Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
Chengannur is near Kottayam. The deity is Vishnu. The temple is also known as Chengannur Mahadeva temple. There is an interesting story behind this shrine. Yuddhistira (Dharmaputra) worshipped Vishnu, praying pardon for his battlefield act. In the battle field, in an attempt to deceive Drona and make him defenseless he uttered some misleading words which enabled Arjuna to finish him.
Chettikulangara Devi Temple
Chettikulangara Devi Temple ( Bhadrakali) 2 kms west of Mavelikkara, 6 kms east of Nangyarkulangara, in NH 47. Kumbham Bharani Festival. Irrespective of cast and creed everybody is allowed to enter into the temple compound. Huge and elegantly decorated chariots ( Ratham) with Kettu Kuthira, Devi's image, effigies of Bheema, Panchali, Hanuman are dragged to display one by one, in front of the temple by the near by villagers. Kuthiyottam is another expensive offering to propitiate the goddess. The lamp of bronze having thousand sepals and the lighting of it is worthwhile to see.
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. This is one of the few temples in Kerala where ritual arts like Garudan Thookkam is performed. Procession of all decorated structures on chariots, brightJy decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performaJ.?-ce make the festival spectacular.
The Kettukazhcha festival at this temple draws large crowds of devotees. This is one of the few temples in Kerala where ritual arts like Garudan Thookkam is performed. Procession of all decorated structures on chariots, brightJy decorated effigies of horses and bullocks and cultural performaJ.?-ce make the festival spectacular.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
The small, tranquil town of Allapuzha is deeply associated with Lord Krishna and several famous incidents associated with the deity. The Sri Krishna temple also called Ambalappuzha temple is also born out of one such incident. Today, it forms a part of three chief Sri Krishna temples in the state- the other two being Guruvayoor and Trichambaram.
Believed to have been built in 790 AD by Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayan Thampuran, who was the local ruler of that time, the temple is directly associated with Guruvayoor shrine. When Tipu Sultan attempted to took over the region, the Sri Krishna idol was shifter from Guruvayoor to this temple. A sacred pilgrimage destination for hundreds of devotees, the temple is especially decorated and engulfed in ceremonial festivities during the Mithunam month, Moolam Day of Malayalam calendar.
The ‘Payasam’ served in the temple constituting of rice and milk has a very interesting legend associated with it. As the story goes, Lord Krishna appeared in the form of a sage and challenged the king of the region for a game of chess. The condition was that upon winning the game, the King would have to pay one grain of rice which doubles on each square of the chess board. Later, when the King lost the game, he realized that it was impossible to fulfill the condition as miraculously it became trillions of tones of rice to cover the entire squares. Upon seeing the dilemma of the king, Lord Krishna appeared in his divine form and from that day onwards, the quantity is being repaid in the form of ‘Payasam’ to devotees.
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a must visit for everyone to experience the culture & history of Kerala, and especially to Lord Krishna devotees.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 26 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms from Alappuzha.
Believed to have been built in 790 AD by Chembakassery Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayan Thampuran, who was the local ruler of that time, the temple is directly associated with Guruvayoor shrine. When Tipu Sultan attempted to took over the region, the Sri Krishna idol was shifter from Guruvayoor to this temple. A sacred pilgrimage destination for hundreds of devotees, the temple is especially decorated and engulfed in ceremonial festivities during the Mithunam month, Moolam Day of Malayalam calendar.
The ‘Payasam’ served in the temple constituting of rice and milk has a very interesting legend associated with it. As the story goes, Lord Krishna appeared in the form of a sage and challenged the king of the region for a game of chess. The condition was that upon winning the game, the King would have to pay one grain of rice which doubles on each square of the chess board. Later, when the King lost the game, he realized that it was impossible to fulfill the condition as miraculously it became trillions of tones of rice to cover the entire squares. Upon seeing the dilemma of the king, Lord Krishna appeared in his divine form and from that day onwards, the quantity is being repaid in the form of ‘Payasam’ to devotees.
The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a must visit for everyone to experience the culture & history of Kerala, and especially to Lord Krishna devotees.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Alappuzha, about 26 kms away.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 kms from Alappuzha.
Oachira Parabrahma Ksetram
Oachira Parabrahma Temple is located at Ochira on the side of NH47 in Karunagappally Taluk. Dedicated to Parabrahamam attracts a large number of pilgrims, particularly during the festival called Oachirakkali in June-July. The Panthranduvilakku Mahotsavam (November-December) of this temple is also very famous. Ochira is situated 8 km away from Karunagappally. There is no temple in the real sense. Around big trees in vast open area there are exposed small idols.oachira temple Some idols are of female forces attributed to Shakti (power) and the others are of Parabrahmam, the omnipresent. To the right of the idols surrounded trees is an Ayyappa swamy kshetram (temple) constructed similar to Sabarimala temple, and to the left is a mosque.
Ochira is also considered an omnipresent Shiva kshetra. The visitors can see the Ochira Kaala. The decorated Ochira bulls symbolize Shiva’s vehicle, the Nandi. There is a famous festival called Ochira kali festival in June. During this festival men dressed as warriors enact mock war standing in the lake. People of various religious faiths visit this omnipresent temple and the legend is that Buddha had once camped here.
How To Reach :
Nearest Railway Stations: Kayamkulam (5 km), Karunagappally(12km)
Nearest Bus stations: Kayamkulam (4 km) & Karunagappally(10 km)
Nearest Air ports: Trivandrum Airport(100 km), Cochin Airport(140 km)
Ochira is also considered an omnipresent Shiva kshetra. The visitors can see the Ochira Kaala. The decorated Ochira bulls symbolize Shiva’s vehicle, the Nandi. There is a famous festival called Ochira kali festival in June. During this festival men dressed as warriors enact mock war standing in the lake. People of various religious faiths visit this omnipresent temple and the legend is that Buddha had once camped here.
How To Reach :
Nearest Railway Stations: Kayamkulam (5 km), Karunagappally(12km)
Nearest Bus stations: Kayamkulam (4 km) & Karunagappally(10 km)
Nearest Air ports: Trivandrum Airport(100 km), Cochin Airport(140 km)
Kottarakara Sree Mahaganapathi Temple
The place that we now call Mahaganapathy temple is actually Kizhakkekara Siva Temple. The main deity is none other than Lord Siva himself – Siva facing eastward. In fact Ganapathy is only a minor deity here. But the temple today is famous as a Ganapathy temple rather than a Siva temple.
The legend behind this is that Kizhakkekara temple was the property of two Nampoothiri houses – Akavoor and Oomanpally. Padinjattinkara Siva temple belonged to the royal house of Elayidathu
Kottarakkara was the capital of the famous Ilayidathu swaroopam.The historical evidences collected from here reveals that about seven -palaces- existed there. The land of kottaram’s later became Kottarakkara
Besides Manikandeswara Kshethram, owned by the Ilayidathu dynasty is the Kottarakkara kovilakam of which, historical evidences are available from the sixth century of Malayalam era. Kottarakkara kovilakam was the younger thavazhy of the Venad dynasty. So this was known as the Ilayidathu (younger) swaroopam,and also as Kunninmel. The land spreads from Kottarakkara, Pathanapuram and Nedumangad to Shencottah in the east.
Chera Udaya Marthandavarma, who ruled Venad during A.D.1383-1444, is supposed to have built the Kovilakam. But,according to the famous historian Sooranad Kunjanpillai, the Kunninmel dynasty has been mentioned in the Mathilakam Books in the year 1345 itself.
Kottarakkara is known as a land of temples. The Padinjattinkkara Mahadeva temple,Manikandeswara temple,Kulasekharanalloor Sreekrishna temple,Thrikkannamangal Mahavishnu temple,Neduvathur bhagavathy temple are all famous temples. There are also many places which are believed to be associated with Ramayana. These are Jadayumangalam(Chadayamangalam),Valiyonkunnu (known in connection with Bali),Ugramkunnu (connection with Sugreeva)and also Poredam, which is known as the battlefield of Ravana and Jadayu.
The legend behind this is that Kizhakkekara temple was the property of two Nampoothiri houses – Akavoor and Oomanpally. Padinjattinkara Siva temple belonged to the royal house of Elayidathu
Kottarakkara was the capital of the famous Ilayidathu swaroopam.The historical evidences collected from here reveals that about seven -palaces- existed there. The land of kottaram’s later became Kottarakkara
Besides Manikandeswara Kshethram, owned by the Ilayidathu dynasty is the Kottarakkara kovilakam of which, historical evidences are available from the sixth century of Malayalam era. Kottarakkara kovilakam was the younger thavazhy of the Venad dynasty. So this was known as the Ilayidathu (younger) swaroopam,and also as Kunninmel. The land spreads from Kottarakkara, Pathanapuram and Nedumangad to Shencottah in the east.
Chera Udaya Marthandavarma, who ruled Venad during A.D.1383-1444, is supposed to have built the Kovilakam. But,according to the famous historian Sooranad Kunjanpillai, the Kunninmel dynasty has been mentioned in the Mathilakam Books in the year 1345 itself.
Kottarakkara is known as a land of temples. The Padinjattinkkara Mahadeva temple,Manikandeswara temple,Kulasekharanalloor Sreekrishna temple,Thrikkannamangal Mahavishnu temple,Neduvathur bhagavathy temple are all famous temples. There are also many places which are believed to be associated with Ramayana. These are Jadayumangalam(Chadayamangalam),Valiyonkunnu (known in connection with Bali),Ugramkunnu (connection with Sugreeva)and also Poredam, which is known as the battlefield of Ravana and Jadayu.
Sree Varaham Mukkolakkal Bhagavathy Temple
Sreevaraham Temple Trivandrum is located at about 1.5 kilometre away from Trivandrum Central Railway Station. It is one of the famous goddess Temples in Kerala. Mukkolakkal Devi is the main goddess worshipped here. Other sub deities’ workshipped here includes Lord Ganapathy, Lord Siva, Brahma Rakshas, Yakshiamma, Thampuran and Nagaraja. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is just one kilometer away from Sreevaraham Temple. Ooroottu Maholtsavam is the Major festival celebrated here, which begins with Ezhunallippu and Pongala . The functions held in Mukkolakkal Devi temple during this festival include Kuttiyottam and Thalapoli. Fire cracking, dance programs and Ganamela are also conducted during this festival season. The other festivals celebrated in Sreevaraham Temple include Aadi Chovva, Vinayaka Chathurti, Suvasini Pooja and the Aayilya Pooja.
Malayinkeezhu Sree Krishna Swami Temple
Malayinkeezhu Sree Krishna Temple is situated from about twelve kilometers away from Trivandrum. Baby Krishna is the lord devoted here. Other sub deities devoted here includes Ganapathi, Siva, Ayyappa and the lord Nagaraja. The speciality of Malayinkeezhu Sree Krishna Temple is it's Nalambalam. People believes that their wish would come true, if they prayed lord krishna inside the Nalambalam. Womens are restricted for entering the Nalambalam. People from different places flows to Malayinkeezhu Krishna Temple during the Annual Aarattu ceremony during the end of 7 day festival. Another big festival is also conducting during Janmashtami.
Madavoorpara Cave Temple
Popularly referred as God's Own Country, Kerala is a beautiful land dotted with numerous ancient rock-cut cave temples. Among these rock-cut cave temples Madavoorpara Cave Temple attracts a large number of devotees. It will take just few kms in the suburbs of Trivandrum from Sreekariyam to reach the Madavoorpara Cave Temple.
A scenic drive to the Madavoorpara Cave Temple in Kerala is worth taking on your tour to Kerala pilgrimage destinations with Kerala Travel Tourism. For an escape from the hustle bustle of regular grind to nature's lap travel to Madavoorpara Cave Temple in Kerala. From lush paddy fields to plantain groves, you will travel through the valley of tranquility and greenery to reach the sanctified pilgrim center.
The sanctum sanctorum resides a Sivalinga guarded by the two sculptures of guards on either side of the entryway. Idols of lord Ganesha and Murugan are also placed on two sides. The ornamental door at the entrance has been added recently. Devotees from far-flung areas visit this cave temple to offer prayers.
According to the myth, the Madavoorpara Cave Temple is believed to be constructed by a Buddhist monk. The antiquity of the temple lends a magnetic charm to the region. The temple is under the observance of the State Archeology Department.
A scenic drive to the Madavoorpara Cave Temple in Kerala is worth taking on your tour to Kerala pilgrimage destinations with Kerala Travel Tourism. For an escape from the hustle bustle of regular grind to nature's lap travel to Madavoorpara Cave Temple in Kerala. From lush paddy fields to plantain groves, you will travel through the valley of tranquility and greenery to reach the sanctified pilgrim center.
The sanctum sanctorum resides a Sivalinga guarded by the two sculptures of guards on either side of the entryway. Idols of lord Ganesha and Murugan are also placed on two sides. The ornamental door at the entrance has been added recently. Devotees from far-flung areas visit this cave temple to offer prayers.
According to the myth, the Madavoorpara Cave Temple is believed to be constructed by a Buddhist monk. The antiquity of the temple lends a magnetic charm to the region. The temple is under the observance of the State Archeology Department.
Sarkara Devi Temple Kerala
Sarkara Devi temple at Chirayinkeezhu is one of the major pilgrim destinations in south India. It is situated south of the Chirayinkeezhu Taluk. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Bhadrakali. The idol is installed facing the north. Centuries ago this place was less populated and desolate. Once, a group of molasses merchants from Ambalappuzha visited this place for their business. They saw a wayside shelter here and decided to relax for sometime. When they decided to continue the journey they found that one of their molasses pots not moving. As they tried to pull it by force the pot broke apart and the molasses flowed and there appeared an idol. Later an old lady who came there to clean the shelter found the idol and informed others. The villagers constructed a temple and consecrated the idol there. Since the goddess came from Sarkara (Malayalam word for Molasses) she was called by the name Sarkara Devi. Kaliyoot and Meenabharani are the popular festivals conducted in Sarkara Devi Temple.
The Architecture
The sanctum sanctorum is a two storied rectangular structure. The roof is polished with bronze. The second storey is decorated with innumerable sculptures which include that of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Durga, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Vishnu, Narasimhamoorthi and several other deities.
Meenabharani Festival
The Meenabharani festival is the second great annual festival in the temple of Sarkara Devi Temple. This festival often falls on the occasion of the annual special poojaof Attavishesham. During the period of king Dharma Raja and his success or Marthanda Varma orders were given for the elaborate conduct of the festival and the expenses like paddy, incurred for the same were recorded.(Mathilakam Records, churana 937,ola, 1639, 1750–51, kerala State Archives, Trivandrum) The festival of Meenabharani is celebrated for ten days and it is believed that on the tenth day the benevolent Goddess appesrs and showers her blessings on the devotees. The Meenabharani festival generally starts with Kodiyettu (flag hoisting), nine days before the asterism of Bharani which is considered as the birth star of Sarkaradevi. It ends on the tenth day with Arat (holy immersion) of the deity in the temple tank. There are very interesting ceremonies connected with this festival. On all days recital of the exploits of the Goddess is staged by special teams of people. On the ninth day an important function is conducted in this temple known as Pallivetta. It is believed that during this function Sarkara devi disappears from the temple and she went for hunting. The Goddess is taken in procession as for hunting with the accompaniment of five caparisoned elephants and firetorches to the Bhagavathy palace. Through this hunting she tried to avoid powers of malice and maintain peace and security in this vicinity. During the earlier period animal sacrifices were conducted along with this performance. However, animal sacrifices were avoided during the later periods. Now this function ends with the return procession of the deity and the cutting of a coconut with a bow and arrow. After that the ceremonial Arat of the deity is conducted.
The Architecture
The sanctum sanctorum is a two storied rectangular structure. The roof is polished with bronze. The second storey is decorated with innumerable sculptures which include that of Lord Krishna, Lord Rama, Durga, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Vishnu, Narasimhamoorthi and several other deities.
Meenabharani Festival
The Meenabharani festival is the second great annual festival in the temple of Sarkara Devi Temple. This festival often falls on the occasion of the annual special poojaof Attavishesham. During the period of king Dharma Raja and his success or Marthanda Varma orders were given for the elaborate conduct of the festival and the expenses like paddy, incurred for the same were recorded.(Mathilakam Records, churana 937,ola, 1639, 1750–51, kerala State Archives, Trivandrum) The festival of Meenabharani is celebrated for ten days and it is believed that on the tenth day the benevolent Goddess appesrs and showers her blessings on the devotees. The Meenabharani festival generally starts with Kodiyettu (flag hoisting), nine days before the asterism of Bharani which is considered as the birth star of Sarkaradevi. It ends on the tenth day with Arat (holy immersion) of the deity in the temple tank. There are very interesting ceremonies connected with this festival. On all days recital of the exploits of the Goddess is staged by special teams of people. On the ninth day an important function is conducted in this temple known as Pallivetta. It is believed that during this function Sarkara devi disappears from the temple and she went for hunting. The Goddess is taken in procession as for hunting with the accompaniment of five caparisoned elephants and firetorches to the Bhagavathy palace. Through this hunting she tried to avoid powers of malice and maintain peace and security in this vicinity. During the earlier period animal sacrifices were conducted along with this performance. However, animal sacrifices were avoided during the later periods. Now this function ends with the return procession of the deity and the cutting of a coconut with a bow and arrow. After that the ceremonial Arat of the deity is conducted.
