Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State -7 at 3:20 AM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State

Thrippakudam Temple, Kerala

Thrippakudam Siva Temple is a Hindu temple located at Thalayazham, a village near Vaikom, Kottayam district, Kerala, India.   
his famous and ancient temple of Shiva is several centuries old. The people here are totally devoted to him, even people from other religions also believe in him   The festival is on the time of February or March, in the Malayalam month of kumBham.
Location for Vaikom
Vaikom is a taluk and also its capital town, situated in the North-West of Kottayam district in Kerala, India. Its western border is the Lake Vembanad, and is crossed by various estuaries of the River Muvattupuzha. Vaikom is the oldest township in Kottayam district,

Malliyoor Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple, Kottayam

 

The Malliyoor Sree MahaGanapathy Temple in Kottayam district, Kerala is the sacred abode of the all - encompassing divine presence of Lord Ganesha and also a coveted destination of lakhs of pilgrims from all over India. The endearing elephant - headed Lord Ganesha, the son of Siva and Parvathy, enjoys prime place among all the gods in the Hindu pantheon. He is Parabrahma incarnate, the God of Wisdom and Learning, the Remover of all Obstacles and is worshipped first, any other god. The Malliyoor Sree MahaGanapathy Temple is in comparable in the conception of the presiding deity as Vaishnava Ganapathy, with a young Sree Krishna seated on the lap of Lord Ganesha. This unique and powerful infusion of the Vaishnava spirit in the Ganesha idol is the supreme achievement of the devoted penance of the much-revered main priest of the temple, Brahmasree Bhagavathahamsam Malliyoor Sankaran Nampoothiri. Today thousand of devotees flock to the feet of Vasihnava Ganapthy at Malliyoor seeking eternal salvation form the bonds of Karama and solace from the evils of Kaliyuga.

History
The Malliyoor Maha Ganapathy Temple is believed to have come into existence much before the Perumals exercised their sway over the southern peninsula. The pre-Perumal historical records have many references to the importance of this place of worship.
The story goes that a deeply devout and saintly Brahmin brought the idol over here from an unidentified and unspecified pilgrim centre some where in the North, centuries back. The family-deities Anthimahakalan and Yakshi worshipped by the once-powerful administrators of the temple also find a place inside the temple complex. The temple is jointly administrated by two families, the Aryappally mana and Vadakkedam Mana. In course of time the two families were merged to Malliyoor and the Temple when went through a period of misfortune and penury, the Malliyoor family bearing a brunt of it. But they worshipped Lord Ganapathy with unwavering devotion even when the temple was without a root over the sanctum sanctorum and the family having a hand to mouth extensive.
For quite some time in the past there was no structure except the sanctum sanctorum. A thatched shed served as the temple kitchen. But when that was eaten away by the elements the priest concerned cooked rice in his home kitchen and brought it to the temple as offering. This arrangement too later crumbled along with the priest's own adobe. For about seven years after that, the temple was opened only once in a month to light the lamp and offer cooked rice to the deity.
Once again a small house came up for the priest on a piece of plot donated by Brahmasri Kaithamattom Nampoothiri. Finally, the priestly family managed to have a hand-to-mouth existence, but the temple continued to be in its dilapidated state.
In 1136 Brahmasri Sanakaran Nampoothiry's father passed away. In the following months of his penance and abstinence, the renovation of the temple was taken up under the supervision of 'Uamplakkad' Nampoothiry, as per the architectural specifications of Palakkad Krishna Varier. The sanctum sanctorum thus got a roof. A fairly wide structure came up around the sanctum sanctorum. A kitchen, pantry and a short wall enclosing all these was soon completed. Then the work languished. These frequent interruptions might be indicative of a divine message. Astrologers were called in. It was found that Durga was demanding a place for herself in the temple. So a separate abode was erected for Durga Devi. Propitiatory and other traditional rituals were performed in the following days.
 The pious Sankaran Nambpoothiri then prostrated himself at the feet of supreme deity of grace and bounty, Sree Guruvayoorappan. He started to recite the holy text, 'Sree Maha Bhagavatham' in front of Ganesha and offering to his Lord. His intense prayer and the total supplication resulted in the infusion of the spirit of Mahavishnu into the idol of Ganesha. It was the finding of astrology.
The deity here is conceptualised as Beeja Ganapathi, the trunk twisted rightward and carries on its tip a lemon, the hands hold an axe, a rope, a horn and a laddu, cradling little Sree Krishna in his lap. The Vaishnava spirit permeates the entire atmosphere.
 Pooja Schedules
Morning

Opening (Nirmalya Darsanam)	5.00
	Abishekam, Malar nivedyam	5.30
	Mukkutti Pushpanjali	8.00
	Ucha Pooja	10.00
	Closing	11.30

