Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State - 4 at 9:43 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State

 

Sree Bhuvaneswary Temple, Valamchuzhy, Kerala

 

Sree Bhuvaneswary Temple, Valamchuzy is one of the oldest temples in Pathanamthitta, Kerala South India.

 Location

The temple is 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) from the city centre. Sree Bhuvaneswary Temple is surrounded by the sacred river Achankovil, which has its origin in the Achankovil mountain ranges. The name "Valamchuzy" is derived from the fact that the river circumvents the temple on three sides. Due to the action of the river over the past 3,000 years, large tracts of land belonging to the temple have been washed away. The temple presently is well protected from floods. Formerly this area was under dense forests, and remnants can still be seen in the Sarpakavu (sacred serpent grove). The Sarpakavu is home to a large variety of rare medicinal herbs. Illegal sand mining from the river is posing a danger to the Sarpakavu.
As elsewhere, the great floods of 1096 had repercussions in Pathanamthitta, and they caused severe damage to the temple. However, after the floods had receded a lot of reclamation and maintenance work was undertaken by the temple authorities with the active participation of the government and the landlords near the temple. A bund was constructed to make access to the Sree Bhuvaneswary Temple easier.
The temple continued to be under the patronage of the Velluvettuvelil Madam family until 1974. They served as the priests. Later on, the temple administration passed to the senior members of the 14 Karas hailing from Pathanamthitta municipality, Pramadam, and Mylapra Panchayats. A Devasom council and a team of 14 executives are elected every two years from these 14 Karas. The administration is on the lines of the Indian Parliament.

Legend

Legend has it that a devotee brought a flower from Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple that was the incarnation of the goddess Bhuvaneswary. The devotee received a divine inspiration that he should install the flower at Valamchuzy, where the river Achankovil circumvents the place from three sides. The residents of the surrounding area gathered together and decided that a temple should be built there to install the goddess Bhuvanaswary. The devotee and his long line of successive generations continued to act as the torch bearers of the temple. The sword and the Chilambu brought from Kodungalloor are displayed at the temple. The Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple and Valamchuzy temple are similar in several aspects. It is believed that animal sacrifice existed here at one point.

Festivals

Rudrapongala, held in the Malayalam calendar month of Kumbham on the Bharani days, constitutes the main offering to the deity. Many devotees from all over the country throng to this shrine during the Makarabharani festival. It is believed that if appindy is ceremoniously carried by the devotes, it will cure them from all forms of incurable diseases and sorrows.
The Padayani, held in the Malayalam calendar month of Meenam, is celebrated with utmost devotion and fervor. Newborn babies are brought in cradles and placed in front of the goddess. This ritual is specific to this temple, and it attracts devotees from every corner of Kerala and beyond. The birthday of the Goddess is celebrated on the Bharani day, in the Malayalam calendar month of Makaram. The flag hoisting signalling the start of the festival is held on the Pururuttathy day of Makaram, and concludes with the Aaraattu on the 10th day. The most auspicious day is on the fifth day of the festival, which coincides with the birthday of the goddess Bhuvanaswary. This particular day is marked by a lot of celebrations and festivities.

 Transportation to Pathanamthitta

Air

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (113 km) and Cochin International Airport, at Nedumbassery, Kochi (142 km) are the nearest airports. The proposed Aranmula International Airport is just 14 km from Pathanamthitta.

Rail

Tiruvalla (Code: TRVL) (30 km) is the only Railway Station in the District. Chengannur (26 km) is the nearest Railway station. Direct Bus services to Pathanamthitta are operated from Tiruvalla and Chengannur. From Chengannur Railway Station buses to Pathanamthitta starts. The proposed Angamaly – Erumely – Punalur and Tiruvalla – Ranni- Punalur Railway lines pass through Pathanamthitta district.