Varkala Janardanaswamy Temple
The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have medicinal properties since the waters wash the nearby medicinal plants. It is also an important Ayurveda treatment centre. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties
The main deity of this sthalam is Sri Janarthana Swami. The deity is found in standing position facing his face towards the east. His right hand is position as if he is performing "Aachamanam". His right hand is raised towards his mouth and legends say that if his hand goes nearer to his mouth, the world will come to an end. It is believed to happen at the end of the Kali Yuga.
Sreekanteswaram Temple
Sreekanteswaram Temple or Srikanteswaram Temple is one of the most popular Shiva Temples in Kerala, situated at Sreekanteswaram, around 1 km from East Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Shiva Lingam facing east. Lord Shiva is known by the names Sreekanteswaran (the lord of Sreekanteswaram), Mahadeva, Kailasanatha, and Gowri Shankara.
Sreekanteswaram Temple also has separate shrines of Sree Mahaganapathy (Ganesha), Sree Dharmasastha (Swamy Ayyappa), Sree Nagaraja, Sree Murugan (Lord Subramanya), Sree Krishna and Sree Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman). The holy pond is seen on the eastern side of the temple. Sreekanteswaram Temple is situated to the south-west of the Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple (Old Sreekanteswaram Temple) in Trivandrum.
Palliyunarth, the traditional waking up of the Lord Shiva, is at 3.30 am. Abhishekam (pouring of paneer, ghee, oil and pure water from head to foot of the deity) starts at 4.20 am and Abhisekha Deeparadhana at 5 am. Ganapathy Homam, a special ritual for Lord Ganesh, begins at 5.15 am. Dhara (pouring of paneer and pure water on the main deity) starts at 7 am. Ushapooja (morning pooja) is held at 7.40 am, followed by taking the idol in procession (Shiveli) around the temple at 8.10 am.
Another important pooja conducted at Sreekanteswaram Temple is the Pantheeradi Pooja, which means the time when the shadow of a person with normal height becomes 12 feet long. This is conducted at 8.30 am. Mrithyumjaya Homam, a common ritual in Shiva temples, is conducted here at 10.00 am. After this is the Ksheeradhara (pouring of milk from head-to-foot on the deity) held at 11.00 am. Naivedyam is offered to the Lord after this. Uchapooja (mid-day pooja) starts at 11.30 am, followed by ‘Shiveli’ again at 11.45 am. After all these poojas, the shrine is closed by 12 noon.
In the evening, the idol of Nataraja (dancing form of Lord Shiva) is decorated with sandalwood paste and garlands and is kept behind the main deity. Deeparadhana is conducted at 7 pm. Athazha Pooja (the night pooja) is at 7.45 pm, Athazha Sreebali is at 8.10 pm and Ardhayama Pooja at 8.25 pm is held to make the Lord to sleep.
Worship Timings
Sreekanteswaram Temple opens daily from 4 AM to 12 PM and from 5 PM to 8.30 PM.
Legend of Sreekanteswaram Temple
According to the popular legend, there was an old sweeper-maid who worked in Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple. She used to take rest after the work under the shade of a tree, keeping the broom and the pot called Kalayakkudam beside her. One day when she tried to lift the pot, it did not move and she tried to break the pot using a stone. All of a sudden, she found that the pot was bleeding. It is said that Lord Shiva gave darshan to the old lady in the form of Swayambhu Shiva Lingam. A temple was built on the spot and later it is called as Sreekanteswaram Temple.
Sreekanteswaram Temple Festivals
Thiruvathira Mahotsavam - The annual festival of Sreekanteswaram is the Thiruvathira Mahotsavam is held during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (March – April). This ten day festival starts with the hoisting of the temple flag called Thirukkodiyettu. The 9th day of the festival is the Pallivetta (royal hunt). Adryadarshan is on the 10th day morning. Magnificent processions and special rituals are held on all the ten Thiruvathira Mahotsavam festival days.
Maha Shivarathri Festival - Shivaratri Festival is another major festival celebrated at Sreekanteswaram Temple in a grand scale in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. During the Shivrathri festival, devotees circumambulate the temple 108 times chanting the mantras and stotras of Shiva. The deity is carried out in procession on the silver Rishabhavahana at 3 am. This procession is conducted only on the 5th day of temple festival and during Shivaratri.
How to reach Thiruvananthapuram
Sreekanteswaram Shiva Temple is just 2 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, one of the major railway stations in Kerala.
The nearest long distance bus station is Trivandrum Central Bus Station, which is located opposite to Trivandrum Central Railway Station.
The City Bus Station at East Fort is just 1 km from Sreekanteswaram Temple.
Sreekanteswaram Temple also has separate shrines of Sree Mahaganapathy (Ganesha), Sree Dharmasastha (Swamy Ayyappa), Sree Nagaraja, Sree Murugan (Lord Subramanya), Sree Krishna and Sree Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman). The holy pond is seen on the eastern side of the temple. Sreekanteswaram Temple is situated to the south-west of the Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple (Old Sreekanteswaram Temple) in Trivandrum.
Palliyunarth, the traditional waking up of the Lord Shiva, is at 3.30 am. Abhishekam (pouring of paneer, ghee, oil and pure water from head to foot of the deity) starts at 4.20 am and Abhisekha Deeparadhana at 5 am. Ganapathy Homam, a special ritual for Lord Ganesh, begins at 5.15 am. Dhara (pouring of paneer and pure water on the main deity) starts at 7 am. Ushapooja (morning pooja) is held at 7.40 am, followed by taking the idol in procession (Shiveli) around the temple at 8.10 am.
Another important pooja conducted at Sreekanteswaram Temple is the Pantheeradi Pooja, which means the time when the shadow of a person with normal height becomes 12 feet long. This is conducted at 8.30 am. Mrithyumjaya Homam, a common ritual in Shiva temples, is conducted here at 10.00 am. After this is the Ksheeradhara (pouring of milk from head-to-foot on the deity) held at 11.00 am. Naivedyam is offered to the Lord after this. Uchapooja (mid-day pooja) starts at 11.30 am, followed by ‘Shiveli’ again at 11.45 am. After all these poojas, the shrine is closed by 12 noon.
In the evening, the idol of Nataraja (dancing form of Lord Shiva) is decorated with sandalwood paste and garlands and is kept behind the main deity. Deeparadhana is conducted at 7 pm. Athazha Pooja (the night pooja) is at 7.45 pm, Athazha Sreebali is at 8.10 pm and Ardhayama Pooja at 8.25 pm is held to make the Lord to sleep.
Worship Timings
Sreekanteswaram Temple opens daily from 4 AM to 12 PM and from 5 PM to 8.30 PM.
Legend of Sreekanteswaram Temple
According to the popular legend, there was an old sweeper-maid who worked in Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple. She used to take rest after the work under the shade of a tree, keeping the broom and the pot called Kalayakkudam beside her. One day when she tried to lift the pot, it did not move and she tried to break the pot using a stone. All of a sudden, she found that the pot was bleeding. It is said that Lord Shiva gave darshan to the old lady in the form of Swayambhu Shiva Lingam. A temple was built on the spot and later it is called as Sreekanteswaram Temple.
Sreekanteswaram Temple Festivals
Thiruvathira Mahotsavam - The annual festival of Sreekanteswaram is the Thiruvathira Mahotsavam is held during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (March – April). This ten day festival starts with the hoisting of the temple flag called Thirukkodiyettu. The 9th day of the festival is the Pallivetta (royal hunt). Adryadarshan is on the 10th day morning. Magnificent processions and special rituals are held on all the ten Thiruvathira Mahotsavam festival days.
Maha Shivarathri Festival - Shivaratri Festival is another major festival celebrated at Sreekanteswaram Temple in a grand scale in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. During the Shivrathri festival, devotees circumambulate the temple 108 times chanting the mantras and stotras of Shiva. The deity is carried out in procession on the silver Rishabhavahana at 3 am. This procession is conducted only on the 5th day of temple festival and during Shivaratri.
How to reach Thiruvananthapuram
Sreekanteswaram Shiva Temple is just 2 km from Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station, one of the major railway stations in Kerala.
The nearest long distance bus station is Trivandrum Central Bus Station, which is located opposite to Trivandrum Central Railway Station.
The City Bus Station at East Fort is just 1 km from Sreekanteswaram Temple.
The Pazhavangadi MahaGanapathy Temple
The Pazhavangadi MahaGanapathy temple is situated at East Fort in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram City. The main Deity of the temple is Sri Mahaganapathy (Ganesha). The main idol is installed in a seated posture with the right leg in a folded stance. The temple is situated in close proximity to the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. Other Deities worshiped at the temple include Dharmasasta, Goddess Durga and Nagaraja. The temple sculptures include 32 different forms of Lord Ganesha.
Pazhavangadi Temple History
The original Ganesha idol installed in the temple was worshiped by a soldier of Travancore Army stationed at Padmanabhapuram. In 1795 A.D, when the capital of Travancore was changed to Thiruvananthapuram, the garrison was also shifted and the idol was installed at its present place at Pazhavangati.
Nearby Temples
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Sreekanteswara Shiva Temple and Sreevaraham Temple are located nearby. Here is the list of Hindu temples in Trivandrum
How To Get There
The temple is located 1.5 kms from the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station and the central bus station. The nearest city bus stand is at East Fort. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 8 kilometers away form the temple.
Pazhavangadi Temple History
The original Ganesha idol installed in the temple was worshiped by a soldier of Travancore Army stationed at Padmanabhapuram. In 1795 A.D, when the capital of Travancore was changed to Thiruvananthapuram, the garrison was also shifted and the idol was installed at its present place at Pazhavangati.
Nearby Temples
Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Sreekanteswara Shiva Temple and Sreevaraham Temple are located nearby. Here is the list of Hindu temples in Trivandrum
How To Get There
The temple is located 1.5 kms from the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station and the central bus station. The nearest city bus stand is at East Fort. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 8 kilometers away form the temple.
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple Kerala
As per the popular legend associated with the establishment of Vaikom Temple, Kharasura offers prayers to Lord Shiva at Chidambaram. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Shiva presents three holy Shiva Lingams to Kharasura. Assuring him to be present in these Lingams, Shiva suggests Kharasur to worship them to get Moksha (salvation). He moves towards south from Himalayas holding two of the Lingams in each hand and the third one in mouth. He feels tired and stops at Vaikom. Keeping the Shiva lingam on the ground, he rests for a while. After resting, he realizes that it has been affixed at that place. Therefore, he installs the other two Lingams too, one each at Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy.
A heavenly voice says ‘I should remain here to offer Moksha to devotees, who require it’. He understands that it is Shiva’s Maya. After getting Moksha, he hands over the supervision of holy Lingams to Maharshi Vyaghrapada and tells him to protect and worship them.
Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple is one of the biggest temples of Kerala, spread over eight acres of land. The place is flattened with river sand confined by campus walls with four Gopurams on all the four sides. It also features a golden flag staff and Balikalulpura, where Stambha Ganesh has been established at its north-east corner. Namaskara Mandapa is also an important part of the temple, in the east of which, a huge Nandi made with stone is kept. The circular Sreekovil has been covered with copper sheets and two chambers. The walls and pillars of the temples are very strong. Vaikkath Asthami is the important celebration of the Vaikom Temple. Sandhya Vela is the main custom of this shrine, which is done before the flag is hoisted.
Sandhya Vela
Sandhya Vela is a tribute by the Devaswom, rulers and devotees of Vaikkathappan. The major Sandhya Velas are Mukha Sandhya Vela, Pully Sandhya Vela, Perumpadappu Sandhya Vela, and Samooha Sandhya Vela. At this day, Sri Bali is brought on an elephant into a grand procession. The chief Sandhya Bela is done by the kings of local towns of the region.
How to Reach Vaikom Temple
By Air
The nearest airport for visiting the temple is Nedumbassery Airport in Cochin, which is 58 km away from Vaikom.
By Rail
Vaikom railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple. Various important trains pass through this station.
By Road:
Vaikom is located 33 km south of Ernakulam and 40 km north of Kottayam. The temple is connected to the nearby cities, towns and districts through the efficient networks of buses.
By Water:
Small ferry boats frequently ply from Vaikom Boat Jetty (Vaikom Old Boat Station) to Thavanakkdavu (Alappuzha District), which is in the vicinity of Vaikom Temple. Sailing through the 2.5 km wide Wembanadu Lake can be a wonderful experience to explore Vaikom and its nearby areas.
Vadakkunnathan Temple Kerala
Vadakkunnathan (also spelt as Vadakkumnathan) Temple of Thrissur/Trichur is one of the largest Lord Shiva temples in Kerala. The temple is also known as Then Kailasam (Kailasam of the South). The temple is located at the heart of the city of Thrissur. According to Hindu mythological scriptures, the temple was built by Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple plays host to the annual festival ‘Thrissur Pooram’, a famous event which is celebrated in the month of April - May, with much grandeur and great gusto. The temple is famous for its Kerala style architecture and exceptional work of craftsmanship on the Gopurams, which are constructed on all four sides of the temple. The temple also houses a number of Indian mural paintings which depict a number of episodes from the epic Mahabharata. The Koothambalam displays a number of intricate carvings on wood. The temple has been declared as a national monument by National Monument by the Union Government under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
According to some of the historians in Kerala, many Hindu temples were once Buddhist shrines, including Vadakkunnathan Temple of Thrissur. So Vadakkumnathan temple might also have a close relation to the Buddhist tradition, although during the early 9th century the Brahmin scholars like Guru Prabhakara and Shankaracharya reinforced the supremacy of Hinduism. It is believed that the presiding deity in the second Sreekovil of Vadakkunathan Temple was worshiped by Sakthi Bhadra, the author of a famous scripture Acharya Chudamani.
There is another popular legend, which states that the temple is 1000 years old and was constructed by Lord Parashurama. According per the legend, when one day Lord Parashurama was chanting his morning prayers he was approached by a few Brahmans who wanted a piece of land they could pray on. So, Lord Parashurama invoked Varuna to throw a piece of land out of the sea and thus happened. The Brahmans built a temple around the Siva lingam, which came out with the land. The temple is bordered by tall and thick walls all around, which separate the complex from the outside world.
An interesting thing to notice while visiting Vadakkunnathan Temple is that the mythological Siva Lingam is nowhere to be seen, as it is covered under the 16 feet high mount of Ghee (clarified butter). The Ghee has accumulated over the years, because of Abhishekam is done with Ghee every day over the Lingam. It is believed that the ghee never rots or melts. The murals in the temple are quiet famous for their unique look, out of which a couple of murals - Vasukisayana and Nrithanatha - are worshipped every day. The temple theatre or ‘Koothambalam’, where performances are made till date during festivities, is constructed uniquely.
The four gateways called ‘Gopuram’ exemplify the remarkable craftsmanship. These gateways have been crafted with great precision to face each direction. A two-storied shrine, dedicated to Lord Rama, has been constructed in the southern part of the temple. It is believed that Nandi (a large white bull) should be present in every Shiva temple. Therefore, Nandi Bull, referred to as Nandikeswara, has been constructed on the verandah of the Nalambalam of the temple.
How to Reach
By Road
Kerala is well networked with roads. Hence, traveling via road is the best option to explore the important temples of Kerala, including the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Public transport is readily available both to and from the temple. It is easy to rent a cab or another private vehicle to the temple.
By Air
The nearest airport to the temple is Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, which is 55 km away. Though cabs are easily available to and from the airport and from here you can easily catch a flight to any of the major cities of the world.
By Rail
Thrissur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the temple. From this railway station you can catch a train to any of the major cities of India.
According to some of the historians in Kerala, many Hindu temples were once Buddhist shrines, including Vadakkunnathan Temple of Thrissur. So Vadakkumnathan temple might also have a close relation to the Buddhist tradition, although during the early 9th century the Brahmin scholars like Guru Prabhakara and Shankaracharya reinforced the supremacy of Hinduism. It is believed that the presiding deity in the second Sreekovil of Vadakkunathan Temple was worshiped by Sakthi Bhadra, the author of a famous scripture Acharya Chudamani.
There is another popular legend, which states that the temple is 1000 years old and was constructed by Lord Parashurama. According per the legend, when one day Lord Parashurama was chanting his morning prayers he was approached by a few Brahmans who wanted a piece of land they could pray on. So, Lord Parashurama invoked Varuna to throw a piece of land out of the sea and thus happened. The Brahmans built a temple around the Siva lingam, which came out with the land. The temple is bordered by tall and thick walls all around, which separate the complex from the outside world.