Evening

Opening	5.30
	Deeparadhana	6.30
	Atthazha Nivedyam	7.00
	Closing	8.00

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

 

 Thodupuzha Temples, Kerala

Thodupuzha (Malayalam: തൊടുപുഴ)(Hindi: तोडुपुज़ा)(Kannada: ತೊಡುಪುಳಾ`)(Tamil: தொடுபுழை)is a town and a municipality in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala, spread over an area of 35.43 km². It is 62 km from Ernakulam. Geographical Classification of Thodupuzha Region is Midland or Idanad.
Thodupuzha is also the name of the river that flows through the town. It is the largest town in the district and is the commercial centre. The town is being modernised with the help of a programme sponsored by the World Bank which is financing the programme through the Government of Kerala. It was once part of the territory of the princely state, Travancore. It lies in central Kerala, southeast of Muvattupuzha. The Thodupuzha municipality area is characterised by hilly terrain with a lot of green vegetation.

Name

The name 'Thodupuzha' might have come from two words, 'thodu' (which means a small stream) and 'puzha' (which means a river). It is believed that the stream developed into a river, and the town on the banks of the river came to be known as Thodupuzha.
There is another version which defines the word ‘thodu’ (Malayalam word) as ‘touch’ and ‘puzha’ as ‘river’. Thus the town touching the river became Thodupuzha. Mattathil Kovilakam was the protectors and rulers of the Desham (region)Thodupuzha that they were in and a reporting relationship emerged to a "Naadu Vaazhi" (Ruler of the land)of Keezhmalainadu. Naadu is a group of Deshams came to known as Thodupuzha.The last ruler of the desam was Elasamprathi(Ruler of a region appointed by Maharaja of Keezhmalainadu) Shri Narayana Menon originally from Trivandrum and he was the representative of Maharaja Raja.His official residence was Mattathil Kovilakam located in Chalamkode Village.^[2] Official Head Quarters of Keezhmalainadu were Karikodu.

 

 

 Srikrishna Swamy Temple, Thodupuzha

  Kanjiramattam Sri Mahadeva Temple, Thodupuzha

  Karikkode Sri Bhagavathy Temple Karikkode, Thodupuzha

  Uravappara Sri Subhrahmanya Temple(Malayala Pazhani) Thodupuzha

  Annamala Nathar Temple Karikkode, Thodupuzha

  Muthaliyar Madam Temple Thodupuzha

 Thachukuzhikavu Annapoorneswari-Bhadrakali-Navagraha Temple Thodupuzha

  Sri Narasimha Swami Temple Manakkadu, Thodupuzha

  Nellikkavu Bhagavathi Temple Manakkadu, Thodupuzha

  Alppara Sri Uma-Maheswara Temple Chittoor, Thodupuzha

  Kaippilli kavu Sri Durga - Sri Bhadra Temple Periyambra, Thodupuzha

  thrikkekkunnu Mahadeva Temple Vazhithala, Thodupuzha

  Sri Krisha Swami Temple Kolani, Thodupuzha

  Amaram Kavu Sri Durga Temple Kolani, Thodupuzha

  Puthuchirakkavu Sri Bhadra Kali Temple Purappuzha, Thodupuzha

  Moozhikkal Bhagavathi Temple Arikuzha, Thodupuzha

  Puthukkulam Nagaraja Temple Manakkadu, Thodupuzha

 Chakkulathukavu UmaMaheshwara Temple{Ezham Mile,Kolapra,Thodupuzha}

Tourism

Thodupuzha is blessed with natural scenic beauty. Although Thodupuzha itself is not a major tourist destination, it is the gateway to top tourist destinations like Munnar, Thekkadi, Vagamon, Idukki Dam, Malankara Dam, Peermade etc. Thommankuthu which is 20 kilometres east of Thodupuzha is famous for its numerous waterfalls.

 The place is ideal for nature lovers. To enjoy the panoramic beauty the best way is to undertake a trek that takes one to the top of the mountain, a nearly 12-kilometre trek. Malankara Dam is a beautiful reservoir across the Thodupuzha river at 6 kilometres from Thodupuzha town. Elaveezhapoonchira is another trekking destination which offers a serene grassland at the top of a hill. Other major tourist spots include Nadu Kani Pavilion, Thumbichi Mount, Moolamattom power house, Uravappara, Kolani Kavu, Paramada echo point, Elappilly waterfalls etc. Thattakuzha is also a nice place in thodupuzha.  Some of the movies shot at and around Thodupuzha