Road

Pathanamthitta is the meeting point of two major State Highways T.K.Road (SH – 07) and Main Eastern Highway (Punalur-Muvattupuzha Road / SH – 08). The city is well connected to major towns and cities inside and outside Kerala by the State run K.S.R.T.C and private buses as well as Luxury Services. Both the KSRTC and private buses play equal roles in satisfying the transportation needs of the town. The cities of Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur etc. are connected by KSRTC services whereas hi-range townships like Punalur, Kumali, Pala and the Malabar Area of Northern Kerala are connected by private bus services. Plenty of A/C Luxury Bus services are operated from Pathanamthitta to Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore and Mumbai on a daily basis.
KSRTC bus stations in Pathanamthitta district are Pathanamthitta, Thiruvalla, Adoor, Pandalam, Mallapally, Ranni, and Pamba.

 

Thazhoor Bhagavathy Kshetram, Kerala

Thazhoor Bhagavathy Kshetram, (Malayalam: താഴൂര്‍ ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം) is a 300-year-old Hindu temple on the banks of the Achankovil river in Vazhamuttom, Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. The Devi (goddess) is the main deity here.

The Padayani held in the month of Kumbham is very famous. Padayani performances are held at the temple annually. Padayani songs are very ancient folklore of Kerala. These folk-dances are traditionally preserved in this part of Kerala.
A Paraezhunnellippu is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham that ends on the Vishu day in the month of Medam. The Paraezhunnellippu is spread all over Vazhamuttom east, Vazhamuttom, Pramadam, Mullanikadu and Vallicode. The Parazhumallippu will cover every Hindu family in those localities. The devotees have this occasion to present as offerings, tender coconuts and seeds.
The temple is also famous for the folk arts and the "Kettukaazhcha" procession with Kaala (bull motif) and Kuthira vela (horse motif).
Folklore is that Thazhoor Bhagavathy is the sister of Valamchuzhy Devi. The temple is also a chosen premise for many wedding ceremonies with people coming in to conduct marriage rituals.

Kumbha Pongala

The Pongala celebration commences on the morning of Kumbham 1. The women, dressed in traditional clean costumes for the occasion, offer Naivedyam to the goddess with their bare hands. The Goddess (Amma) accepts the offerings from thousands of devotees. It is believed that viewing Amma in all her glory at this time will free one from all sins and evils

Connectivity & Main Places of Worship

The district capital, Pathanamthitta which is 4 km away is well connected to all major towns and cities of India.
Vazhamuttom is connected to Pathanamthitta, Konni, Adoor & Pandalam by large number of privately operated public buses.
Buses from Pathanamthitta Town to Vallicode Kottayam (V-Kottayam) ply through Vazhamuttom on a regular interval of 30 minutes. One can reach there by buses operating in Konni - Pandalam and Konni - Adoor route, too.
Three are five churches in Vazhamuttom . Apart from these places of worship Vazhamuttom has one Mahavishnu temple which is believed to be built by the King of Pandalam.

Location

Vazhamuttom is located on the banks of River Achankovil.
Vazhamuttom is the meeting point of Chandanappally-Konni Road, Pathanamthitta-Thazhoorkadavu Road and Omallur-Thazhoorkadavu Road.
Pathanamthitta-Thazhoorkadavu Road extends up to Enathu on M.C.Road (through Vallicode > Chandanappally > Adoor) making it the shortest way from Pathanamthitta to the State Capital Thiruvananthapuram.

Thrikkovil Sree Padmanabha Swami Kshetram, Kerala

Thrikkovil - Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple, (Malayalam: തൃക്കോവില്‍ ശ്രീ പദ്മനാഭ സ്വാമി ക്ഷേത്രം) is a Hindu temple with Lord Vishnu as the presiding deity, located at Vallicode village in Pathanamthitta District in Kerala, India.
This temple is considered the second one of its kind after the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram

Recent Temple Events

This 2013, the annually conducted "Dashavatara Chaarth" has commenced from the 3rd of January and will go on till 13th of January. The highlight of this 10 day event being the fact that each day a different incarnated avatar of Maha Vishnu is worshipped.

Vallicode (Malayalam:വള്ളികൊഡ്) (pronounced valli-koad) is a village in Pathanamthitta district in Kerala, India. It is situated at about 7 km from the district head quarters of Pathanamthitta at south - east direction.