An interesting thing to notice while visiting Vadakkunnathan Temple is that the mythological Siva Lingam is nowhere to be seen, as it is covered under the 16 feet high mount of Ghee (clarified butter). The Ghee has accumulated over the years, because of Abhishekam is done with Ghee every day over the Lingam. It is believed that the ghee never rots or melts. The murals in the temple are quiet famous for their unique look, out of which a couple of murals - Vasukisayana and Nrithanatha - are worshipped every day. The temple theatre or ‘Koothambalam’, where performances are made till date during festivities, is constructed uniquely.
The four gateways called ‘Gopuram’ exemplify the remarkable craftsmanship. These gateways have been crafted with great precision to face each direction. A two-storied shrine, dedicated to Lord Rama, has been constructed in the southern part of the temple. It is believed that Nandi (a large white bull) should be present in every Shiva temple. Therefore, Nandi Bull, referred to as Nandikeswara, has been constructed on the verandah of the Nalambalam of the temple.
How to Reach
By Road
Kerala is well networked with roads. Hence, traveling via road is the best option to explore the important temples of Kerala, including the Vadakkunnathan Temple. Public transport is readily available both to and from the temple. It is easy to rent a cab or another private vehicle to the temple.
By Air
The nearest airport to the temple is Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, which is 55 km away. Though cabs are easily available to and from the airport and from here you can easily catch a flight to any of the major cities of the world.
By Rail
Thrissur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the temple. From this railway station you can catch a train to any of the major cities of India.
Thriprayar Temple Kerala
Thriprayar Temple, located in the southern part of Thrissur district of Kerala, is one of most important temples dedicated to Lord Rama in the state. The temple is adorned with a number of precious murals, which are preserved inside this temple. Lord Rama is the presiding deity of the temple. The image of the deity, which is worshipped inside the temple, resembles the Chaturbhuj Vishnu form with four hands, each hand bearing a conch, a discus, a mace and a lotus flower, respectively. This image of Lord Rama was conceived by the artist as the victor over the demon Khara. There are five worship services conducted each day at the temple. These are called Usha, Etirthu, Panthirati, Uccha, and Athazha Puja, respectively. There is an idol of the temple deity kept especially for the purpose of procession, which is conducted thrice a day as it is carried around the temple thrice every day. During the festival of Onam, there is a snake boat race organized in honor of the temple deity.
There are no written scriptures, which could establish the exact date of the construction of the Thriprayar temple or any other incidence. A popularly believed legend throws light on how the temple was constructed and what is the story behind its construction. According to that legend, the idols of Lord Rama and that of his brothers Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna, were washed ashore and were found at Thriprayar, Tirumoozhikkalam, Koodalmanikyam and Payammel, respectively. The idols were found by a chieftain named Vakkel Kaimal.
After consulting from a number of astrologers, the chieftain decided to install at a place where peacocks were found and so was done. Later, the decendents of Vakkel Kaimal moved further south and settled at Niranam and Thalavady. They worshipped Thrikapaleswar, a form of Lord Siva for attaining the lotus feet of lord Krishna. One of the son who was known as Thachudaya kaimal decided to reside at reside at Irinjalakuda. He was the one who was entrusted as the caretaker of the deities. It is considered that if a person worships the four deities in one day, he attains salvation.
Thriprayar Temple is an exquisite example of the traditional Kerala architecture. The major attraction is the intricate wood carvings done all over the temple. The masterpiece of this craftsmanship is the Namaskara Mandapam, which faces the circular sanctum. The Mandapam is ornamented with 24 intricately carved wooden panels. Apart from it, a number of mural paintings are also protected by the temple. The circular sanctum has a number of murals painted on them, each depicting different scenes from the epic Ramayana. On the outer courtyard of the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Dharma Shastha or Ayyappan. It is believed that this particular shrine was located at a site, which is corresponding to the temple's sanctum. The temple is located at the banks of a river. Devotees coming here indulge themselves in feeding the fish of the river.
How to Reach
By Road
The temple is well connected by an efficient network of roads. As the temple is placed conveniently, reaching it with the help of public transport is the easiest way. Private transport too is easily available and is convenient as well.
By Air
The nearest Airport to the temple is Kochi Airport. Taxies run to the airport can be hired from near the temple. One can conveniently catch a fight to any of the major cities of India, after reaching the airport.
By Rail
Thrissur railway station is the nearest railhead. From here, you can catch a train to any of the major cities in India. The network of Indian Railways is reliable and secure.
There are no written scriptures, which could establish the exact date of the construction of the Thriprayar temple or any other incidence. A popularly believed legend throws light on how the temple was constructed and what is the story behind its construction. According to that legend, the idols of Lord Rama and that of his brothers Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna, were washed ashore and were found at Thriprayar, Tirumoozhikkalam, Koodalmanikyam and Payammel, respectively. The idols were found by a chieftain named Vakkel Kaimal.
After consulting from a number of astrologers, the chieftain decided to install at a place where peacocks were found and so was done. Later, the decendents of Vakkel Kaimal moved further south and settled at Niranam and Thalavady. They worshipped Thrikapaleswar, a form of Lord Siva for attaining the lotus feet of lord Krishna. One of the son who was known as Thachudaya kaimal decided to reside at reside at Irinjalakuda. He was the one who was entrusted as the caretaker of the deities. It is considered that if a person worships the four deities in one day, he attains salvation.
Thriprayar Temple is an exquisite example of the traditional Kerala architecture. The major attraction is the intricate wood carvings done all over the temple. The masterpiece of this craftsmanship is the Namaskara Mandapam, which faces the circular sanctum. The Mandapam is ornamented with 24 intricately carved wooden panels. Apart from it, a number of mural paintings are also protected by the temple. The circular sanctum has a number of murals painted on them, each depicting different scenes from the epic Ramayana. On the outer courtyard of the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Dharma Shastha or Ayyappan. It is believed that this particular shrine was located at a site, which is corresponding to the temple's sanctum. The temple is located at the banks of a river. Devotees coming here indulge themselves in feeding the fish of the river.
How to Reach
By Road
The temple is well connected by an efficient network of roads. As the temple is placed conveniently, reaching it with the help of public transport is the easiest way. Private transport too is easily available and is convenient as well.
By Air
The nearest Airport to the temple is Kochi Airport. Taxies run to the airport can be hired from near the temple. One can conveniently catch a fight to any of the major cities of India, after reaching the airport.
By Rail
Thrissur railway station is the nearest railhead. From here, you can catch a train to any of the major cities in India. The network of Indian Railways is reliable and secure.
Thodeekalam Siva Temple Kerala
Situated around 2 km away from Kannavam near Thalasserry in Kannur district of Kerala, Thodeekalam Siva Temple is one of the popular Hindu temples in Kerala. The temple attracts not just a number of devotees, but also art lovers. The presiding deity in this well known temple is Lord Siva. It is supposed that the temple was constructed about 2000 years ago in a two storied rectangular building. The reason behind the popularity of this temple is its marvelously painted walls with mural paintings illustrating various stories of Indian mythology and epics. The temple follows different rituals on a daily basis. The rituals in the temple start with Nada Thurakkal at 5:30 a.m. and ends with Athazha Pooja at 7:45 pm. the temple has no special long lasting celebrations or festival in its premises. The key offerings of the temples are ‘Shankabhishekam’, ‘Pushpanjali’, ‘Sarpabali’ and ‘Dhara’. Other than Siva, various paintings of different gods and goddesses have been decorated inside the temple, which are also worshipped during the everyday rituals. Different paintings depicting the various myths of Hindus mythology are put on the walls of the temple.
It is depicted that the building of Thodikkulam Shiva Temple Kannur is 2000 years old. However, there is not specific proof that can justify the statement. An interesting myth has been associated with the establishment of the temple. As per the popular legend, around 100 years ago, astrologers predicted about the son of a Brahmin that he will die at the age of 16 due to biting by a snake. For the solution, the parents start praying for his life at ‘Vidyanatha Temple’ at Kanjirangad near Thaliparamba-Kannur. On the 16th birthday of the child, he gets a dream that in order to save his life, he should take shelter at the Thodeekalam Shiva Temple. Family follows the instructions of the dream and moves towards the temple. After having the lunch, the child goes to the pond opposite to the temple for washing his hands. A big snake comes from a hill near by the temple and follows the child. He runs towards the temple being frightened and embraces the idol kept inside. A small snake comes out and kills the big snake. The boy’s parents follow the small snake, which enters into a hole and disappears. Afterwards, they buy the lands around and present it to the temple.
Thodikkulam Shiva Temple Kannur is one of the oldest temples of Kerala, popularly known for its ancient galleries of mural paintings. Said to be constructed about 2000 years ago, the place has the two-storey sanctum constructed in rectangular shape. An outer building and an incomplete Mukhamandapam (portico) opposite to the main shrine completes the whole structure of the temple. It comprises of around 150 mural paintings, in a 700 sq feet area divided into 40 panels, sketched on the four walls of the sanctum sanctorum. Most of the paintings portray the myths related to Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu. Various tales of Hindu epics like Rugmini Swayamvaram and Ravana Vadham are drawn on these paintings. There are no roofs around the walls of the main sreekovil. On the temple front, there is no flag post and no long-lasting festival is being celebrated. On the days of ‘Sapthami’ and ‘Ashtami’ in the Malayalam month of ‘Vrishika’, and on Sivarathri, some small festivals are organized.
How to Reach
By Air
Thodikkulam Shiva Temple is 2 km from Kannavam near Thalasserry, which is 34 km away from the Kannur International Airport.
By Rail
Thalasseri Railway Station is the nearest railway station for the temple that connects the place through various major trains.
By Road:
The temple is located in Kannoth near to Thalasserry, which has got three bus stops and located at NH-17 that connects it from Bangalore and Kozhikode.
It is depicted that the building of Thodikkulam Shiva Temple Kannur is 2000 years old. However, there is not specific proof that can justify the statement. An interesting myth has been associated with the establishment of the temple. As per the popular legend, around 100 years ago, astrologers predicted about the son of a Brahmin that he will die at the age of 16 due to biting by a snake. For the solution, the parents start praying for his life at ‘Vidyanatha Temple’ at Kanjirangad near Thaliparamba-Kannur. On the 16th birthday of the child, he gets a dream that in order to save his life, he should take shelter at the Thodeekalam Shiva Temple. Family follows the instructions of the dream and moves towards the temple. After having the lunch, the child goes to the pond opposite to the temple for washing his hands. A big snake comes from a hill near by the temple and follows the child. He runs towards the temple being frightened and embraces the idol kept inside. A small snake comes out and kills the big snake. The boy’s parents follow the small snake, which enters into a hole and disappears. Afterwards, they buy the lands around and present it to the temple.
Thodikkulam Shiva Temple Kannur is one of the oldest temples of Kerala, popularly known for its ancient galleries of mural paintings. Said to be constructed about 2000 years ago, the place has the two-storey sanctum constructed in rectangular shape. An outer building and an incomplete Mukhamandapam (portico) opposite to the main shrine completes the whole structure of the temple. It comprises of around 150 mural paintings, in a 700 sq feet area divided into 40 panels, sketched on the four walls of the sanctum sanctorum. Most of the paintings portray the myths related to Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu. Various tales of Hindu epics like Rugmini Swayamvaram and Ravana Vadham are drawn on these paintings. There are no roofs around the walls of the main sreekovil. On the temple front, there is no flag post and no long-lasting festival is being celebrated. On the days of ‘Sapthami’ and ‘Ashtami’ in the Malayalam month of ‘Vrishika’, and on Sivarathri, some small festivals are organized.
How to Reach
By Air
Thodikkulam Shiva Temple is 2 km from Kannavam near Thalasserry, which is 34 km away from the Kannur International Airport.
By Rail
Thalasseri Railway Station is the nearest railway station for the temple that connects the place through various major trains.
By Road:
The temple is located in Kannoth near to Thalasserry, which has got three bus stops and located at NH-17 that connects it from Bangalore and Kozhikode.
Thirumanthamkunnu Temple Kerala
Thirumandhamkunnu Temple is one among the earliest and prominent Mahakshethras of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, this shrine is located at Angadippuram in Perinthalmanna, which is located in Malappuram district of Kerala. The temple is positioned on the top of a small hill and boasts of divine and magnificent exteriors. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. It is assumed that the three holy figures Parvathy, Parameswaran and Durga always exist in the Shiva Lingam of the temple. Sree Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy Devaswam takes care of every activities of this temple. Various Poojas are performed in the premises of the temple that please the solitude of the devotees.
A six feet sculpture of a Rurujit, a Devi who conquered Ruru and Asura, built with wooden in a sitting posture, ornamented with sparkling jewelries is also worshipped here. Other than this, idols of the Kshetrapala and Sreemoolasthanam, Nagas, Bala Ganpathi, and Brahmarakshas have also been established in the temple.
There is an interesting story behind the establishment of Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. As per the legend, King Mandhatha of Surya dynasty delights Lord Shiva by worshiping him wholeheartedly. Impressed with his devotion, Lord Shiva gives him the most holy Siva Lingam, which was regularly worshipped by Parvathy at Kailash. Mandhatha carries the lingam to a hill now known as Thirumanthamkunnu and puts on the ground. The idol gets stuck there.
Meanwhile, when Parvathy doesn’t find her favorite lingam in place, she enquires her husband Lord Shiva about the same, who narrates everything to her. She says that she wants to get it back and moves towards the Thirumandham Hill with the soldiers of Bhootas. Being armless, Mandhatha fights with Attanga nuts that instantly get converted into arrows due to the power of Lord Shiva. The battle lasts for 15 days. Ultimately, Mahamaya takes her Vishwaroopa and says that she doesn’t want to possess her favorite Lingam against the wish of Shiva. As a result, she and Kali decide to stay here with lingam.
Beautifully structured Thirumanthamkunnu Temple is a fine example of the rich art of that era. It has an established Shiva Lingam that is considered to possess all the divine powers. It also features a beautifully ornamented huge idol of Devi having eight hands, with weapons in each. Painting placed on the walls of the mathrusala depicts the legend behind the establishment of the temple.
The temple celebrates various festivals, when a huge number of devotees participate. These festivals are Araattu, Mangalya Puja, Rigveda Laksharchana, Chandattam, Valiyakandam Nadeel, Attanga Eru, Njaralathu Sangeetholsavam, Prasadam Ottu, and Pooram and Kalampattu. All of these festivals attract a huge congregation.
How to Reach:
By Air
The nearest airport to the temple is Kozhikode Airport, which is 50 km away from Angadipuram.
By Rail
Angadipuram is a major railway station on the Nilambur - Shoranur Railway Line that connects the temple with Indian railway. 6 pairs of trains pass through this railway station.
By Road:
Angadipuram is located 1.5 km away from Perinthalmanna Taluk headquarters at Chennai-Calicut road. It is connected with national highway (NH-213) from Palghat (Palakkad) to Calicut (Kozhikode) via Perinthalmanna.
A six feet sculpture of a Rurujit, a Devi who conquered Ruru and Asura, built with wooden in a sitting posture, ornamented with sparkling jewelries is also worshipped here. Other than this, idols of the Kshetrapala and Sreemoolasthanam, Nagas, Bala Ganpathi, and Brahmarakshas have also been established in the temple.
There is an interesting story behind the establishment of Thirumandhamkunnu Temple. As per the legend, King Mandhatha of Surya dynasty delights Lord Shiva by worshiping him wholeheartedly. Impressed with his devotion, Lord Shiva gives him the most holy Siva Lingam, which was regularly worshipped by Parvathy at Kailash. Mandhatha carries the lingam to a hill now known as Thirumanthamkunnu and puts on the ground. The idol gets stuck there.
Meanwhile, when Parvathy doesn’t find her favorite lingam in place, she enquires her husband Lord Shiva about the same, who narrates everything to her. She says that she wants to get it back and moves towards the Thirumandham Hill with the soldiers of Bhootas. Being armless, Mandhatha fights with Attanga nuts that instantly get converted into arrows due to the power of Lord Shiva. The battle lasts for 15 days. Ultimately, Mahamaya takes her Vishwaroopa and says that she doesn’t want to possess her favorite Lingam against the wish of Shiva. As a result, she and Kali decide to stay here with lingam.
Beautifully structured Thirumanthamkunnu Temple is a fine example of the rich art of that era. It has an established Shiva Lingam that is considered to possess all the divine powers. It also features a beautifully ornamented huge idol of Devi having eight hands, with weapons in each. Painting placed on the walls of the mathrusala depicts the legend behind the establishment of the temple.