Transportation

Thodupuzha has an excellent network of roads which connects it to the nearby towns and cities. The Main Eastern Highway (Muvattupuzha - Punalur / SH-08 / 154 km) passes through Thodupuzha and connects it to two of its neighboring towns, Muvattupuzha and Pala. Thodupuzha-Puliyanmala road (SH-33) connects Thodupuzha to Idukki District centre at Painavu as well as tourist destinations like Idukki Dam and Thekkadi. Alappuzha-Madurai road (SH-40) also passes through Thodupuzha town. SH-43 which connects Muvattupuzha with Theni passes through some parts of the Thodupuzha Taluk but doesn’t pass through Thodupuzha town.Other state highways, Tekkady - Ernakulam and Sabarimala - Neryamangalam also passes through Thodupuzha town. The nearest Railway Stations are Aluva which is 56 kilometres from Thodupuzha. Kottayam Railway station is at 55 kilometres from Thodupuzha and Ernakulam Junction Railway Station is at 60 kilometres. The suggested Sabari Rail route to Sabarimala passes through Thodupuzha,with station expected at Manakkad . The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport at a distance of 54 kilometres from Thodupuzha. New 4 Lane Highway Proposed from Muvattupuzha to Kakkanad if materializes will connect Thodupuzha to Kochi in Less than 45 minutes to reach reducing the distance to 50 kilometres.

 

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Kochi, Kerala

Sree Poornathrayesa temple (in Malayalam: പൂര്‍ണ്ണത്രയീശ ക്ഷേത്രം) is situated in Tripunithura, Kochi, the capital of the former Kingdom of Cochin. The temple is considered among the greatest temples in Kerala. The temple is famous for its yearly Utsavams or festivals. The main one being the Vrishchikoltsawam,   which is conducted every year in the month of Vrishchikam (Nov-Dec) kicking of 'Ulsava' Season in Kerala.
The deity in this temple is Lord Vishnu who is in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy. It is well believed that childless couples will be blessed with children on praying Poornathrayesan.

Temple Structure

The structure of the temple was redesigned in 1921 by the great architect Late Sri Eachara Warrier.

Architecture

The first floor of the two storied gopuram consists of a mandapam (Dias), and eight beautifully carved wooden pillars support the Mandapam.

 

Ernakulam Shiva Temple, Kerala

Ernakulam Shiva Temple, also known as Ernakulathappan Temple is one of the major temples of Kerala, located in heart of Ernakulam, the downtown area of the city of Kochi. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is considered as the city temple, with the presiding deity as the protector of the city, as per local Hindu faiths and traditions. As per the common practice in Kerala, the deity is reverently called Eranakulathappan, which means Lord of Eranakulam. The temple is located within the Durbar Hall Ground. The temple history itself has deep association with history of the city and was one of the 7 royal temples of Kochi Maharajas. The temple is now under administration of Cochin Devasom Board. The temple in its current form was built under active patronage of Diwan Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier in year 1846 and raised it level of a Royal temple in the Kochi Kingdom. The temple is built on 1-acre (4,000 m²) land.

Legend

Cheranalloor Kartha Family of South Chittor was the founder of Ernakulam Siva Temple.Asper the devaprasna this temple have a connection with Vaishnava.Jadavedan nampoothiri was the swamiyar of Ernakulam Siva Temple and Thiruvananthapuram Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.He was a member of Cheranalloor Kartha Family of South Chittoor
The temple's legend is deeply associated with Hindu epic Mahabharata. Arjuna, the 3rd Pandava made a severe penance to propitiate Lord Shiva. Pleased with Arjuna’s devotion Shiva accompanied with his consort Sri Parvathi set out from their abode at Mount Kailash to meet Arjuna.
Shiva intends to impress Parvathi with the devotion Arjuna has towards him. Shiva disguises himself as "Kiratha" a tribal hunter before appearing before Arjuna.Just as Shiva appears before Arjuna he sees a wild boar charging towards Arjuna and shoots an arrow at the boar. Arjuna, who is an accomplished archer, also shoots an arrow at the boar. The boar who was in fact a demon named Mookasura in disguise is killed and its original form is revealed. However, dispute arises between Arjuna and Kiratha as to who is the real killer of the animal. A battle ensues between the two, lasting a long time, ultimately resulting in Kiratha’s victory over Arjuna.
The vanquished Arjuna, unable to even stand up makes a Shiva Linga out of mud and performs a pooja offering flowers. To his surprise, he sees that the flower he offers over the Shiva Linga is falling over the head of Kiratha. Arjuna then realises that Kiratha is none other than his Lord Shiva. Pleased with his devotion and sincerity, Lord Shiva granted Pashupatha Arrow to Arjuna. Arjuna left this place and soon this area was covered with dense forest, uninhabited for long time. The existence of the Shiva linga made by Arjuna also disappeared from memories of all.....
Centuries later, a boy named Devala who has been cursed by a sage, now has a body of a snake, crawled into this forest and saw this lingam completely submerged into mud . He worshiped this lingam as part a deep penance in hope for redeeming from the curse. Soon a few people spotted this mysterious man with body of snake and called him as Rishi Nagam (Saint Serpent) and feared even to come near to him. Some even tried to thwart him with sticks etc. Unmoved by all these action, Rishi Nagam continued his severe penance. Finally Lord Shiva and Parvathi appeared in their original form and asked the sage to take a dip in the nearby pond. As soon as he immersed, he was redeemed from the curse. Soon a new idol appeared just near to the original lingam. Based on this legend, the place got its new name, Rishnagakulam (The pond of Rishi Nagam) and the temple was constructed by the public.