Reaching Vallicode

One can reach Vallicode from Pathanamthitta via Kodumthara - Vazhamuttom - Thazhoorkkadavu Bridge. It is only 6 km from Pathanamthitta City.
Alternatively, one can also arrive via Kaipattoor junction on the Pandalam - Pathanamthitta route.

 

Rektha Kanda Swamy Temple, Omallur, Kerala

Rektha Kanda Swamy Temple, Omallur, Pathanamthitta District, traces its history to 8th century AD. It is a pilgrim centre on the way to Sabarimala from Pandalam, the birthplace of Sree Ayyappan. The temple is famous for its annual festival of 10 days in month of Medom of Malayalam Era. The 10 days festival is celebrated by 10 Karayogams (village communities) in and around Omallur. On the festival days there is a customary Arattu procession to the River Achenkovil. 10 elephants decorated with Nettipattom (a decorated cover on the forehead) will be speciality of this Arattu. The temple has an ageold Golden Flag Staff. Omallur is 4 km south from the district headquarters Pathanamthitta and 11 km from MC Road (Kottayam - Trivandrum route).Omallur temple have many interesting stone carvings.Kallunadasvaram(Nadasvaram made up of stone)and Kalchangala(chain made by stone)are two among them.

 

Mezhuveli Temple,  Mezhuveli, Kerala

Mezhuveli Anandabhootheshawara Temple is situated at the heart of Mezhuveli village in Pathanamthitta District. This temple was built by the villagers under the leadership of famous social reformer and poet Sri.Muloor S.Padmanabha Panicker. This century old temple was built on a place called ‘Tholekavu’ which was surrounded by a small hill called ‘Meenchirakkal Hill’ on the southern side, ‘Ambottimodi’ also called ‘Kailasam’ on the east, a beautiful stream flowing on the western side near “Pottanmala’ and at the north side ‘Padmanabhan Kunnu’, a small hill. Tholekavu was a small forest, which is believed to be a part of the Pandalam Kingdom.

Panayannarkavu , Kerala

Panayannarkavu Kavu temple is where the Sapta Matas, or the Seven Mother Goddesses are worshipped as the presiding power in the Indian state of Kerala. The fiercest of them all, Chamundi, is in centrally placed as Kali. There is also a temple of Siva on the premises.
The modest temple is located in a grove near Parumala and is girdled by a tributary of the Pampa river. The temple is 2 miles from Mannar, a village known for its bell-metal lamps and vessels. Until recently, esoteric tantricrituals were conducted in this Saktheya temple.

Situated in a luxuriant grove near Parumala and girdled by a tributary of the Pampa, this apparently modest temple is only about 2-miles from Mannar, a village well known for its bell-metal lamps and vessels. Until recently, esoteric tantric rituals were conducted in this Saktheya temple.

From an allusion to this temple in the 14th century Malayalam epistolatory poem, ?Unni Neeli Sandesam?, countless legends and stories sprang and gained credence, about the sacrifices and rituals practiced to invoke the blessings of the ferocious goddess. The poem mentions, in figurative language, the practice of sacrificing elephants to appease the goddess.

              And even today, the goddess inspires fear and awe in the faithful. But as one walks into the temple and beholds the paintings around the shrines, the initial fear vanishes and a rare calm settles in. Familiar stories from the Puranas, in gentle and pleasant tones adorn the walls.

          Along with Mahakali and Bhadra kali the "Sreemeru chakra" is their in which all pujas are performed. The temple also has idols of saptha matas; (Brahmi,Maheswari,kaumari,Vaishnvi,Varahi,Indrani,Chamundi and Sulini (a raw energy of Durga),verabhadran,Ganapati and Shiva as Aghora murthi(RURUJITH vidhaana,but with a slight difference in disa and Chamundi as Bhadrakali where in Kodungallur the vaishnavi is Bhadra kali) and two Very fiercy form of Kali ,Karim Kali and Kodum kali with Bhutham,Yakshi (Nili),Rakshas,Skshetrapalaka ,Annapurnaswari and 5 Nagarajas And all 32 Yakshini's

 

Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

Location

The temple is located one kilometer to the north of Pandalam junction, by the Thiruvananthapuram - Angamaly MC Road. Landmarks include Pandalam Post Office, Police Station and Government UP School.