The temple celebrates various festivals, when a huge number of devotees participate. These festivals are Araattu, Mangalya Puja, Rigveda Laksharchana, Chandattam, Valiyakandam Nadeel, Attanga Eru, Njaralathu Sangeetholsavam, Prasadam Ottu, and Pooram and Kalampattu. All of these festivals attract a huge congregation.
How to Reach:
By Air
The nearest airport to the temple is Kozhikode Airport, which is 50 km away from Angadipuram.
By Rail
Angadipuram is a major railway station on the Nilambur - Shoranur Railway Line that connects the temple with Indian railway. 6 pairs of trains pass through this railway station.
By Road:
Angadipuram is located 1.5 km away from Perinthalmanna Taluk headquarters at Chennai-Calicut road. It is connected with national highway (NH-213) from Palghat (Palakkad) to Calicut (Kozhikode) via Perinthalmanna.
Mammiyoor Temple Kerala
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mammiyoor Temple is located in Thrissur (Trichur) district of Kerala. The temple is just 200 m away from the renowned Guruvayur Shree Krishna Temple. Mammiyur Temple is also known by other names like Mammiyoor Shiva Temple and Mammiyur Mahadeva Kshetram. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of Uma Maheswara. The idol of Lord Vishnu has been set just next to the idol of Lord Shiva, which makes it a very unique shrine. This is the one and only temple where Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are considered equivalent to each other. It is strongly believed that offering prayers at Guruvayoor Temple would be incomplete without paying a visit to Mammiyoor Temple. Only Hindus are allowed to enter both the temples. Others deities are also worshipped in Mammiyur Temple, including Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga, Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Bhagavathy, Nagaraja and Nagarani and Brahma Rakshassu. Number of devotees comes to the temple to get blessings of the powerful and fascinating deity of the Hindu Trinity.
There is a very simple and interesting legend behind the existence of Mammiyoor Temple. It is said that once the planet Jupiter - Brihaspathi who is known as Guru and Vayu (the wind god) were looking for a perfect place on the earth to consecrate the deity of Lord Krishna. Finally, during the quest, Guru and Lord Vayu reached the banks of a lake namely Rudratheertha, which was created by Lord Shiva. The lord was found to be sitting on a penance for a long time. The intention of the Guru and lord Vayu was understood by Lord Shiva, who suggested them to consecrate the idol of Lord Krishna on the banks of Rudrathirtha Lake. In order to do so, lord Shiva shifted to the nearby place that is the other side of the lake.
The place where the idol of Lord Krishna was consecrated by the Guru and lord Vayu came to be known as Guruvayoor. On the other hand, the place which was chosen by Lord Shiva was recognized as Mahimayur, which was later named Mammiyoor or Mammiyur.
Mammiyoor Temple is a part of other 108 renowned Shiva temples in Kerala and also the one of the among five Shiva temples in the region of Guruvayoor, others being Chowwallur, Perunthatta, Perakam and Parambanthali. All these are considered to be the five faces of Shiva. Mammiyoor Temple features Lord Shiva with whole family that includes Goddess Parvathy, Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan. Bhagavathi as Parvathy has been installed behind Lord Shiva with their three sons. Snake gods - Nagas are also worshipped in this temple. Here, mainly two festivals namely Shivaratri and Thiruvathira are celebrated with great pomp and show.
Main offerings that are made to Lord Shiva are Pinvilakku, Dhara, Koovalamala, Abhishekam, Vedi Vazhipadu, whereas Palpayasam, Kalabhabhishekam, etc. are the main offerings prepared for lord Vishnu. The consecration day of Lord Vishnu is also celebrated by doing Sudhikalasam, Laksharchana, Chuttuvilakku, Niramala and other special Poojas. Other festivals like Navarathri, Manadala Pooja, Vinayaka Chathurthy, Shashti, Ashtami Rohini and Vishu are also celebrated here.
How to Reach Mammiyoor Temple:
Thrissur district is well connected to the major towns, cities and districts of Kerala, via trains and buses. Guruvayur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the temple. Thrissur Railway Station is railway station in the vicinity, from where Guruvayoor is 29 km away. Mammiyoor Temple is also well connected by road. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses as well as private buses ply through the Guruvayur temple town. National Highway 17 (NH 17) passes through Kunnamkulam, which is approximately 8 km away from Guruvayoor. The nearest airport to the town is Nedumbassery Airport or Kochi International Airport. Guruvayur town is 80 km away from this airport. Karipur Airport or Calicut International Airport is another airport that is located on 100 km away from Mammiyoor Temple.
There is a very simple and interesting legend behind the existence of Mammiyoor Temple. It is said that once the planet Jupiter - Brihaspathi who is known as Guru and Vayu (the wind god) were looking for a perfect place on the earth to consecrate the deity of Lord Krishna. Finally, during the quest, Guru and Lord Vayu reached the banks of a lake namely Rudratheertha, which was created by Lord Shiva. The lord was found to be sitting on a penance for a long time. The intention of the Guru and lord Vayu was understood by Lord Shiva, who suggested them to consecrate the idol of Lord Krishna on the banks of Rudrathirtha Lake. In order to do so, lord Shiva shifted to the nearby place that is the other side of the lake.
The place where the idol of Lord Krishna was consecrated by the Guru and lord Vayu came to be known as Guruvayoor. On the other hand, the place which was chosen by Lord Shiva was recognized as Mahimayur, which was later named Mammiyoor or Mammiyur.
Mammiyoor Temple is a part of other 108 renowned Shiva temples in Kerala and also the one of the among five Shiva temples in the region of Guruvayoor, others being Chowwallur, Perunthatta, Perakam and Parambanthali. All these are considered to be the five faces of Shiva. Mammiyoor Temple features Lord Shiva with whole family that includes Goddess Parvathy, Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan. Bhagavathi as Parvathy has been installed behind Lord Shiva with their three sons. Snake gods - Nagas are also worshipped in this temple. Here, mainly two festivals namely Shivaratri and Thiruvathira are celebrated with great pomp and show.
Main offerings that are made to Lord Shiva are Pinvilakku, Dhara, Koovalamala, Abhishekam, Vedi Vazhipadu, whereas Palpayasam, Kalabhabhishekam, etc. are the main offerings prepared for lord Vishnu. The consecration day of Lord Vishnu is also celebrated by doing Sudhikalasam, Laksharchana, Chuttuvilakku, Niramala and other special Poojas. Other festivals like Navarathri, Manadala Pooja, Vinayaka Chathurthy, Shashti, Ashtami Rohini and Vishu are also celebrated here.
How to Reach Mammiyoor Temple:
Thrissur district is well connected to the major towns, cities and districts of Kerala, via trains and buses. Guruvayur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the temple. Thrissur Railway Station is railway station in the vicinity, from where Guruvayoor is 29 km away. Mammiyoor Temple is also well connected by road. Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses as well as private buses ply through the Guruvayur temple town. National Highway 17 (NH 17) passes through Kunnamkulam, which is approximately 8 km away from Guruvayoor. The nearest airport to the town is Nedumbassery Airport or Kochi International Airport. Guruvayur town is 80 km away from this airport. Karipur Airport or Calicut International Airport is another airport that is located on 100 km away from Mammiyoor Temple.
Lokanarkavu Temple Kerala
Lokanarkavu Temple is located at Memunda, which is 5 km away from Vadakara /Vatakara, in North Malabar region of Kerala. Lokanarkavu Temple is the more popular name of short name of Lokamalayarkavu. The whole term Lokamalayarkavu comprises of four words - ‘Lokam’ meaning world, ‘Mala’ meaning mountains, ‘Aaru’ meaning River and ‘Kavu’ meaning grove. The temple officially belongs to five hundred Aryan citizens who came to Kerala to settle down here, as well as their successors. It is believed that Aryans constructed the temple some 1500 years ago. The Idol of the mighty Durga is worshipped in Lokanarkavu Temple. Two temples, each dedicated to Lord Vishnu and lord Shiva, are also located in the vicinity of the temple. The temple is renowned for its historical significance, because Thacholi Othenan, the renowned martial hero of Kerala, used to come to the temple every day and worship its presiding deity i.e. Goddess Durga.
Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple was built by the Aryans Brahmins. So, they accepted the trade as their main occupation. Later on they also started to accept some of the customs of the local Nair community and developed martial relationship with them. Both Aryans and Nairs had different culture and traditions. It is believed that Goddess Durga accompanied the five hundred Aryans, on their trip to Lokanarkavu, as a lady. The successors still consider Goddess Durga as their mother instead of a Goddess. The Durga Temple is prominently related to Thacholi Othenan. He was a great martial hero of Kerala and an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga.
Most of the rulers of Kerala used to worship goddesses by following Thamasa Pooja or Shakteya Pooja, wherein either man or animal is sacrificed to the goddess. This tradition was followed as a ritual in the family temples kings and local people of the state. However, Lokanarkavu Temple was never involved in such practices, as it was built by Aryans itself. Later, this tradition was replaced with chopping plantain or performing Poojas by making use of tender coconut and cereals, owing to the Aryanisation of temples.
Mandala Utsavam is the main festival at Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple, which is annually celebrated in a grand way. This is the one and only temple in Kerala where peculiar folk dance is performed during festivals, called Poorakkali. This form of dance is similar to the martial art Kalarippayattu. Since the temple has been associated with the legendary martial art performer Thacholi Othenan, those who make their debut in Kalaripayattu come to this temple to seek blessings of Goddess Durga, before their performance. Pooram is the next important festival. This week-long festival starts with Kodiyettam, which means flag hoisting and ends with Arattu. It is organized with great splendor, which is witnessed by hundreds of devotees. The temple is spread across acres of lush land. Its tranquil and holy environs revive the senses. The temple has been built as per the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Devotees even pray to their ancestors along with Goddess Durga, as it is believed that prayers made without praying to ancestors goes unheard.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple is Calicut Airport, which is 87 km away from the temple. The temple can also be reached by rail. One needs to get down at Vadakara, from where the temple is just 4 km away. Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station are nearest railway stations to Lokanarkavu Temple. Some of the trains that pass via Vadakara Railway Station are Kannur Express, Parasuram Express, Mangalore Mail, Malabar Express, Chennai Mail, Maveli Express, West Coast Express, Netravathi Express, and Ernakulam Express. There are bus services by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and few private buses too ply to Memunda.
Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple was built by the Aryans Brahmins. So, they accepted the trade as their main occupation. Later on they also started to accept some of the customs of the local Nair community and developed martial relationship with them. Both Aryans and Nairs had different culture and traditions. It is believed that Goddess Durga accompanied the five hundred Aryans, on their trip to Lokanarkavu, as a lady. The successors still consider Goddess Durga as their mother instead of a Goddess. The Durga Temple is prominently related to Thacholi Othenan. He was a great martial hero of Kerala and an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga.
Most of the rulers of Kerala used to worship goddesses by following Thamasa Pooja or Shakteya Pooja, wherein either man or animal is sacrificed to the goddess. This tradition was followed as a ritual in the family temples kings and local people of the state. However, Lokanarkavu Temple was never involved in such practices, as it was built by Aryans itself. Later, this tradition was replaced with chopping plantain or performing Poojas by making use of tender coconut and cereals, owing to the Aryanisation of temples.
Mandala Utsavam is the main festival at Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple, which is annually celebrated in a grand way. This is the one and only temple in Kerala where peculiar folk dance is performed during festivals, called Poorakkali. This form of dance is similar to the martial art Kalarippayattu. Since the temple has been associated with the legendary martial art performer Thacholi Othenan, those who make their debut in Kalaripayattu come to this temple to seek blessings of Goddess Durga, before their performance. Pooram is the next important festival. This week-long festival starts with Kodiyettam, which means flag hoisting and ends with Arattu. It is organized with great splendor, which is witnessed by hundreds of devotees. The temple is spread across acres of lush land. Its tranquil and holy environs revive the senses. The temple has been built as per the traditional Kerala style of architecture. Devotees even pray to their ancestors along with Goddess Durga, as it is believed that prayers made without praying to ancestors goes unheard.
How to Reach
The nearest airport to Lokanarkavu Bhagavathy Temple is Calicut Airport, which is 87 km away from the temple. The temple can also be reached by rail. One needs to get down at Vadakara, from where the temple is just 4 km away. Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station are nearest railway stations to Lokanarkavu Temple. Some of the trains that pass via Vadakara Railway Station are Kannur Express, Parasuram Express, Mangalore Mail, Malabar Express, Chennai Mail, Maveli Express, West Coast Express, Netravathi Express, and Ernakulam Express. There are bus services by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and few private buses too ply to Memunda.
Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathy Temple Kerala
Location Kottarakkara Taluk, Kollam District, Kerala, India
Nearest Airport Trivandrum airport
Nearest Railway Station Kottarakkara railway station
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple is located in Kottarakkara Taluk in Kollam district of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, the temple is one of the renowned temples in Kerala. Apart from the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Murugan, Lord Ayyappa, and Lord Nagaraja are also worshipped here. Udayasthamanapooja, Mahaganapathi Homam and Pushpanjali are the three main rituals performed in the temple. Non Hindus are also allowed to enter into this temple, which is very old. Unni Appam is the offering that is especially prepared to offer to the deity of Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple. The temple is widely known as Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram among the devotees. Magnificent structure, tranquilizing ambiance and the virtual presence of Lord Mahaganapathy felt here, makes people visit this religious place again and again.
The present day Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram was originally Kizhakkekara Siva Temple, which was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kizhakkekara temple was the possession of two renowned Namboothiri houses - Akavoor and Oomanpally, while Padinjattinkara Siva Temple belonged to the Royal House of Elayidathu. Once upon a time, before the sunrise, the usual rituals were being performed at Padinjattinkara Temple, to consecrate Lord Shiva - its presiding deity. All the works of this temple was done by Uliyannoor Perumthachan, a renowned master carpenter (craftsman). Outside the temple, he was chiseling a piece of jackfruit tree while listening to the mantras that were chanted in the temple. Suddenly, he realized that the piece which he was chiseling was taking the form of Ganapathi. Therefore, he told the chief priest to also consecrate Ganapathy after Lord Shiva, in the temple.
The priest of Padinjattinkara Siva Temple denied the words of Uliyannoor Perumthachan, saying that ‘this is a temple of Shiva’. Perumthachan walked towards the east, where he reached Kizhakkekkara Siva Temple. There, he saw its priest preparing Unniyappam as offering for Lord Shiva. Perumthachan asked the priest if Lord Ganapathy could be sanctified here. The priest agreed and Lord Ganapathy was sanctified in the southeast, by Perumthachan itself. Thereafter, he asked the priest about the offering to the Lord. The priest replied that Unniyappam was being prepared as the offering. The priest served him 6-7 Unniyappams on a leaf. The Perumthachan wholeheartedly gave his offering, namely Koottappam, to Lord Ganesha. Till now, Koottappam is considered to be the most preferred Nivedhyam for Kottarakkara Ganapathy. The priest said ‘although father (Lord Shiva) is the main deity, the son (Lord Ganapathy) will be more famous in this temple’. In fact, the priest’s words proved to be true. Kizhakkekkara Siva temple is now recognized as Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple.
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple is beautiful and magnificent. Number of rituals is being done here by the priests. Different schedules are followed to worship and to perform the rituals devoted to the presiding deity of the temple. The pure and holy ambiance of the temple is a source of positive energy that revives the senses.
How to Reach Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram can be reached by road, rail as well as air. Kottakkara is close to Kollam city, which is just 25 km away from the temple. Trivandrum Airport, which is 70 km away from Kottarakkara, is the nearest airport to the temple. One can reach the temple via the passenger trains plying through the railway stations of Kottarakkara, Kollam and Trivandrum. Buses can be boarded from Kottarakkara, Kollam, Trivandrum and Kottayam that takes the passengers directly to the Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple.
Nearest Airport Trivandrum airport
Nearest Railway Station Kottarakkara railway station
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple is located in Kottarakkara Taluk in Kollam district of Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, the temple is one of the renowned temples in Kerala. Apart from the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi, Lord Murugan, Lord Ayyappa, and Lord Nagaraja are also worshipped here. Udayasthamanapooja, Mahaganapathi Homam and Pushpanjali are the three main rituals performed in the temple. Non Hindus are also allowed to enter into this temple, which is very old. Unni Appam is the offering that is especially prepared to offer to the deity of Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple. The temple is widely known as Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram among the devotees. Magnificent structure, tranquilizing ambiance and the virtual presence of Lord Mahaganapathy felt here, makes people visit this religious place again and again.
The present day Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Kshethram was originally Kizhakkekara Siva Temple, which was dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kizhakkekara temple was the possession of two renowned Namboothiri houses - Akavoor and Oomanpally, while Padinjattinkara Siva Temple belonged to the Royal House of Elayidathu. Once upon a time, before the sunrise, the usual rituals were being performed at Padinjattinkara Temple, to consecrate Lord Shiva - its presiding deity. All the works of this temple was done by Uliyannoor Perumthachan, a renowned master carpenter (craftsman). Outside the temple, he was chiseling a piece of jackfruit tree while listening to the mantras that were chanted in the temple. Suddenly, he realized that the piece which he was chiseling was taking the form of Ganapathi. Therefore, he told the chief priest to also consecrate Ganapathy after Lord Shiva, in the temple.
