Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State -9 at 10:25 PM

Holy Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State

 

Pariyanempatta Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

The Pariyanempatta Bhagavathi Temple is one of the famous temples of Kerala, dedicated to Bhagavathy. This is one of the largest Devi temples of Valluvanad Desam in Palghat district. The presiding deity is known as the Goddess of 14 Desams. The temple and its precincts resemble that of Mookambika temple Kollur.
Pooramaholsavam is the famous festival of the temple comes on Kumbham 1-7 and attracts a large number of devotees. "Moorthiyaatom" on the eve of Pooram (Valiyaarattu) is the unique feature of this temple. Vela is before the star Pooram in the month of Makara. Pooram starts on the 1st Kumbha with the hoisting of the temple flag. Vishuvilakku is celebrated on 1st of Medom. Laksharchana is performed permanently in the month of Karkitaka. Karthika Vilakku is celebrated in Vrichika during the star Karthika, with various programmes 17 km away from Ottapalam on Ottapalam–Mannarkad route and 30 km away from Palghat on Palghat-Cherpulachery route

 

Vayilyamkunnu Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

Vayillyam Kunnu Bhagavathi Temple is located at Katampazhipuram, Kerala, 24 km (15 mi) away from Palakkad on the way to Cherpulassery. The temple is dedicated to Thirumanthamkunnu Bhagavathy ( similar to one at Angadipuram and Kongad). The spectacular annual festival - Vayillyamkunnu Pooram festival- of this temple is celebrated during the Malayalam month of "Kumbham" (Feb 15-March 15) with much gaiety and splendour.

 

Brahmeeswaran Temple, Kerala

Brahmeeswaran Temple is a Hindu temple in the Palakkad district of Kerala state, south India. It is situated in Karimpuzha village, 25 km from Palakkad town.
The old temple was in an abandoned state for quite some time, till late 2001. A Nair family called "Chalapurathu" whose tharavadu (House) is situated in Karimpuzha came with an offering to Lord Shiva. The Chalapurathu family had renovated the temple, which took almost three years to complete. Businessman Mr B G Menon and famous Malayalam cine artist Mr Ravi Menon, who are members of Chalapurathu family took the lead role in getting the renovation completed.

 

Chinakkathoor Temple, Kerala

Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple is at Palappuram and about 5 km from Ottappalam, Palakkad, north Kerala. The temple is in the middle of a huge ground where the Chinakkathoor pooram is conducted ever year. The temple is renovated now.

Chinakkathoor Pooram

Chinakkathoor Festival is celebrated every year in February-March(makam naal of kumbham).
The highlight of the evening festivities is a grand procession of 33 tuskers. Traditional performances of the Panchavadyam or the temple orchestra and various other art forms like Vellattu, Theyyam, Poothanum thirayum, Kaalavela, Kuthiravela, Aandi Vedan, Karivela, and so on are shown. The Tholppavakkoothu, a ritualistic shadow puppet show, is performed at the temple premises every evening for the 17 days preceding the concluding festival. The festival starts with kuthira (horse) game and ends next day with Theru(Ratham),a beautiful sight is the decoration of theru(Ratham) by Palappuram, and the procession of sixteen well-decorated 16 models of the kuthira (horse) and the kaala (bull) brought ceremoniously to the temple by devotees.

Getting there

Nearest railway station: Ottappalam, about 5 km from the shrine
Nearest airport: Coimbatore in neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, about 85 km

Transportation to Palakkad

Transport

Air

The nearest international airport is Coimbatore Airport, which is about 62 km from Palakkad. Coimbatore airport has connecting flights to Malaysia, Singapore, Sharjah, Colombo. Other nearby airports are Kozhikode Airport about 103 km & Kochi Airport which is about 111 km from Palakkad.
There has been a proposal for a mini domestic airport at East Yakkara with respect to setting up domestic airports for enhanced air connectivity by the civil aviation ministry of India. 60 acres has been identified for the project at East Yakkara Palakkad.

Railways

There are two railway stations serving Palakkad - Palakkad Junction is a broad gauge railway junction (located at Olavakkode) and Palakkad Town railway station located in the heart of the Palakkad town. Palakkad Junction also houses the office of the Divisional Railway Manager (Palakkad Division). The cities of Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Ernakulam are connected by the broad gauge line. Pollachi, Dindigul and Madurai were connected by a metre gauge line starting from the Palakkad Junction railway station through Palakkad Town station. Under the policy "Project Unigauge", meter gauge tracks have been dismantled for conversion to broad gauge.  As a result, trains on the Palakkad - Pollachi - Dindigul route have been indefinitely suspended till the broad gauge conversion is completed.

