicated to Devi by issuing a royal order.
The annual festival at Pattazhy Devi Temple is one of the largest temple festivals in central Travancore. The festival is known for Kambam (fire works), Aalpindi Vilakku Ezhunnallathu (Procession of small structure made out of plantain kernel and germinating leaves of coconut tree with numerous lamps on it), Ponnin Thirumudi (Devi's idol carved out of pure gold and rare precious stones) Ezhunnallathu.

Nearby towns

• 1. Kottarakkara - 10 kilometres (via Thamarakudy, Mylom)
• 2. Pathanapuram - 9 kilometres (Via Panthaplavu)
• 3. Adoor - 15 kilometres (Via Chelikkuzhy, Kaithaparambu, Ezhamkulam)
• 4. Enath - 7 kilometres (Via Arattupuzha bridge)
• 5. Kunnicode - 10 kilometres (Via Pandithitta, Thalavoor)

Conveyance

• Bus Transportation: Nearest town Kottarakkara is well connected to all parts of kerala. There are regular KSRTC bus services from Kottarakkara to Pattazhi every 15 minutes. The town is also well connected by KSRTC services to Pathanapuram. Private buses connect Pattazhi to Puthoor, Chavara etc.
• Railway stations: Nearest main broadgauge stations are available at Kollam (38 kilometres) and Chengannur (41 kilometres). However the nearest railway station is at Kuri H.S/Thalavoor (7 kilometres) connecting to Kollam
• Airports: Nearest airport is at Thiruvananthapuram (90 kilometres). Cochin International Airport is 175 kilometres away.

 

Aryankavu, Kerala

Aryankavu is a village in Kollam district, Kerala. It lies on National Highway 208 near Punalur and Thenmala.It is a hillside village through where the western ghats passes.The Punalur-Shenkottai metre gauge railway line passes through Aryankavu. In the way a tunnel of about 1 km present >< Aryankavu & Puliyara.

 Religion

Aryankavu is famous for its Ayyappan temple.The Ayyappa Temple at Aryankavu in Kollam District is one among the five most important temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa in Kerala. The shrine at Aryankav is known as Aryankavu Shastha Temple and Lord Ayyappa is depicted as a teenager (young boy) here. Ayyappa is known as Tiruaryan here and therefore the place got the name Aryankavu.

Surrounded by forests, the temple is located on the Trivandrum – Tenkasi National Highway. Just like in Sabarimala, women from the age 10 to 50 are not allowed inside the Aryankavu Ayyappa Temple.

The rituals and pujas followed at Aryankavu Sastha Temple is that of Tamil tradition. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has idols of Devi, Shiva and Sastha. A young Ayyappa sits in the middle with Devi on the left side and Shiva on the right side.

The festival at the temple is celebrated during the last days of the Sabarimala Mandala Kalam. The most important festivals observed here include Pandiyanmudippu, Trikalyanam and Kumbhabhishekam.

The temple can be accessed by traveling on Kollam – Punalur – Thenkasi road or by traveling on the Trivandrum – Thenkasi road. There are two catholic churches. Major portion are Hindus.

 Palaruvi water falls

The Palaruvi Falls is located in the forest 5 km away from Aryankavu vehicle check post . The name `PAL' means milk & `ARUVI'means stream.

Kadamanpara sandal forest

It is the second largest natural sandal forest after Marayoor.It is situated in aryankavu gramapanchaythu.

Aryankavu Junction

There are several shops, hospitals and several government offices.

Rose Mala

Rose mala is a place in aryankavu which is 11.8 km away from aryankavu junction.It is one of the eco tourism spot. There are many beautiful places in Rose mala.

Bourdillon's plot

It is the world's first stump planted plantation of teak which located near the palaruvi water falls in aryankavu. A British man named Bordillon was its leader.

Achankovil, Kerala

The Achankovil Aar is a river in Kerala, India, formed towards the southern tip of the peninsula from the streams of the Rishimala River, Pasukidamettu River, and the Ramakkalteri River. This river enriches the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala state. It joins with the Pamba River at Veeyapuram, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala in South India. Achankovil is also the name of the forest area, which is the catchment area for this river, and of a small town situated in the Achenkovil forest area. The Achankovil village is not easily accessible; however, it can be reached through forest routes.

