Holy
Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State
Azhakodi Devi Temple, Kerala
Azhakodi Devi Temple (Malayalam: അഴകൊടി ദേവീക്ഷേത്രം ) is a Hindu temple in Thiruthiyadu, Thiruthiyadu, Kozhikode, Kerala, India. It is about 1.5 m away from the Mofussil bus stand and 2.5 km from the KSRTC Bus stand to the Kozhikode city. Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram is located in Thiruthiyad, Kozhikode District, Kerala, South India. It is one of the famous Devi temple, situated hardly 1.5 m away from the Mofussil Bus stand and 2.5 km from the KSRTC Bus stand, the area still retains the beauty and charm of un-spoilt rural settings within the heart of the kozhikodeCity. The temple and the Kalayana Mandapom (Azhakodi Devi Mandiram) are administered by the Malabar Devaswom Board.The most ancient and historically renowned temple “Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram”,has its deity in the form of “Bhadrakali” in a calm disposition. The temple consists of seven maternal incarnation-brahamani, maheshwari, kowmari, vaishanavi, vaarahi, indarni and chamundi. A sivalinga is also present.
There is a legend behind this temple, that the samoothiri entrusted six of his generals to the temple “Arikkodikkavu” which is presently renowned as Azhakodi Devi mahashekthram. An idol of “Bhavani Devi” was also given by the samoothiri which was gifted to him by the traders of Gujarat. The generals were instructed to place the idol adjacent to the “Bhagavathi Idol” in the “Arikkodikkavu” sreekovil and worship the same. The temple till 1965 known as “Arikkodikkavu” was later renamed as “Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram”.
During the Malayalam month of “Medom”, Kodiyettem is celebrated on the “Uthrattadi Nakshathram”. Pallivetta is celebrated on the“ThiruvathiraNakshathram”, and “Arrattu” is conducted on the“PunarthamNakshathram”.“Bhagavatha Saptaham” is also conducted every year. The other festivals are “Navarathri Mahotsavam” and “Vijayadasami Pooja”.
This temple is situated at Thiruthiyad which is at the heart of the Kozhikode city. This temple is governed by the elected members who are enthusiastic, dedicated in all the functions of the temple. The Malabar Devaswom Board has a direct access towards the day to day activities of the temple.
All the work undertaken is carried out with quality consciousness and with a sense of obligation to the society.
Historic snippets
Centuries ago, the site of ‘Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram’,is believed to have been an islet bordered by ocean in the west. Because of its islet form, the region was then called ‘Thuruthnadu’. ‘Thuruthu’ meaning islet and ‘Nadu’ meaning region. But with time, ‘Thuruthunadu’ came to be known as ‘Thiruthiyadu’. Writing the letter 'Aaaaa' on the tip of the child’s tongue, many seek the blessing of ‘Vidhya Devi’ (The goddess of knowledge). It is indeed a spectacle to see hundreds of children gathered at the temple on the day of Vidhyarambham’ to be initiated into learning. It is during the full moon phase in the month of ‘Ashwini’ that the ‘Navarathri’ festival is celebrated all over India. In Bengal the 10 day festival is celebrated as ‘Durga pooja’, while in Karnataka it is celebrated as ‘Dussera’. In kerala it is celebrated as ‘Saraswathi pooja’. The 10th day of the celebration is marked as Lord Rama’s victory over the demon king ‘Ravana’. This festival is also known as ‘Ayudha Pooja’, meaning the worship of weapons. The 10 day long ‘Saraswathi Pooja’ is celebrated in grant manner every year.One of the most popular offerings to the goddess at ‘Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram’ is the ‘Swayamvara Pushpanjali’, offered by young girls of marriageable age. Young girls, from far & wide, make the offering hoping to win a suitor and thousands will bear testimony to the goddess’s benevolence.
Ancient sculptures have it that the saffron powder, ‘Sindhoor’, on the forehead of the ‘Apsaras’, Urvasi and Menaka and the shimmer of the rubies on the Deva’s crown are caused by the red colour on Devi’s feet. It is believed that when they pay respect to Devi by lying prostrate; touching the Devi’s feet, their forehead or crown touch & take the ‘sindhoor’ from her feet. The ‘sindhoor’ on the forehead of married women symbolizes that they have said their prayers and paid respect to Devi. Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram’ is unique because of the fact that it is the only temple in Kerala which has two forms of Devi as the deities.