Road

Palakkad is well connected by roads. The National Highway 544 (NH 544) from Salem to Kochi and the Palakkad – Kozhikode National Highway 213 pass through the district. Another important road is the Palakkad – Ponnani which connects NH 47 and NH 17.
Apart from the National Highways, Palakkad is well connected through State Highways to nearby districts and towns in Kerala.

 

Local Festivals in Palakkad

• Vadakkanthara Vela : It is held at Vadakkanthara Thirupurakkal bhagavathi temple once in 3 years.
• Nemmara Vallangi Vela : It is held at Nemmara Nellikulangara Bhagavathi Temple yearly celebrates festival.
• Manappullikavu Vela: It is held in the Cheruppil Kavu situated 2 km from Palakkad railway station. The Goddess is "Cheruppil amma". It is a 41 day festival. Various famous art forms are performed on these days. One of the famous rituals is "Pana" which happens once in every 5 years.
• Bajanotsavam: It is held in the first fortnight of August every year at the New Kalpathy Manthakkara Ganapathy temple Kalyana Mandapam

• Kalpathy Ratholsavam: It is a famous temple car festival held during the second week of November every year. The 10 day long festival also includes a music festival.
• Koduvayur Ratholsavam: It is a famous temple car festival held during the Thirvathira star of December or January every year. The 3 day long festival also includes a stage program.

• Puthur Vela and Nirtha Sangeetholsavam: Vela is the Sree Rama Pattabhishekam conducted as the finale of the rendition of Kamba Ramayanam Pavakuthu .. tradition has it that the Devi back after destruction of the demons and in rage is appeased by the presentation of the Ramayan and the coronation of the Rama and blesses the village for the next year! The Nirtha Sangeetholsvam which has started since over a decade is already known in the Art and Culture scene of India as one of the major festivals, even at par with festivals like Kajarahoo! Almost all leading exponents of Indian art and dance has graced the stage at Puthur. The festival takes place in March–April every year.

Religious Places

• Vadakkanthara Thirupurakkal Bhagavathy temple is a popular Bhagavathy temple in Palakkad town situated at Vadakkanthara.Meenkulathi Bhagavathi and Perungottukavu Bhagavathi Temple is an another famous Temple in Palakkad.Prad.

  The Hanuman temple situated inside the Palakkad fort is another important place of worship.

 Nallekavu Ayyappan Temple situated in Chitali, about 17 KM from Palakkad is a very powerful temple. Two thirds of the temple is surrounded by a beautiful pond.

 sir ayyappan kavu temple situated in kottayi, about 16 km from palakkad town(viz. Pudur,LG) is one of the famous temple in palakkad.The important festivel of this temple is uthram-atham vilakku maholtsavam. it is held in the month november every year.

 

Karimpuzha Sree Ramaswamy Temple, Kerala

Karimpuzha is a village located in Ottapalam taluk, Palakkad district. The Karimpuzha River is one of the main tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River. Bharathapuzha is the fourth longest river in Kerala, South India. A famous Sree Ramaswamy Temple is situated on the banks of this River. Temple was owned by Kozhikode Samoodhiripad - Eralpad, the heir to become Samoodhiri, who had his "Kovilakam" in Karimpuzha. The Sree Ramaswamy temple is known as "Dakshina Ayodhya". The temple has special Offerings and Poojas. It is believed that Lord Sree Rama renunciated his life here in the river Karimpuzha (thus River Sarayu eventually). Sree Rama is accompanied by Hanuman only during his last moments, which justifies the presence of Hanuman here. Later the deity of Lord Hanuman were placed inside the temple.
This is one of the rarest 'Mahakshetrams' in Kerala

 

Kodikkunnu Bhagavathy Temple, Kerala

The Kodikkunnu Bhagavathy Temple or Kodikkunnu Ambalam is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located in the village of Pallippuram, near Pattambi, in Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The goddess is commonly referred to as the Bhagavathy or Kodikkunnathamma.
The word “kunnu” means hill in Malayalam language. Literally, Kodikkunnu Temple would thus mean the temple situated on top of the hill called “Kodi”. Kodikkunnu is near to Pallippuram railway station and can be accessed from Valanchery, Pattambi and Thrithala, by road.
The main deity is Amma means Mother and there is Siva also with almost same importance. To the left of Bhagavathy is the idol of Ganapathi. People come from distant places to worship the goddess.
The temple has nada (holy entrance) from 3 directions, viz., north, east and west. The door towards the south is permanently closed. Vehicles cannot reach the immediate temple premises as there is no road reaching the temple. From all three directions there are granite stone-paved steps to reach the temple.