Townships on the banks of River Achankovil

The River Achankovil nurtures numerous townships on its fertile banks. Among them is Pathanamthitta Town, which is the capital of the Pathanamthitta district. It derives its name from its association with the river; Pathanamthitta, from the Malayalam words Pathanam and thitta, means "houses by the riverside"

Attractions

The river is unique in that along its route is a large number of ancient temples, indicating that the richness of the river basin has been identified by humans since ancient times and they preferred to settle down there so that they could grow their crops on the fertile lands. Edappon, a place famous for its flora and fauna, is on the banks of the Achankovil river.
The very old Shiva temple - Kandiyoor Mahadeva temple at Mavelikkara is situated on the banks of the river. The 2200 years old temple is fully built by blackrocks. The world famous Chettikulangara temple is near to this temple.
It is also popular as a natural picnic spot among the locals. The forest route to the town presents lot of biodiversity including wild animals and birds such as elephants, forest fowls, boars, deer, etc.

 

Pulimukham Devi Temple, Kerala

Pulimukam Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thazhava in the Kollam district of Kerala. Bhadra Bhagavathi is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple is situated about 5 km north of Karunagappally and is reachable by National Highway 47.

Upadevatas

There are many Upadevathas (Sub-Deities) adjacent to the temple, and a few Prathishtas were either revamped or added according to the Deva Prashnam by expert astrologers recently. The main Upadevathas in the temple premises are Yakshi, Ganesha, Nagaraja, Naga Yakshi and Rekshas.
A Kavu (a patch of small forest which houses the serpent Gods), Karimbana tree and Ezhilam Pala tree are also worshipped on the belief that they house Gandharvas and Yakshis.

Festivals

Parayeduppu

In the numerous temples of Onattukara, the Parayeduppu period is the festive season. It all begins when the deity of Pulimukham temple is taken out in procession for Parayeduppu. The main part of Parayeduppu is the Jeevatha constructed in the model of the temple structure itself. This box-like carriage for the deity rests on two teakwood poles about two meters long, and is in the form of a palanquin . The front resembles Thidambu behind which is a kind of pettakam (small chest) built as per Thachusaasthra calculations. Up front is a woollen cloth embroidered with shining, colourful pictures and gold trinkets. Behind that is kept the deity's holy dress, starched and pleated, and decorated with small golden pieces. 3days long visit to the homes of people who lives in her Karas.
The rhythms used during Jeevatha Ezunnallathu (procession) are quite noteworthy. Starting with very slow beats, it builds up a crescendo and ends in fast beats.

Meena Bharani

The major festival at Pulimukham is Meena Bharani. This is in the month of march or April. The date is determined according to the Malayalam Calendar KollaVarsham. The "Pulimukham Bharani" is in the month of Meenam and the day which has the star Bharani and hence the name Meena Bharani. The highlight of the festival is Kuthiyottam and Kettukazhcha and Khosha Yatra and Pongala. Pongala-Pongala festival, A morning visit to the temple will give you impressions of the festival, from the glowing faces of the devotees who throng the temple since the dawn.

 

Oachira Temple, Kerala

The Oachira Temple is an extremely ancient temple located in Oachira in Kollam district in the South Indian state of Kerala. According to the Puranas, this temple is one of the famous sacred places of[Kerala and India Oachira is on the border of Kollam and Allappuzha districts, next to the National Highway 47  This very ancient pilgrimage center is centered on the ParaBrahma temple (that is dedicated to the Para Brahman (or Param Brahman) or Ohmkaram, the Universal Consciousness), and covers thirty-six acres of land.
Every year the Oachira Vrischikam Festival is celebrated during December and January. Oachirakkali is a famous ritual performed here during June and it involves mock-fighting in muddy water by traditional martial art experts. And "Erupathattam onam" (28 days after Onam) is also celebrated. It is the festival of cattle. In this festival, huge "Eduppu kala" (gigantic bull shaped structures) are made. They are then pulled on giant wheels to the Oachira Temple from the site where they are made. Normally there are around 50 such structures. It is the biggest festival in "Onattu Kara" which is an area of a few square miles. Oachirakkali was actually a war exercise performed annually by soldiers of Kayamkulam Raja. Nearby, about 108 Kalaries were in 52 karas up to the beginning of 20th century. Soldiers belonging to the above Karas met together at Oachira in the Malayalam month of Mithuna every year and performed war-like exercises. This is what is called Oachirakkali. During the years of the Kayamkulam Rajah, Oachirakkali was started after the blessings of nearby Nambiathiris, high order Nambudiri Brahmins, having the knowledge of Dhanurveda (the science of arms) who were also experts in Smrithy Sasthras.
Ward and Conner, two British officials entrusted to survey Travancore in the beginning of 19th century, made their observations about Oachira in their report. In the report it was made clear that there was a very old and damaged pagoda on the eastern side of the Padanilam. It was also disclosed that there was a large reservoir at the center of the vast ground on which the temple stands, (which was now known as Kallukettuchira), and which is outside the temple compound today.