The priest of Padinjattinkara Siva Temple denied the words of Uliyannoor Perumthachan, saying that ‘this is a temple of Shiva’. Perumthachan walked towards the east, where he reached Kizhakkekkara Siva Temple. There, he saw its priest preparing Unniyappam as offering for Lord Shiva. Perumthachan asked the priest if Lord Ganapathy could be sanctified here. The priest agreed and Lord Ganapathy was sanctified in the southeast, by Perumthachan itself. Thereafter, he asked the priest about the offering to the Lord. The priest replied that Unniyappam was being prepared as the offering. The priest served him 6-7 Unniyappams on a leaf. The Perumthachan wholeheartedly gave his offering, namely Koottappam, to Lord Ganesha. Till now, Koottappam is considered to be the most preferred Nivedhyam for Kottarakkara Ganapathy. The priest said ‘although father (Lord Shiva) is the main deity, the son (Lord Ganapathy) will be more famous in this temple’. In fact, the priest’s words proved to be true. Kizhakkekkara Siva temple is now recognized as Kottarakkara Ganapathy temple.
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple is beautiful and magnificent. Number of rituals is being done here by the priests. Different schedules are followed to worship and to perform the rituals devoted to the presiding deity of the temple. The pure and holy ambiance of the temple is a source of positive energy that revives the senses.
How to Reach Kottarakkara
Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathi Kshethram can be reached by road, rail as well as air. Kottakkara is close to Kollam city, which is just 25 km away from the temple. Trivandrum Airport, which is 70 km away from Kottarakkara, is the nearest airport to the temple. One can reach the temple via the passenger trains plying through the railway stations of Kottarakkara, Kollam and Trivandrum. Buses can be boarded from Kottarakkara, Kollam, Trivandrum and Kottayam that takes the passengers directly to the Kottarakkara Sree Mahaganapathy Temple.
Koodalmanikyam Temple Kerala
Koodalmanikyam Temple is a Hindu temple located at Irinjalakuda in Thrissur/Trichur district of Kerala, India. Koodal Manikyam is renowned for being the only temple in India, where Bharata (one of the brothers of Lord Rama) is being worshipped. In this temple, the deity has been depicted as a sage rather than Bharata as a prince. In this temple, Bharata is called Lord Sangameshwara. Koodalmanikyam is one of those four set of temples, which are together called ‘Nalambalam’. Each of the four temples is dedicated to four brothers in the Ramayana epic, namely Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna.
Koodal Manikyam is the Malayalam version of the Sanskrit word ‘Sangameswara’. The temple is spread across 10 acres of land with beautiful gateways on the East, South and West. The Gopuram in the eastern entrance has been built according to typical Kerala style of architecture. Its tiled roof and white washed walls adds more charm to the temple. Front wall of the entrance is embedded with number of eye-catching prehistoric figures. Huge and spacious courtyards on the Eastern and Western ways to the inner temple provide accommodation to around twenty-one elephants.
Like any other temple, Koodalmanikyam Temple also has some interesting legends. As per a popular legend, once the deity was found to radiate light from its forehead. The local people were unable to find out the reason of gleam of the idol. Few of them brought Quartz that belonged to the king of Kayamkulam for comparison. It is said that while comparing the deity and the Quartz, the stone strangely slipped out from the hand and merged into the deity of Bharata. In this way, the merging of two Manikyam happened and thus, the temple came to be known as Koodalmanikyam. Establishment of this temple is an important chapter in the history of its location - Irinjalakuda, as most of the land in and around Irinjalakuda has been possessed by Koodalmanikyam temple.
Koodalmanikyam Temple boasts of magnificent architecture of red tiled roof and white washed walls. The tradition of performing five Poojas and three Sivelis in a day has been followed in most of the Hindu temples in Kerala. However, Koodalmanikyam, Usha Puja and Pantheeradi Puja are not performed. The idol is taken out only during the annual festival for traditional procession. This is the only temple where Deeparadhana is not done. There are four ponds in and around the temple. Kuttan Kulam is the largest pond that is situated outside the compound on the eastern side, whereas Kulipini Theertham is located inside the compound. Kulipini Theertham, another pond which is believed to be blessed by the sage Kulipini Maharshi, is also located in the temple premises. All the three ponds other than Kulipini Theertham are opened to the devotees. Koodal Manikyam Temple represents captivating gateways, round shaped Sanctum Sanctorum, the majestic Koothambalam and pretty carvings. Owing to these factors, the temple stands as a main centre of sustenance of the Temple Arts of Kerala.
How to Reach Koodalmanikyam Temple:
Koodalmanikyam Temple is easily accessible from any source of transportation within the district. The temple is 45 km away from Nedumbassery International Airport in Kochi. If one wishes to travel by rail, then there is a railway station at Irinjalakuda. The town is located on 9 km away from railway station. There are also buses services to the temple like from Kochi. Those who come from Kozhikkode side can switch to private bus at Moonnupeedika, while those who come from the south via NH 17, may board busses plying through Kodungallur-Thrissur route at Kodungallur and get down at Irinjalakuda, to reach Koodal Manikyam Temple.
Koodal Manikyam is the Malayalam version of the Sanskrit word ‘Sangameswara’. The temple is spread across 10 acres of land with beautiful gateways on the East, South and West. The Gopuram in the eastern entrance has been built according to typical Kerala style of architecture. Its tiled roof and white washed walls adds more charm to the temple. Front wall of the entrance is embedded with number of eye-catching prehistoric figures. Huge and spacious courtyards on the Eastern and Western ways to the inner temple provide accommodation to around twenty-one elephants.
Like any other temple, Koodalmanikyam Temple also has some interesting legends. As per a popular legend, once the deity was found to radiate light from its forehead. The local people were unable to find out the reason of gleam of the idol. Few of them brought Quartz that belonged to the king of Kayamkulam for comparison. It is said that while comparing the deity and the Quartz, the stone strangely slipped out from the hand and merged into the deity of Bharata. In this way, the merging of two Manikyam happened and thus, the temple came to be known as Koodalmanikyam. Establishment of this temple is an important chapter in the history of its location - Irinjalakuda, as most of the land in and around Irinjalakuda has been possessed by Koodalmanikyam temple.
Koodalmanikyam Temple boasts of magnificent architecture of red tiled roof and white washed walls. The tradition of performing five Poojas and three Sivelis in a day has been followed in most of the Hindu temples in Kerala. However, Koodalmanikyam, Usha Puja and Pantheeradi Puja are not performed. The idol is taken out only during the annual festival for traditional procession. This is the only temple where Deeparadhana is not done. There are four ponds in and around the temple. Kuttan Kulam is the largest pond that is situated outside the compound on the eastern side, whereas Kulipini Theertham is located inside the compound. Kulipini Theertham, another pond which is believed to be blessed by the sage Kulipini Maharshi, is also located in the temple premises. All the three ponds other than Kulipini Theertham are opened to the devotees. Koodal Manikyam Temple represents captivating gateways, round shaped Sanctum Sanctorum, the majestic Koothambalam and pretty carvings. Owing to these factors, the temple stands as a main centre of sustenance of the Temple Arts of Kerala.
How to Reach Koodalmanikyam Temple:
Koodalmanikyam Temple is easily accessible from any source of transportation within the district. The temple is 45 km away from Nedumbassery International Airport in Kochi. If one wishes to travel by rail, then there is a railway station at Irinjalakuda. The town is located on 9 km away from railway station. There are also buses services to the temple like from Kochi. Those who come from Kozhikkode side can switch to private bus at Moonnupeedika, while those who come from the south via NH 17, may board busses plying through Kodungallur-Thrissur route at Kodungallur and get down at Irinjalakuda, to reach Koodal Manikyam Temple.
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple Kerala
There is a very interesting history behind the establishment of Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple. It is said that after the formation of Kerala by Parasurama, he was troubled by a devil called Daruka. For assassination of the devil, Parasurama worshipped Lord Shiva for help. Then the Lord Shiva asked him to build a temple and to consecrate the Shakti Devi as Bhagavathi. The Devi herself is considered to be Parashakthi. Consequently, Bhadrakali killed the devil Daruka.
Sree Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple Kodungallur is spread across 10 acres of land. The whole temple is surrounded by banyan trees. The Sreekovil of the temple faces the north. The western hall of the inner temple is the seat of Sapthamatrukas (Seven Mothers) who also faces the north. The idols of Lord Ganapathi and Veerabhadra in the shrine face towards the east and the west, respectively. To the left of the temple, there is a Samadhi of Vysoori. The idol of Kodungallooramma is 6 feet tall, built using wood of jackfruit tree.
Turmeric is chiefly offered to the Goddess Bhadrakali by her devotees. Countless devotees come to this temple and worship the goddess wholeheartedly. A Holy pond called Pushkarini is just 50 meters away from the temple, where devotees take holy dip before entering the temple. It is assumed that this pond came into existence when the goddess touched the land with her sword.
Kodungallur Bharani
Kodungallur Bharani is the major temple festival of Kodungallur Temple. It is grandly celebrated in the temple between the months of March and April. The festival mainly begins with a ritual namely 'Kozhikkallu Moodal' that involves killing cocks and shedding their blood to make blood offering to the Goddess kali. This ritual is performed to please the mighty Goddess Kali and her devils with the offering of blood.
How to Reach Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple
Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is easily accessible from the nearby towns, cities and districts of Kerala. Nedumbassery International Airport in Cochin is the nearest airport to the temple. It is located at the distance of 60 km of north Thrissur. The nearest railway station is located at Irinjalakuda, which is 20 km away from the temple. Thrissur is a significant railhead of the southern railway and is connected to a number of towns and cities within and outside Kerala. The temple can also be reached via road. There are frequent bus services from Thrissur along NH47 to different destinations. Private buses can also be boarded from the temple, to reach nearby places like Guruvayur, Malapuram and Shornur.
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple Kerala
Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the most ancient Mahadeva temples in Kerala. Located at the village of Kaviyoor (one of the ancient 64 Brahmin settlements of Kerala), in Pathanamthitta District, the main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu is also worshipped here. It is one of the popular temples, under Thiruvalla Group of Temples. The temple is commonly known as Thrikkaviyoor Mahadeva Temple. The shrine is also known as Hanuman Temple and Sriparvati Temple.
The main offering to the presiding deity at Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple is Aval Nadyam and Vada Mala, which can be offered after making a receipt from the counter. The day-to-day activities of the temple include a number of rituals performed to please the presiding deity. The temple also conducts Hanuman Jayanti, which is a ceremonious occasion celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Lord Hanuman.
Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple is a uniquely structured temple. It is considered to be built in the early years of the 10th century. 'Kaviyoor Shasanas' of 950 AD has references of the offerings given to this temple. However, there is no special story or exact dates for the construction of the temple. Two dates - 950-951 AD have been written in the basement of its main sanctum, which depicts that it is one of the oldest Hindus temples in Kerala. The opinion of its oldness has been given by many historians, in which Stella Kramrich calls Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple as one of the first structural temples of Kerala.
Built in a typical Kerala style of architecture and exuding optimum architectural grandeur, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest structural temples of the state. It features a circular Sreekovil with Sandhara style, copper capped roof, golden flag mast and 18 steps at the eastern entry. Various parts of the beautiful temple are adorned with wooden carvings. It is believed that the holy icons established in the temple belong to late sixteenth or early seventeenth century. Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple has a huge collection of priceless ornaments bestowing creative fineness of the artists of Kaviyoor. The main Prakara (Sreekovil) has been covered with 44 skillfully crafted rafter shoes.
By Air
The temple is located at Kaviyoor, which is at the equal distance from two major airports of Kerala - Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport.
By Rail
The temple is located 5 km away from Thirula Railway station that connects it to important cities of Kerala.
By Road:
From Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple bus stop, one can board private and KSRTC buses to the nearby towns that include Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry, Changanacherry, and Mallappally.
The main offering to the presiding deity at Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple is Aval Nadyam and Vada Mala, which can be offered after making a receipt from the counter. The day-to-day activities of the temple include a number of rituals performed to please the presiding deity. The temple also conducts Hanuman Jayanti, which is a ceremonious occasion celebrated to commemorate the birthday of Lord Hanuman.
Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple is a uniquely structured temple. It is considered to be built in the early years of the 10th century. 'Kaviyoor Shasanas' of 950 AD has references of the offerings given to this temple. However, there is no special story or exact dates for the construction of the temple. Two dates - 950-951 AD have been written in the basement of its main sanctum, which depicts that it is one of the oldest Hindus temples in Kerala. The opinion of its oldness has been given by many historians, in which Stella Kramrich calls Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple as one of the first structural temples of Kerala.
Built in a typical Kerala style of architecture and exuding optimum architectural grandeur, Kaviyoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest structural temples of the state. It features a circular Sreekovil with Sandhara style, copper capped roof, golden flag mast and 18 steps at the eastern entry. Various parts of the beautiful temple are adorned with wooden carvings. It is believed that the holy icons established in the temple belong to late sixteenth or early seventeenth century. Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple has a huge collection of priceless ornaments bestowing creative fineness of the artists of Kaviyoor. The main Prakara (Sreekovil) has been covered with 44 skillfully crafted rafter shoes.
How to Reach:
By Air
The temple is located at Kaviyoor, which is at the equal distance from two major airports of Kerala - Trivandrum International Airport and Cochin International Airport.
By Rail
The temple is located 5 km away from Thirula Railway station that connects it to important cities of Kerala.
By Road:
From Kaviyoor Mahadevar Temple bus stop, one can board private and KSRTC buses to the nearby towns that include Thiruvalla, Kozhencherry, Changanacherry, and Mallappally.
Kadampuzha Devi Temple Kerala
Location Malappuram District, Kerala, India
Nearest Airport Kozhikode Airport
Nearest Railway Station Thirur and Kuttippuram
Best Time to Visit Karthikai day of the month Vrishchikam that is between November and December
Kadampuzha Devi Temple is a renowned temple and pilgrimage center in Malappuram District, Kerala. Mighty Goddess Durga is worshipped by number of devotees, in this temple. The Devi temple is administered by Malabar Devaswom Board, under the Government of Kerala. All the acts and works of the temple are supervised by the Variar family and non hereditary appointed trustees. Two rituals are mainly performed in Kadampuzha on daily basis, namely ‘Poomoodal’ and ‘Muttarukkal’.
Poomodal is the ritual of embellishing the idol with fresh Chetthy flowers, while the second ritual is about breaking coconuts into two equal parts before the goddess by the priest. It is believe that by performing the ritual of Muttarukkal, the Goddess removes all the hurdles from the life of her devotees. If the offered coconut is not broken into two equal halves, then other fresh coconuts are broken until one is not broken into considered manner - making sure the obstacle is gone away due to the kindness of Durga Devi.
As per the popular legend associated with Goddess Durga of Kadampuzha Temple, once Arjuna, the Pandava Prince, was offering prayers to Lord Shiva in the forest, where the present temple is situated. He was praying wholeheartedly in order to attain Pasupathasthra (a holy arrow named ‘Pasupatham’) from the Lord. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, who were roaming in the forest for hunting, were impressed to see Arjuna’s devotion.
Mukasura, a devil took the form of a wild boar and started thrashing the plants and shrubs around the Arjuna, while he was in deep meditation. Both Arjuna and Lord Shiva shot the wild boar and then argued over whose arrow killed the animal. Finally, they decided to fight against each other using bow and declared that the winner will get the honor of hunting the wild boar. Both indulged in a battle that grew violent, in which Arjuna was defeated. Downhearted by the defeat, Arjuna started praying. He started flowering a big stone, by assuming it the incarnation of Goddess Parasakthi. He was surprised to see the flowers were falling on the feet of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathy. Both were very happy to see Arjuna’s dedication towards them and blessed him with the arrow.
Every year, thousands of devotees come to Kadampuzha Temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The Muttarukkal ritual is performed only in the morning between 5 am and 7 am, while the Poomoodal ritual is done between 9 am and 11 am. After completing these two main rituals, the temple is closed. Thereafter, it is opened to the devotees at 6 pm and soon closes at 7 pm. Food offering or Annadaanam is done at the temple everyday. Entering into the temple makes the devotees forget all their worries and gives them the much-needed positive energy to live the life contently. Karthikai Day of the Vrishchikam Month is grandly celebrated here. Like any other temple in Kerala, Kadampuzha Devi Temple also has some special and influential days to visit. These include Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
How to Reach:
Kadampuzha Temple is easily reachable from Calicut Airport, which is the nearest. There are also nearby railway stations like Thirur and Kuttippuram. Both stations are 18 km away from the temple. Buses can also be good options to reach the temple. There are few buses that run direct to the temple. These buses can be taken from Guruvayur, Calicut, Manjeri, Palghat, and Nilambur. If one wishes to board bus from other places, then it is required to get down in Vettichira on NH 17, from where autorikshaws can be hired to reach the Kadampuzha Devi Temple, which is just 2 km away.