The idol of lord shiva at ‘Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram’ symbolizes ‘Anthimahakaalan’ dancing at dusk, while Nataraja symbolizes the rhythmic Thandava danced by Lord Shiva, ‘Anthimahakaalan’ is the sensuous dance performed by him along with goddess ‘Parvathi’.
One’s visit to ‘Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram’ is not considered complete, unless he or she visits the ‘Kizhakkekavu’ (the kavu on the east). This is so because it is believed that ‘Kali’ the goddess who protects us is believed to be the deity at the ‘Kizhakkekavu’.
One of the wonders of ‘Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram’ was the banayan tree on the eastern side of the main entrance to the temple. On the Banyan tree’s trunk, about six feet above the ground, a palm tree grew, tall and healthy. Together, they used to look like a mother carrying her child on her hip. For years, they remained a great sight for one and all. A wonder indeed!
Period of Zamorins
Legend has it that the east-while ruler of “Kozhikode”, the Samoothiri, gifted six of his generals to the temple “Arikkodikkavu”, which is presently the renowned “Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram”. The Samoothiri also gave them an Idol of ‘Bavani Devi’, gifted to him by traders from Gujarath. He instructed his generals to place the idol adjacent to the ‘Baghavathi’ idol in the ‘Arikkodikkavu’ Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorium) and worship the same. During Tippu Sultan's ‘Padayottam’ the priests of ‘Arikkodikavu’, to safeguard the Idol, are believed to have pulled out the Idol and hidden it in the temple’s tank. It was a practice during the British rule to try the accused.Mahatmyam
The presiding deity at ‘Azhakodi Devi mahashekthram’ is Devi in the form of ‘Bhadrakali’ in a calm disposition. To her right is goddess ‘Bhuvaneswari’ and to her left are the seven maternal incarnations’ Brahmani, Maaheshwari, Kowmari, Vaishnavi, Vaarahi, Indrani and Chamundi. A sivalinga too is pressent.The Studi of Azhakodi Devi mahashekthram Bhadrakali bedecked with Sword, Kapalam, Trident, Crescent Moon, and Snake; and as fair as a new cloud is the incarnation at ‘Azhakodi Devi Mahashekthram’. Devi blesses her devotees with long lasting married life. She protects her devotees from enemies and she bestows knowledge.
Shastha
Lord ‘Shastha’ along with his wife ‘Prabha’, son ‘Sathyakan’ and decorated in red is the deity here. To his right is ‘Dhakshinamurthi’ and to his left is the elephant god, ‘Ganapathi’. Meditating lord Dhakshinamurthi Having lost his wife ‘Sati’ in ‘Dhakshayaga’ lord ‘Shiva’ meditated. Dhakshinamurthi is the meditative form of Lord Shiva.Ganapathi
‘Ganapathi’ is the son of lord ‘Shiva’ and ‘Parvathi’. His Idols are present at the Agnikone of the Devi’s shrine and also adjacent to that of lord ‘Shastha’.Unnithripurandakan
‘Thripuras’, the demons, pleased lord ‘Shiva’ and gained powers that made them unconquerable. When they started abusing their mighty powers, lord ‘Shiva’ through his third eye gave form to an incarnation that reduced the ‘Tripuras’ to ashes. This incarnation of lord ‘Shiva’, ‘Unnithripurandakan’ presides there.Anthimahakalan
Lord ‘Shiva’, posing as a dancer at dusk is known as ‘Anthimahakalan’.Sreekrishna
The child of ‘Devaki’ and ‘Vasudeva’ in his ‘Venugopala’ form (the cowherd who carries a flute) is the deity here. ‘Ashtamirohini’ and guruvayoor Ekadesi are observed there.Kizhakkekavu
‘Kizhakkekavu’ (the kavu on the east) houses ‘Kali’ the goddess who protects the worshipers,is believed to be the deity at the ‘Kizhakkekavu’.Pisharikavu Temple. Kerala
Myth about the temple
Centuries before remaining members of the "Ettuveettil" family after conspiracy against Marthanda verma settled down in the village named Kollam near present day Koilandy in Calicut district. They were rich diamond merchants. One of family member prayed and did tapas to please goddess Badhra Kali. One night the goddess Sri Porkali (the family goddess of Ettuveettil pilla's) appeared in his dream and gifted him with a very special sword named "Nandhakam" and told him to pray her in the form of this sword and she wil answer all his prayers and also asked him to go to his home town. He went back to his hometown and built a temple and started worshiping the Nandakkam sword. The family by the grace of mother Badhra Kali became very rich and powerful. They paid Samoothiri-King of kozhikode and brought a land there and settled down there with their family and built a beautiful temple here and worshipped the Nandakkam sword, it is believed that 8 family have migrated from south, namely Kiziyil, Vazhayil, Elayedathu, Echarathil, Punathil, Nanothu, Mundakil, Erothu. Native people called them "vyapari"(merchants) at that time. Later name changed to "Ravari" in colloquial language. The community is existing even now and they have special rights for conducting festival called "Kaliyattam".Main festivals of Pisharikavu