History of the place name "Oachira"

There are many beliefs as to why this place is called Oachira. Some people believe that the place name came from the word Omkarachira and some others believe that the name is originated from the name Oymanchira. Also there are strong beliefs that the name derived from Uvachanchira as Uvachan means Lord Siva as per belief. All these assumptions are based on myths.
The real reason for arriving at the name of Oachira is possibly different. For that, we should understand the observations made by the two British officials, Ward and Conner, who conducted a survey in the erstwhile Travancore during the beginning of the 19th century. In their survey report, it was mentioned that there was a large reservoir at the center of the large ground called Padanilam. This reservoir (tank/pond/chira) was at the center of the Padanilam. This chira was used by the soldiers in olden days for bathing and for supplying water to the horses used in the war exercises. This chira might have been known in olden days as Onattuchira, as the place belonged to the Kayamkulam Raja who was also called the Odanattu Raja or simply Onattu Rajah. The Headquarters of Kayamkulam Raja was at that time at Krishnapuram, very near to the Padanilam (which is hardly 1 km away from Oachira). So it is believed that the word Onattuchira was gradually accepted as the place name and as time passed by further, that word was corrupted into Oachira. This is quite a plausible explanation as there are so many examples in known history about the transformation of place names.
The Oachira Temple is unique in the sense that it does not have covered structures for temples. People worship the Para Brahma (the original formless power who manifests as the three supreme forms of God, namely Brahma/Vishnu/Siva) under neatly preserved trees.

Ammachiveedu Muhurthi, Kerala

 

Ammachiveedu Muhurthi is a Hindu temple located in the Kollam district of the state of Kerala, India. It is estimated to be around 600 years old, and holds an annual 10-day celebration during the Dhanu festival.

History

Although there are no historical records of the early history of the temple, it is thought to have been founded around 600 years ago by the Ammachi Veedu family ("Ammachi Veedu" means "Ammachi home"), aristocrats from Kollam.^[1][2]

Structure

The Ammachiveedu Muhurthi's Garbhagriha is small, measuring only 4 feet by 4 feet, by 6 feet tall. The temple has a Peedam (small platform), clad with silver plate, upon which the deity stands. Two Shankha, in golden covers, are placed over the Peedam.
The temple has a number of other deities seated outside, including Ganesha, Rektha Chamundi, Paramparu, Ykshi, Marutha, Rekshas, Gandharvan, Vethalam, and Yogeshwaran. Another deity, Ginnu, is placed outside the temple premises and is worshipped by the Muslim community.
Adjoining the temple there is a Sarpakavu, or snake grove, which houses images of Parappooramma Bhagavathi, Nagaraja, Nagayakshi, and Naga Kanyaka.^[1]

Dedication

The Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple has no main idol, and is dedicated to the guru (teacher) of the Dharmaśāstra, of the Shasthamkotta temple, about 35 km away
The deity was entrusted to the elders of the Ammachi Veedu family as a recognition of the marriage ceremonies carried out at the temple, and they are now also revered as "Brahma Rakshas" on the right hand of the deity. Because the deity of the temple has the status of a guru, members of the family are prohibited from entering the premises of the Shasthamkotta temple
The Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple has no caste bar, and is used by worshippers of various castes and creeds.

Festivals and Ceremonies

Various pujas (ceremonies, or festivals) are performed at the Ammachiveedu Muhurthi temple, at auspicious times.
The ceremonies of Sarpa Bali (sacrifice for snakes) and Noorum Palum (making offerings to snakes) are conducted by the priest from the Pampummekkattu Mana, in Mala, in the Thrissur district.
The temple's main annual festival has no specific date, but falls during Dhanu, which runs from mid-December to early January, and is always held after the Mandala Puja at the Sabarimala Dharma Shastra temple. By an agreement, members of Ammachiveedu must not make a pilgrimage to Sabarimala.
On the 10th day the Karanavan (the eldest male in the family) conducts the puja in the Kalam specially prepared for the purpose, when boiled Ninam is offered to the deity.