Nearest Airport Kozhikode Airport
Nearest Railway Station Thirur and Kuttippuram
Best Time to Visit Karthikai day of the month Vrishchikam that is between November and December
Kadampuzha Devi Temple is a renowned temple and pilgrimage center in Malappuram District, Kerala. Mighty Goddess Durga is worshipped by number of devotees, in this temple. The Devi temple is administered by Malabar Devaswom Board, under the Government of Kerala. All the acts and works of the temple are supervised by the Variar family and non hereditary appointed trustees. Two rituals are mainly performed in Kadampuzha on daily basis, namely ‘Poomoodal’ and ‘Muttarukkal’.
Poomodal is the ritual of embellishing the idol with fresh Chetthy flowers, while the second ritual is about breaking coconuts into two equal parts before the goddess by the priest. It is believe that by performing the ritual of Muttarukkal, the Goddess removes all the hurdles from the life of her devotees. If the offered coconut is not broken into two equal halves, then other fresh coconuts are broken until one is not broken into considered manner - making sure the obstacle is gone away due to the kindness of Durga Devi.
As per the popular legend associated with Goddess Durga of Kadampuzha Temple, once Arjuna, the Pandava Prince, was offering prayers to Lord Shiva in the forest, where the present temple is situated. He was praying wholeheartedly in order to attain Pasupathasthra (a holy arrow named ‘Pasupatham’) from the Lord. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy, who were roaming in the forest for hunting, were impressed to see Arjuna’s devotion.
Mukasura, a devil took the form of a wild boar and started thrashing the plants and shrubs around the Arjuna, while he was in deep meditation. Both Arjuna and Lord Shiva shot the wild boar and then argued over whose arrow killed the animal. Finally, they decided to fight against each other using bow and declared that the winner will get the honor of hunting the wild boar. Both indulged in a battle that grew violent, in which Arjuna was defeated. Downhearted by the defeat, Arjuna started praying. He started flowering a big stone, by assuming it the incarnation of Goddess Parasakthi. He was surprised to see the flowers were falling on the feet of Lord Shiva and Devi Parvathy. Both were very happy to see Arjuna’s dedication towards them and blessed him with the arrow.
Every year, thousands of devotees come to Kadampuzha Temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga. The Muttarukkal ritual is performed only in the morning between 5 am and 7 am, while the Poomoodal ritual is done between 9 am and 11 am. After completing these two main rituals, the temple is closed. Thereafter, it is opened to the devotees at 6 pm and soon closes at 7 pm. Food offering or Annadaanam is done at the temple everyday. Entering into the temple makes the devotees forget all their worries and gives them the much-needed positive energy to live the life contently. Karthikai Day of the Vrishchikam Month is grandly celebrated here. Like any other temple in Kerala, Kadampuzha Devi Temple also has some special and influential days to visit. These include Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
How to Reach:
Kadampuzha Temple is easily reachable from Calicut Airport, which is the nearest. There are also nearby railway stations like Thirur and Kuttippuram. Both stations are 18 km away from the temple. Buses can also be good options to reach the temple. There are few buses that run direct to the temple. These buses can be taken from Guruvayur, Calicut, Manjeri, Palghat, and Nilambur. If one wishes to board bus from other places, then it is required to get down in Vettichira on NH 17, from where autorikshaws can be hired to reach the Kadampuzha Devi Temple, which is just 2 km away.
Guruvayur Temple Kerala
Dedicated to Lord Krishna, Guruvayur Temple is one of the most famous temples in the entire south India. The serene and pious atmosphere of the temple attracts thousands of Hindu devotees from all over the world. The idol of the deity is magnificently carved. The deity is depicted in a standing position with four arms, each carrying an object in it, namely Panchajanya (conch shell), Sudarshana Chakra (Discus), Kaumodaki (Mace) and a lotus. The idol always stays adorned with garland made of Thulasi leaves. One of the popular legend which is associated with the temple states that Lord Siva (Rudra) performed Tapas and worshipped Lord Maha Vishnu at this place under the water of the sacred tank which is still located on the Northern side of the temple. The tank thus got the name of Rudra-Theertham.
Guruvayoor is a very old temple. However, there are no scriptures available that could establish the exact year of its construction. It is supposed that the idol which is worshipped at this temple is 5000 years old, but there is still no evidence to support the claim. According to a popular legend the temple is related to the city of Dwarka. When the city was submerged under the sea with its natives, Guru and Vayu were allocated the job to search for a new place that was equally sacred and beautiful as Dwarka, for a new temple.
Finally, the two were able to find a new location for the temple. The place was dedicated to the discoverers and was called Guruvayur. The deity of Lord Vishnu which presides here was named Guruvayurappan. The main idol was supposed to be installed by Brihaspati, the Guru of the gods and Vayu, after they invoked Lord Siva and Goddess Parvati for their blessings. The oldest scripture which includes the mention of Guruvayoor temple is Kokasandesam, which is a fourteenth century Tamil scripture. In this the temple, it is mentioned as Kuruvayur. Later in the 16th century the temple became quite popular. It was mentioned in a number of scriptures and literature.
Guruvayoor Temple is a living paradigm of Kerala style traditional architecture. It is a landmark if you want to witness the architectural prodigy of Kerala. The temple building is east facing with two Gopuram, following the traditional basics of Kerala architecture. Another theory behind the temple facing east is that the Sun God Surya pays homage to lord Vishnu on Vishu Day. On this particular day the first rays of the morning sun descend directly at the feet of the deity of Lord Vishnu, as the idol can easily be seen from the main doorway. Another interesting thing to view inside the temple is ‘Chuttambalam’, with a Dhwajastambham or the flag-staff which is 33.5 m high.
The Dipastambham (used for illuminating a number of lamps together) of Guruvayoor Temple is a massive structure. Its actual beauty comes out when number of lamps are illuminated on this structure. Just ahead of the Dipastambham is located the doorway to the inner sanctum. On either side of this passage are located intricately carved pillars, which give the passageway a magical ambiance.
How to Reach
By Road
Guruvayoor Temple is located just 30 km from Thrissur and is well connected to other major towns with an efficient network of roads. So, it is easy to reach the temple by road, as a number of public and private buses operate regularly to and from this temple.
By Air
Cochin International Airport is the nearest Airport to this temple. The airport is located 75km away from the temple. One can take cab to and from the airport, to the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Guruvayur Railway Station. However, only Guruvayur-Chennai Egmore express train from Chennai plies through this station. One can take a regular passenger train to Ernakulam or Thrissur. From these stations one can easily board trains to the major cities nearby.
Ettumanoor Temple Kerla
Ettumanoor Temple, popularly known as Ettumaanur Mahadevar Temple, is among the most visited temples of Kerala. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. It is said that Pandava and Sage Vyasa have also worshipped in this temple. Located at Ettumanoor in Kottayam district of Kerala, the name of the place has originated from the word ‘Manoor’, which means ‘Home of Deer’. Apart from Shiva, devotees also worship Goddess Bhagavati, Lord Sastha, Lord Ganapathy and Yakshi in this temple. The Mukhamandapam opposite the temple has two images of Nandi, in which one is bounded by tiny bells and metal leaves of the banyan tree and another one is made of stone. The back of the sanctum is regarded as Parvati's shrine although there is no idol of her.
There are various myths related to the establishment of Ettumaanur Mahadevar Temple. As per a popular legend, Khara of Ramayana receives three Shivalingam at Chidambaram from Siva after worshiping him. He moves from there holding two of the Shivalingams in each hand and the third one in his mouth. He stops at Vaikom, and puts the Shivalingam on the ground and realizes that it has been deep-rooted at that place. Therefore, he installs the others also, one each at Ettumanoor and Kaduthuruthy. Visiting all the three temples in a day has great significance. According another legend, Shiva creates a deer and allows it playing in an island. The isle of the deer has now become an important part of Kerala and known as ‘Ettumanoor’.
The contemporary building of Ettumanoor Temple features a Gopuram and the fortress around it. The inside and outside walls of the main entrance are adorned with Dravidian Mural Paintings. In the temple, there is also a golden flag staff and its roofs are covered with copper sheets with 14 ornamental tops. There is large metal lamp kept at the entrance of the temple. People believe that burning of the lamp has medicinal value and is good for eyes. Apart from regular rituals, the temple hosts a grand festival knows as ‘Arattu’, on a large scale.
Arattu is a hugely organized temple festival on the day of Thiruvathira in February - March. It follows a 10-day celebration that attracts a number of devotees especially on the eighth and the tenth day. On the eighth day, the idol of the deity is taken into a procession to a beautifully adorned site of the temple and an amazing treasure of the temple ‘the seven and a half elephants’ made of gold representing as eight Dik Paalakas are exhibited in front of thousands of followers.
How to Reach Ettumanoor Temple
By Air
Ettumanoor Temple is located at Ettumanoor, which is 73 km away from Cochin International Airport.
By Rail
Ettumanoor Railway Station connects the temple with the network of Indian railways. This is a halt for some express trains of the region.
By Road:
Ettumanoor is located 11 km north-east of Kottayam district and 65 km away from Cochin. Main Central (MC) Road of the state connects the town from various towns of the region.
Chottanikkara Temple Kerala
Nearest Airport/Railway Station Cochin Nedumbassery Airport / Eranakulam Railway Station
Nearby Attractions Vaikkom Mahadeva Temple, Eranakulathappan Shiva Temple
Best Time to Visit October to March
Administered by the Cochin Devaswom Board, Sri Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in Ernakulam, Kerala. Sri Rajarajeswari, who is an incarnation of Goddess Bhagwathi, is the presiding deity of the temple. The temple’s name is a modified version of the word ‘Jyotiannakkara’. The deity is worshipped in three different forms of the Goddess Bhagvathi. In the morning, she is draped in the color white and is worshipped as Goddess Saraswathi. At noon, the Goddess is draped in crimson and is worshipped as Goddess Lakshmi. In the evening, she is draped in the color blue and is worshipped in the form of Goddess Durga, in the Kizhukkavu Shrine, which is situated in the eastern side of the temple complex.
Lord Shiva, Sri Dharma Sastha, Ganapathi, Nagas and Upa-Devas are the other deities worshipped in Chottanikkara Temple. The shrine of Lord Shiva is situated on the south-west side of the temple, while the shrine of Sri Dharma Sastha is located in the north-east side of the temple. The temple is famous among Hindus, as the goddess is believed to cure spiritual illness of her devotees. Upon visiting the temple, one must not miss the Guruthi Pooja performed late every evening to invoke the goddess. Chottanikara Makam thozhal (Devi Darshan) is the much celebrated annual festival of the temple. On this day, thousands of devotees, especially women, throng this temple to offer prayers to Goddess Bhagavathy.
History
There is not much on account of chronology of Sri Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple. As per the popular legend associated with the history of Chottanikkara Temple, the land where the temple stands was a dense forest. Inhabited by tribals, the forest was home to a ferocious dacoit named Kannappan. He had the full control over this area. One day, he brought a cow to his home with the intention of slaughtering it. However, the cow escaped miraculously from his butchering knife, and ran away into the woods. Disappointed, Kannappan returned home empty handed. To his surprise, he found out that his beloved daughter was playing with the same cow.At the request of his daughter, Kannappan dropped the idea of butchering the cow. After few days, his daughter passes away. This leaves him grieving. Later that night, Goddess Bhagwathi appears in his dream and tells him that it was she who came to his home in the form of a cow. The next day, he dreamt of two images, that of Devi and Lord Vishnu, in a cowshed. After those dreams, Kannappan built a small shrine and worshipped the two deities in it. After a few years, the shed fell in repairs. It was recovered later and then sanctified. With time, it was constructed and reconstructed to its present grand Chottanikkara Temple. Today, the idol of Goddess Bhagawathy and that of Lord Mahavishnu stand on the same pedestal of the temple.
Key Features
Chottanikkara Temple is spread over a sprawling area of 6 acres of land. The Three tired ‘Gopuram’ on the eastern side of the temple premises leaves one spell bound and gasping with its beautiful architecture and craftsmanship. When you enter the temple, you will comes across the ‘Anakottil’ which literally means shed for elephants. This is an important feature in almost all of the temples of Kerala, as elephants are an eternal part of Hindu temple festivals. Hence, they are trained and maintained at almost every major temple of Kerala. Moving further you reach ‘Kuttambalam’, in front of which you will notice a high gold covered flagstaff which looks marvelous at noon when sunrays are reflected from its surface. The roof of the temple is covered with antique copper plates, which is enormous and slopes steeply downwards.How to Reach
By Road
Chottanikkara Temple is a little remotely situated. The nearest bus stand is 20 km away. So, it is suggested that the one should take a private transport to the temple.
By Air
The nearest airport is the Cochin Airport, which is situated 38 km from the temple. Though, taxies are readily available to and from the airport. From this airport you can board a flight to all the major cities of India.
By Rail
The railway station nearest to the temple is Ernakulam Junction and it is situated 20 km from the temple. As this is a major station from here you can take a train to almost all major cities of India.
Attukal Temple Kerala
Nearest Airport Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
Nearest Railway Station Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station
Best Time to Visit February-March
Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, located in Aattukal, Kerala, is one of the oldest shrines of South India. The presiding deity of the temple is Attukal Bhagavathy, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvathi. The majestic idol having four arms, each holding weapons of destruction, is worshipped by thousands of devotees, especially women. Located 2 km away from Thiruvananthapuram (the capital city of Kerala), the temple is popularly known ‘Sabarimala of Women’. The temple attracts lakhs of female devotees on the occasion of Attukal Pongala, which is organized here annually.
Apart from Aattukal Bhagavathy, the idols of Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva and many other deities are also worshipped in Attukal Devi Temple. At doors and internal corridors, there are numerous statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganpathi. It is considered that a pilgrimage tour to Thiruvanathapuram is incomplete without visiting Attukal. The temple is managed by Attukal Bhagavathy Temple Trust, which takes care of its renovations. Daily, many holy rituals are performed here from the morning till evening.
History
An interesting story has been associated with the establishment of Attukal Temple. It is believed that the temple was constructed by Mulluveettil Family. As per the popular legend, one day, a young girl appears in front of the head of the Mulluveettil Family and asks for help in crossing the river. Enchanted with her divine aura, the head of the family not only helps her while crossing the river, but also takes her to his home. When all the family members were busy in preparation of treating the guests, surprisingly she disappears. At that night, the head of the family dreams of the girl who asks him to build an abode for her on a holy ground of shrubs and herbs, on a consecrated spot marked by three lines. He follows her instructions and goes to the told place and finds the spot. Without wasting time, he starts the construction of the temple.Key Features
The architecture of Attukal Temple is very appealing. It can captivate anyone with its aesthetical charm. A fine blend of Kerala and Tamil Nadu style of architecture, its exteriors is carved with various holy figures of Hindu God and Goddess. The temple offers special arrangements to accommodate its devotees. It has its own auditorium. At the temple counter, golden lockets having the image of god are sold. Apart from the daily pooja and rituals, various festivals are organized in its premises. Attukal Pongala is the most important one among those festivals.Attukal Pongala
Attukal Pongala is the grand temple festival of Attukal. It is a 10-day celebration, beginning from the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham and ends with a holy offering called Kuruthitharpanam at night. On the ninth day, the very popular Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam is organized. The celebration is attended by devotees from all strata of society. On the occasion, lakhs of women offer Pongala (porridge made of rice, jaggery, coconut, nuts and raisins) in earthen pots, within the temple and its premises. It is believed that offering Pongala to Attukalamma on this auspicious occasion removes all the sins of the devotees.How to Reach:
By Air
Attukal is located at Manacaud, which is 2 km away from Thiruvananthapuram and nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at a distance of 5 km to the west.
By Rail
Manacaud is easily connected with Thiruvananthapuram. So Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station is 2 km away from it.
By Road:
One can reach Attukal Temple by boarding private and KSRTC buses plying at the Kovalam route from East Fort cross through Manacaud. The temple is located 2 km away from Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station.
Anantha padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple was constructed in the 18th century, following the Dravidian style of architecture and the idol of Lord Vishnu, the principal idol is in the "Ananta-Sayanam" position (Vishnu in the everlasting sleep of Yoga Nindra). This temple has a significant importance to the city, and in fact the city got its name from this temple. Thiru- Anant – Puram means the "Abode of Lord Anantha Padmanabha”.
The history of the temple goes back to the 8th century, It is believed that there are references of this temple in the four Puranas, namely the Brahma, Vayu, Varaha and Padma. 8th century poet, Nammalvar wrote four slokas and one phalasruthi about this temple in his writings.