Mythology

All believed in a legend that at some time in the past there was a poor widow and three children living in a house, across the river. She used to tend cows and every morning she would take the milk to the temple, which she exchanged for cooked rice for the day. Once the river was full and the boatman did not dare to make it across. The widow returned and told the children that there would not be any rice till the risen river-waters subsided. She gave boiled milk to the children and put them to bed. At midnight someone knocked on the front door and she found an old woman on the door step all covered up and drenched. The nocturnal visitor placed a brass vessel full of rice in front of the widow and commanded: "Wake the children up and feed them!" And the figure vanished. After the floods receded, the widow went to the temple with the usual supply of milk. When she discussed the incident with the priest, he was astonished. The priest found that the vessel the widow had left in the temple in which she used to collect the rice had been missing from the sanctum sanctorum for the last three days. 

There is a grandmother too, the mother of Kodikkunnu Goddess. She is the chief deity of Muthassiar Kavu (literally, grandmother's temple) near Pattambi. According to one legend the Grandmother Goddess and her three beautiful daughters (including Kodikkunnathamma) were strolling along the river bed on a summer night. They saw a dance festival by the Harijans (low-caste Hindus) and the youngest daughter was so carried away by it, that she refused to go along when it was time to leave. The mother ordered her to be with the Harijans and perform as their guardian deity. This is the popular belief on the origin of Kanakkar Kavu (Kanakkar is a sect of Harijans)
On another occasion the two sisters quarreled after witnessing the ritual of an animal sacrifice. As the younger one was so much engrossed in the gory scene, the elder one parted company and settled down in Kodikkunnu. The younger sister shifted to Kodungallur where blood sacrifices were a common ritual until the recent past. And the two elder sisters are still angry with their youngest sister that they have closed their temple doors that face towards Kodungallur. So in Kanakkarkavu and Kodikkunnu Temple there is no "thekke nada" (entrance from south).

Temple Festivals

Chirankara Pooram

Chirankara pooram (temple festival) is the main festival of Kodikkunnu Bhagavathy Temple. This festival is conducted at Chirankara Mahavishnu temple which is known as the “Keezhekkavu” of Kodikkunnathamma. Chirankara temple is dedicated to Vishnu and "pooram" festivals are normally conducted in Durga temples only. But this [Pooram] is conducted there on behalf of Kodikkunnathamma. The area comes under Pallippuram is divided in to smaller administrative geographical units called “desam”. From every desam people will send different type of dancers called "Pootan" and "Thara" for performance at the temple during the festival.

The main attractions during the pooram is Chenda melam, Thayambaka and Panchvadyam. From every desam people will bring “Kaala”(decorated artificial bullock pairs). At the end of the day there will be “Vedikkettu”(fireworks) which is a very enchanting sight to see.

Kathiratta Vela

The other important festival associated with the temple is the Kathiratta Vela (Festival of Harvest) that is celebrated after the every year’s harvest. This ‘vela’ is essentially a thanksgiving gesture to the Goddess for having given rich harvest. Kathiratta vela is conducted in the temple premises.

Location

Pallippuram is 9 kilometres north-west of Pattambi

 

Manapullikavu Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

Manapullikavu is a village in the Palakkad district in the Kerala State of India. The village is most famous for the temple Manappullikavu Vela.
Sree Manappully Bhagavathy Temple is situated very near to the Palghat Town. It is on the Palghat – Chittur road and hardly 200 meters away from the NH-47. Earlier the temple was under the private ownership of ‘Kenath Family’. Now the temple is under Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Board (HR&CE). Kariyannur Manakkal Bavathrathan Namboothiripad of Pattambi is the Thanthri (Head Priest) of the temple now. Sri Manappully Bhagavathy Temple has a very ancient history. It is believed that the temple originally belonged to Sri Mattappilly Bhadrakali Mana, a famous Kerala Brahmin family of Kerala. Numerous Bhrahmin families living on the banks of Holi River Sokanasini (Bharathapuzha) used to perform ‘Yagas’ on the river bed. Thus the area came to be known as ‘Yaga-kara’ which later came to be known as ‘Yakkara’. The eastern part of Yakkara where the temple is located, is called East Yakkara and the other side as ‘West Yakkara’. It is believed that the ‘Moolasthanam’ of Bhagavathy was at West Yakkara and it was subsequently shifted to the present Sanctum Santorum of the East Yakkara temple. (It is believed that a saintly Brahmin of Yagakkara conducted his prayers in his kitchen which is also called as ‘madappalli’. It is considered that in the course of time and usage, the area came to be known as "Manappulli")
According to a legendary myth about the temple, an Asura called Neelan was disturbing the people with his misdeeds and became a menace to them. The people, complained about this to Parasuraman and he in turn sought a remedy from Lord Paramasiva. Paramasiva incarnating his female personality to Bhadra Kali and sent her to Akamalavaram to kill Neelan. After killing Neelan, Kali became Manappulli Bhagavathy showering prosperity to her devotees. The Palghat district where the temple is situated, has mainly paddy cultivation as the main occupation of the people. The district is called the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Kerala. The social and cultural customs of the people are, therefore, one way or other, connected with paddy cultivation. They believe that the Godesses of ‘Kavu’ (temple) protect them in their ‘Thattakam’ (meaning the area where they live, surrounds the ‘Kavu’). The people make offerings to the Godesses in their ‘Thattakam’ in the form agricultural produces having bearing on the seasonal agriculture. The people prayed for good harvest and as an offering for this, they celebrates ‘Kathir’ in the third Friday of the Malayalam month of ‘Vrichikam’. On this day, a procession carrying ‘Sarodam’, in a very ornamentally decorated form is taken out in the evening from the premises of Lord Muniyappan temple, situated at the southern side of the Bhagavathy temple and it culminates at the Manappully Bhagavathy temple at dusk, passing through the streets of Manappullikavu Nair Thara. Another procession from Kenathuparambu, also joins the procession at the Manappullikavu junction and culminates at the temple. An attractive part of this ‘Kathir’ is the procession carrying decorative umbrellas made of palm leaves tied to freshly cut bamboo poles accompanied by ‘drum beating’. The Kathir literally announces the ensuing ‘Vela’ festival. The procession also carries ‘Kathir Koodu’, small balls made of tender palm leaves containing freshly plucked ‘Nel kathir’ (paddy bunches) which are distributed to all the houses in the area and hung in the front yard of each house till the next ‘Kathir’. These practices continue to be observed even now with great pomp and show. After the ‘Kathir’, the next preparatory function of the Vela is ‘Kanyar’ (Kodiyettam), which is performed on the first Friday of the Malayalam Month ‘Kumbam’. The huge freshly cut bamboo pole (flag post) with a typical flag - Koora is hoisted in front of the temple with rituals. This declares and denotes the ensuing Manappully Bhagavathy Vela.
Sree Manapullikavu Vela
As mentioned, the Vela is celebrated between last week of February and first week of March based on the Malayalam Calendar year. ‘Kanyar’ is conducted on the Ist Friday of the Malayalam month ‘Kumbam’ and the Vela is invaraibaly conducted on the 14th day after ‘Kanyar’ (Kodiyettam). A Vela Committee is constituted for the proper conduct of the Vela Festival. Entire expenditure for the festival is met from donations received from the devotees. After the Kodiyettam, many cultural events are organised in the evenings for 14 days culminating on the day of Vela, by renowned folk/cultural artists of the state which attract huge crowds. Lot of devotees from various places come and worship Bhagavathy on Vela day. The Vela day starts early with special poojas and in the afternoon, Bhagavathy starts her vela procession. It is considered that on the invitation extended by the ‘Desakkar’ (locals) with ‘Upacharam Chollal’, Bhagavathy comes out of the ‘Sanctum Sanctorum’ for the ‘Vela Procession’, mixing up with her devotees for uniting her ‘Thattakam’ and eliminating all the evils. It is noted that on Vela day, neither the usual ‘Deeparadhana’ nor the ‘Athazhapuja’ is performed, as Bhagavathy is celebrating Vela with the ‘Desakkar’. The ‘Deeparadhana and ‘Athazhapuja’ of Vela day will be performed on the next day after ‘Sudhi’ (cleansing ceremony). The ‘Chaandh Abishekam’, one of the important pooja during the Vela day, attracts flocks of devotees. ‘Vedikettu’ (Fireworks) is also an important attractive element of the festival which takes place in the late evening when the Vela procession reaches back to the temple from Fort Maidan and also in the early morning. Bhagavathy is very fond of fire works as she is considered to be born from the Jada of Paramasiva with fire and thunder. On the Vela day the ‘nada’ is opened only after Karimarunnu is lit in front of Bhagavathy’. Annadanam’ (offering of food) is conducted in which thousands of devotees take part. The day of Vela is declared as a Local Holiday by the Government which shows the importance of the festival.
After the Fireworks, the renowned ‘Pandimelam’ performed by hundreds of eminent artists begins. At midnight stage programmes will be performed. Early morning, the ‘Raavela’ starts. The highlight of ‘Raavela’ is lighting of ‘Kambam’. ‘Kambam’ is considered as ‘Paramasivas’ Jada and lighting it with ‘Karimarunnu’ makes symbolic representation of Bhadrakalis’ ulpathi. After this, Bhagavathy enters the Temple. The ‘Kanyar’ pole is plucked by Elephant to mark the end of the festival. Sudhi is performed as Bhagavathy was outside the shrine with the devotees to celebrate her Vela. ‘Eeduvedi’ announces the conclusion of Vela.

 Festivals

Some of the major festivals here are Vishu, Onam, Diwali & the great Manapulli Vela. This place is also well known for its temple processions, which would be normally conducted with nearly seventeen tuskers in minimum. The Manapulli Vela is glorified also by the firework displays, panchavadya-performances, Kathakali,Ootam Thullal, Katha Prasangam & various other cultural arts.

Mangottu Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

About the Temple

This temple is situated in a place called Athipotta, which is 24 km from Palakkad via Alathur. The goddess in this temple is supposed to be in her very fierce form. She is also considered as the younger sister of Parakkattu Bhagwathi who has a temple in Kavasseri near by.

History

Mangottu Bhagawathi is supposed to have come to this place to fulfill the desire of a weaver. This weaver,Kuttan, was a great devotee of the Goddess. He and his people wove clothes and sold them in places where festivals were held. It is said that at one place, he was so enchanted by the appearance of the Devi there that he mentally requested her to come along with him. At that time, there was a whirl wind which removed the clothes of the idol of the Goddess which was being taken out in procession. Kuttan immediately threw the cloth that he had brought to sell on to the goddess. This cloth fell on the Goddess and got attached there. Next day Kuttan returned to his village. He was carrying an Umbrella. At a particular point he got so tired that he kept the Umbrella on floor and slept near by. When he woke up, he was not able to remove the umbrella from the ground. An astrologer was summoned who told Kuttan that the Goddess has occupied the Umbrella and she wants to live in this place. Then the astrologer threw the stick in his hand and told that a temple should be built where it falls. This place is the present Athipotha.

Important Dates

In the month of Medam (April–May) a festival is conducted here lasting seven days, after the first Sunday of that month. Apart from that after the Pooram festival of Parakkattu Bhagawathi temple, that Bhagawathi shuts her temple and comes and stays in Athipotha for seven days during the month of Meenam (March–April). Every year the annual festival (vela) is conducted on the second Sunday after Vishu (in April), the starting of the Malayalam new year. The Mangottu Kavu vela is preceded by a host of festivities starting exactly a week before the actual festival. On the first Sunday after vishu the Kodiyattum (Flag raising) ceremony is performed. On Monday there is a kari-kali dance festival, wherein members of the Nair community visit all the Hindu homes in the locality and dance and sing the deities devotional songs. On Tuesday chamanz-kali follows. Here too members of the Nair community sing devotional songs visiting each Hindu home in the locality. Wednesday there is Kumati festival. There are other cultural events like chakiyaar kutt, pavva kutt and so on during this festival period. A host of devotees arrive for the main vela festival. This is a very important temple and various types of worship are offered here. Some of them are Pana Patasam,Ney Payasam, Tri kala pooja, Chandattam, Sahasranama pooja etc. There are also special poojas along with chanting of Eika mathya Sooktham, Sri Sooktham and Bhagya Suktham. While there is a separate temple for Ganesa in side the temple, just outside is a temple for 'Mookan Chathan' a spirit.

 

Meenkulathi Temple, Kerala

The Meenkulathi Temple is located in Pallassena, a village in southern India.

 Origins

Meenkulathikkavu^[1] is the oldest temple in Pallasena. Tradition has it that centuries ago three families belonging to the Veerasaiva Mannadiar clan worshipped the goddess Meenakshi as their deity. An acute drought in Chidambaram (Tamil Nadu) drove them to seek greener pastures. One of them took a stone from there along with their other possessions. Worshipping their stone as their friend, philosopher and guide, they trekked to several places before reaching Pallasena. Enchanted by the forests surrounding the villages they settled there and prospered in the diamond trade. Whenever they went on business, they offered their customary prayers to the family deity. An aged member of their clan went for his customary bath before leaving on a trip home. He left his valuables and a palm leaf umbrella in the care of two youths. When he came back, he was shocked when he could not lift the things he had left with the youths. An astrologer said that Meenakshi had manifested herself under the umbrella and that was why it could not be moved. Huge crowds came there to witness the miracle. The place came to be known as Kudamannu.
The present Meenakshi temple and the adjacent temple tank were constructed over the next four centuries. A Thirumandiram was written as a testimony to the event. The Mannadiar clan has grown into 110 manais (veedus)  . They conduct Navarathri, Pongal and Bhairava festivals.

Buildings

The structure is built in the Kerala style. It is constructed in such a way that the shadow of the wall never falls on the ground. There are two entrances, one in the north and the other in the west. The temple tank is next to the western entrance.
Crossing the dhwajasthambha  made of teakwood and covered with copper. The garbhagriha contains a large idol of Meenakshi Amman. Devotees are not allowed to wander around the garbhagriha. Around the main idol, the saptha maathas (several female deities - Brahmi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Vaishnavai, Indrani, Chamundi and Varahi) are installed. There are separate shrines for Ganapathi, Veerabhadra, Durga, Shiva, Bhairava, Brahma Rakshas and Ayyappa. In the adjacent hill called Vamala there are shrines for Muruga, Ganapathi, Siva, and Shasta.

Events

Navarathri, Karthigai, Mandala Vilakku, Maasi Thiruvizha, Pallivettai and Bhairava Pooja are the most celebrated events in the temple. The eight-day maasi festival includes Ottamthullal and Kathakali programs depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It is customary that the deity's sword and lamp are taken in procession by the descendants of the youths who stood guard over the valuables and the palm leaf umbrella.
Though the Mannadiar clan is given a privileged place in the activities of the temple, members of the entire community participate in the conduct of the temple festivals. The unique structure of the temple and its mode of worship have gained immense popularity among the natives of the village. Devotees firmly believe that the bath in the tank (known for its abundant fish) rids one of all chronic ailments.

Location

Pallassena is close toKollengode which is  19 km from Palakkad town and also nearer to Koduvayur which  is roughly around 10 km south of Palakkad town.

 

Pariyanempatta Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

The Pariyanempatta Bhagavathi Temple is one of the famous temples of Kerala, dedicated to Bhagavathy. This is one of the largest Devi temples of Valluvanad Desam in Palghat district. The presiding deity is known as the Goddess of 14 Desams. The temple and its precincts resemble that of Mookambika temple Kollur.
Pooramaholsavam is the famous festival of the temple comes on Kumbham 1-7 and attracts a large number of devotees. "Moorthiyaatom" on the eve of Pooram (Valiyaarattu) is the unique feature of this temple. Vela is before the star Pooram in the month of Makara. Pooram starts on the 1st Kumbha with the hoisting of the temple flag. Vishuvilakku is celebrated on 1st of Medom. Laksharchana is performed permanently in the month of Karkitaka. Karthika Vilakku is celebrated in Vrichika during the star Karthika, with various programmes 17 km away from Ottapalam on Ottapalam–Mannarkad route and 30 km away from Palghat on Palghat-Cherpulachery route.

Sri Nellikulangara Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

Sri Nellikulangara Bhagavathi temple is a temple in Nemmara village in Palakkad district of Kerala, a small state in south India. The deity of this temple is Sri Nellikulangara Bhagavathi.
This temple is famous for its festival conducted by the people of Nemmara and Vallangi villages on 20th Meenam (March–April) every year. This festival is called Nemmara Vallangi Vela.

 Nemmara Travel Connections

• Nearest Airport: Coimbatore Airport, 35km.
• Nearest railway stations: Palakkad or Trichur, 30km., both with bus and taxi connections.
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Thirupuraikkal Temple,  Kerala

Sri Kachanam Kulam Thirupuraikkal Bhagawathy Temple

This temple at Moothanthara in Palakkad town, is also known as the Karnaki Amman Temple.

Karnaki Amman Temple

It is Kerala’s one and only Karnaki Temple where Goddess Karnaki is worshiped in her full Idolic-Form and divine glory. This temple is situated at Palakkad Town circle – Moothanthara (New Name - Karnaki Nagar), a dwelling place of Karnaki’s own people descended from the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu in historic times.
One of the main attractions of this temple, is the way in which the traditional pooja rituals are performed in the Goddess Karnaki’s temple and the Visalakshi Sametha Shiva Temple (Siva-Parvathy Temple) worshipped in the same compound. For Goddess Karnaki, Kerala form of pooja practices are done by Kerala Brahmins (Namboothiri's) and in the Shiva Temple, Tamil Shaiva form of Pooja practices are carried out by Tamil Brahmin Priests.
Devotees can feel and enjoy this cultural mix while they visit this temple and come out after their prayers. Unlike other Tamil speaking caste groups already present or having descended from neighbouring states, Moothan’s have accepted both cultures alike. Even though there are Tamil traces to their origin, they speak only the language Malayalam. This acceptance has induced a new cultural life style in and around Palakkad. This unique cultural blend is one of the rarest, found in the state of Kerala. This temple has emerged as one of the spacious and beautiful temples of Palakkad where Tamil - Malayalam architecture mix beautifully.
One of the main festivals is "Valiya Aarattu" festival which is celebrated by the community on three days and in a great way in the month of Malayalam – Medam Masam Punertham Star. On the day of “Valiya Aarattu”, Annadhanam (meals) is given as Prasadam, which is the biggest event organized in Palakkad every year. Materials for organizing this big function (Annadhanam) is fully sponsored by the devotees of Karnaki, who are merchants in all categories of business in Palakkad.

Some History Behind The Temple

The moolasthanam (the root place) where Goddess Karnaki is worshiped, is at nadu–pathi at Moothanthara (Melamuri). Once this temple was very well maintained and people from other neighboring deshams (places) also came to worship Karnaki (being the only one around at that time). It is observed from history that the Muslim Ruler Tippu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali ransacked and destroyed this temple during his reign at Palakkad. Devotees gathered to save the possessions of the temple and to avoid destruction of the idol. Her full idolic-form was taken by her own sect of Moothan's and is worshipped at Karnaki Amman temple, Moothanthara. Her other divine possessions like peedom (sitting chair) is worshipped at Vadakkanthara Bhagwathy temple, her umbrella is worshipped at another Karnaki temple in the town circle and the “Kindi” is worshipped at Pirayiri Kannukottu Bhagawathy temple.

Vayilyamkunnu Bhagavathi Temple, Kerala

Vayillyam Kunnu Bhagavathi Temple is located at Katampazhipuram, Kerala, 24 km (15 mi) away from Palakkad on the way to Cherpulassery. The temple is dedicated to Thirumanthamkunnu Bhagavathy ( similar to one at Angadipuram and Kongad). The spectacular annual festival - Vayillyamkunnu Pooram festival- of this temple is celebrated during the Malayalam month of "Kumbham" (Feb 15-March 15) with much gaiety and splendour.

Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Palakkad

Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanathaswamy temple , popularly known as Kasi Viswanathaswamy Temple or locally as kundukovil is a famous Hindu temple located in the Kalpathy village of Palakkad in Kerala, India. It is the site of the annual Kalpathi Ratholsavam which is one of the most famous temple festivals of Kerala. This ancient temple nestles by the banks of the serene Kalpathy river (Nila Nadhi). Dedicated to Lord Siva and his consort Visalakshi (another name for Parvati), it dates back to early fifteenth century. The similarity to the Varanasi Kashi Viswanatha temple on the banks of Ganges is responsible for the moniker kasiyil pakuthi kalpathy and the name Dakshina Kashi associated with this temple. The Temple is surrounded by the four Tamil Brahmin agraharams or traditional villages: New Kalpathy, Old Kalpathy, Chathapuram and Govindarajapuram.

 Antiquity and history

There is a mention of this temple in the Sewel’s list of the Antiquarian Remains in the Madras Presidency at page 253 of Volume I^{[citation needed]}. It shows that the Temple was consecrated in the Kollam year 640 (1464 AD). Volume II of the same book shows that the temple was founded in 1464 AD. Mr. Logan in his Malabar Manual, Volume II, Appendix III, page 126, states that an endowment to the temple was made in the Malayalam year 640 (1464 AD) .
However, there is an inscription in kolezhuthu on a stone slab placed in front of the temple between the flag staff and the Nandi Mandapam, outside the temple, but within the temple courtyard. This inscription records some endowments made by one Ittikombi Achan, member of the Royal family of Palakkad in Malayalam Era 600 [1424–25 AD]. Evidently the temple must have been founded earlier than that.
The villagers, however, claim that the temple was consecrated at the instance of one Lakshmi Ammal, a Brahmin widow. She is reported to have brought the Siva Lingam from Kasi (Varanasi) during one of her visits to that holy place. On reaching Kalpathy, she had a desire to consecrate the Siva Lingam in Kalpathy and construct a temple on the banks of Nila River. Villagers believe that she approached the then Raja (Prince) of Palakkad with this request, who had readily agreed and constructed the temple. It is also said that Lakshmi Ammal had given the Prince 1320 gold coins and entrusted him with the responsibility of managing the temple affairs. A record to this effect kept on the palm leaves is believed to have been lost during the time of one Somasundara Kurukkal, who was the priest of the temple at that time. According to depositions by Sri Somasundara Kurukkal, it is believed that the Prince who Lakshmi Ammal approached was Ittilkombi Achan. Sri Somasundara Kurukkal has also confirmed that the Prince had entrusted the management of the temple to his descendants belonging to the Valia Konikkal Madom. The Prince had also gifted land for the upkeep and maintenance of the temple. The lands set apart for this temple came to be made inam or revenue-free by him and this was allowed to be continued as revenue free by the subsequent rulers, Tipu Sultan and later by the British Government. Even today the management of the temple continues to be in the hands of the Trustee, a descendent of the erstwhile princely family.
The land reforms of the Government of recent times had deprived the temple of the income from these lands. The Temple at present is being run by the offerings of the devotees and vazhipadu collections. The first face of the inscription on the granite slab in front of the Temple contains the details of the lands given as gift to the temple with the four boundaries thereof. The agraharam sites of the four streets of Old Kalpathy, New Kalpathy, Chathapuram and Govindarajapuram are all included within the boundaries of the lands gifted per the stone inscription. It is clear from this that the Brahmin houses in the four agraharams were in existence on the date of the gift mentioned in the stone inscription.

Structural location and layout

The temple is situated at the bottom of eighteen steps leading from the eastern Gopuram. In the south-west direction of the temple is situated the temple of Sri Lakshminarayana Perumal of Old Kalpathy Village and Prasanna Maha Ganapathy of Chathapuram village, in the east the Kshipraprasada Maha Ganapathi Temple of Pandhrandaam Teruvu and the Manthakara Maha Ganapathi Temple of New Kalpathy village and in the east-west direction Sri Varadaraja Perumal of Govindarajapuram village. In the eastern direction at a distance of a kilometer is located the Chokkanathar temple of Chokkanathapuram village. On the right side while entering the temple, there are two banyan trees. The Serpent Gods [nagaprathishta] are consecrated beneath the first banyan tree, which is also the “sthala Vriksham”. Pooja is performed for this tree and naga prathishta, treating it as “Vshnu Amsom”.
The flag staff (Kodimaram) is erected in front of the temple. The stone slab describing the land gifted to the temple etc. is installed behind the flag mast. Close to the stone slab is the Bhadralingam and in front of it the Gnana Nandikeswarar, facing Sri Viswanathaswamy. The eight sides of the prakaram(closed precincts of a temple) inside the Temple belongs to Indra, Agni, Yama, Niruruthi, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, and Eesanan. The idol of Sri Viswanathaswamy is situated in the direction of Kubera facing east and close to this Sri Visalakshi facing south. In front of Sri Viswanathaswamy, Nandikeswarar appears in three forms. The three forms symbolise Aathmathathwam, Vidyathathwam and Sivathathwam. The moolavar in this temple is Sri Viswanathaswami.

Pooja Vidhi (Religious Services)

The idols of Sri Viswanathaswamy and Sri Visalakshi are attached to the pedestals by Ashtabandhanam, a mixture of eight elements that help fix the idol to the peetham or base. The Viswanathaswamy idol is a Bana Lingam. The Bana lingam extends four carpenter’s angul (inch) higher than the pedestal. The circumference at the level of the pedestal may be about eight angul(inches). The Vishalakshi idol stands twenty four inches above the pedestal up to the top of the crown.
Pooja in temples are of two types: aathmartham and parartham. The two differ in the sankalpam. In the former, the sankalpam will be in the name of yajamana of the temple i.e. udamasthan or owner. In the latter the sankalpam will be in the name of all people. In the Sri Viswanathaswamy temple, the pooja performed is aathmartham. The pooja in the temple is conducted on the pattern of the pooja held in the Mayuranathar Temple at Mayavaram. Sri Subramania Kurukkal of Mayavaram was the first poojakar (priest). The pooja is conducted according to the Tamil Agama. There are 28 types of Agamas. The pooja in this temple is being followed according to Kamikagamam. Pooja is conducted four times a day: 5:45AM Usha Pooja, 9:45 AM Uchikala Pooja, 5:45 PM Deeparadhana, and 7:45 PM Ardhajama Pooja. The Ardhajama pooja is most important. It includes dhara and Abhishekam by milk daily.

Recent news

According to sastras, renovation and Kumbhabhishekham of temples are to be conducted once in twelve years in order to enhance the divine power of the Lord. The last Jeernodharanam and Kumbhabhishekham of this temple were conducted in 1956 and 1981, respectively. Thus, it has been more than 30 years since major repairs have been undertaken.
The temple structure including the Garbhagrihams (sanctum sanctorum) has developed extensive damages and they require immediate attention to prevent further damages. Even though efforts were on for undertaking the repair works for the last several years, due to some reason or other they have not yielded the desired result. Now some serious efforts are on to undertake the work of Jeernodharanam to be followed by Maha Kumbhabhishekam ritual in order to enhance the divine power of the Lord. Sri K. Krishnan Embrandiri, Charactered Engineer and a renowned Temple Architect well-versed in vasthu shastras, was entrusted with the work of preparing the Renovation Project. He has prepared the estimates for the civil works connected with the Development/Renovation Project. Based on the project report of civil works involved and taking into consideration the expenditure involved for conducting the vedic rituals, veda parayanam, cultural events etc., an estimate of about 100 lakhs (10 million) Rupees has been prepared.  
The Department of Tourism of the Kerala Government recently launched a Heritage Protection project at Kalpathy to preserve not only this magnificent temple, but also the Brahmin agraharams around it.

 

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

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