Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State -6 at 11:08 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State

Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kerala

 

Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is an ancient Shiva temple in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It has brought glory and fame to the place. Myths have it that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa had worshipped at this temple. The name of the place has its origin from the word 'manoor', which means the land of deer.
The present temple building, with its gopuram and the fortress around it, was reconstructed in 717 ME (1542 AD). There are Dravidian mural paintings on the walls inside and outside of the main entrance. The fresco of Pradosha Nritham (Dance of Shiva) is one of the finest Wall painting in India. There is a golden flag staff inside the temple. On the top of it is the idol of a bull surrounded by small bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree and in terms of architecture this temples stands out to be an ultimate testimant for the vishwakarma Sthapathis, for their engineering skills. The temple roofs are covered with copper sheets and it has 14 ornamental tops. Bhagavati, Sastha, Ganapathy and Yakshi are installed here as subordinate deities. It is believed that the great philosopher, Adi Sankaracharya wrote 'Soundarya Lahari' while staying in the temple.
The history of origin of ETTUMANOORAPPAN is from Kattampakk, a small village in Kottayam district.
Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple hosts the arattu festival celebrated on a grand scale on the Thiruvathira day in February–March every year. Lot of people come to this temple on the 8th and 10th day of the festival when seven and half elephants (in Malayalam: ezharaponnaana) made of gold (nearly 13 Kgms) will be held in public view. This statue was donated to the temple by a travancore maharaja. The temple, one of the wealthiest Devaswoms in Kerala, has many valuable possessions.
The Thulabharam is one of the important rituals of this temple. People make offerings to God for favours received. On balance, the child or man for whom offerings were promised to God, is weighed against offerings ranging from gold to fruits.

Transport

Roadways

Kottayam lies on the National Highway 220 (NH 220) connecting Kollam and Theni. The NH220 connects Kottayam to the state of Tamil Nadu and the tourist destinations of Thekkady and Kuttikanam, as well as the agricultural towns of Kanjirapally and Mundakayam and National Highway 208 (NH 208) connecting Kollam and MaduraiState Highways SH1 or Main Central (MC) road, SH11, SH13, SH14, SH15 and SH32 pass through Kottayam.
Public transport in the town is largely dependent on buses, run by both private operators and the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). There are three bus stations serving Kottayam, two of which cater to private buses and one exclusively for KSRTC buses. The bigger of the two private bus stations is located at Nagampadam, close to the railway station and the other is located in the heart of the town. Besides local bus services for traveling within the town, Kottayam is well-connected to the rest of Kerala through inter-state bus services run by KSRTC. Hired forms of transport include metered taxis and auto-rickshaws.
The major port city of Kochi (70 kilometres (43 mi)) can be reached by the Changanassery-Alappuzha road and also via Ettumanoor and Kumarakom.

Railway

Kottayam (KTYM) railway station is situated in the heart of the town and is under the administration of the Southern Railway. Kottayam lies on the busy rail route between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam and is served by several long distance trains connecting most major cities in the country, like New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad.all

Air

The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, 90 km to the north.

 

Kozha Sree Narasimhaswami Temple, Kerala

Jaya and Vijaya the two gatekeepers of Lord MahaVishnu was cursed by the sanaka saints. Due to the curse they have to take three births as asuras. In these three births lord Mahavishnu kill and gave moksha to them. Among the three the first birth of Jaya and Vijaya were as the Hiranya brothers. Lord Narasimha is the fourth incarnation (Avatar) of lord Mahavishnu to kill and give moksha to Hiranya Kasipu.

After killing the Hiranya kasipu Narasimha calmed by the prayers of Prahalada with Lakshmi is the kindest Bhava (form) of Lord Narasimha. It is in that form Narasimha Moorthy showers his blessings in Kozha Sree Narasimha Swami Temple.

It has long thousands of year back the temple had founded. But unfortunately there is no historical evidence available for that. But as per the legends it is the very ancient temple in Kerala with Narasimha as its idol.

Kozha Sree Narasimha Swami is the one and only Swayambhoo Narasimha Idol in Kerala. In ancient time this place was ruled by the Vadakkumkoor Raja. At that time this place was a thick forest. Kozha Sree Narasimha Moorthy had been taking his birth in Kozha, a valley at that time.