Other deities

Like other Hindu temples, Pattupurakkavu Bhagavathi temple also has shrines of other deities. These deities include shrines of Ganapathi, Shiva, Udayan, Brahmarakshas, Yakshi and Anamarutha. Other deities include snake gods and goddesses, eructed in a grove. The temple complex also includes a Navagraha shrine, built on the north-east side of the temple.

Temple complex and facilities

The temple complex also includes an Anakkottil (platform for elephants during the rite Seva), a holy pond, office room, and a few banyan trees. The temple has arrangements for Hindu wedding, including feast hall and change rooms. It also has a stage to conduct cultural events. The temple has a Navratri mandapam annexe situated near Pandalam central junction. The deity in the annexe temple is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music and the arts.

Festivals and major occasions

The annual temple festival is conducted on the Aswathy day in the Malayalam month of Meenam. Special poojas are performed on that day. Traditional temple art forms and cultural programmes are also conducted. In addition to the festival programmes, the temple also hosts Devi Bhagavath Sathrams, Sapthahams, and Navahams frequently. These include renditions and lectures based on Hindu epics and puranas.
Navratri is also of rich significance to this temple. Special poojas, Carnatic concerts and cultural programmes are performed in the Navratri Mandapam annexe annually during Navratri festival. Apart from Hindus, the organising committee for the Navratri festival includes people from other religions also, including Muslims and Christians. This symbolises the religious and cultural harmony of Pandalam. The Navratri mandapam is considered amongst the best places in Kerala to initiate Vidyarambham.

 

Mahadeva Temple, Kalanjoor, Kerala

Mahadeva Temple, Kalanjoor popularly known as Thrikkalanjoor Sree Mahadeva temple is a Hindu temple. It is 80 kilometers to the south-west of the Sabarimala temple on the Punular-Muvattupuzha highway in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, India. A majestic banyan tree, flanked by an Althara that is visible from a distance for any traveler on the main road, announces the presence of the temple to the devotee.
A Mandapam artistically etched with magnificent mural paintings announcing the prowess of artists and artisans of yore surrounds the banyan tree. Inside the Mandapam there is an idol of Nataraja, the dancing manifestation of Lord Shiva, facing the east.. From this Mandapam towards the west, a 60 feet high Gopuram (artistically carved towering arches) could be seen on the eastern side. The 18 ascending steps from the Gopuram lead to the sacred idols of Indiliyappan (Sastha) and the Mahasiva idol, which is the presiding deity of the Mahadeva temple.
Due to the presence of Mahadeva and Sastha idols in the temple, there are two Dhwajas (towering flag posts coated with copper) adjacent to each other which is a rare spectacle seldom seen in other temples. The Mahasiva idol and the Sastha idols are installed facing each other in this temple. The real name of the temple is Sankarapurathu Mukkalvattom Devaswom, but is popularly known as Thrikkalanjoor Sree Mahadeva temple.

Festivals

The annual temple festival starts in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March/April) and ends with Thiruvathira Arattu. The festival lasts eight days. On the sixth day Indilayappan festival is celebrated. Renowned artists from South India participate in this festival, which is famous for its Carnatic music renditions. Great exponents of Carnatic music like Chembai, Chemmankudi, Balamuralee Krishna, Yesudas, Seshagopal have performed here. Kathakali and other classical arts are other major attractions during the festival.
Kalamezhuthum Pattum for Indiliyappan (Sastha) and 41 days bhajan during Mandalapooja (December/January), Shivarathri, Ashtamirohini, Bhagavatha Sapthaham during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (January/February), Ramayana masam, Vinayaka Chathurthi, Ponkala, Pathamudayam etc. are a few other notable festive occasions that occur throughout the year.