The annual festival of Sri Pisharikavu Temple is celebrated in the Malayala month of "Minam". The festival is celebrated with pomp for 8 days. The 7th day is celebrated as "Valiya Vilaku", and the 8 h day is celebrated as "Kaliyattom", on which the divine Nandhakam sword is brought in procession around the temple on 7th and 8th day on a fully decorated female elephant, and traditional art form of Kerala is also staged in the temple. The Navarathi is also celebrated in a big way in the temple..Divine sword Nandhakam
The sword was gifted to the devotee who did very strong austerity and prayed to Porkali Devi. The pleased Porkali Devi blessed the devotee of Vaishya community, saying that she will fulfill all wishes of him prayed with pure devotion. After so many centuries later also the Nandhakam sword stays as divine representation of Pisharikavu Devi to all devotees who take refuge to the mother Pisharikavyilamma. The divine words of Sri Pisharikavilamma is that "Believe I am there with you where were you are irrespective of anyplace you are...proves that the divine mother would rescue her devotee if they believe and pray with full heart devotion anywhere they are."Valayanad Devi Temple, Kerala
Valayanad Devi Temple dedicated to Bhagavathy, is situated in Valayanad, Kerala,
History
Valayanad Bhagavathi is the family deity of the Zamorin Swaroompam, who ruled Kozhikode in the medieval period. Legends say that in a fight between the Zamorin and Valluva Konathiri (the king of Valluvanad), the Zamorin got defeated in spite of having better military and financial might. The Zamorin pondered this, and decided that the Bhagavathy's blessings were with Valluvakonathiri. The Zamorin undertook Tapas in disguise, at Thirumanthamkunnu temple, the family temple of Valluvakonathiri, until Devi manifested before him. The Zamorin requested Bhagavathy to come to his kingdom. While they were travelling, Devi told Zamorin that whenever he hesitates and turns back to check whether Devi was with him, she will return immediately. After some time, when the jingling of her dance-bells could not be heard, the Zamorin looked back. Immediately Devi told him that she wouldn't come any further, but as a reward for the Zamorin's devotion, would throw her bangle, and the spot where it fell would have her presence. This bangle rotated for a week and landed at the place where the temple now stands. The place where the bangle rotated for a week came to be known as Azhchavattom and the place where the bangle fell became Thiruvalayanad.Description
Valayanad Devi temple, dedicated to Bhagavathy, is situated in Valayanad on Mankavu Govindapuram route in the city of Kozhikode. The temple, which faces north, has four gopurams. The Devi temple at Valayanad has its own distinct identity and is different in several respects from other Devi temples in India. It is one of the Saktheya temples where pujas are performed in accordance with practice of Ruruji worship. The presiding deity of this temple is the goddess from Kashmir, known as Chandika, also called Mahartham and Kalasarppini.The priests of this temple who perform pooja according to “Saktheya” injunctions in this temple are Moosads who follow the Kashimiri way of worshipping. The Sreechakra, designed by the great Sivayogi Thayyavur Sivasankar, remains in the sanctum sanctorum, where the presence of the goddess is believed to be ever present. Idols of Shiva, Bhagavathi, Lord Ayyappa, and Vigneswara are also consecrated in this temple. An important ritual conducted in this temple is the Guruthy Tharpanam.
The annual festival commences every year on the day of Karthika of Makaram and continues for seven days. Kalamezhuthupattu is observed from 1st Vrichikam for 41 days during the Mandala season.