History

The existence of temple was first mentioned in Sangam Literature as one of the major temples under Chera Dynasty. Cheras were adherent worshipers of Lord Shiva. When Chera dynasty ended, the place fell into the hands a few Nair nobles who renamed the place as Ernakulam (corrupt form of original word- Eere Naal Kulam meaning Pond with water always) in recognition of the famous sacred pond of this temple. Soon this area came under reign of Kochi Kingdom. The Kochi Rulers, due to siege of Fort Kochi by Dutch in 17th century, moved their capital to Ernakulam and established a Palace close to this temple, facing the temple pond (The Tank Shed Palace seen behind current Durbar Hall). This helped the temple to gain prominence, due to royal patronage. The temple deity was declared as protector of Ernakulam city (Nagara Devata), which was one of the major reason of contention between Edappally Nair Lords who were the traditional feudal lord of the town and the Kochi Maharajas.
The second phase of the temple came in 1842 when Diwan of Kochi, Sri Edakkunni Sankara Warrier felt to renovate the temple which were in dilapidated condition. Works were started in 1843. Two new Gopura Mandapams (Entrance Towers) were constructed in traditional Kerala style similar to Sree Poornathrayesa Temple of Tripunithura which was the Chief Royal temple of Kochi Maharajas. The new temple complex was opened to public in 1846. The temple was elevated to a royal temple and brought under direct administration of Kochi Government's Devaswom Board. In 1949, when Kochi acceded into India Union, the Devaswom Board came under new Government's control, which still remains.
As part of increasing local participation in temple management, the Ernakulam Kshetra Upadesha Samithi (Temple Advisory committee) consisting leading Hindu members of Ernakulam city to assist the devaswom board in day to day management of the temple.

Deities

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva in Gourisankara form, located in main sanctum sanctorum, facing west towards the Arabian sea. The Lingam in the main sanctum sanctorum is considered to be Swayambhoo (Divinely derived). On the northern side of the main sanctum sanctorum, one can see the small shrine of Kirthamoorthy where the original Lingam worshipped by Arjuna is still worshiped. On the southern side, a small shrine for Lord Ganesha is seen. There is a small area behind the main sanctum sanctorum, considered as abode of Goddess Parvati, hence the east gate is known as the Devi Gate. Outside the Inner temple circle, shrines for Lord Ayyappa and Nagaraja are worshiped.

Pooja Timings

Nadathurakal Time	3.30 AM
Nirmalyam	3.30 AM
Abishekam	4.00 to 4.45 AM
Shankhabhishekam	5.15 AM
Ushapooja Nadathurakal	5.45 AM
Yethertha Pooja Nadathurakal	6.15 AM
Ethirtha Sheeveli	6.30 AM
Pantheeradi Pooja	7.30 to 8.15 AM
Uchcha Pooja	9.30 to 11AM
Vykunneram Nadathruakal	4.00 PM
Deeparadhana	6.45 PM
Athaazhapooja Nadathurakal	7.30 PM
Thripuka Nadathurakal	8.00 PM

Festivals
 The Uthsavom (temple festival) of Shiva temple is one of the grandest festivals in the Kochi city, normally celebrated during December–January time. The festivities starts with Kodiyettam (hoisting of the temple flag ) on the first day evening. On the seventh day there is Pakalpooram, when the deity is being taken out in procession with caparisoned elephants with Panchavadyam and finally terminating at Durbar Hall Ground after the famous Pandimelam and colourful fire works. On the final day around evening, in a solemn ceremony the flag is lowered and the deity is then taken for the Arattu ( holy bath ) in the nearby temple tank. After that starts the famous Arattu procession with the accompaniment of Panchavadyam. The procession terminates at Durbar Hall Ground. The grand fireworks then bring the curtain down to this week long festival. During all these days Sheeveli is arranged inside the temple and the best available Chendamelam artists are arranged for this. Special poojas connected with the festival are conducted everyday by famous priests from Chennose and Puliyannur Mana. A variety of cultural programmes are also arranged during these days. Special emphasis is given to promote temple arts like Ottamthullal, Paatakam, Thayambaka, Kathakali, Classical dances, Classical music concerts, Bhajans etc. Annadanam is also arranged. Thousands of people throng the temple to witness these programmes. Watching the Pakalpooram and Arattu processions will be an unforgettable experience for anybody. The adjacent Durbar Hall ground becomes a beehive of activities during the Uthsavom.