Anandavaleeswaram Temple, Kerala

Anandavaleeswaram Temple in Kollam forms major and an important temple in Kollam. It is a temple of Lord Siva and Anandavally goddess. It is located in Cutcherry which comes to the west side of Kollam Collectrate.

 

Chattampi Swamikal, Kerala

Sree Vidyadhiraja Parama Bhattaraka Chattampi Swamikal (1853–1924) was a Hindu sage and social reformer. His thoughts and work influenced the launching of many social, religious, literary and political organizations and movements in Kerala and for the first time gave voice to those who were marginalized.
Chattampi Swamikal denounced the orthodox interpretation of Hindu texts citing sources from the Vedas. Swamikal along with his contemporary Nārāyana Guru, strived to reform the heavily ritualistic and caste-ridden Hindu society of the late 19th century Kerala. Swamikal also worked for the emancipation of women and encouraged them to come to the forefront of society. He said that the enslavement of women was a manifestation of male arrogance. Swamikal promoted vegetarianism and professed non-violence (Ahimsa). Swamikal believed that the different religions are different paths leading to the same place. He strongly opposed the conversion activities of the Christian missionaries but was not against Christianity. Chattampi Swamikal throughout his intellectually and spiritually enriched life maintained a large number of friends from different regions of Kerala . He authored several books on spirituality, history, and language staying with these friends.

                 Early Life

Chattampi Swami was born on 25 August 1853 at Kollur, a suburban village of Trivandrum in southern Travancore. His father was Vasudeva Sharma, a Namboothiri, from Mavelikkara and mother Nangamma a lady from Kollur. He was formally named Ayyappan. But he was called by his pet name Kunjan by all and so was later known as Kunjan Pillai.
As his parents were not able to provide him formal education, he learned letters and words from children of his neighbourhood who attended schools. Also he learned Sanskrit by overhearing the classes at a Brahmin house nearby. Knowing his thirst for learning an uncle took him to the traditional school conducted by Pettayil Raman Pillai Asan, a renowned scholar and writer who taught him without any fee. It was there that he earned the name Chattampi on account of his assignment as the monitor of the class. The school served as a meeting place for many scholars of that time and it facilitated Kunjan to acquaint himself with many great men. He also could learn Tamil from Swaminatha Desikar and philosophy from Professor Sundaram Pillai during his study at the gurukulam. Kunjan Pillai was introduced into the science of yoga by the Thykattu Ayyavu Swamikal a scholar and yogi who used to give lectures at the Gurukulam. A wandering sadhu who came to the village temple initiated him into spiritual world by giving the Balasubramanya Mantra. Mastering this mantra gave him a new vigour and zeal and he assumed the name Shanmukhadasa due to his deep devotion of Lord Subramanya.
As the burden of supporting the family fell on him, Kunjan Pillai took to many manual works. For some time he worked as a document writer. He stood first in a test for clerical posts in Government Secretariat Thiruvananthapuram conducted by Sir T Madhava Rao the then Divan of Travancore State. But he left the service after a short while as it prevented his wanderings and studies.
He spent many years learning under a great scholar Subba Jatapadikal in the village named Kalladiakurichi in southern Tamil Nadu. There he acquired deep and extensive mastery of all sastras in Tamil and Sanskrit. He also learned Siddha medicine, music, and martial arts. During this period he was greatly influenced by the works of Kodakanallur Sundara Swamikal a great advaitin. He later translated his work Nijananda Vilasam containing the cream of Vedanta into simple Malayalam to guide spiritual aspirants. He spend long periods of learning and under a Christian priest and a Muslim saint and also spent months with many avadutas in Southern Tamil Nadu. At the end of his wanderings and quest he was led to self-realization by an avaduta whom he met at a wayside in Vadaveeswaram a village in Tamil Nadu. He returned to Kerala as a great scholar and saint.

Maha Samadhi

Toward the end of his life Swamikal settled down at Panmana, a village in Kollam district. After a short period of illness during which he objected to take any medicine, at an auspicious time marked by him on May 5, 1924 Swamikal attained Maha Samadhi. His mortal remains were enshrined at his Samadhistanam at Panmana. This site is today called Panmana Ashramam, which is a centre for social service and spiritual practices.