The story associated with Kozha Narasimha Swami is almost same as in the case of most other ancient temples. It is believed that a Vana Veda who found at first the idol of Lord Narasimha from the soil. Some people believe that he was not a real veada but the lord Sree Parameshwara as himself in the form of veda who found the idol. The Vettakkoru Makan (Son of Sree Parameshwara and Parvathy when they took the form of Kiratha and Veda Sthree) temple situated near by the Narasimha swami temple is strengthen the story.

Temple Pond (Ambalakkulam)

There are also some legends behind the sacred Pond. The people near by the temple believed that the pond is believed it was built by a Bhootham (monster). And it was called that Bhootham Kuthiya Kulam (pond built by a monster). But after the renewal of the pond it lost its huge size even though the old citizens called it Bhootham Kuthiya Kulam at these times also.

Sub-deities

Dakshinamorthy (an aspect of Lord Siva as a Guru) and Lord Ganesha are the sub-deities installed in a single sanctum sanctorum besides the right side of Lord Narasimha.

Poojas
The Invincible Lord Sree Narasimha Swami offers relief and peace from troubles and tribulations of life. Offerings to the Unstinted Lord Narasimha Swami grant all wishes and provide solace from all your problems and Struggles.

The important offerings of the temple are

• Paalppaayasam
• Neyyu Vilakku
• Paanakam
• Appam
• Ada
• Chathu:Shatham

Nazhiyum Pidiyum

Daily Rituals
The Schedule of Dialy Events at the Temple 

 Morning

Opening (Nirmalya Darsanam)								5:00
Abhishekam								5:30
Ucha Pooja								9:00
Closing								9:30

Evening

Opening....................								5:00
Deeparadhana								6:30
Athazha Nivedyam								7:00
Closing								7:30

**The above timings are subject to change on special days like festival, lunar and solar eclipse days.

Major Festivals

Narasimha Jayanthi

Narasimha, or Nrsimha, is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is popularly known as ‘man-lion’ or ‘half man – half lion’ incarnation. The main aim of the Narasimha incarnation was to end the tyranny of Hiranyakashipu and restore the path of Dharma. Prahlada the young son of Hiranyakashipu and an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu paved the way for the removal of Adharma.

Narasimha Jayanti is observed on the 14th day of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of moon) in Vaisakha month (April – May). It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Narasimha on the day to destroy demon Hiranyakashipu. Devotees fast on Narasimha Jayanthi day and visit Lord Vishnu temples. People also give alms on the day and perform Annadhanam (donate food to poor). It is believed that those people who observe Narasimha Jayanti vratam will reach the ‘Vaikunta’ – abode of Vishnu. Special prayers and pujas are performed on the day. Jaggery and gram sprouts are offered to the deity.

Sree Narasimha Jayanthi celebrated at Kozha Sree Narasimha Swami Temple as a 10 days program with Bhagavatha Sapthaham and many cultural programs. The festivities include special poojas like Lakshmi Narasimha Pooja, Chathushadam and Mahaprasadamoottu.

Thiruvulsalam

Thiruvutsavam(The Annual Festival) The Annual Festival spread over 6 consecutive days , commencing with the hoisting of the temple flag on Anizham star on malayalam month Kumbam and concluding with 'Arattu' (Ritual Bath of the diety) on the 6th day on Thiruvonam Star.

Ramayana Masam

Karkidaka Masam is the last month in Malayalam calendar. This month is also known as the Ramayana Masam. During this month the epic Ramayanam is read at home and temple. At Kozha Sree Narasimha Swami Temple, we celebrate Ramayana Masam by reading Ramayanam every day with Ganapathi Homa and Bhagavati Seva arranged for every birth star.

Temple Address:

Kozha sree narasimha swami temple
Kozha P.O.,
Kuravilangadu,
Kottayam - 686640,
Kerala
India.