 

Dakshina Mookambika Temple North Paravur, Kerala

 

The Dakshina Mookambika Temple is a famous Saraswati temple (10°08′48″N 76°13′55″ECoordinates:   in the town of North Paravur in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The presiding deity in this temple is Saraswati and sub-deities are Ganapathy, Subrahmanyan, Mahavishnu, Yakshi, Hanuman and Veerabhadran. A shrine devoted to Yakshi is at the southwest corner. The sanctum sanctorum is in the midst of a lotus pool.
According to legends, Thampuran (ruler) of Paravur was a great devotee of Goddess Mookambika. He used to visit the Kollur temple in Mangalore every year to pay homage to the goddess. When he became old, his health worsened and he could no longer undertake the long journey to Kollur. The goddess appeared to the sad devotee in a dream and ordered him to build her idol near his palace so that he can have daily darshan of her. Thampuran followed her instructions, built a temple at Paravur and installed the Goddess.

Festivals

The famous Navratri festival is celebrated here with great fervor. Thousands of people participate in the Navratri music festival. On Durgashtami, books are arranged before the image of Goddess Saraswathy and on Vijayadashami morning, Ezhuthinirithu or Vidyāraṃbhaṃ ceremony takes place at a special mandapam which goes from 4 am to 11 am. Thousands of little children are initiated into the world of letters by making them write the word harisree on rice, their tongues or sand with a golden ring.
Apart from the Navratri festival, the "ten-day annual festival" is celebrated in the month of Makaram (January–February). The music festival and Vidyāraṃbhaṃ ceremony are the main features of this festival.

 

Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple, Kerala

Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple is one of the main Hindu temple in Kerala state, south India. This temple is in Cherai village in Ernakulam district of Kerala. Temple is mainatained by Vinjhana Vardhini Sabha (V. V Sabha). It also known as Malyala palani മലയാള പഴനി or Muruga Temple. The Cherai Gowreeshwara Temple festival is the biggest festival in the Eranakulam district. The festival happens every year towards the last 2 weeks of January or first 2 weeks of February. The main attractions are caparisoned elephant march (around 20-30 elephants).
There is one more famous temple in Cherai, which is Azheekkal Sree Varaha Temple famous for its beautiful chariot.

 

Chottanikkara Temple, Ernakulam

The Chottanikkara (corruption of Jyotiannakkara) Temple is a famous temple of the Hindu mother goddess Bhagawati. The temple is located near Ernakulam in the southern Indian state of Kerala and is one of the most popular temples in the state and in terms of temple architecture,this temple stands out to be an ultimate testmonial for the ancient vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) in sculpting this temple along with Sabarimala. Bhagawati is one of the most popular deities in the area, Chottanikkara Devi is worshipped at the temple, in three different forms: as Saraswati in the morning, draped in white; as BhadraKali at noon, draped in crimson; and as Durga in the evening, decked in blue. Lord Shiva is also worshiped at the temple. People suffering from mental illnesses commonly visit the temple, as Bhagawati is thought to cure her devotees. One should not miss the 'Guruthi Pooja' in the 'Keezhkkaavu' temple at Chottanikkara. This is a ritual done at late evening to invoke the goddess. Earlier 'Guruthi Pooja' was done only on Fridays. But nowadays, it is performed everyday.
'Chottanikara Makam thozhal' is the famous religious festival temple

Legend

The area in which the temple is situated was once a dense forest that was believed to be infested by yakshis and rakshsas. A tribesman named Kannappan used to live in this forest. He was a devout worshipper of Kali, and would ritually sacrifice a cow to her every Friday( the day of the Goddess). One day, he found a beautiful black calf near the forest. he kidnapped her and took her to his altar. Just before he sacrificed the calf, his daughter, Manimanga, stepped in and pleaded for him to stop. The man loved his daughter and thus let her keep the calf as a pet. Unfortunately, Manimanga died the next morning. However, when the tribes man looked for the calf, he found two divine stones in its place : one was Lakshmi and the other was Vishnu. After many years, the stones were forgotten. One day, a woodcutter came to the forest to cut some trees. Since his axe was blunt,he sharpened it on a nearby stone. Wonder of wonders, the stone started bleeding. After devaprasnam, it was concluded that the stones were divine. The idol at Keezhkavu didn't come until after the temple was built. One night, a Brahmin was walking along a moonlit trail. Suddenly, he saw a beautiful woman, standing all alone. He offered to escort her home, and she agreed. However, when the Brahmin went to the Goddess's priest, he was told that it was really a yakshi. thus, with the yakshi after him, the Brahmin ran to the temple. Just as he reached the sanctum, the yakshi transformed and rounded up on him. However, the goddess jumped out of the sanctum sanctorum as Kali and killed her. She then went to wash her self in the pond, where the Kali idol was found hundreds of years later by Vilvamangalam of Guruvayoor.