Works

The compositions of Swami have come out in various forms of single stanzas, muktakas, bhajan songs, essays, critical works, translations, commentaries, short notes, and letters. Vedadikara Nirupanam is considered as one of his greatest works. It refuted the baseless customs and rules that existed in Kerala. For the first time in the region’s history the work questioned the monopolization of Vedas, sciences and education by a minority. Vedadikara Nirupanam has infused strength and inspiration to the subaltern groups to fight for their rights and spread the ideas that lead the movements for reformation and renaissance in Kerala.
Swami led a wandering life and left what he wrote with those who were with him at the time of writing. There were no later attempts to collect and conserve them, which led to the gradual loss of many of his works. A few works that got unearthed and published eight decades after his death and inspiring serious discussion show the value and the extent of the loss that occurred to Kerala society which was at one time unmindful of preserving his works.

Location

MAHASAMADHI PEEDOM About 100 kms to the North through the National Highway from Trivandrum Airport , 16 kms north of Quilon, on the National Highway 47, is Edapallykotta. (between 'Kollam' and 'Karunagappally'). 2 kms east of this small village town is the Panmana Asramam where the Mahasamadhi Peedom of Sree Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swamikal exists.

Kadakkal Devi Temple, Kerala

 

Kadakkal Devi Temple is situated at Kollam District, Kerala, India. Kadakkal city is in the eastern part of Kollam District, Kerala. Kadakkkal is well known for the social revolutionary activities held in the pre-independent period of India. Kadakkal is an agriculture village and its known for its spice production. Main agricultural cultivation include rubber, coconut, and pepper.
Kadakkal Devi Temple is one of the foremost Devi temples in Kerala. It is renowned for its unique mythology and belief. It is believed that one who worships and offering rituals to Devi (Kadakkalamma) will be protected from evil and their life will be filled with prosperity and wealth.
Kadakkal Temple has three main temples situated equal distances in three directions from the Temple Pond (Kadakkal Chira): Devi Temple, Siva Temple and Taliyil Temple.
The uniqueness of the main Devi temple is that there is neither an idol nor a pujari. The temple festival 'Kadakkal Thiruvathira Mahotsavam' is very popular. During the festival thousands of devotees come to Kadakkal to worship 'Devi'. On the first day of the festival, thousands of ladies offer Pongal to Devi at the temple ground. The festival starts with 'Kuthirayeduppu' which is a grand procession followed by 'Kuthiyottam' and pageants. The festival ends with 'Guruzi', a spiritual ritual performed on the last day.

 Mythology

Kadakkal temple has a very unusual mythology related to its existence. It is believed that Kadakal Devi came from Tamil Nadu with her four sisters. Kadakkal Devi situated in Peedika (a small kind of trade shop made of wood) near by Kadakkal and Anchal Devi situated in Kadayattu Kalari near by Anchal, karavalur devi in village of Karavalur, and Kariyara Devi at Kariyara. The four temples are called the same name: Peedikayil Bhagavathy Temples.
Another story is related with Panayappan, a Tamil trader who have been killed by Kadakkal Devi as a revenge for exploiting her family. After that she moved to Kadakkal Peedika; that became the sanctum sanctorum of the present Kadakkal Temple.
The Nettur Kurup, who was the eyewitness of this incident, got the permission from Devi to do offering and Pooja for Devi in the Peedika. Every year Devi's holy birthdate "Thiruvathira" of Kumbha (according to Malayalam Calendar) is celebrating as Thiruvathira Festival. Devotees celebrate it as the regional festival of Kadakkal.

Festivals of Kadakkal Temple

The very important days of Kadakkal Devi Temple is Thiruvathira Nakathram (star) of the Malayalam month Kumbha. This day celebrating as the holy birth day of the mother goddess "Kadakkalamma". The important events are listed below:

Kadakkal Thiruvathira

Thiruvathira's day in Kumbham celebrates the holy birthday of Kadakkal Devi. Kadakkal Thiruvathira attracts a large number of devotees from far and near. People celebrate it as the festival of Kadakkal. Thiruvathira comes in February or March.
During the festival, thousands of devotees come to Kadakkal to worship Devi. The festival starts with 'Kuthirayeduppu' which is a grand procession followed by 'Kuthiyottam' and pageants.