The temple priests
There are five Moosad families residing around the Sri Valayanad Kavu. They have the traditional right to do observances in the temple.The five illams are Vattoli-illam, Vadakke-illam, Kozhiparambillam, Naduvilakandi, and Kozhikodanparambu. The chief poojaris are Vattoli-illam and Vadakke-illam, as an inherited right.Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram, Kerala
Mazhuvannur Maha Siva Kshethram is an ancient Hindu Temple in Wayanad district of Kerala state in south India.The presiding deity in the sanctum-sanctorum is Lord Shiva, other deities are Arayil Bhagavathy,sree durga,nandhi,Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganapathi. This temple is situated on the highest peak in the areas of Karingari, Paliyana, and Tharuvana.Daily poojas are performed here from dates unknown. Famous Mazhuvannur Thekke Illam family members perform pooja here from ancient times till today.Legend about the name
It is believed that the name Mazhuvannur is derived from three malayalam words "Mazhu"(Axe), "Vanna"(Come), "Oor"(Place).Which means the place where axe had fallen.Legend about the Temple
Lord Siva appeared to Banasura after his hard tapas. Banasura asked Lord Siva to stand as a guard to his Kingdom. Then Lord Siva and Parvathi stood as guard to his Kotta. Chithralekha, daughter of Banasura is in affection with Anirudhan, the son of Lord Sreekrishna. One day Arirudhan reached the Banasura Kotta to meet Chithralekha. There started a big fight between Anrudhan and Lord Siva. Lord Siva thrown his axe against Anirudha from the banasura hills. The axe was believed to have fallen in Mazhuvannur. And Parasurama is believed to have done the foundation to the templeFunctions and activities
Daily pooja was being carried out in this temple from days immemorial and the same still continues. During festival times like Onam, Vishu, Aaayudha pooja etc special poojas are carried out. During sabarimala season daily evening pooja is carried out. Lot of devotees from near and far attend such functions. In Sabari mala season Bhajana and special prayers ae carried out. Recently the temple committee has started giving "Annadanam" on First day of each calender month, which is being attended by mass.Renovation
The temple which was built with bricks and wood in ancient times was renovated recently. The temple had "Naalu Kettu " in very ancient times, but it got damaged by the passage of time, the remains of which are still visible there. Presently the temple is under Malabar Dewaswom Board. Recently lot of activities are being undertaken by the temple committee to make the temple a grand one. Initaitives are being done to protect the temple property, plant trees in temple land and to make a grand name borad in the main road.Properties of temple
The main temple complex, Lord Ayyappan tree based structure, Temple pond, Temple land known as Banglow Kunnu, Naaga Kaav, Temple land and idol at Puthusseri.Landscape
Banasura Hills are near this temple and offers a picturesque view.Banasura Sagar Dam, one of the biggest Earth dam in Asia is constructed recently and it attracts lot of tourists.How to reach the temple
Nearest railway station is calicut.The temple is situated 10 Kilometers south-west of Mananthavady. From Tharuvana it is one kilometer away, and transport is available round the clock. Famous temples like Thirunelli temple and Valliyoorkavu temple can be reached from here with in one hour timeThirunelli Temple, Kerala
Thirunelli Temple (also Tirunelli) is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu on the side of Brahmagiri hill in Kerala. The temple is at an altitude of about 900m in north Wayanad in a valley surrounded by mountains and beautiful forests. It is 32 km away from ManathavadyHistory
No proper records of the exact dates of establishment of temple exist, though it is beyond dispute that Thirunelli was once an important town and pilgrim center in the middle of inaccessible jungle valley surrounded on four sides by mountains. There exists documentary proof that Thirunelli at the time of Chera king Bhaskara Ravi Varma I (962–1019 CE) was an important town and pilgrim center in south India. In the dense jungles surrounding temple, the ruins of two ancient villages can be found. Excavations at the time of paving roads have yielded period coins from the 9th and 10th centuries. Noted historian V. R. Parameswaran Pillai in his book Thirunelli Documents clearly states that this temple was once an integral part of the early history of North Kerala.Mention in Puranas and folklore
The name Thirunelli derives from the nelli, the Malayalam/Tamil word for Indian gooseberry of the Amla tree. Veda vyasa wrote the 18 existing Puranas. The Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Narasimha Purana, Padma Purana, and many other Puranas and Hindu texts mention the beautiful Vishnu temple as being built by Lord Brahma, located in the picturesque Sahya valley, deep in the middle of forest of unmatchable beauty, and in these texts, it is referred to as "Sahyamalaka Kshetra. According to tradition, Lord Brahma was traveling round the Earth upon the Hamsa, when he became attracted by the beauty of the area now known as Brahmagiri Hill. Descending on that spot, Brahma noticed an idol set in an Amla tree. Brahma recognized the idol as Lord Vishnu Himself and the place as Vaikuntha (Vishnuloka) itself.[2][3] With the help of the Devas, Brahma installed the idol and called it Sahyamalak Kshetra. At Brahma’s request Vishnu promised that the waters of the area would wash away all sins. (Thus, the spring and river near the temple is called Papanasini: “washes away all sins”).Even today the head priest of the temple leaves a portion of the worship materials in the belief that Lord Brahma Himself will come and perform pooja rites deep in the holy hours of morning.
The famous incarnation of Lord Vishnu Parasurama is reputed to have visited Thirunelli and performed last rites at the death of his father sage Jamadagni. He also took immersion in the Papanasini to wipe away sins committed in killing Kshatriyas.
Relation with other temples and legends
Kottiyoor Temple and Trisillery temple are inextricably linked with legends and folklore to Thirunelli temple. There exists an old route which traverses Narinirangi Mala to connect with Trissilery Maha Deva Lord Siva temple. In earlier days, all devotees who visited Trissilery used to undertake the arduous crossing of Narinirangi mala to pay respect to Lord Vishnu and Brahma at Thirunelli. The journey was fraught with danger and might have been comparable to hardships of early Sabarimala pilgrimages.Surroundings
Papanasini
Emanating from the heart of Brahmagiri flowing through roots, leaves and flowers of ancient trees and medicinal herbs, Papanasini is a holy mountain stream accessible around 1 km northwest of the temple premises. One dip in the cold Papanasini waters in reputed to wash away all sins committed in a lifetime. It is further believed that Papanasini is the confluence of the rivers Ganges and Saraswathy.Panchatheertham
Panchatheertham is the holy temple pond. One notable feature of the temple is the lack of a temple well. Hence water is transported from a perennial mountain stream deep in the valley by impressive stone aqueducts right into the priests' room. Thirunelli is famous as the destination to perform last rites of the deceased at the rock close to Papa nasini stream.Renovation
Parts of the temple including sanctum sanctorum is being renovated. Renovation activities can be seen on one side of the temple where sculpted stones and beautiful wood carvings are under preparation.Valliyoorkkavu, Kerala
Valliyoorkkavu is an ancient temple located high in the Hills at Valliyoorkkavu, 3 kilometers from Mananthavady town of Wayanad district in Kerala. The temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy or Durga.
The idol of the temple is believed to be self-manifested and the annual festival is held in March which lasts for 14 days. The festival is a major event and thousands of people from all over take part in this biggest event in Wayanad.The festival is very important to the tribal people in Wayanad. The traditional ritual of the Kalamezhuthu is performed during all nights of the festival. On the final day of the festival, the array of folk art forms are presented. The dances performed by the local tribes to native percussion instruments, are a major attraction. Also the scenic beauty of the place with hillocks and Kabani River is worth seeing.
Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kerala
Ananthapura Lake Temple is a Hindu temple located in the middle of a lake in the Kasargod District of Kerala, South India, at around 4 km from Kumbala. This is the only lake temple in Kerala and is believed to be the original seat (Moolasthana) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Padmanabhaswamy temple) Thiruvananthapuram. Legend has it that this is the original site where Ananthapadmanabha settled down.The temple's lake is also home to a crocodile named Babiya, which is supposed to be the guard of the temple. When one dies, another mysteriously takes its place. The Temple lake or tank in which the Sanctum is situated is a large structure measuring 302 feet square (about 2 acres). There is a cave to the right corner of the lake, which has a gate. According to the priests of the temple, god Anantha Padmanabha went to Thiruvananthapuram through that cave. Hence the names of both the places are a bit similar. Also there is a difference in the God idols places in both the temples. the one in Ananthapuram is standing idol and the other in Thiruvananthapuram is a reclining posture.
There is a tea stall outside the temple, where you can bag a few snacks and have a cup of tea or coffee.
Kanila Shree Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala
The Temple
Kanila Shree Bhagavathi Temple (Also known as Kanila Shree Bhagavithi Kshetra) is a Hindu Temple of Devi Baghavathi, located on the west side of National Highway 17, approximately 1 kilometre north of Hosangadi Junction of Manjeshwaram of Kerala state.
Kanila Shree Bhagavathi Kalabhavana
Kanila Shree Bhagavathi English Medium School
Madhur Temple, Kerala
Madhur Temple is located 7 km from Kasaragod town.
History
Madhur temple was originally Madhanentheswara (Shiva) Temple and as the lore goes, an old so called "low caste" lady "Madura" discovered an "Udbhava Murthy" (a statue that was not made by a human) of shiva linga. The Ganapathy statue was drawn by a priest's son, a small Brahmin boy, on the walls of the Garbhagriha(sanctum sanctorum) while playing. Day by day it became big and fat; so that the boy called Ganapathi as "boddajja" or "bodda ganesha". The legend of Kumble seme says Tipu Sultan wanted to demolish the temple like Adooru Mahalingeswara temple during his invasion of Coorg, Tulunadu, and Malabar. But after drinking water from the well of the temple, he changed his mind on attacking and demolishing the Garbhagudi and marched towards Malabar. But to satisfy his soldiers and Islamic scholars he made a cut with his sword symobolising the attack. The mark is still visible on the building that is built around the temple well.[1]Facts
This is one of the most famous Ganapathi temples of six ganpathi temples of ancients Tulunadu . Devotees from all over throng during the various festivals that happen here. Currently the temple is managed by the government. The temple also offers veda classes to young vatus.This is the greatest temple of Shiva
Prayers and offerings made
Devotees usually offer prayers to Mahaganapathi in the form of "Udayastamana". "Appa", Madhur's famous prasad, is a very tasty preparation. This is prepared daily and anyone offering prayers can avail these at the counters. Among the special poojas that are performed, "Sahasrappa" (Thousand appas) is very prominent. It consists of making an offering of thousand appas and then the devotees get to take home all these (and eat them with full relish). Another very special pooja that happens is Moodappam Seva which involves covering the Mahaganapathi statue with Appam. This is usually done on a community scale. Ganesh Chaturthi and Madhur Bedi are the occasions when the temple is at its busiest.For the devotees
During the rainy season, a river adjoining the temple overflows and spills onto the temple campuses and thus this is not the best time to visit the temple. The temple is busier on Sundays than on weekdays. Poojes are performed daily at 8:00am, 12:30 noon and 8:00pm.Nileshwar Muthappan Madappura, Kerala
Nileshwar Muthappan Madappura is a temple dedicated to the God Sree Muthappan in the town Nileshwar of Kasaragode district, Kerala state, South India. Sree Muthappan is the most popular local god in Kannur district and Kasaragod district of north Kerala.Muthappan is also the theyyam (Muthappan theyyam) performed in the famous Parassinikkadavu temple.
Myths and Legends about Sree Muthappan
Sree Muthappan is believed to be the personification of two divine figures - Thiruvappana and Vellatom. Fundamentally the dual divine figures Thiruvappana and vellatom are not very different from the Theyyamkaliyattem of the north Malabar region. Though Sree Muthappan represents a single god, it represents two godly figures, Vishnu (with fish-shaped crown) and Shiva (a crescent-shaped crown).Sri Muthappan as a theyyam is performed year-round whereas other theyyams are seasonal (lasting October to May).
Several Muthappan Temples are seen in different parts of Kannur and Kasaragod district. This shows the popularity of the God in the minds of the people of these two districts. Each madappura has its own tradition.
Story of Sree Muthappan Madappura Nileshwar
One interesting story relating to the God Muthappan is about the Nileshwar Muthappan Madappura. The Sree Muthappan temple near National Highway No 17 in Nileshwar has a rich heritage. It tells philosophical, devotional and educational importance of Nileshwar. There is an interesting story regarding the construction of Sree Muthappan Temple. An elder member of the Koroth family regularly visited the place now known as the Muthappan temple and drank madhu (toddy), an intoxicating drink. He was a famous scholar and got the title Ezhuthachan for his commendable achievement as a teacher. Before drinking madhu as a devotee, he poured a few drops of madhu on the nearby jackfruit tree for the god Muthappan. He regularly repeated the practice. Several years after the death of the above mentioned scholar, the natives experienced serious troubles and they called on an astrologer for assistance. The astrologer revealed that as a result of the regular practice of giving madhu to the god Muthappan, the God started residing there. After the death of the scholar, he did not get the madhu and so started creating disturbances in the area. Then the natives erected a Muthappan temple there. Koroth family got the right of Koymma [patron] in the temple.As a result of the formation of a committee and the great work done by the members of the committee the temple became famous and daily hundreds of people visited. There is a strong belief that the God will cure all diseases and will give prosperity to the devotees. The devotees will get Payakutti from the temple and stood developing as a great temple like the Sree Muthappan temple at Parassinikadavu.
Muthappan Anthithira
There is a practice of performing Muthappan Anthithira only once in all muthappan temples. Its performance needed lot of money. On 6 January 2008 Muthappan Anthithira was performed in the Nileshwar Muthappan Madappura. The theyyam looks like muthappan in the back and vairajathan in the front. But it symbolises the God Shiva and Vishnu. Thousands of people attended the festival and food was served to around one lakh people as prasadam on that occasion.
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
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