Makam Thozhal

The ritualistic bath of "Devi" in ceremonial pond in the morning at the sacred pond at Onakkoor far on the northern side of the Temple. After this "Devi" accompanied by Lord Sastha on the back of the eleven caparisoned elephants march towards the "Pooraparambhu" the traditional vantage point where they remain till 11 a.m.
After the mid-day the door of Sanctum Sanctorum closes. Only to re-open at 2 p.m for the "Makam Darsanam" at that time Devi who appears in her sacred full-fledged splendour and glory decked in her sacred gold ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands. This is exactly the form of vision which Villwamangalam Swamiyar was believed to have had when he faced westward after the "Prathishta" (installation) of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy, Chottanikkara Devi appears at this moment clad in glittering clothes brilliant ornaments and fine jewellery with her four arms bearing varam, Abhayam, Shank and Chakram (Offering gift and refuge) to her ardent devotees. It is fervently believed that Darsanam at this moment will result in the fulfillment of all prayers and cherished desires. It is fervently believed that those who gain Darsanam at this crucial Mithuna Lagna, will be blessed with the fulfillment of their long standing desire and prayers.

Important Months

• Chingam - Thiruvonam is celebrated in the temple with Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all Pilgrims
• Kanni - Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival,which attracts large number of devotees. On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri utsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted.
• Vrishchikam - The Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam (festival) is celebrated during the entire period of mandalam season.Daily annadanam, stage programmes, Naama japam etc. are conducted. During this month,Thrikkarthika festival comes. It is the birthday of the Goddess and the festival runs for three days, Kaarthika, Rohini and Makayiram. On these days,there is ezhunnellippu, Kazhcha siveli, stage programme, deepaalankaaram, Kaarthika vilakku, fireworks etc.There is also lakshaarchana and Vedamura abishekam for 15 days starting from January 1. On the makaravilakku day there is lakshadeepam (lighting of one lakh lamps) and fire works.
• Kumbam - The annual festival of the temple comes in Kumbham. It begins with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting ceremony) on Rohini day, lasts for 7 days and ends on Uthram star. There is Pooram ezhunnellippu with 7 Elephants in the morning and at night. The ulsavam ends with Uthram Aarattu and Valiya Guruthi (Atham Guruthy).
• Medam - On the Vishu day, there will be Vishukani, Vishusadya and ezhunellippu on 3 elephants.
• Karkitakam - Ramayana masam (Ramayana Month) is celebrated during this period. Daily puranam reading (Ramayanam, Bhagavatham, etc.,) daily annadanam, devotional speeches and discourse etc., is conducted - there is also illam Nira, when fresh paddy of the year is offered to God.

Distance to Chottanikkara Temple

From

1. Cochin Air Port - 38.K.M.
2. Eranakulam South Railway Station - 18.K.M.
3. Eranakulam North Railway Station - 20.K.M.
4. Eranakulam K.S.R.T.C.Bus Stand - 20.K.M.
5. Kaloor Private Bus Stand - 22.K.m.
6. Eranakulam K.S.R.T.C.Bus Stand - 20.K.M.
7. Kaloor Private Bus Stand - 22.K.m.

Transportation

Air : International Air Port is at Nedumbassery, near Aluva, about 22 km away from Ernakulam, Kochi.
Rail :The nearest station is at Tripunithura railway station about 6.4 kms; another nearest one is Ernakulam about 17 km away from Chottanikkara. The two railway stations in Kochi are Ernakulam Junction and Ernakulam Town.
Road : KSRTC Central Bus station is near the Ernakulam Junction railway station. There are plenty of private buses available for travel from Ernakulam to other cities.