 Office:   0091 - 4822 -234309

Mobile:  +91-9495034309

E-mail: narasimhamkozha@gmail.com

 

Maniyassery Temple, Vaikom, Kerala

Maniyassery Tharawad, the birthplace of well known Sri. Neelakanta Pilai Sarvadhi Kariyakkar. The house was made of wooden walls. There was a small veranda in front of the house. The main room was called Ara, which was in the middle. On the right side, there was an ‘L-shaped’ room with three doors;
Gowri Pillai Memorial Hall – A Memoir one door towards the front veranda, one on the side to step out to the courtyard and the other to a small room near kitchen.From this L-shaped room, there was a door to enter Nilavara.Nilavara was under the Ara. On the left-side of the veranda
was the kitchen.The middle room was believed to be the place of worship ofour family deities, Gandharva Swamy and Ammamars. The house faced to the east and in front, there was a beautiful kaavu with many trees that was covered with creepers, flowers that seemed like a canopy in a vast area. Birds large and small with full freedom flew inside the kaavu announcing their presence with sweet music and twittering voice. Around the kaavu, it was very cool and calm. The cool breeze blew towards the home from the kaavu. There was a big well near the kaavu. It also is kept as sacred as it is in the vicinity of the kaavu. In the early morning when sun rises in the eastern horizon with a glowing red light, the rays fall on the smooth surface of the green leaves of the kaavu and it glitters like stars. The gentle breeze with sweet fragrance embraces us and we are left to feel that we are in a divine world. We praise the God, who is omnipresent in the gentle breeze, green leaves, birds et al. for his benevolence. Maniyassery Tharawad is an ancient family with historical importance. By the passing years, the family divided and scattered to many places. The newer generations had no idea about the family deities and their significance. Manymishaps occurred to the family members due to this. Poojas, Sarpabali, Sarppam Paatu, Pitru Ball et al. are being
done to please the deities. Gita class was started in Thiruvananthapuram under the able guidance of Smt. Bhavani Amma, one of the elder members of the family. This resulted in many members visiting Maniyassery Tharawad to take part in the annual rituals. Slowly and steadily, the Maniyassery Tharawad gave way to Maniyassery Temple as we see it today.

Welcome to Maniyassery family temple  .Ohm Namo Ganapathe Vasudevaya.VAIKOM Maniyassery Temple.All Family members and devotees are welcome to this website.Very rare Vishnava Temple in Kerala .This was a very old temple of Gandharva/Naga VAIKOM MARAVANTHURUTH MANIYASSERY “vishnava swamy kshethram” Location:-7Km from Vaikom Town.36 Km from Ernakulam 1KM from ernakulam -vaikom road-toll junction
The pulluvar of Kerala are closely connected to the serpent worship. One group among these people consider the snake gods as their presiding deity and perform certain sacrifices and sing songs. This is called ‘Pulluvan Pattu’. This is performed in the houses of the lower castes as well as those of the higher castes, in addition to serpent temples
There are many sub-divisions within the Pulluva community. The majority among them are called Nagampatikal (People who sing snake-songs). There are pulluvars who are not Naagampatikal, as well. They are known as Pretampatikal (People who sing ghost songs), Most of the art forms of the Pulluvar are ritualistic. Most of their songs are related to worship,ritual,custom and exorcism. The pulluva art is expressed in the background of snake-worship, ghost worship and magic. The song conducted by the pulluvar in serpent temples and snake groves is called Sarppapaattu, Naagam Paattu, Sarpam Thullal, Sarppolsavam, Paambum Thullal or Paambum Kalam. The main aspects of this are Kalamezhuthu (Drawing of Kalam, a ritual art by itself), song and dance.The women perform the serpent dance(Sarpam Thullal). Austerities start seven days or nine days prior to the day of the dance. Once they start the austerities they themselves prepare food. They avoid eating certain food items that are considered to be impure.

The pandal where the serpent dance takes place is adorned with palm leaves, granium flowers, jasmine flowers, chrysanthemum indicum, champaka, lotus, banyan leaf, betel leaf, ripe arecanut and branches of coconut flowers. The form of the serpent is drawn with rice and colour powder. The people who represent the serpent clan come to the decorated kalam (the field where the form of the serpent is drawn) in a certain specific order. They are Naagaraajaavu, Naagayakshi, Sarppayakshi, Maninaagam, Erinaagam, Karinaagam, Kuzhinaagam, Paranaagam and Kanyaavu.
   