Pazhakulam punthalaveetil temple, Kerala

BHAGAVATHY (Parasakthi, Devi)

Bhagavathy (Bhagavathi) or Devi is considered as female aspect of the divine Shakthi, as conceived by the Shakta tradition of Hinduism. Shakthi is considered as the female counterpart without whom the male aspect remains impotent. Shakthi is the energy and Shakthi worship is a vital part of Hindu Tradition.
Devi manifests herself as Creator (Durga or the Divine Mother), Preserver (Lakshmi, Parvathy and Saraswati) and Destroyer (Mahishasuramardini, Kali). Devi is worshipped mostly in the form of divine mother.
In Kerala, we can see most of the devi temples are worshipped devi as Badra kali (kaali).Though she is eternal, the goddess becomes manifest over and over again to protect the world Punthalaveetil Devikshethram is known for its tradition and culture.The temple is the most famous temple among the area after "Trichendamangalam Mahadevar Temple" peringanadu.The Grand festival of the temple is held on April 14.At that particular day different clans belonging to the temple makes giant Bullocks on chariot known as Kettukala is dragged to the temple by the respective persons of their respective clans or areas.There are 8 clans belonging to the temple and there are 8 different kettukazcha and there are also nercha ketturupadi presented to the goddess as an offering.Every year MahaNavahayagnam is held at the temple for nine days and annadanam and many others rituals are done through out these 9 days in order to satisfy the goddess and bring prosperity to the village and its residents.All the people in the village participates in the navahayagnam regardless of religion

Full address of Punthala Veetil Temple

Pazhakulam Adoor(via) Pathanamthitta(dist) Kerala(state) India PIN:691527

 

Sreenarayanapuram Temple, Manakala, Kerala

Sreenarayanapuram Mahavishnu Temple is an ancient Vishnu temple in Kerala, India. It is at Manakala about 4 km from Adoor. Sreenarayanapuram Temple is known for the annual Dasavatarachartu festival. Dasavatarachartu is a ten-day celebration: Each day one Avatar of Mahavishnu from Dasavatara is worshiped. Sreenarayanapuram is one of the few Vishnu temples in Kerala where a Dasavatarachartu festival is conducted. Sapaha started on 2010 ,the area near by the temple is calm and quite ,the peoples are living with out any major issues like decease,the childrens are smart and maintaining good educational status ,good culture,the peoples are having mentality to help each other ,the peoples those who deeply believe the Lord krishna ,the avathar of mahavishnu in sreenarayanapuarm getting good status in the society,the boys are dedicated tothe temple activities are getting jobs in Govt service and Abroad ,also the famous Film Director Sri adoor Gopalakrishnan ,Famous singer Manakkala Gopal Krishan is living inthis village ,there are two Bhahmin madoms are there in this area ,Mandravadimadom ,and Memona Madom ,at present the Shanthi of these temple is belongs one of the member from memana Madom ,now there is an active committy headed by Santhosh,Muraleedharan Nair,Sivarama Pillai,Vasudevan pillai,Kurumbelethu Kunju pillai,Santhan pillai,Puthuseril sreekumar ,Mr rajashekhara kurup ,There is a Swayam sevak Sangh Shakha headed by Mr Kishore ,they are very active for the devolepment of the temple

 

Anikkattilammakshethram, Anicadu, Kerala

Anikkattilammakshethram is a Hindu Temple situated in Anicadu Village, 3.5 km from Mallappally in Pathanamthitta district in the southern part of Kerala, India. Here, Adiparasakthi Sivan and benign Parvathi are worshiped with equal significance in one Sreekovil, which is one of the rarest of its kind in Kerala. Agnimahakalan and Agniyekshi are symbolized in these idols, each measuring about 4 feet and installed side by side. The demon-shaped Lord Shiva (Kiratha) has bow and arrow in His arms and Parvati has sword in Her hand. The temple, situated by the bank of river Manimala, is estimated to have come into existence around 1600 years ago during the early days of Edapally dynasty. Apart from the Deities in the main Sreekovil, there are Lord Siva, Bhadra, Nagaraja, Rakshas and Yekshiamma in the sub-abodes in the courtyard.

Festivals

The Pongala Pooja is held on the day of Pooram during the month of Kumbham. The yearly festival (Utsavam) is celebrated for eight days during the month of Kumbham and concludes on the day of Pooram star.