 

Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple, Kerala

 

Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple, located at South Chittoor in the city of Kochi, is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is a major temple under the Cochin Devaswom Board. For centuries the temple was closely associated with the Kartha family of Cheranelloor Swaroopam and was later taken over by Rama Varma Maharaja of Cochin Royal Family. It is a classic example of Kerala temple architecture.
The sreekovil or sanctum sanctorum is square in shape, with a pyramidal roof covered with copper plates. Similar to the idol at Guruvayoor, the idol of Lord Krishna faces east in standing posture with 4 arms, carrying the conch named Panchajanyam, Sudarshana Chakra, Lotus and Gada. There is a small shrine of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh to the right of the inner sanctum. The outer sanctum is built with tiled roof, houses the temple kitchen, storage and preparation areas. The shrines of Naga, brahmarakshas and Bhagavathi are located outside the outer sanctum, but within the complex. The shrine of Lord Hanuman is located outside the west entrance to the complex. The temple pond, called Agnihotratheertham lies to the north of the complex. There is a huge statue of kaaliya mardanam, where Lord Krishna is shown standing on the hood of a huge serpant. This is in reference to the legend of the serpant Kaliya being banished by Lord Krishna.

 History

The history of this temple dates back to the 13th century. It was built by the head of the local ruling family, the Cheranelloor Swaroopam. The men of this family were known by the title kartha. Around seven centuries ago Narayanan Kartha, a young member of the family, became an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, and moved to Guruvayoor to be near the famous temple there. Eventually, he became the head of the family by succession, which required him to move back to the family seat in order to discharge his responsibilities as the head and ruler. Split between his devotion to Lord Krishna, and the responsibility to his family and subjects, Narayanan prayed to Lord Krishna for guidance. He had a vision in his dream that the lord has promised to accompany him, by embedding into an umbrella, and he was expected to build a shrine where he puts the umbrella down. Travelling back to his home, he happened to put the umbrella down at the present temple site, which was close to his home. Eventually, he built a temple at the site. It was modeled after the Guruvayoor temple, and the chief priest of Guruvayoor was invited to conduct the installation of the deity.
The subsequent generations of the family showed great reverence for the temple, and built it up further. Later, as the Cochin Royal Family became prominent, they took over the administration of the temple. When the kingdom acceded to the Indian Union, management of the temple was transferred to the Cochin Devaswom Board.

Pooja Timings

Palliyunarthal	3.00 AM
Nada Opens	4.00 AM
Nirmalyam	4.05 AM
Enna Adal	4.15 AM
Vakacharth	4.20 AM
Sankabiskekam	4.30 AM
Malar Nivedhyam	4.45 AM
Usha Pooja	5.00 AM
Ethirtha Pooja	6.00 AM
Ethritha Siveli	6.30 AM
Panthiradi Pooja	7.30 AM
Ucha Pooja	10.30 AM
Ucha Siveli	10.45 AM
Nada Closes	11.00 AM
Nada Opens	4.30 PM
Deeparadhana	After Sunset
Athazha Pooja	7.30 PM
Athazha Siveli	8.00 PM
Thripuka	8.10 PM
Nada Closes	8.30 PM

Offerings

Aadiya Enna, Puvan/Kadali Pazham, Kalabhabhishekam, Pushpabhishekam, Palpayasam, Sahasranamarchana, Neyvilakku, etc. are the main offerings of Lord Krishna. Vedi Vazhipadu, Turmeric and Kumkum, Guruthy and Chanthattam are the main offerings for Bhagavathi. Pinvilakku, Dhara, Koovalamala etc. are the main offerings of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesh has Ganapathi Homam as his main offering. Nagas have Noorum Palum and Rakshas has Palpayasam.

Location

The temple is located in the village of South Chittoor, surrounded by coconut lagoons, in the north western part of the city of Kochi, Ernakulam District, Kerala. The temple is well connected by rail and road, with the nearest railway station at Ernakulam Town.

 

Eravikulangara Temple, Kerala

Eravikulangara Bhagavathy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India, dedicated to Bhagavan Sivan and Bhagavan Ayyappan.

Location

The temple is situated in the village of Akaparambu, between Kalady (the birth place of Adi Sankara) and Aluva. The temple is almost a kilometer away from the Nedumbassery International Airport and 500 meters away from the Kariyad Junction at NH47.

Prathistha (Origin)

The Ashtamangalya prasna conducted here has revealed that the temple is around 1600 years old. It is also understood from the prasna that ages back the temple was amidst a dense forest and presence of Devi was found here. Vilwamangalam Swamiyar had 'The Darshan of Devi' (the sight of the divine) at this place, hence the hillock where the temple is situated is also called Thiruviluam Kunnu.
The presence of Lord Shiva and Sastha (Ayyappan) were also found later on and devotees started to worship them too. A Thambula Prasna was conducted in the year 2007. It has emphasized the need of Prathishta of Brahma Rakshas and Nāga Sarppam in the temple premises and it is done with thanthric rituals in October 2008

Aitihya (Legends)

There are various aitihya told about this temple.