                          The serpents are worshipped in front of the Kalam and are offered Noorum Paalum (Lime and Milk). After the pooja, the head of the family which conducts the Sarppam thullal gives bunches of coconut flowers to the performers who start dancing rhythmically. They are supposed to represent the serpent gods, who accept offerings and grant boons to the devotees. The intensity of the dance heightens gradually. It is believed that prophesies which the dancer gives at the point of heightened intensity of the dance usually comes true. They fall on the floor in a trance and rub off the Kalam at the end

 

Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple, Kerala

Vazhappally Sree Mahadeva Temple is located in  Changannassery.  . Believed to be constructed in the 1st Chera King Dynasty. According to the legend, Kerala is the land gifted by Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. The installation of the idol of the Lord Mahadeva was performed by Lord Parasurama himself. This magnificent temple is one among the 108 Siva Temple established by Lord Parasurama. Lord Maha Vishnu was incarnated as Parasurama in the Thretha-Yuga. The exact period of installation of this temple is not known.
Vazhappally temple is historically important and contains some lithic records of the reign of Rajasekhara Varma Kulasekhara (820-844AD) besides some fine seventeenth century wood carvings (Daarusilpas) depicting figurines from epics. The Vattezhuttu inscription on the northern part of the base of the cultural shrine indicates that the repairs were completed in Kollam era 840 (AD 1665). It is an ancient Grama Kshethra also known as “Dakshina Kailasam”
In ancient period, this temple had 54,000 para paddy fields (Nilam). The soldiers of Chempakassery Raja killed one Unni of Changazhimuttom family of Kuttanadu who has gone there to measure the “Patta Nelu” of Devaswom at Venattukara field. He is installed as a Bhramma Rakshas in this temple. In order to satisfy the Bhrahmma Rakshas, “Kazhumaram” is being made in front of the Rakshas Shrine and the Prathiroopam of Chempakassery Raja is hanged. The Raja gave the pooja items for Pantheeradi to the temple as a mark of his repentance for killing Unni. The Raja has appointed the members of Thiruvenkitapuram Warriam as the heir of “Pantheeradi Choru”.

The idol of the vazhappally temple is centuries old and is considered as the Siva of Neelamperoor temple. The legend behind this concept is that CheraRajaPallibana Perummal, a follower of Budha, when de-throwned by the “Hindu Bhattas” following a defeat in argument, reached Neelamperoor. The news came to the ears of the potties of pathillams (Chengazhimuttam, Kainikkara, Eravimangalam, Kunnithidasserry, Athrasserry,Kolencherry, Kizhangazhuthu, Kannancherry,Thalavana etc.),that perumal is going to install his personal idol at Neelamperoor. Pathillathil Pottimars run with the idol Shiva of Neelamperoor and installed that idol at Vazhappally

Location

This Town is located 18 km south of Kottayam and 8 km north of Thiruvalla on the Main Central road.

 

Chirakkadavu Sree Mahadeva Temple, Kerala

The Chirakkadavu Mahadevar Temple is situated between the Kollam-Theni route of the National Highway about 32 km east of the Akshra Nagari, Kottayam city and 3 km south of Ponkunnam en route to Manimala and Erumely.

 History

Chirakkadava Sri Mahadevar Temple is a very Ancient Temple about 1000 years old and the idol is a 'Swayambhu Siva Lingam which was found under a 'bilva Tree' (Aegle Marmelos). It is believed that the temple was built during the time of the 'Alwars'. There is also a temple tank,from where the mud was dug up to build this temple. Devotees could wash their feet in the water of the streams around the place before entering the temple. Because of the pond ('Chira' in Malayalam ) in the eastern side of the temple the place is called 'Chirakadavu'.

Mythology

The king who built the temple is said to have built an 'ashram' during his last days, near the vilva tree. He did 'Tapas' there and came to be known as Kuwala (Bilwa) Maharshi. During his 'Tapas' the Lord appeared in his dreams and according to his wish the king continued his penance and is said to have entered heavenly abode

The temple structure

The 'Balikallu' of this temple is very big in size. In front of this there is beautiful sculpture and a huge lamp earned out of granite which attract attention. Even though the 'Balikallu' is huge in size the Darshan of the Lord is possible if we stand near the gate of the eastern gopuram. The wooden carvings all round the temple is extremely attractive. . The clean and peaceful atmosphere of this temple attract many devotees. There are 5 poojas, 3 Seeveli and daily 'Navakam' in this temple.

Festivals

In the past when there were no vehicles and when people used to walk to Sabarimala on pilgrimage, they would halt in this Chirakadavu Temple. ,The Ayyappa devotees considered Chirakadavu Sri Mahadeva as the father of Lord Ayyappan. So several Ayyappa Devotees visit this temple. Even the day every year on Dhanu 24th the pilgrims going to Sabarimala conduct "Ayyappan Pattu" in this temple as they had done in the past.
The "Velakali" of Sri Mahadeva temple performed during the festival time is a very rare item. For this children between the age of five and twenty dressed up as warriors holding swords and shield dance according to the rhythmic beat on the drums. This 'Velathullal' dance is indeed a splendid sight.
"Meenari" is a famous offering of this temple. During the 'Karkidaka Vavu' devotees buy rice from the temple and feed the fish in the temple pond. Many devotees rush to the temple to perform this special offering. People believe that those who perform this 'Vazhipadu' can get cured of many deceases.
'Jaladhara and Mrithinjaya Pushpanjali' are also offered by several devotees to get cure the deceases. Likewise 'Swayamvara Pushpanjali' is offered by several youth irrespective of sex to get better marital relations. It is a very surprisingly experience that these offering turns very positive results.
An important vazhipadu 'Chaturshatam' is performed in this temple which is a rare offering. Due to the traditional rituals followed and the income of the temple it occupies an important place in the Devaswom Board Temples. Also this is one of the very few self sufficient temples of the [Travancore] Dewasom Board.

 

Morkulangara Devi Temple, Kerala

The Morkulangara Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple in the Kottayam District of Kerala. The main deity is Bhagavathy. The prime feature of this temple is the deity having a height of more than 6 feet. It is believed that the Devi in Morkulangara temple placed in this place after killing the demon Darika.

Overview

The temple is very famous among devotees. The tall palm tree just in front of the temple sanctum sanctorum facing the Devi Idol is very attractive. Meena Bharani festival in March-April is the main festival here. It is celebrated on the Bharani star in the month of Meenam (March 15- April14). Devotees throngs to the temple for the three day festival.
The temple pond is famous and it is in this place the Lord Shiva Idol from Major Vazhappally Shiva Temple dips fro Aarattu during the 10 day festival of Shiva temple. The Procession from the Shiva temple reaches Morkulangara temple and Aarattu is performed with great devotion.
The temple is administered by Travancore Devaswom Board.
The important days in which devotees flock to the Morkulangara Devi Temple are Tuesday and Friday.

Geographical location

The Morkulangara Devi Temple is located in Changanassery taluk in Kottayam District. It is just 15 km away from District headquarters and just 2 km away from Changanaseery Municipal junction.

How to reach

The nearest Airport is Nedumbassery International Airport near Ernakualam. It is at a distance of about 100 km from the temple.
The nearest railhead is Changanassery and temple is just 1 km away from the station.
The nearest busstop for KSRTC buses is Mathumoola in Changanassery, which is just 750m away from the temple. Cars and Auto rickshaws are frequently available from Changanassery and Kottayam.
Darshan Time: Morning 5 am to 10 pm and Evening 5 pm to 8 pm.

 

Panachikkadu Saraswathi Temple, Kerala

Panachikkadu Temple' is a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Saraswati - the goddess of Knowledge and victory - situated at Panachikkad in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It is also known as the Dakshina Mookambika(Mookambika of the south) Temple, as it is a Saraswati temple located in the Southern region of the Indian peninsula. It is also one of the prominent Saraswati temples in Kerala.
The Panachikkadu Saraswati temple has Vishnu as the main deity.The devotees worship Vishnu first before worshipping Saraswathi as per the custom. Ganapathy, Shiva, Sasthavu and Yakshi are the sub-deities worshipped in this temple. In the ‘lthihyamala’of kottarathil sankunni there is a detailed description of this temple-this temple having more than one thousand years of history, Kizhapuram Illam once had no boys to carry out the rites. The Namboodiri was about 60 years of age and lost all his hope of having a descendant. So he went to Varanasi to have a bath in holy Ganges. On the way reaching mookambika he stayed there for a few days praying to the deity there. Serenity of the place embraced him and he decided to practice bhajan there for a year. After spending a year in the temple the old man had a dream. In that a beautiful lady came and told him that it is impossible to have a child for him in this life. The woman also told him that it will be better for him to go back to his place and will be able to adopt a child from nearby Karunattu family as the lady of that family will have two children in the near future. The old man accepted his fate and returned to his home land. On reaching Panachikad he decided to have a bath in the temple pond. He put his Olakuda (umbrella made of palm-leaf) on the southern side of the temple and went to the pond. After the bath when he tried to lift the umbrella it stood firm on the ground. Perplexed by this Namboodiri stood thoughtful. Then a man came from nowhere as if to solve the puzzle. According to him, Mookambika Devi is staying in the umbrella and Namboodiri will have to transfer the divinity to an idol first before he tries to take the umbrella again. He also told that an idol suitable for this is laying hidden in the proximate forest but before taking that he has to appease an Yakshi(female demon) who is protecting the idol. Namboodiri did as the man ordered. Thenceforth Panachikkad devi started showing her divinity in that place. Another small idol was also placed facing west as archana bimbam. As there is no roof above the main idol and the spot where the idol is placed is in a low terrain filled with water, one will get a feeling that devi is seated in the middle of a pond. The main idol now is covered by creepers and shrubs and is not clearly visible. Two things specially to be noticed here are the creepers and the immaculate spring. The leaves of the creepers which cover the idol are considered saraswathy leaves. The water comes from the spring here flows touching the feet of the “Devi” never dries even in the peak time of summer. Since the devi remains on such a Saras (small rivulet) the name saraswathy becomes meaningful. The water required for poojas and other needs are taken from the spring. No well or other water sources are available here.
Above the saraswathy temple on the western side there is a natural habitat made of exotic plants and their fragrant flowers. Here lives the ‘yakshi’ who is at once fastidious and easily made happy. The idol of ‘brahmarakshasu’ is also installed here. Even though there are yakshi shrines in other temples, as well, the power of the yakshi at panachikadu seem to be super.The idol of Yakshi has no structure to cover. It is installed under the trees like Elinji and Ezhilam Pala. The trusteeship of the shrine is vested with Kizhapuram, Karunattu and Kaimukku Namboodiri Illams. They are the residents of Panachikkadu. The boys of the Illams used to carry out the rites here.
Stone carvings on the walls illustrate Vishnu and his servants playing a game similar to modern day Volutobol. This competition is perhaps a physical presentation of Vishnu's "Preservation of the Universe", as Vishnu is clearly dominating the opposition with his many arms. These inscriptions also suggest that India, not Italy, is the birthplace of the game.
The major festival of this temple is the Saraswati Pooja in the month of Thulam [A month in the Malayalam calendar known as Kollavarsham (Kolla era) which falls approximately in September–October]. During this festival, also known as Navaratri (Nine Nights), a large number of pilgrims congregate here to pay homage to the deity.
From various parts of India devotees come here for ‘Darshan’ Irrespective of religions people come here for ‘Vidyarambham’ (the ceremony of beginning education). The ceremony of Vidyarambham (formal initiation into the letters of the alphabet) for the children is held on Vijayadashami (last day of Navaratri) day. On that day lakhs of people arrive at this temple to initiate learning to their children. A major international cultural festival of classical dance and music is held in the temple for the duration of the nine nights to coincide with the festival.
Panachikkadu can be reached from Chingavanam (4 km) by travelling through MC Road and from Eravinalloor (2.5 km). Address: Dakshina Mookambika Temple Panachikkad, Kuzhimattom P.O., Kottayam, Kerala, India, 686533

 

Perunna Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Kerala

Perunna Subrahmanya Swami temple is a Hindu temple located in Changanacherry. The deity of the temple is Murugan. This is the first temple in Kerala which was opened to all Hindus (irrespective of the caste), as per the order of Chithira Thirunal Balarama Varma of Travancore kingdom. Hearing this incident Mohandas Gandhi during his first visit to Kerala came to the temple and worshipped the Muruga for days.   A grand ceremony and meeting were conducted at the east gate of the temple then

Deity

In the temple, the furious form of Murugan is worshipped. The Vel is pointed downwards. Murugan is worshipped here in the form of Devasenapathi, the supreme general of the holy forces. The deity is in an angry and furious mood as he had just killed Tharakasuran. He is in a very angry mood as he had just killed Tharakasuran". He faces east as seen in most of the temples, and this is the only temple with a furious form. Mahaganapathi, Ayyappan, Krishna, etc. are the other deities.

Perunna inscriptions

Inscriptions in Vatteshuthu alphabet can be seen at the west gate of the temple. These are believed to be written in the 10th century, during the rule of Kulasekhara Koyiladhikari.  perunna is a holy place with a lot of temples. the deity inside the temple is in a furious mood because he came here after killing the asura {demon} .sarppa deva , rakshas ayyappa mahaganapathi,,krishna ,shiva are other deities in this temle.a lot of people came here and pray to lord muruga. tuesday is an important day in this temple. the pooja are done by brahmin specialists. december - january are time time of festival in this temple.he is known as the ruler or king of perunna kingdom.
Perunna Muruga Temple is the place where a Very Ugra Bhava of Lord Subrahmanya is worshipped.The idol of Lord Muruga of this temple unique. There is a specialty in this idol, comparing with other idols in  temples. The Vel which the Lord is holding is pointed downwards.  Muruga is worshipped here in the bhava of "devasenapathi"  and he is in a very angry mood as he had  just killed 'Tharakasura".

 

Pundareekapuram Temple, Kerala

Pundareekapuram is a small temple atop a little rise called Midayikunnam near Thalayolaparambu in Kottayam. Architecturally it is not very different from any typical village temple of Kerala. A tiled and saddle roofed square “Chuttambalam”encloses a square sanctum sanctorum. Appended to the square enclosure is a small ‘balikkalpura’. The idol worshipped here is the image of Vishnu sitting astride his celestial vehicle Garuda together with Bhoodevi. This is a rare icon.
There’s a fine picture of Siva and Parvathi sitting beneath the Kalpavriksha; a powerful picture of Durga vanquishing the buffalo-headed demon Mahisha, the pranks of Krishna the divine boy of Ambadi; a picture of a Yakshi the dangerous seductress of legends; Rama Pattabhishekham or the coronation of Sri Rama; Siva Thandava and a picture of Sastha astride a horse to point out a few of the striking paintings at Pundareekapuram.
Since the temple is tucked away in off rarely trodden village road, these paintings have for long remained relatively obscure. But these murals, no doubt can hold their own against the better known wall-paintings of Padmanabhapuram and Mattancheri Palaces. In all probability these murals were painted during the later half of the 18 th century.
Another characteristic of the Pundareekapuram paintings and Kerala murals in general are the boldness and accuracy of the lines which give a unique force to the paintings.
Thousands of Nagaraja images are installed here with Garuda.

 

Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Kerala

The Mahavishnu Kshetram (temple) at Thrikodithanam is one of the five Vishnu temples associated with the five Pandava brothers, the principal characters of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Sahadeva, one of the brothers, performed penance at this site. This temple is also counted among the 108 Temples & Celestial Abodes of Vishnu, which make a Vaishnavite's pilgrimage itinerary, in India. ^]
Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints - Nammalvar, in circa 800 AD. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD).
Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Kshetram is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), an autonomous body under Government of Kerala. TDB has classified this shrine among 224 "Major Temples" of Kerala.
Thrikodithanam is located is located 2.5 KM from Changanassery town, in Kottayam district, Kerala, India.

 

Kalarickal Manikanda Swami Temple, Kerala

Kalarickal Manikanda Swami temple is an ancient temple in Thrikkodithanam village in Kottayam District, Kerala, India.
Lord Siva is the main prathista (idol). The tomb of Kalarickal Gurunathan is also present in the temple. It is said that Karikal Gurunathan was a kalari (traditional kerala martial arts) expert and helped the king of Thrikkodithanam. It is believed that Gurunthan’s birthplace is Edappali, Kochi.
Temple renovation is in progress and it attracts many devotees.

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

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