Transport

Anikkattilammakshethram is reached through the towns of Mallappally and Karukachal by road. People who come from Southern Kerala go through Tiruvalla Mallappally and Pullukuthy. However the people coming from Northern Kerala go through Kottayam, Karukachal and Noorommavu.

 Distance

• 17km from Thiruvalla railway station.
• 18km from Changanacherry railway station.
• 31km from Kottayam railway station.
• 113km from Cochin International Airport, Nedumbassery.

 

Adichikkavu Sree Durga Devi Kshetram, Pandanad, Kerala

 

Adichikkavu Sree Durga Devi Kshetram, also known as the Adichikavu (Adichicavu) Devi Temple (Malayalam: അടിചിക്കാവ് ശ്രീ ദുര്‍ഗ ദേവി ക്ഷേത്രം) is one of the oldest temple in Pandanad village, Alapuzha. The temple is located at Pandanad in Chengannur taluk of Alappuzha district in the south Indian state of Kerala. The temple is situated about 6 km west of Chengannur, and 4 km east of Mannar.

About Temple

Adichikkavu Sree Durga Devi Kshetram, is a Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Sree Vana Durga (ശ്രി വന ദുര്‍ഗ).
The major attraction of the temple is its top opened Sreekovil (ശ്രീകോവില്‍), specially made for Vana Durga (വന ദുര്‍ഗ).
The temple complex also includes Anakottil (ആനകൊട്ടില്‍) & Sapthaha Mandapam (സപ്താഹ മണ്ഡപം) which is built on the west-north side of the temple.

Festivals

Pathamudayam (പത്താമുദയം) - The major festival is Pathamudayam which takes place in the temple during the month of Medam (April). The ten day celebrations starts on Vishu (വിഷു), and ends on 23 April with night long celebrations.
Sapthaha Yajnam (സപ്താഹ യജ്ഞം) - Each year Sapthaham celebrates for 7 days with worships and food for devotees.
Pongala (പൊങ്കാല) - Women gather every year in this temple and prepare Pongala (rice cooked with jaggery, ghee, coconut as well as other ingredients) in small pots to please the Goddess Durga.
Parayeduppu (പറയെടുപ്പ്) -
The Parayeduppu is happening in the festival season, before to the Pathamudayam. Devi is visiting to the homes of the people in Pandanad area.
Navaha Yajnam (നവാഹ യജ്ഞം) - Each year 'Navaha Yajnam' celebrates for 9 days with worships and food for devotees.

Sub-Deities

Like other Hindu temples, temple also has shrines of other deities. These deities include shrines of Yakshiamma (യക്ഷിയമ്മ), Nagarajav (നാഗരാജാവ്), Nagayakshi (നാഗയക്ഷി), Brahmarakshas (ബ്രഹ്മരക്ഷസ്).
Location

Pandanad North and Pandanad West. Pandanad West is 4 km (2 mi) from Chengannur, the nearest town, and 4 km (2 mi) from Mannar. Pandanad North is 6 km (4 mi) from Thiruvalla.

 

Padanilam Parabrahma Temple, Padanilam, Kerala

Padanilam is a small town located near Nooranad in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. The word Padanilam means "land of war" (pada means "war" and nilam means "land").It is located on the banks of river Achankovil. The Padanilam temple  is one of the important centres of worship in Kerala. The place witnessed war between the Kayamkulam kingdom and the Pandalam kingdom.

Padanilam Parabrahma Temple is one of the major temples in Kerala. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Parabrahma. The temple is very much like the Oachira Parabrahma Temple.The temple has no compound walls and roofs. This is one the few temples in Kerala where a large number of festivals are being conducted. The temple is one of the idathaavalam of sabarimala Dharma Sastha temple. There are KSRTC buses from Padanilam to Pamba during the Mandalam-Makaravilakku season. The temple has mainly 13 karakal, who conduct the annual Sivarathri Festival. This is the biggest Nandikesha (ox vehicle of Lord Siva) kettulsavam in Kerala.
Temple Website:http://www.padanilamtemple.org