The royal family who ruled the Travancore state till 1947 shared a very special bond with this temple. The Travancore kinds considered themselves to be "Padmanabha-dasa” (Servant of Lord Padmanabha), and this tradition still continues. Unlike the traditional temples in Kerala, the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, belonging to Ancient Tamils has a very different architecture.
In June 2011, the Supreme Court ordered a review of the temple’s underground vaults, as it was belied that the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple could be among one of the richest temples in India. On July 2nd 2011 gold, jewels and gold coins worth approximately Rs. 500 billion were discovered in the secret chambers in the basement of the temple. It is believed that the local rulers, most recently being the Travancore maharajas stored enormous wealth, sealed in by thick stones, as an offering to Lord Vishnu.
The treasure that has been unearthed also includes a golden idol of Mahavishnu, and golden coconut shells studded with emeralds and rubies. The Kerala High Court had ordered that security be tightened around the temple after the discovery. It is believed that this treasure has been lying in the temple for more than 100 years, after the maharajas placed it there.
These findings have made the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple the richest temple in India after the, Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh; The Golden Temple in Punjab and the Shirdi Sai Baba Shrine in Maharashtra, and if an antique value is to be taken into account the treasure will be worth 10 times higher than the current market price.
Other main festivals celebrated at Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Kalabham – 8th to 14th January – Makaraseeveli at 08:30 PM Perunthiramruthu Pooja
Painguni Uthsavam – March – April – 10th day Arattu
Vishu – 14th April – Vishu Kani Darshan at 05:00 am
Kalabham – 11th to 16th July – Karkkidaka Seeveli Perunthiramruthu Pooja
Niraputhari – July to August
Thiruonam – Onavillucharth (Onavillu) August – September
Vinayaka Chaturthi – held at Agrasala – August – September
Sree Krishna Jayanti – Ashtami Rohini – August – September
Valiya Ganapathi Homam – 12 days annually – September – October
Navaratri – September – October
Aippashi Uthsavam – October – November – 10 days Arattu
Swargavathil Ekadasi – December.
Prime Attractions of Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram)
Aaranmula Boat Race
The Aaranmula Boat Race is staged each year in the scenic village of Aaranmula in August/ September. This river carnival is part of the Aaranmula Temple festival. more..
Varkala Beach
Varkala is a sea side resort, as well as an important Hindu centre of pilgrimage. High cliffs with rich mineral springs rise majestically from the coastline.
Shri Veerabhadra Temple, Godachi
District: Belgaum
Town: Godachi
Temple: Veerabhadra Temple
Godachi is a small village in the Ramdurg Taluq of Karnataka. This place is located in the Belgaum district and it has many beautiful temples including the Shri Veerabhadra temple. A famous fair is held here every year.
veerabhadra-temple-godachiGodachi is a small village famous for the Godach Fair or Jatre held during the months of November-December every year. The Godachi Jatre is held in honor of Shri Veerabhadra, the prime deity in the main temple here – the Veerabhadra temple.
Veerabhadra was created by Lord Shiva to destroy Daksha’s Yagna. The Veerabhadra temple is a in a combined style of Chalukya and Vijayanagara Architecture. The doorway is built in the Chalukyan style, while the Garbhagraha or the sanctum reflects Vijayanagara Style of temple building.
Godachi is 12 km away from the Taluq headquarters Ramdurg. The nearest railway station to Ramdurg is the Badami railway station.
Godachi Jatre or fair is held in November or December, during the month of Karthik in the Hindu calendar. Traditionally, temple festivals and fairs in India have not only been religious celebrations, they also served as social and commercial gatherings and Godachi Jatre is also one such occasion.
Town: Godachi
Temple: Veerabhadra Temple
Godachi is a small village in the Ramdurg Taluq of Karnataka. This place is located in the Belgaum district and it has many beautiful temples including the Shri Veerabhadra temple. A famous fair is held here every year.
Godachi – Overview
veerabhadra-temple-godachiGodachi is a small village famous for the Godach Fair or Jatre held during the months of November-December every year. The Godachi Jatre is held in honor of Shri Veerabhadra, the prime deity in the main temple here – the Veerabhadra temple.
Veerabhadra was created by Lord Shiva to destroy Daksha’s Yagna. The Veerabhadra temple is a in a combined style of Chalukya and Vijayanagara Architecture. The doorway is built in the Chalukyan style, while the Garbhagraha or the sanctum reflects Vijayanagara Style of temple building.
How to Get to Godachi
Godachi is 12 km away from the Taluq headquarters Ramdurg. The nearest railway station to Ramdurg is the Badami railway station.
Godachi – Facts
Godachi Jatre or fair is held in November or December, during the month of Karthik in the Hindu calendar. Traditionally, temple festivals and fairs in India have not only been religious celebrations, they also served as social and commercial gatherings and Godachi Jatre is also one such occasion.
- Merchants and artisans from nearby villages gather here to display and sell their wares
- Religious items like vermilion, flowers, woodworks, stone carvings, handicrafts, clothes, agricultural produce, cattle – all are sold during temple fairs
- The Veerabhadra temple and fair attract devotees from all over Karnataka and the neighboring Maharashtra state
- Veerbhadra is believed to be another form of Lord Shiva and is also one Shiva’s attendants
- Amavasya and Poornima days are of specific importance here, and more people visit the temple on those days
Sringeri Mutt Near Udupi
Sringeri (Kannada: ಶೃಂಗೇರಿ), also written as Sringeri, Śŗngeri and Śŗngagiri is a hill town and taluk headquarters located in Chikmagalur district in the Indian state of Karnataka, is the site of the first maţha established by Adi Shankaracharya, Hindu theologian and exponent of the Advaita Vedanta philosophy, in the 8th century C.E. It is located on the banks of the river Tungā
The name Sringeri is derived from Rishyashringa-giri, a nearby hill that is believed to have contained the hermitage of Rishi Vibhandaka and his son Rishyashringa. Rishyashringa appears in an episode in the Bala-Kanda of the Ramayana where a story, narrated by Vasishtha, relates how he brought rains to the drought-stricken kingdom of Romapada
According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have selected the site as the place to stay and teach his disciples, because when he was walking by the Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shelter from the hot sun, to a frog about to spawn. Impressed with the place where natural enemies had gone beyond their instincts, he stayed here for twelve years. Adi Shankaracharya also established mathas in the northern (at Jyotirmath, near Badrinath), eastern (at Puri) and western (at Dwaraka) quarters of India.
Sringeri is home to a number of historic temples. Of these, Sri Sharadamba temple and Sri Vidyashankara temple are very prominent.
The Sharada temple, dedicated to the Goddess of learning and wisdom, has grown from a simple shrine dating to the time of Adi Shankaracharya. In the fourteenth century, Vidyaranya is said to have replaced the old sandalwood image with a stone and gold image. The temple structure itself continued to be made of wood till the early 20th century. After an unexpected fire that damaged the structure, the current structure was built in the traditional south Indian style of temple architecture
The Vidyashankara temple was built in commemoration of the pontiff Vidyashankara, around 1357-58 C.E.. It was built by Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Harihara and Bukka, the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara empire. The niches in the temple have a number of sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythologies. Inscriptions in the temple record contributions made by several Vijayanagara emperors but the temple was probably built on an earlier Hoysala site as it combines Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural features. The temple architecture is also an exhibition of the astronomical expertise of medieval south Indian temple builders. The main temple hall features 12 pillars designated for the 12 signs of the zodiac. Windows and doors along the temple walls are arranged such that equinoxes sunrise views reach the deity. The northern and southern gates enable the sunrise view from the hall during solstices.
Sringeri Sharada Peeta
The matha at Sringeri is known as Sringeri Sharada Peetham. It is one of the four Hindu Advaita maths established by Adi Shankaracharya. It is also referred to as Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada peetam. Following the tradition initiated by Adi Shankaracharya, the maţha is incharge of the Yajur Veda (the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda is more prevalent in South India, over which the maţha has authority in the Smarta tradition).The head of the matha is called Jagadguru (teacher of the world) and also carries the Shankaracharya name as a title. The present Sringeri Shankaracharya is Shri Bharati Tirtha.
The twelve pillars in the Vidyashankar temple are popularly known as Rashistambhas (zodiacal pillars). Symbols of the twelve divisions of the zodiac are engraved on these pillars. The temple is an architectural marvel. Among the many delicate carvings, lions that are engraved in biped positions on the pillars may be mentioned. There are stone balls inside the growling faces of the lions and they can be moved inside their mouths. It is said that the design of the pillars involved certain astronomical concepts. For example, the first rays of the rising sun fall on specific pillars with the zodiacal symbol on the pillar corresponding to the position of the sun.
There are a number of prominent Hindu centres of pilgrimage near Sringeri. Some of the major ones include Horanadu Annapoorneshari Temple, Basrikatte Janardana Swami Temple, Hariharapura, Kigga (Rishyashringa Temple), Agumbe (Venugopalaswami Temple & Sunset Spot), Kalasa ( Kalaseshwara Temple), Balehonnur - Rambapuri Matha, Koppa (Veerabhadra Swamy & Chittemakki Mallikarjuna Swamy temple). Udupi, famous for Krishna matha, is a 3-hour journey by road.
Sringeri has guest houses run by the temple administration. Visit Sringeri Mutt web site for details. There are many private lodges also.
Since Sringeri is a typical Malnad region, the best time to visit is between October and March. The nearest airport to Sringeri is Mangalore International Airport.
Origin of the name
The name Sringeri is derived from Rishyashringa-giri, a nearby hill that is believed to have contained the hermitage of Rishi Vibhandaka and his son Rishyashringa. Rishyashringa appears in an episode in the Bala-Kanda of the Ramayana where a story, narrated by Vasishtha, relates how he brought rains to the drought-stricken kingdom of Romapada
Legend
According to legend, Adi Shankaracharya is said to have selected the site as the place to stay and teach his disciples, because when he was walking by the Tunga river, he saw a cobra with a raised hood, providing shelter from the hot sun, to a frog about to spawn. Impressed with the place where natural enemies had gone beyond their instincts, he stayed here for twelve years. Adi Shankaracharya also established mathas in the northern (at Jyotirmath, near Badrinath), eastern (at Puri) and western (at Dwaraka) quarters of India.
Places of interest
Sringeri is home to a number of historic temples. Of these, Sri Sharadamba temple and Sri Vidyashankara temple are very prominent.
Sharadamba temple
The Sharada temple, dedicated to the Goddess of learning and wisdom, has grown from a simple shrine dating to the time of Adi Shankaracharya. In the fourteenth century, Vidyaranya is said to have replaced the old sandalwood image with a stone and gold image. The temple structure itself continued to be made of wood till the early 20th century. After an unexpected fire that damaged the structure, the current structure was built in the traditional south Indian style of temple architecture
Vidyasankara temple
The Vidyashankara temple was built in commemoration of the pontiff Vidyashankara, around 1357-58 C.E.. It was built by Vidyaranya, patron-saint of Harihara and Bukka, the brothers who founded the Vijayanagara empire. The niches in the temple have a number of sculptures from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythologies. Inscriptions in the temple record contributions made by several Vijayanagara emperors but the temple was probably built on an earlier Hoysala site as it combines Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural features. The temple architecture is also an exhibition of the astronomical expertise of medieval south Indian temple builders. The main temple hall features 12 pillars designated for the 12 signs of the zodiac. Windows and doors along the temple walls are arranged such that equinoxes sunrise views reach the deity. The northern and southern gates enable the sunrise view from the hall during solstices.
Sringeri Sharada Peeta
The matha at Sringeri is known as Sringeri Sharada Peetham. It is one of the four Hindu Advaita maths established by Adi Shankaracharya. It is also referred to as Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada peetam. Following the tradition initiated by Adi Shankaracharya, the maţha is incharge of the Yajur Veda (the Krishna (Black) Yajurveda is more prevalent in South India, over which the maţha has authority in the Smarta tradition).The head of the matha is called Jagadguru (teacher of the world) and also carries the Shankaracharya name as a title. The present Sringeri Shankaracharya is Shri Bharati Tirtha.
Zodiac Pillars
The twelve pillars in the Vidyashankar temple are popularly known as Rashistambhas (zodiacal pillars). Symbols of the twelve divisions of the zodiac are engraved on these pillars. The temple is an architectural marvel. Among the many delicate carvings, lions that are engraved in biped positions on the pillars may be mentioned. There are stone balls inside the growling faces of the lions and they can be moved inside their mouths. It is said that the design of the pillars involved certain astronomical concepts. For example, the first rays of the rising sun fall on specific pillars with the zodiacal symbol on the pillar corresponding to the position of the sun.
Places of interest near Sringeri
There are a number of prominent Hindu centres of pilgrimage near Sringeri. Some of the major ones include Horanadu Annapoorneshari Temple, Basrikatte Janardana Swami Temple, Hariharapura, Kigga (Rishyashringa Temple), Agumbe (Venugopalaswami Temple & Sunset Spot), Kalasa ( Kalaseshwara Temple), Balehonnur - Rambapuri Matha, Koppa (Veerabhadra Swamy & Chittemakki Mallikarjuna Swamy temple). Udupi, famous for Krishna matha, is a 3-hour journey by road.
Where to Stay
Sringeri has guest houses run by the temple administration. Visit Sringeri Mutt web site for details. There are many private lodges also.
Best time to visit
Since Sringeri is a typical Malnad region, the best time to visit is between October and March. The nearest airport to Sringeri is Mangalore International Airport.
Udupi Krishna Mutt
Udupi is first among the seven places of pilgrimages. Thousands of pious devotees throng the Krishna temple all round the year to catch a glimpse of Lord Krishna. The unique feature of Shree Krishna Mutt temple is that the Lord is worshipped only through a window with nine holes called the Navagraha Kitiki. The window is exquisitely carved and silver - plated. It has been a tradition in this temple to worship the Lord only through this window. Read on to know more about the temple, the legends, the pujas & rituals and the festivals celebrated.
Udupi 60 Kms north of Mangalore is the seat of Lord Krishna, considered to be one of the holiest places for pilgrimage in southern India. Here there is a holy temple of Sri Krishna and this is the birthplace of Sri Madhwacharya, founder of Dwaita Philosophy and one of the three great Acharyas, he is reputed to have discovered the idol of Shri Krishna from a ship, which he saved miraculously from the clutches of fatal storm breeding on the sea at Malpe. One day when he was performing his morning prayers on the Malpe shore, he found that a ship sailing in the sea, was in danger owing to rough weather, Sri Madhwacharya with his divine power was able to control the rough weather.
Festivals in Udupi
All Hindu festivals are celebrated in the Krishna Mutt with pomp and grandeur. The area is full of activity throughout the twelve months of the year. The following are some of the more important festivals worth mentioning.
Yugaadi(Ugadi)
The first day of the month of chaitra is the New Year’s Day according to the lunar calendar. Similarly the first day of the month of meesa is the New Year day according to the solar calendar. Here, the solar system is more popular and hence the New Year festival is celebrated according to the solar calendar.
A tray containing coconut, fruits, jewels and mirror is kept in front of the idol of Krishna on the previous night. Next morning these auspicious objects are seen first. This ritual is known as the darshana of kani. The swamiji then takes oil bath. The priest reads out the almanac. Special dishes are offered to the deities. A grand feast is arranged in the dining hall at cauki.
Matsya jayanthi
The kind day in the bright fortnight of caitra month is believed to be the day when God Vishnu took the incarnation of fish matsya. On that day the idol of Krishna is decorated with armour resembling a fish.
Raama navamii
Sri Rama was born on the ninth day of the brighter fortnight of caitra. On that day the idol of Krishna is decorated with bow and arrow instead of the usual churning rod and rope. Special service is arranged in the noon. Car festival takes place in the night. Since the personal idol of the swamiji of Sri Palimar Mutt is that of Sri Rama, special festival of Rama is celebrated with pomp and festivity during the tenure of the Mutt.
Hanumajjayanthi
On the full moon of caitra month knows as citraa puuurnimaa special dishes are offered to the idol. It is a day of festivity at the shrine of Mukhya prana also.
Kuurmaa jayanthi
The second day in the brighter fortnight of the month of vaisaakha is celebrated as kuurma jayanthi. The idol is decked as a tortoise.
Aksaya trtiiyaa
The third day in the bright fortnight of vaisaakha is the day of the incarnation of God Vishnu as Parashurama. The idol is decorated with an axe in the hand. The tiny idol assumes heroic pose with axe in hand.
This coincides with the death anniversary of Sri Vijayadhvajacharya who was the sixth pontiff in the lineage of Sri Pejawar Mutt. He became famous as the commentator of the Bhagavat epic. He lived in the 15th century and his vrndavana is in Kanva Tirtha. There is also a papal tree by the side of the vrndavana under which he is believed to have written his commentary.