• A Brahmachari Brahman scholar in the nearby Padappa Mana, known as Sankara Sarma, was worshiping Bhadrakali in his Illam. When he wanted to go for Sanyasa, he performed prathishta of Bhadrakali in this temple and left for Kasi. The goddess has become so powerful due to the prana prathishta done by this Acharya.

• Old timers have been reminiscing many legendary events about this sacred temple. One of them is about a ‘Divine light’ that was seen in the dense forest on the bank of the lake by the villagers who went to graze their cattle. The news had spread “ Aa parambil adbhudam!!!”. This land was later known as Akapparambu. People started worshiping the divine presence there, which later on transformed as this temple.

• Once two youths were enacting as Bhadrakali and Darika. During the play both of them had the presence of Devi and Asura in them. The play went on and Devi chopped the head of Darika. His body and head had become two rocks and these rocks still exist near the temple. These are called as “Darika Para”.

• One more story is told about these rocks. There was a washerwoman (Velathy) who used to wash clothes regularly in the lake. One day when she had more clothes to wash, she was worried since it was about to be dusk. She took a twig and stuck it in the ground and prayed that sun should not cross the stick before she completed her washing. When Lord Soorya became still, Devi realized it. Devi cursed that woman and she along with her cloth bundle became two rocks. Hence the same rocks are also called as “Velathy Kallu”. The big lake, which is at the south side of the temple, has good significance as per the aitihya and is maintained as it was.

 

Kalamassery Mahaganapathy Temple, Kerala

 

Kalamassery Mahaganapathy Temple (Malayalam: കളമശ്ശേരി മഹാഗണപതി ക്ഷേത്രം) is a Hindu temple in North Kalamassery dedicated to Ganapathy and other Gods including Subramanian, the Navagrahas, Shiva, Parvathi, Rama and more. Kalamassery is a suburb of the city of Kochi^[

Temple structure

The temple has a simple construction with the original shrines of Ganapathy and Subramanian (along with the Navagrahas) housed inside two concrete structures located side by side facing west. Between these two structures is located the stairs leading to the more recent elevated structure which houses the shrines of several other Gods and Goddesses. These new shrines were added in the year 2000 and include those for Shiva, Parvathi, Rama, Dakshinamurthi and Chandikeshwara. The entire building covers an area of just around 5,000 square feet (460 m²), and there are no outer walls. There is a Peepal tree in front of the Ganapathy shrine. The temple complex includes a ground behind the building. The busy Eloor-Kalamassery road runs just in front of the temple. The space from the temple's front and the road is so short (around 30 feet) that it has earned the deity the dubious nickname of 'Road-side Ganapathy'.  

Events

The devotees refer to elephants as Lord Ganesh's incarnation. It has been the regular annual practice at the Mahaganapathy temple for the last 20 years to conduct a large-scale Ashta Dravya Maha Ganapathy Havana and Aanayoottu on the first day of the Karkidakom month of the malayalam calendar. Gajapooja also is conducted once every four years.

 

Kurumbakkavu Bhagavathy Temple Edathala, Kerala

Edathala's Sree Kurumbakkavu Bhagavathy Temple is in a village that is 8 km from Aluva Railway station and 20 km from Cochin international Airport.
The Divine Mother known as Kurumbakavilamma is worshiped here as the main deity. Apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of a temple for Sastha, peedam for Nagas, Khandakarnan, Rakshas and Kshetrapalakan.
Meena Bharani, the birthday of Kurumbakavilamma, is the most important festival of the temple and is celebrated on "Bharani Nakshatram" in the month of Meenam (March/April). The temple also has special poojas in the month of Karkidakam with the chanting of the holy scripture Ramayanam daily, Navaratri poojas, Mandala pooja followed by Sashtampaatu in the month of Vrischikam.
The exact place of temple is Kunjattukara

 

Makaliyam Sreeramaswamy Temple, Kerala

The Makaliyam Sreeramaswamy Temple is a famous temple of the Hindu Lord Sri Rama. The temple is located near Ernakulam - Tripunithura in the southern Indian state of Kerala and is one of the most popular temples in the state. This temple is said to be built by the Chera_Dynasty. Several years ago, it is believed that a major fire incident had happened in the temple in which almost all gopuras and many structures were severely damaged. This is the new temple constructed by devottess later on and is now owned by Devaswom boards_in_Kerala. The temple is recently renovated again with copper plated roofs.
Lord Vinayaka and Lord Ayyappa are the Upa-Devathas.
Here Lord Rama is considered to be in most powerful form after killing asura Khara younger brother of emperor Ravana and his huge army.

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

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