Pongal

The first day of Thiruvathira, thousands of women offer Pongal to Devi at the temple ground. Pongal starts early morning (around 5.30) on Makayiram (the day before Thiruvathira). Devotees from all over the state come for this particular Pongal festival. Devotees from other districts come and stay near Kadakkal to offer Pongal at early morning. Most of the people stay with relatives or friends. Affordable lodging and accommodation is available near by Kadakkal Temple.

Thiru Mudi Ezhunnellathu

Thiru Mudi Ezhunnellathu happens once every 12 years. It is a grand procession from Kadakkal Temple to kalari Temple (Anchal) carrying holy circlet of Kadakkal Devi (Thirumudi). It is believed that the sister of Kadakkal Devi is situated in kalari Temple.
The last grand procession happened in 2002. The next procession will be in 2014.

Guruzi

The ten-day Thiruvathira festival ends with 'Guruzi'. This is a spiritual ritual performed in the last day of the Thiruvathira festival. Guruzi starts at midnight and continues till early morning. There will be number of pageants followed by the holy circlet procession (Thirumudi Ezhunnallippu).
Thousands of devotees gather in the temple on this day to witness this spectacle which they believe the realization and manifestation of devotion to Kadakkal Devi (Kadakalamma)

Kodimoottil Sri Bhadrakaali Temple, Kerala

Kodimoottil Sri Bhadrakaali Temple is the most famous temple in Parippally, Kollam. The "Prathista" (idol) in this temple is Bhadrakali devi. Shiva, Ganapathi, Nacagrihangal are also there as Upaprathista.
There are a number of utsavams in this temple. The mahotsavam is held every year during the month of March for ten days, starting with the pongala. Ladies from all parts of Kollam and Trivandrum districts participate in it  Gajamela, an elephant procession, is the main attraction of the Mahotsavam, which occurs on the ninth day.
The temple is managed by ezhava community, but people from all castes participate in the festival. Navarathri is also celebrated here as a festival

 

Kottarakkulam Sree Mahaganapathy Kovil, Kerala

 

Kottarakkulam Sree Mahaganapathy Kovil, Kollam is a popular temple in Kollam, Kerala, South India.
The temple is situated in the centre part of the Kollam corporation, near the Kollam Civil Station. The main deity enshrined here is Lord Ganesh, apart from Nagaraja and Swami Aiyappan. The main priest-hold of this temple is run by Tamil Brahmin community of Kollam Corporation,consisting of 270 families. The Prasadams here are mainly Appams and Modakams. The annual Vinayaka Chathurthi festival of the Kottarakulam Maha ganapathy here begins in August. Rituals including Ashta Dravya Mahaganapathy Homam, Kalashapooja, laksharchana and pushpabhishekam forms a major attraction here.

History

The temple over the years has attracted a number of devotees from far-off places, especially in recent years. The temple, although a modern one in appearance, is actually an ancient temple, which was reconstructed and developed much to its present form in the year 1984.
The March  issue of the Malayalam monthly magazine Jyotisharatnam carried an article on this temple. One of the former priests, Late Shri. Ramayya Vadhyar, who served as the chief priest of for a very long time, found special mention in that issue. Some of the other notable priests who have served the shrine includes late Shri Sankara Narayana Vadhyar, Brahmashri Narayana Sastrigal (a.k.a. Rajamani Vadhyar), Shri .Kannan Vadhyar etc.
The priests who serve at present are Shri. Bhaskara Vadhyar, Shri. Sankara Vadhyar and Shri. Venkatarama Vadhyar. The Almighty Lord supports a lot of people and families who are related with the temple. Shri. Venkatarama Vadhyar now serves as the chief priest. Sri K.N. Ramakrishnan is the secretary

 

Vayalil Thrikkovil Mahavishnu Temple, Kerala

Vayalil Thrikkovil Mahavishnu Temple is an ancient temple placed in Ilamkulam, Kalluvathukkal. It is located 2 km away from NH 47. The temple is placed in a very beautiful place. A very odd pooja named "Laskhmi Narayana Pooja" conducting twice in each month. Ashtami Rohini Maholsavam and Bhagavatha Sapthaham are the famous festivals performed here. The temple is owned by Pisharikkal Mana in Kodungalloor. But the functioning of temple is managed by the forum of local peoples.
Sopana Sangeetham performed in Vayalil Thrikkovil Temple

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )