Holy
Pilgrimage – Temples in Kerala State
MATHUR MANNAMPULLI KALI BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE, Kerala
In Palakkad
District of Kerala Sri. Mannampullikavu temple, an ancient temple of thousands
of year old, around I7 km from Palakkad junction is situated. Dateback to Tippu
Sulthan’s era while his army men destroyed many Hindu shrines, this temple was
also damaged. This temple remained in a dilapilated condition for a number of
years. People of this region, when subjected to lot of trouble like diseases,
poverty etc, a Devaprasnam was conducted.
This temple was initially under the guidance of a Brahmin called Peringottu
karanavar, Who has taken the work of the entire administrative and spiritual
works of the temple. People from all parts without anydiscretion of caste, creed, language, religion etc. poured for the blessings of the Kali. Because of the local people wanted the temple should be handled by a person of local nativity,a local priest taken charge of the temple. Hence Peringottu karanavar left this temple and went for pilgrimage to Himalayas.
This Bhadrakali temple is also known as by several names viz Santharooopini, Sathrusamharini, Thejaswini etc. since the temple was in a very dilapidated condition and also main idol was under the main level of ground about 5 ½ below, this temple was renovated, the main idol got retrieved and Lord Ganapathy, Ayyappan, Gurunathan were installed. The renovation works was started during 2008 and Punaprathishta was conducted on March 8 2008 (Kumbam 24 of 1184)However the works are incomplete because of parapet work around the temple,a well is to be constructed along with a yagnamandapam.
It is a rare and an ancient famous temple. This temple is situated in a village called ‘Mannampulli” facing east direction. Hence the name ‘Mannampulli kavu” 'Puli' means tamarind tree, Kavu means temple “Mathur means ‘Mahathaya oor’- a famous renowned place.
Special Poojas
Swayamvara
parvathy pooja
Swayamvara parvathy pooja Dedicated to Lord parvathy.The worship of a chosen
deity is indispensable for any person in attaining ones desires. Even though
God is one, ancient seers have given us various forms of worship for the
upliftment of ordinary mortals. Among these various forms of worships, most
prominent is that of Shakti or the Divine Mother. The divine mother took the
incarnation of Goddess Parvati in order to get married to Lord Shiva. None
other than Lord Shiva himself gave the Swayamvara Parvati mantra to Goddess
Parvati. This enabled her to reunite with her divine consort.By performing the
Swayamvara Parvati pooja, various obstacles that delay any marriage are
removed. The eligible bride or groom is blessed with suitable spouse
Mahalakshmi Pooja
Mahalakxmi
- The Goddess of Wealth & Fortune
Goddess
Lakshmi, also called Maa Laxmi, is the goddess of wealth,fortune, power,
luxury, beauty, fertility, and auspiciousness. Maa Laxmi holds the promise of
material fulfillment and contentment. She is described as restless, whimsical
yet maternal, with her arms raised to bless and to grant blessings to her
devotees .One must perform this Homam when facing financial difficulties and
wish to earn wealth in abundance.
This homam is also done for improvement in Financials and also for recovery of dues.
MuttarukkalThis homam is also done for improvement in Financials and also for recovery of dues.
which involves breaking coconuts before the deity by the Pujari correctly into
two exact half pieces for warding away obstacles in the various facets of life
of the devotes The word itself means "Keeping away Obstacles".If,by
chance,a coconut offered to ward way a particular problem,fails to be broken
into two exact halves ,then fresh coconut are broken till it is broken in exact
halves - meaning the problem has been solved by the divine interference of the
deity.
Guruthi
Pooja
Guruthi
pooja is a pooja where the guruthi is offered to the Goddess. It represents
blood & blood represents vitality. So guruthi pooja is where you offer the
vitality to the Goddess. At that time due to the charged atmosphere a weak
minded person or a person who is overcome by other subtle forces / badha will
start losing control over their personality. All badhas cannot be removed only
some can be. It depends on individual case
Malamakkavu Ayyappa Temple, Kerala
Malamakkavu Ayyappa Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to lord Ayyappan, located in Anakkara Panchayath in Palakkad district of Kerala. A special flower called "Chengazhinir Poovu" which is traditionally used as offering to deity is found and grown only in the temple pond. This temple was depicted in the Malayalam movie Neelathamera, though the film was recorded elsewhere as no permission was given to shoot the film on the temple premises.Name
Temple name is variously spelled as 'Mala-Mel-Kavu', 'Mala-Mal-kavu' or 'Mala-yil-Kavu'. They all mean "A temple (Kavu) located on top (Mel) of a small hill(Mala)". All spellings are correct, but the second one of these is used in the official temple sign board.Location
The temple is located in Malamakkavu Desom. But the temple is not, as the name suggests, situated on top of a hill, but is located relatively lower in the region. This area is famous for its Thayambaka, a traditional percussion music instrument used in temple festivals.Legend of establishment
The legend, which the temple shares with many other temples across Kerala is that, many hundreds of years ago a Cherumi couple chanced upon a divine rock while grazing the forest with their live-stock. The rock bled blood upon being struck with a sickle and thus its divinity was made apparent to all. Soon word went around of the discovery of a divine entity in the forest and the deity was formally instated in a specially made sanctum. A small temple (Kavu) was established around the idol. Not much historic records exist to authenticate the antiquity of the temple, but written records exist which prove that the temple is more than 300 years old.Temple and its surroundings
The temple is one of the 108 Ayyappan temples in Kerala. Its main idol, Ayyappan is oriented to the east so that offerings can be made. Other idols are Bhagavathi and Lord Siva. The temple's festival, "Thalapoli" is celebrated on the last Saturday of the month of Dhanu. The temple was owned and managed by the family of Padinjarepat Nambiar. Temple pond is situated to the east of the premises.Legends say that, if one prays with full heart and places offerings at the feet of the lord Ayyappa, the "Chengazhi Neer" flower, also known as "Neelathamara", will bloom the very next day in the temple pond as a sign of God's blessing. This legend associated with Malamakkavu Ayyappa temple plays a pivotal role in the film Neelathemera. Thiyattu Nambiars, who has the right to conduct the Thiyattu ceremony in Ayappan temples has a branch in Malamakkavu, where they live in the vicinity of Malamakkavu Temple.
Famous writer and Jnanpith award winner, M T Vasudevan Nair was born in Koodallur and did his primary schooling from Malamakkavu UP School. He is the author of the story based on which the movie "Neelathamara" is conceived. Through M T's writing, this quiet hamlet has found fame in Kerala's literary imagination
Tirumanthamkunnu Temple, Kerala
Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is a historically significant Hindu temple in Angadipuram near Perintalmanna which is known as the capital city of Valluvanad,in Malappuram district, Kerala state, South India. The temple deity, Thirumandhamkunnilamma, was the para devatha (official goddess) of the kings of Valluvanad, the local feudal kings ruled the area in the Middle Ages. The assassins (called Chavers) of Valluvanad king set out from this temple to Thirunavaya, to participate in the famous Mamankam festival. A memorial structure called the chaver thara ("platform of the assassins") can be found in front of the main entrance of the Thirumanthamkunnu Temple.The temple is also an important pilgrim center, especially for the eleven-day long annual festival celebrated in March and April months of the Gregorian calendar. The "principle deity" of temple is the Hindu god Shiva. Other deities include goddess Bhagavathi, locally called as Thirumandhamkunnilamma and the elephant god Ganesha, for whom the famous Marriage Offering (Mangalya puja) is performed Mangalya Puja, Rigveda Laksharchana, Chandattam and Kalampattu are the important religious offerings of the Thirumanthamkunnu Temple.
There are ceremonies and rituals specific to this Hindu temple that are not carried out at others. The Thirumanthamkunnu Temple courtyards are on a hilltop that provides a view of the countryside spread out below.
Legend surrounding Thirumanthamkunnu Temple
King Mandhata of Surya dynasty ruled his kingdom for a long period. He then gave away the kingdom to his successors and chose to meditate on Hindu god Shiva and attain the Shiva’s feets at the end. Shiva was pleased with his penance appeared before the king Mandhata and offered him any boon at Mount Kailash. The king prayed to the lord for an idol to worship till his death. Shiva gave him the most holy Shiva Lingam which was too dear to him and which used to be worshipped by Parvati and then the god disappeared.Carrying the Shiva Lingam on head, King Mandhata started his downward journey from Mount Kailash and reached the hill now known as "Thirumandhamkunnu" in Kerala. A spring with crystal-clear water flowed along the northern slope of the hill. Many beautiful birds chirped in the jungle. Wild animals like lion, tiger, and elephant roamed about in the wilderness in full harmony forgetting their traditional enmity. Different kinds of trees and plants grew in the region and gave out sweet smell in to the atmosphere. The surrounding attracted the king. Feelings of idol on his head heavy he placed it on the ground at immediately the Shiva Lingam got stuck in to the earth.
Shiva had gifted the Shiva Lingam to the king when his consort Parvati was away for her bath. When Parvati turned up for worship the Shiva Lingam was not there. She got upset on enquiry she know that it was presented to the King Mandhata, by her husband. Being too much attached to it she wanted the Shiva Lingam back. Shiva tolled her that he had no objection in her trying to get it back. Parvati now offered Bhadrakali and a host of demons to rush up and get back the Shiva Lingam from the king. With the army of demons, Bhadrakali reached the northern slope of Thirumandha hill. The brightness emitted by the Shiva Lingam installed by king Mandhata was so great that it dazzled the eyes of Bhadrakali and demons and they were unable to move up the hills. So they started throwing up the weapons from the foot of the hill. The ascetic attending on Mandhata were unarmed but tried to defend themselves with whatever things they had. These being insufficient to protect them they plucked Attanga nuts from their creeper plants, which were available in plenty and threw them at the enemy. Because of the power of Shiva and the divine power of Mandhata the nuts got changed in to arrows instantly. Bhadrakali and her demons could not resist them the fight lasted for fifteen days.
The age-old custom of "Attangayeru" on first of Thulam (the Malayalam month) on the new moon day of the same month in the forenoon before pantheerady pooja refers to the legendary fight between mandhatha and kali
Expecting defeat Mahamaya took her viswaroopa. She had an elephant in an ear and a lion in the other as earring. Seeing this form the ascetics fell down senseless. When mahamaya in this form reached the hilltop mandhatha was also helpless. He embraced the sivalinga kali tried to capture it by force. In this struggle that followed the linga got split into two. In the “Jyothis” that arose from it “THRIMOORTHIS” (Brahma, Vishnu and Siva) and Parvathy appeared on the spot.
Parvathy told Mandhatha this idol was very dear to me. Still I do not want to take it away from you against the wishes of my husband. Separation from it is also difficult for me. So I will enter that linga and remain here forever. My daughter kali is not different from me. Actually she came here first. Let her also be installed near me facing north and have all poojas and festival performed. So same parvathy disappeared into the idol. This spot is the “SREEMOOLASTHANAM”. The sivalinga here is still in split condition .Its position is below the “peedam” and “Prabhamandalam” and can be seen only during the abhisheka before the ushapooja and “Malarnivedia” to the deity.
As ordered by Parvathy, Bhagavathy with Sapthamathrukkal, Veerabhadran and Ganapaty were installed facing north. This is called “Mathrusala”. Pooram, Pattu and all such festivals intended for this goddess.
When Sree Parvathy appears infant Ganapathy was also with her. This infant ganapathy also been installed at sreemoolasthanam.
Sree Parvathy appeared facing west. The installations of Sivalinga at Sreemoolasthanam were facing east. It was thus for necessary to have two darshan openings one to the east and the other to west. The family descendants of “Valluva Konathiri” do not generally open the one on the west except for darshan. On either side of the doorway here are two openings through which other worshippers can have darshan of the deity. But in recent past the restrictions has been modified. After each pooja, the door is kept open for some time for darshan of the deity by devotees.
Mandhatha spent many years at thirumandhamkunnu in meditation and thapusu. At last he knew it was time for him to leave this world. He was thinking of entrusting the temple to someone for perfect upkeep and maintenance when two Brahmins came there. Mandhatha told them his desire gave them a Grandha containing instructions on the performance of poojas and entrusted the shrine to them. He then retired to the jungle nearby now known as “KUKSHIPPARAKKAD” and freed himself from this world of mortals by his yogic powers. Bhakthas who go round this jungle paying homage pick out a leaf from the growing plants and keep it in hair with at most reverence. This area is still a protected jungle. In the Devaprashna conducted in 1959 it was observed that an idol of mandhatha should be installed here and poojas, performed. The temple priests before pooja every Malayalam month. The annual pooja on Chithra in midhunam on Mandhatha is on special significance.
Two Brahmins entrusted with the upkeep of temple, one cleared the jungle around the idol and hence came to be known as “KATTILLAMUTTAM” .The other prepared pavilion for prathishta and came to be known as “PANTHALAKODE”. The thanthri of thirumandhamkunnu temple is still a descendent from either of these families. The nair karyasthan who was with them was given the title “chathathumarar” and made the blower of holy conch in the temple. The Namboodiri’s informed the news to Vadakkara swaroopam raja that was subordinate chieftain of valluvanadu raja holding the title mannarmala raja. He immediately rushed to the spot (Seeing the over-lord of the hill the goddess got up and paid homage to him. This humility of Devi-the sustainer of three worlds—made the raja blink in shame and) he prayed to the goddess to see him as a son. He then presented an elephant to the goddess and worshipped her from its rear, standing in its shadow. His descendants also followed the same practice. Even now direct darshan of thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy is not permissible to mannarmala raja.
The first Vallavaraja who took over the control of the temple entrusted its upkeep and maintenance to the local feudal lords “ETTUVEETIL ACHANS” and made them trusty. Erukalikara nair was made kavudaya nair. Sreemoolasthanam does not have a roof, which is an evidence of it having been a kavu.
The painting on the walls of the mathrusala throws light to this legend. These paintings which are in lying with the wall painting at suchindram, Pundarikkapuram,vaikom and Guruvayoor were executed in 1944.
Alattiyur Hanuman Temple, Kerala
Alathiyur Hanuman Temple is a famous Hindu temple located at Alathiyur near Tirur, Malappuram district, Kerala state, India. Over the years the "custodians" of the temple were Alathiyur Grama Namboodiri, king of Vettam, and Samoothiri of Kozhikode According to local myths, the "Purumthrikkovil idol" of the deity Hanuman was consecrated 3000 years ago by Vasistha, one of the Saptarishis. Even though the main deity of the temple is Hindu god Rama the temple is famous and known as a "Hanuman temple".Kadampuzha Devi Temple, Kerala
Kadampuzha Devi Temple is a Hindu temple and pilgrimage center at Kadampuzha, Malappuram district, Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga, a form of Devi. There is no idol in the temple.Karthikai day in the month Vrishchikam (November–December), is considered a special day and is celebrated in a grand manner at the temple. The deity is considered more powerful on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Annadaana (food offering) is made daily at the temple. Plastic bags are not allowed inside the temple. The coconuts are to be "offered" by carrying them on a non-plastic bags.
The temple, owned by Malabar Devaswom Board under the Government of Kerala, is administered through a trust consisting of the Hindu-Variar family and non hereditary co-opted trustees.
There is another temple, Madambiyar Kavu Temple, situated a short distance away from the Kadampuzha Devi Temple, which was originally constructed and maintained by the "Thekkencheri" Nair family. The idol of the Madambiyar Kavu Temple is god Siva in his "Kirata" incarnation.
Daily offerings
There are two main daily rituals at the Kadampuzha Devi Temple.- Poomoodal (covering the deity under a heap of freshly picked flowers) is the highest puja done in the temple. The Poomoodal offering is being done between 0900-1100 after which the temple will be closed after morning pujas by 1100.
- Muttarukkal, another offering, involves breaking coconuts before the deity by the pujari, correctly into two equal halves, and is used for warding away problems in the life of the devotees. The word itself means "keeping away obstacles". If an offered coconut fails to be broken into two exact halves, then fresh coconuts are broken until one is broken "correctly" - ensuring that the problem has been solved by the divine interference of the deity.
Legends surrounding the Kadampuzha Devi Temple
The legends surrounding the Kadampuzha Devi are related to Arjuna, one of the heroes of the epic Mahabharata.Arjuna fought with god Siva during the Kirata incarnation (he was accompanied by Devi Parvathy during her Vanadurga incarnation).
A demon named Mukasura took the form of a wild boar and started destroying the trees and shrubs around Arjuna. Arjuna was in deep meditation at the time, in order to get the Pasupathasthra (a divine arrow named "Pasupatham") from Lord Paramasiva.
Both Arjuna and Shiva shot at the wild boar and both claimed that his arrow had killed the animal. They argued, and finally agreed to fight a battle with bow and arrow. The victor of the battle would also get the honour of being the killer of the wild boar. The ensuing battle was fierce and Arjuna was defeated. Despondent over the defeat, Arjuna placed a big stone in front of him and started praying to the mother of the universe Parasakthi while showering flowers over the stone. He was amazed to see that the flowers fell at the feet of the Kirata and Kirati. He realised that those people were actually Lord Paramasiva and Devi Parvathy. The Lord and Devi Parvathy were pleased with Arjuna and gifted him with the Pasupathastra arrow.
Another legend says that Adi Sankaracharya, during his travels, once happened to pass through Kadampuzha, which was then a grassland. At one place he could not pass further, as he seemed to strike an invisible wall. He understood it to be the meeting point of the Goddess Parasakthi in her Devi Parvathy incarnation and Lord Parameswara in his "Kirata" incarnation. Adi Sankaracharya prayed to the Devi and she appeared before him. After blessing him, the goddess disappeared into a small hole in the ground. He did the first poojas to the devi there on that day in Vrishchikam (November–December) and the sanctum of the temple is said to have been built around that hole.
Location
Situated in Marakkara Panchayath, Kadampuzha is 2 km. away from Vettichira on the Thrissur-Calicut national highway.
Thrikkavu Temple, Kerala
Thrikkavu Sri Durga Bhagavathy Temple, the abode of Durga Devi is an ancient temple situated in ponani in malappuram district in Kerala. Goddess Durga is the main deity of this centuries old temple. Even though authentic details are not available about the age of the temple, it is considered as one of the 108 Durga temples consecrated by Lord Parasurama in Kerala. It is believed that the name Thrikkavu originated from " Thrikkani Kaadu”.The Devi is here in her Chathurbhaahu (four arms) form with Chakra (disc), Sankha (conch), Varada (in a boon-conferring pose) and katibadha (arm rest in the hip). Thrikkavu Bhagavathy is believed to be “Sarvabeeshtapradhayini” (one who grants all wishes) and numerous bhakthas have stories legion to tell of her supreme benevolence. The Bhagavathy is worshipped in two different forms Durga and Saraswati. Apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of Krishna temple and Upa-Devatha temples for Mahaganapathi, Sasthavu, Sidhi Vinayakan, Hanuman and Brahma Rakshass. There is Moola Ganapathy Temple near the pond (Kshetrakulam) along with Naga Raja, Naga Yakshi and Naga pratishtas.
The legend regarding the origin of the Temple goes to the period of Lord Parasurama’s incarnation. After reclaiming the land of Kerala, throwing his “Sruvam” in the ocean, Lord Parasurama consecrated one hundred and eight Durga Temples along the cost land and the same number of Siva Temples along the high land for the security of the people, fauna and flora of Kerala. It is believed that Sri Durga Temple of Thrikkavu is one among them. The Sthothra about Durgalayas recited by the present old generation seem to have omitted thrikkavu. It might be perhaps of the same reason that has affected so many sthothras that were passed through ears from generation to generation. As the thrikkavu Durga Kshetra has the same structure and mode of worship has the other Durgalayas no one can disown the legend believed by the devotees of Thrikkavu Durga Bhagavathy.
It is the presence of the Temple that gave the place around it the name Thrikkavu. The word means the “grove of Sree” ( Thiru or Thri is the Dravidian form of the Aryan word “Sree”) Sree is the short form of Sree Devi – Sree Bhagavathy i.e. Durga.
It is history how the management of Hindu Temples fell into the hands of rulers of the different part of Kerala. Thus the Zamorins of Kozhikode became the Uralans (owners) of Thrikkavu Temple. It must be admitted that the Zamorins had ardent faith in the powers of Sree Durga in Thrikkavu. Most of the Zamorins spent a good time in their official capacity in Ponnani. Ponnani was their second capital. Most of their orders begin with the words “Ponnani Vayka” (Residing in Ponnani). They had two palaces in Ponnani – one near Thrikkavu Temple and the other in Vairanellur to the east of the temple. The remnants now available of these Palaces are only two tanks, Chandana Kulam near the temple and Vairanikulam in the east near NH17. The Zamorins showed great interest in the affairs of the temple. This must be called the “Golden Age” in the history of the temple. There were lands and a number of vessels in the possession of the temple. Vessels required for Mamankam at Thirunavaya were transported from this temple. (Vide - Samuthiri Charithrathile Kanapurangal by Dr. N.M. Namboodiri) annual festival was conducted in the temple with great pomp and glory (vide - the same book page). Now the annual festival is being conducted for ten days during Navarathri.
Thrikkavu temple is more than a temple. It is a temple complex. There is another full fledged temple in the same compound, to the north of Sri Durga Temple. This is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed that this was a Sri Rama Temple built by a Brahmin devotee who had trade relation with Bombay market. He depended on the sea route for this journeys as roads and rails were uncommon in those days. Once while he was returning form Bombay, his vessel was caught in a sudden tempest. He prayed to his pet Lord Sree Rama to save him and those in the vessel. His prayer contained a promise. He would build a temple for Sree Rama when he reaches safe in Ponnani. The Lord heard his prayer; the sea became calm. The merchant kept his promise. He built a temple with the main deity facing west to the sea and a small for his beloved Bhaktha Sree Hanuman facing east. There are proofs to believe that this was a full fledged temple. The basement of the chuttambalam (outer structure) remains safe even now and there is a Ganapathy Kovil attached to this temple.
The present idol of Sree Durga is the one re-installed in 1980. The old one was broken. It is believed that the damage was caused by the soldiers of Tipu Sulthan of Mysore during his patayottam (war campaign) in Malabar.
There is a big tank popularly called ‘Chira’ in front of the temple. As in the case of every event there is story behind this tank also. The onslaught of severe drought and famine, one summer, made the life of in Ponnani thoroughly miserable. They had no food, not even clean water. A deputation of some gentlemen from Ponnani approached the Zamorin at Kozhikode and informed him of the situation. The Zamorin said, “Let the people dig a big tank in front of the temple. Those who participate in this campaign will be given free meals in the form of Kanji (Gruel) and Puzhukku (Curry). The rice necessary for this will be supplied by the Zamorin free from Kozhikode. The people of Ponnani enthusiastically took part in the work. After two moths a big pond was dug. But there was some muddy water in the middle of the pond. Some people were engaged in pouring out this water using some country made pots. It was then Pakanar, a great man of divinity belonging to the ‘Parayi Petta Panthirukulam’ (Twelve great persons born of a Parayi - scheduled cast woman.) suddenly appeared there. He told the people engaged in the work that that was not the way to make the pond clean. The workers were even otherwise irritated. They wanted Pakanar to demonstrate the way how it could be done. Pakanar stepped down to the pond took a handful of water and threw it upwards. The water disappeared. Suddenly from all the sides of the pond water began to flow into the tank. The workers ran out. Now, the tank was full with crystal clear water. It is said that since then the tank has never gone dry. There is a Ganapathy Kovil in the south west corner of the tank, with a huge banyan tree in front.
The idol of Sree Durga faces eastward. The deity is supposed to be Varadurga who blesses all the devotees. Decorated with sandal paste, ornaments and garlands the deity is a charm to see. Standing before the Goddess you feel that your mind is filled with calm and serenity. You have a reverberating sound from deep within. You are elevated to ecstasies. The whole Sanctum Sanctorum reflects in your mind. You realize the innermost meaning of the profound statement ‘Aham Brahmasmi’ (I am Brahma).
To the south of the Sreekovil in the chuttambalam there is the shrine of Ganapathy. Outside the chuttambalam in the southwest corner there is a temple for Lord Ayyappa and in the northwest corner, one for Brahma Rakshas
Tirunavaya Temple, Kerala
Tirunavaya Temple is a historically significant ancient Hindu temple on the banks of the River Bharata dedicated to Nava Mukundan Vishnu with the other deities like Ganesha, and Lakshmi. It is located near the ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre of Tirunavaya, a village 8 km south of Tirur in the Malappuram district of Kerala state, India. The temple was the traditional venue for the historic ritual of the Mamankam festival, an enactment of traditional martial arts by suicide squads.
Legends associated with Tirunavaya Temple
According to the local legends, goddess Lakshmi and Gajendra, the king of the elephants, worshiped god Vishnu here with lotus flowers from a lake nearby; with the two devotees using flowers from the same source, its supply dwindled, and Gajendra appealed to Vishnu, who took Lakshmi by his side on the same throne and accepted worship offered by Gajendra.There is another legend associated with the Tirunavaya Temple. The deity is called "Nava Mukundan" as it is believed that the idol was the ninth one to be installed in the shrine by a group of Hindu saints known as "Navayogis". The first eight idols disappeared as soon as they were placed there and the ninth sank to its knees before it was forcibly stopped. It is interesting that the image of Nava Mukundan is portrayed only from above the knee, the rest of the image being concealed within the ground. There is believed to be a bottomless unexplored pit behind the image in the sanctum.
This is the place were Nava yogis (Sathuvanathar, Saaloga nathar, Aadhinathar, Arulithanathar, Madhanga Nathar, Macchendira Nathar, Kadayanthira Nathar, Korakkanathar and Kukkudanathar) worshipped Vishnu. Vishnu gave darsan for Nava yogi. Hence this place is called Thirunavayogi and later changed in to Thirunaavaya. In due course, 8 yogis attained moksha and the vigrahams worshipped by them also disappeared and as a result of this, the ninth yogi got dejected and stopped offering worship to Vishnu. When questioned by Perumal, he said that he was missing his companions and Perumal with his maya showed the 8 yogis. The 8 yogis agreed to stay there but said that they would be invisible to human eyes and the 9th yogi could feel their presence. In due course, the 9th yogi requested Perumal to make him also invisible. But Perumal insisted that the vigraham worshipped by the 9 th yogi must be kept there itself and Perumal blessed the 9 yogis saying that they could offer worship to Him at that place forever. Hence, what we see now is the vigraham worshipped by the 9th yogi.
Vasudevapuram Tavanur, Kerala
Vasudevapuram SriKrishna Temple Tavanur (ശ്രീ വാസുദേവപുരം ശ്രീകൃഷ്ണ ക്ഷേത്രം)
Tavanur Sri Vasudevapuram Temple is one among the three ancient great temples (Maha Kshetram) on the Southern bank of the holy river Bharathapuzha. Sri Vasudevapuram Temple is situated to the east of the other two great temples viz. Maha Siva Temple and Brahma temple (these temples along with the famous Thirunavaya Maha Vishnu temple across the river forms the great trilogy in Sanatana Dharma) The area of Tavanur in which the temple is located is called Muvaankara (മൂവ്വാങ്കര). Since Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the presiding deities of the area, it was initially known as Muvalankara, which later became Muvaankara.This temple is situated in a serene atmosphere in the middle of a wooded area (42 cents) resembling that of Sabarimala. The temple belonged to Maravanchery Mana and now it has been handed over to a registered trust of devotees.
The beautiful and unique Sri Krishna idol made of jet black stone is in the form of child Sri Krishna with butter in both hands. It is believed to have been the idol worshiped by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar.
"Sri Vasudevapuram" temple is built for Vilwamangalam Swamiyar's mother for offering prayer during her old age. Vilwamangalam Swamiyar was so great a Bhaktha (devotee of) Sri Krishna that he was said to possess the ability to actually "see" him. He was instrumental in setting up several famous temples in Kerala such as Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvaarppu, and Cherthala Kaarthiaayani.
Legends
Lord Sri Krishna as a child appeared to a mahatma who was a devout Brahmin and a yathi varyan (Vilwamangalam Swamiyar). He worshiped Lord Sri Krishna in child form in a unique idol. After the disappearance of his mortal body, that devine idol was installed in a temple as per temple rituals for the benefit of common people. The village was dedicated to the Lord of this temple and was rechristened Vasudevapuram. Later a devotee of Lord Shiva brought a Shiva lingam and installed it in the temple for his worship. Ganapathi and Sastha idols were also installed in the temple.Festivals
Ashtami Rohini in Chingam (August-September) is the birthday of Lord Krishna. That is celebrated every year with cultural programs, procession, and special poojas including Guru pooja (Yatheeswara pooja). The devotees are given special feast on this day.Niraputhari: This takes place in the month of Chingam. Puthari means new rice. It is the formal beginning of the use of rice after the new harvest season. It is a tradition in Sanatana Dharma that any food, item or work is offered (dedicated) to Lord before it is used. Puthari payasam is offered to Lord.
Kuchela Dinam: The first Wednesday of the month of Dhanu (December) is celebrated as Kuchela Dinam. It is based on the belief that it was on this day that Kuchela, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna offered Avil (parched rice) to him and in return attained eternal bliss and material prosperity . Avil offering is considered auspicious on this day
Kattuptthoor Siva-Vishnu kshethram, Pathiricod, Kerala
Kattuptthoor Siva-Vishnu kshethram, Pathiricod is a Hindu temple located at Edappatta, Perinthalmanna taluk, Malappuram district, Kerala state, South India. Kattuptthoor Siva-Vishnu kshethram is believed to be centuries old and is now almost in ruins. The Hindu deity Shiva is worshiped at the temple along with the Lord Vishnu. Nearest railroad station to the Kattuptthoor Siva-Vishnu kshethram is in Melattur, Kerala.
Lokanarkavu Temple, Kerala
Lokanarkavu Temple is in Memunda 4 km from Vatakara, in Kozhikode District, North Malabar region of Kerala state of south India. Lokanarkavu is a short form of Lokamalayarkavu which means lokam (world) made of mala (mountain), aaru (river) and kavu (grove). It is the official family temple of the 500 Aryan Nagariks[citation needed] who had migrated to Kerala and their successors. The closest railway station is at Vadakara,which is 5 km from temple. Te nearest airport is Calicut airport which is 87 km away.Pooram is the important festival here and it is conducted with great pomp and show. The week-long festival begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu. The temple dedicated to goddess Durga has great historical importance as Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship here every day.
Lokanarkavu and Kalarippayattu
Thirty days Mandala Utsavam in Malayalam month Vrischikam (November-December) and pooram in Malayalam month meenam (March-April) are the annual festival at the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple. This is the only temple where a peculiar folk dance called Poorakkali is presented during festivals. The dance, resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu. Even today, all Kalaripayattu artists seek the blessings of the deity before their debut due to the association of Lokanarkavu Temple with legendary hero thacholi othenan.Vengeri Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Temple, Kerala
Vengeri Sri
Subrahmanya Swami temple is believed to have a history of more than a thousand
years. Unlike other temples in the vicinity, the entire structure is situated
on the top of an elevated land. It’s known among devotees that Lord Subrahmanya
loves to live on highlands and hilltops. The legend that depicts the origin of
the temple goes like this.
Sometimes
during the golden era of Indian culture, sculpture, tradition and philosophy, a
group of brahmins from Thanjavur happened to travel to West for some reason.
Along with their articles, they were carrying an idol of lord Muruga also.
While crossing the land where the temple stands now, the team decided to pause
and take some rest.
They put their
head loads down. Kept the Muruga idol behind a Venga tree, and for safely they
leaned the idol towards the tree and moved to the nearby river for bath and
washing. Once they finished and come back to get the idol back, to their
surprise, they found that the idol was stuck there and remained unmovable.
The Brahmins
tried their best to get their sculpture back, but all efforts ended up in vein.
Later they realized that, the place they kept the idol was a sacred land and
that’s the right location to construct an abode for the lord and worship him.
They found similarities to Palani there. There was a beautiful stream on the
North with fresh water. The soil on the land smelt sandal and appeared in
bright saffron in colour.
The serenity of
the place fascinated the Brahmins. They realized that it’s Lord Subrahmanya’s
wish to sit there and bless the humanity. With the help of people living in the
village they constructed a beautiful temple for Subrahmanya Swami. The temple
was totally in Kerala architecture style and within short period of time,
become very famous.
As the God
himself found leaning towards the Venga tree, the temple is called Vengachari
temple (chari means “leaning towards” in Malayalam).Venga Chari became Vengeri
and later on, the village where the temple is situated also called after the
temple as Vengeri.
The temple was in ruins for a long period and devotees were having a tough time due to the ire of the God. It was in 1990, the temple renovation works started, and within few years Sreekovil and Nalambalam structures completed and resurrected in to the glory with Puna-pathishta of the God and started daily pooja. Now eminent committee of devotees takes care of the daily routine, special programs and annual festivals of the temple .
Temple Opening Timings:
Regular Days:
Morning 6.00 to 9.30
Evening 5.30 to 7.00
Venga
Venga is one of the favourite trees of Lord Subrahmanya. In Skanda Purana, from verses 14 to 24, consists the story of Lord Muruga tries to persuade Valli to marry him. When Valli’s father appeared in the scene, Lord himself has taken the form of a Venga Tree to disguise from him.
Address :
Vengeri Sri Subrahmanya Swami Temple
Post Vengeri
Calicut 673010
Kerala, India
Tele : 0495-2375233
Email : contact@vengeritemple.com
vengeritemple@gmail.com
rajugopal.m@gmail.com
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
3 comments:
In kerala there are several holy and pilgrimage temples. All these temples are famous among pilgrims.
Himachal Tourism
Indeed a very good post provided. Very thanks to provide. In kerala there is a large list of temples.
Manali Hotels
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