History

Padanilam Temple and its surroundings witnessed many historical wars. Once there was a war between the south and the north.During the war,many soldiers of both the sides died in large numbers.They were buried in the chira near the temple.Even from very earlier times, this temple is a blessing for the people in the surrounding areas. Nooranad Padanilam has a history of an intense war. The origin of war was the border conflict between two erstwhile kingdoms, northern& southern. One side consisted of Noorukodi Unnithans & Kadackal Karuppans & the other Vettathasaans & Velladickal Karuppans. The first war is believed to have occurred between Marthanda varma King on one side & Kayamkulam King on the other. The 22 Karakals of Nooranad took side with the 2 kings. The common people started worrying about the devastation of the war & approached the Pazhoor Panamana Thampuran to find a solution to end the war. He tried to intervene but warring parties were not in a position to stop. He made a tent in the Eastern part of the temple and started a fast unto death. But that also did not deter the warring parties. But when he was on the verge of death due to the fast, they fearing the Brahmanasaapam, agreed to stop war. They demarcated the boundary in North-South direction and stopped the war in the name of Parabrahma, the presiding deity of the temple.
St. Thomas Syrian Orthodox Church is about 150 meters after the Padanilam Market and Padanilam High school. It is an olden church which is founded 100 years before and the founder Mr. Varu Varghese came originally form Kuravilangadu which he belongs to the family of Pakalomattom the one among the 4 families is being baptized by St. Thomas the disciple of Jesus Christ in AD 52 and his tomb is at the St. Thomas Orthodox Church. Two brothers of the family came to Padanilam and one is settled in Padanilam and the other in Nooranad. One of the hierarchy in that family is known as Padanilathu Ashaan (Late Mr. Geevarghese Kochukunju) and the junction north to the Church is known as Ashaan Mukku.

Padanilam Sivarathri

Sivarathri is the main festival in the temp. Thousands come to temple that day to see the kaavadiyattam for Lord Subrahmanyan in the morning. Kaavady from ll parts of the area come separately and meets at the temple.On that evening,there is a kettulsavam, which is the most spectacular sight of the festival. Kettulsavam from 13 distinct areas of the village come to the temple at around 4 PM. The rituals & programmes end only at midnight. It is a superb grand affair. The Kettukazhcha or Kalakettu ritual is one of the hallmarks of the temple. The tall, colorful effigies of bulls (signifying Nandi, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva) are pulled on wooden chariots (rathams).
The Kettukazhcha is performed as an offering by the devotees to the deity. Artisans of the various villages in the vicinity vie with each other for the most intricately decorated effigies. The biggest structure can be as big as 70– 80 feet (24 m) tall. Scholars believe that the tradition of Kettukazhcha has its roots in Buddhism which was prevalent in the Kerala during the 3rd century.
Another feature of the festival of the temple is that the people from different villages bring big chariots or rathams. On these rathams are located idols of various Hindu gods and goddesses and effigies of mythological characters like Bhima, Panchali etc.

Other festivals

Festivals conducted in Padanilam Temple are:

• Vrischika Mahotsavam
• Irupathiyettamonam
• Chirappu
• Sapthahayajnam

•  

Nearest towns

• Kayamkulam - 17 km
• Pandalam - 7 km
• Charummoodu - 5 km
• Edappon - 4 km
• Mavelikkara - 16 km
• Nooranadu - 3 km
• Adoor - 14 km
• Pathanamthitta - 26 km
• Chengannur - 19 km

Nearby   temples

• Padanilam Parabrahma Temple,Padanilam Central.
• Vadakkidathukaavu Devi Temple,Kidangayam
• Pallimukkom Devi Temple,Pattoor.
• Kokkaatt Devi Temple,Naduvilemuri.
• Muthukaattukara Devi Temple,Muthukaatukara.
• Earezhathukaavu Devi Temple,Naduvilemuri.
• Amabalathinaal Devi Temple,Edakkunnam.
• Gurunaathankaavu Ardhanaareeswara Temple,Edappon.
• Noorukodi Devi Temple, Palamel.
• Plaakkodu Vaishnava Durga Temple,Powerhouse.
• Sreedharma Shastha temple Palamel-Kidangayam
• Kannancheri Tharayil Mahavishnu Temple,Thathammunna

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha, Kerala

 

Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple (Malayalam: അമ്പലപ്പുഴ ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ക്ഷേത്രം) is a Hindu temple in Ambalappuzha, Alapuzha district of Kerala, in south India.
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have been built in the year AD 790 by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran.
The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. This temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping.
The payasam served in the Ambalappuzha Temple is famous among Hindu devotees. This sweet pudding made of rice and milk has an interesting mythological legend behind it.It is believed that Guruvayoorappan reaches here daily at the time of Palpayasa Nedyam to have it.

 Legend of the Ambalappuzha Paal Payasam

According to the legend, God Krishna once appeared in the form of a sage in the court of the king who ruled the region and challenged him for a game of chess (or chaturanga). The king being a chess enthusiast himself gladly accepted the invitation. The prize had to be decided before the game and the king asked the sage to choose his prize in case he won. The sage told the king that he had a very modest claim and being a man of few material needs, all he wished was a few grains of rice. The amount of rice itself shall be determined using the chess-board in the following manner. One grain of rice shall be placed in the first square, two grains in the second square, four in the third square, eight in the fourth square and so on. Every square will have double the number of grains of its predecessor.
Upon hearing the demand, the king was unhappy since the sage requested only a few grains of rice instead of other riches from the kingdom which the king would have been happy to donate. He requested the sage to add other items to his prize but the sage declined.
So the game of chess started and needless to say the king lost the game. It was time to pay the sage his agreed-upon prize. As he started adding grains of rice to the chess board, the king soon realised the true nature of the sage's demands. By the 20th square, the number had reached one million grains of rice and by the 40th square, it became one million million. The royal grainery soon ran out of grains of rice. The king realised that even if he provides all the rice in his kingdom and his adjacent kingdoms, he will never be able to fulfill the promised reward. The number of grains was increasing as a geometric progression and the total amount of rice required to fill a 64-squared chess board is ((2^64) - 1) which is equal to the number 18,446,744,073,709,551,615 translating to trillions of tons of rice.
Upon seeing the dilemma, the sage appeared to the king in his true-form, that of God Krishna. He told the King that he did not have to pay the debt immediately but could pay him over time. The king would serve paal-payasam (made of rice) in the temple freely to the pilgrims every day until the debt was paid off.

Festival

The Amabalapuzha Temple Festival was established during the fifteenth century A.D. At this time, a part of the Travancore, was ruled by the Chembakassery Devanarayana Dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty were highly religious and decided that an idol of Lord Krishna was to be brought to the Amabalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple from the Karinkulam temple. The celebration in commemoration of the bringing of this idol of Lord Krishna is the origin of the Amabalapuzha Temple Festival, also referred to as the Chambakulam Moolam water festival. This festival is conducted every year on the Moolam day of the Mithunam month of the Malayalam era.
The Aaraattu festival commences with the flag hoisting ceremony on the Atham star in Meenam (March-April). The important Aaraattu festival takes place on the Thiruvonam day of the same month.In this temple 'Pallipana' is performed by 'Velans' (sorcerers) once in twelve years. Human sacrifice was conducted in ancient times. However, cocks have now replaced humans on the sacrificial altar. Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar(1705-1770) also spent his youth at Ambalappuzha.

How to reach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Temple is situated around located 14 km from Alappuzha (Alleppey)    . Frequent buses are available on the Alappuzha - Ambalapuzha route. Ambalapuzha is about 60 km from Ernakulam and 120 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital.

Railway Station

Alappuzha Railway Station is the nearest railway station to reach Ambalapuzha.

Airport

Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, 64 km away.

Nearby Temples

Other famous Hindu temples situated near Ambalapuzha Sri Krishnaswamy Temple include Pallikkavu Devi Temple, Erattakulangara Shiva Temple, Kayippalli Sree Devi Temple, Moodampadi Devi Temple, and Puthukulangara Devi Temple.

 

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

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