During the tenure of Sri Pejawar Mutt special festival is arranged in the Krishna Mutt. The aksaya paatra given by Sri Madhvacharya is offered with a special puuja on that day.
Vasantootsava
From aksaya trtiiyaa to the full moon day of the month of vaisaakha special vasantootsava or the festival of spring is arranged every day. The mantapa puuja, which is usually held in the mantap in front of the sanctum sanctorum, is now celebrated in the vasanta mahal during these days. Different kinds of koosambari puliyoogarai etc are offered to the deity.
Vasanta dvaadasii
On the twelth day in the brighter fortnight of vaisaakha god took the incarnation of Vedavyasa through Satyavati. Special worships are arranged for Vedavyaasa.
At about 3-00p.m. a special festival is arranged. The mobile idol is placed in the palanquin and taken to Vasant Mahal. Lemon juice, puliyoogarai, koosambari and other dishes offered to the deity are distributed to the devotees assembled there. No separate vasantootsava takes place that day in the night.
Narasimha jayanthi
God took the incarnation of Narasimha on the fourteenth day in the bright fortnight of vaisaakha. A special festival is arranged, but there is no tradition of decoration of narasimha to the idol.
Since Sri Krishnapur Mutt and Sri Kaniyur Mutt have the idols of Narasimha special car festival and feasts are arranged on that day during the paryaya of those mutts.
Bhaagiirathii janmadina
Goddess Bhagirathi is born on the tenth day in the bright fortnight of jyeestha. It was on this day that the river Ganges came down to the earth at the request of Bhagiratha. Special puujaa is arranged at the shrine of Bhagirathi. Acar festival is arranged in the night.
Mahaabhiseekha
On the tenth day of the bright fortnight of aasaadha a special abhiseekha is performed to the idol. On the previous day itself the temple premises, oil-lamp holders, instruments of rituals, jewellery etc. are washed and cleaned. The idols are well rubbed and washed. A special feast is also arranged:
Prathamaikaadasii
The eleventh day in the bright fortnight of the month of aasaadha is known as prathamaikaadasii or sayanii eekaadasii. The next four months are known as the period of caaturmaasya. It is believed that during this period God is reposing on the serpent seesa in what is known as the sleep of yoga.
On this eekaadasii day the vaisnavas observe their initiation ritual by embossing the sacred figures on their forehead, chest and arms through a heated mudraa in the Mutt. This is sacred ritual for the devotees.
On that day sudarsana hooma is arranged. Silver seals of cakra and sankha are heated in the sacred fire and they are stamped first on the chest, forehead and shoulders of the swamiji and then on the chest, forehead and shoulders of the devotees. This is a sort of initiation that every vaisnava is expected to undergo every year.
Devotees from far off places come to Udupi on that day, take holy bath in the madhvasaroovara tank, undergo the ritual of mudraadhaaranaa and go back. Eve women and children get initiated in his manner.
From that day onwards one month is observed as a month of diet known as saaka vrata. Vegetables and chilies are forbidden. Only green gram, black gram and such other items are used for cooking.
Caaturmaasya
On the full moon day of aasaadha the swamiji takes a ceremonial shave and this is the commencement of caaturamaasya or staying in a fixed place for a period of four fortnights.After the daily rituals are over, the swamiji holds a tray containing scared mud and firewood and addresses the devotees in front of the idols thus.
It is rainy season. The paths are full of insects. We restrict our movements so that they must not be hurt. As per a statement in scriptures a fortnight is considered as equal to a month. We propose to spend four fortnights here in a fixed place so that no harm is caused to living beings.To this the householders reply ‘Please do stay here and grace us by your presence.’During the next two months the scholars chant Vedas, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata and the works of Madhvacharya.
Now a days instead of the full moon day of aasaadha the caaturmaasya starts from the fifth day of the dark fortnight of aasaadha. This coincides with the anniversary of Tikacharya.
During the eekaadasi fasting days of this period a special worship known as jaagara puujaa takes place in the nights. After the raatri puujaa the swamiji carries on his head the tray containing the tulasii. He dances chanting the gory of the Lord. The musicians and attendants dances singing devotional lyrics. The scholars chant the sacred epics for a pretty long time in the night.
Special discourses on the sacred epics are arranged in three places. They are
· The platform in the Madhva Sarovara .
· The room known as simhaasana in front of the seat known as madhva piitha and
· In the candrasaalaa near the southern dor of the shrine of Mukhya Prana. This arrangement is made so that the chanting of the sacred texts fall on the ears at the time a devotee gets into the tank and goes out after the arsana of the idol.
The chanting takes place every day in the candrasaalaa. Apart from this, special chantings take place in simhaasana and also in cauki during the times of lunch everyday throughout the year.
Jayatiitha’s punya tithi
Saint Jayathirtha’s anniversary falls on the fifth day of the dark fortnight of aasaadha. As the greatest commentator of Madhava’s works, Jayathirtha is known as Tikacharya and hence respected by all Madhvas. Hence the system of commencing caaturmaasya on that day came into vogue.
His anniversary is celebrated at Udupi by chanting his works and delivering special lectures and discourses on his works. A special feast is also arranged.
Naaga pancamii
This is celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the month of sraavana. The serpent god is worshipped on this day in the Subramanya shrine located in front of the Badagu malige.
Upaakarma
The thread ceremony for those belonging to the clan known as Rig Vedas takes place on the savanna star day in the month of sigma. Those who belong to Your Veda branch celebrate on the full moon day of the month of sigma. On the day of the star haste in the month of sigma the men belonging to Sama Veda branch celebrate their upaakarma. This usually comes in the lunar month of bhaadrapada.
The Krishna Mutt celebrates all these upaakarma rituals. The people belonging to all these branches and residing around the town of Udupi participate in these rituals and wear new sacred thread.
The rgupaakarma is celebrated in the Anantheswara temple also. The yajurupaakarma is celebrated in the Chandreshwara temple also.
Through the ceremony of chanting the sacred thread does not apply to the swamiji their rituals stick does have the sacred thread with it and hence it is to be changed. The swamijis of Udupi perform this on the day of rgupaakarma.
Hayagriiva jayanti
The full moon day of sraavana is celebrated as hayagriiva jayanthi. It is on this day that Almighty God took incarnation of hayagriiva on earth. This is an important festival for Sri Sode Mutt. During the paryaya of other Mutts also, special rituals are performed by offering the favorite dish of Lord Hayagriva.
The same day pavitraaroopana is also celebrated. The silken threads are folded into three and then 12, 24 or 36 pavitra knots are tied. It is put on the idol like a garland. This is known as pavitraaroopana. It is believed that by offering garland any shortcomings or defects in the yearlong ceremonies and rituals will be warded off. This thread is also known as kalki daara.
After offering these threads to the idol they are sent to other Mutts also along with prasaadam. These are also distributed to other householders.
Dadhi vrataarambha
From the twelth day in the bright fortnight of sraavana to the twelth day of the bright fortnight of bhaadrapada the people observe dadhivrata. During which time the devotees abstain from taking curds.
Anniversary of Sri Raghvendra swami
The anniversary of Sri Raghavendra Swami falls on the second day of the dark fortnight in the month of sraavana. The swamiji offers special services to the saint and arranges a feast. Seminars and discourses take place.
A three-day festival is arranged in the shrine of Raghavendra.
Sri kasha jayanti
The eighth day in the dark fortnight of the month of sigma is the day of incarnation of Sri Krishna. If there is rooming star in the midnight it is known by the name janmaastami.
Those who follow the lunar calendar celebrate this on the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month of sraavana. Those who follow the solar calendar celebrate it on the eighth day of the dark fortnight in the solar month of simha. This may fall either in the month of sraavanda or in the month of bhaadrapada. It may be noted that the star roohini appears on the eighth day in the month of simha. Hence the solar system appears to be more appropriate to follow in celebrating this festival. Hence it is followed in Udupi.
Krishna Jayanti is celebrated with great pomp in the town of Udupi. People observe fast on the day. The scholars chant Bhagavad Gita, Bhagavatha and other sacred texts. The idol of Krishna is specially decorated as a sporting child.
At the midnight when the moon rises they offer dishes like cakkuli and laddige to the idol. Scared leaves of bilva are offered. Water and milk are poured with the sankha by the devotees. As per the tradition the cowherds from the nearby villages also offer arghya of water and milk in front of the idol of Lord Krishna.
The rituals take place in the early morning also of the next day like a dvaadasii day.
Mosaru kudike
That afternoon is celebrated as a festival of Sri Krishna’s sports fu and frolics. The idol of Krishna is taken round the car street fun and frolics. The idol of Krishna is taken round the car street in a palanquin. The mud pots known as mosaru kudike containing turmeric and saffron water are suspended from the tops of wooden poles. The people dressed like jump and hit at the pots with sticks and try to break the pots. The idol of Udupi is that of Krishna who had broken the pot of curds with churning rod in hands. This is an important episode from the childhood sports of Krishna and hence celebrated with all pomp, festivity and fun.
Fancy dress parades relating to the childhood sports of Sri Krishna as well as imitations of the dances of tigers, bears etc appear before the procession as a sort of service to Lord Krishna on his birthday. The swamijis of all Mutts pay presents and remuneration to these performers.
Ganeesa caturthii
The fourth day in the bright fortnight of the month of bhaadrapada is celebrated as the festival of Lord Ganesha. A special puujaa is performed to Ganapathi also to the Supreme God through the elephant-faced god.
The idol of Ganapathi made of mud by the artists is brought to badagu maalige in an auspicious period on that day. The entire area is decorated artistically with different kinds of festoons. It is a feast to the eyes for the next four days.
At the entrance of the shrine also there is a small idol of Ganapath. Special worship is arranged there to the supreme Lord in the form of visvambhara. The priests perform a sacrifice known as ganahooma. The swamiji offers the prasaada of visvambhara to Ganapathi and waves aarati.
After worshipping the special Ganapathi for four days the idol is taken out in procession and then immersed in the madhva saroovara.
Bhuuvaraha jayanthi
The fifth day in the bright fortnight of bhaadrapada is celebrated as bhuuvaraaha jayanthi. Special festivals are arranged in the Sode Mutt, as Bhuvaraha is the presiding deity of that Mutt. In Sri Krishna Mutt also special dishes of roots and bulbs are offered to the idol.
Kalki jayanthi
The sixth day in the bright fortnight of bhaadrapada is celebrated with special services to the Supreme God in the form of Kalki.
Dadhi vaamana jayanthi
It was on the twelth day in the bright fortnight of bhaadrapada that God Vishnu took the incarnation of Varmana and came down earth. After observing one month’s diet without curds people break their vow and start taking curds on that day.
The idol is decked as a small boy Varmana. Special naiveedya of curd and rice is offered. A good feast is arranged.
From that day onwards for a period of one month up to the eleventh day in the bright fortnight of asvayuja is known as the period of ksiira vrata during which period milk is not taken.
Anantha caturdasii
The fourteenth day in the bright fortnight of the month of bhaadrapada is known as anantana vrata. God Anantha Padmanabha is invoked in a pot filled with water and decorated with coconut and flowers. Special puuja is celebrated with fourteen varieties of dishes.
Navaraatri
From the first day to the ninth day in the bright fortnight of asvayuja the idol is decorated with the costumes of the Goddesses like sir, blue, durra and sarasvati.
All works of Madhvacharya are chanted during the days of Navaratri.
Pustaka puuja
The volumes of Holy Scriptures are worshipped during the period of the stars muulaa to sravana commencing from the sixth or seventh day of navaraatri and going up to the ninth or tenth day in that fortnight.
In the northern corner of the hall known as candrasaale the palm leaf manuscripts are arranged in a mantap, which is well decorated. Sri Vedavyasa and the goddess Saraswati are propitiated as guardian angels of learning and scholarship. After the mahapuujaa the swamiji performs vyaasa puujaa. After the concluding rituals on the last day the scholars celebrate their initiation ceremony.
Vijaya dasamii
This is the festival of harvest. Tender spikes of corn are ceremoniously brought to the shrine and worshipped. They are then tied to different parts and objects of the shrine. The new rice is cooked and offered to the idol and a special feast called ‘new meal’ is served.
The front gate at the eastern side of the Mutt where the idol of Chenna Keshava is installed is opened to bring in the tender spikes on this day. The entrance, which was formally used for going inside the shrine from the Madhva Sarovara, is now used only once a year.
A special feast is arranged at cauki on that day. On all other days the swamijis sit for lunch facing south. But only on this day they sit facing east.
Buddha jayanthi-madhva jayanthi
The Vijaya Dashami day is also celebrated as Buddha jayanthi. God is propitiated in the form of Buddha that day.
Madhvachrya was born in Pajaka Kshetra on the Vijaya Dashami day. Hence special puujaa is performed to the idol of madhvacharya at the shrine of Krishna and also to the idol of the Acharya at Anantheswara.
Samii puujaa
A procession of victory and the worship of the swami tree are the special rituals taking place the same day. A tableau of army is taken to the Mahisha Mardini temple at Kadiyali with all royal paraphernalia and a samii tree is worshipped there. The priest of the Mutt performs the ritual. Afterwards the royal elephant of the Mutt is also worshipped.
Pascima jaagara puujaa
During the period of one month beginning from the midnight of the tenth day in the bright fortnight of asvayuja up to the eleventh day in the bright fortnight of kaartika special puujaas are performed every day in the last part of the night. This service is performed every day in the last part of the night. This service is known as the pasvima jaagara puujaa since it is performed by remaining awake in the night. It is performed to please God Kartika Damodara. Rice, jaggery , fruits, and coconuts are offered and aarati is waved around the idol.
This period of one month is also observed as the month of dieting during which the pulses are not eaten. The preceding three months were spent by abstaining from eating vegetables, curds and milk respectively. During this fourth month all pulse are prohibited and only bulbs and roots are used in cooking.
Aakaasa deepa
During month of kaartika the sky-lamps are lit to propitiate Kartika Damodara. The stems of areca trees are planted and the lights are lit on the top of those posts. Other Mutts arrange for two such lamp-posts whereas the Krishna Mutt has four posts.
Deepavali
Worship through the lamps starts from the twelth day in the dark fortnight of the month of asvayuja. New day evening on the southern side of the shrine an oil lamp is lit facing the South and the priests pray the god-of death to ward off the untimely death and also to obtain prosperity to mankind. This is known as yamadiipa.
Jalapuuraana-gangaa puujaa
The same night the metal pot used for heating water is cleaned and decorated. A mystic symbol of svastika is drawn on the floor by the side of the pot and the Goddess Ganga and God Trivikrama are worshipped by placing saaligraama on it. The swamiji kindles fire in the oven. The water in the pot is heated during the night.
Naraka caturdasii
At the dawn next day, after removing the flowers from the idol and after the nirmaalya visarjana puujaa the swamiji applies oil to the idol, pours hot water and washes with the powder of gram. It is believed that on this Krishna had taken oil bath before sun rise and had gone to Assam to vanquish the demon Narakasura. The ritual is now held to perpetuate that memory.
The oil and powder of the gram offered to Krishna is distributed to all devotees. They apply oil to their body and take bath. A special feast is arranged in cauki.
Balindra puujaa-laksmi nissarana
The same day or the next day when the new moon period occurs in the night the people celebrate Balindra festival and ward off inauspiciousness.
In the car street in front of the Kanaka’s window the image of Balindra is drawn on floor using colour powder. A lamppost is also arranged to ward off inauspiciousness. After the puujaa in the night at the shrine in the presence of the swamiji the priests worship Balindra, and through him God Varmana and also perform other rituals to ward off inauspiciousness.
Goopuuja
The first day in the bright fortnight of kaartika is known as bali paadya. On that day the cattle shed of the Mutt is well decorated and white washed. The cows are given bath and decked with flowers. Special dishes are given to them by waving aarati.
Tulasi puuja
Keshava and other eleven forms of God Vishnu are worshipped in the tulsi plant for 12 days from the first day in the bright fortnight of kaartika up to the twelth day. The worship arranged after the raatri puujaa is one of the important festivals of the Mutt.
The tulsi vrandavan, which is located near the tiirtha mantap, is well decorated. A huge lamppost with oil containers set around in different stages is lighted. The musicians’ sing and dance around the tulsi platform. The swamiji worships kaatika chandramaulishvara temples are placed in the garuda ratha and taken round the Car Street with pomp and festivity.
Subramanya sasthi
The sixth day in the bright fortnight of maargasiira is known as subramanya sasthi. A special ritual is arranged in the shrine of Subramanya sasthi. In the forenoon the idol of Subramanya is taken round the Car Street in the garuda ratha. A special feast is arranged in cauki. Once in a paryaaya a special ritual known as naaga mandala is held in Vasantha Mantap on this day.
Dhanurmaasa puujaa
During the period the solar month of dhanu a special puujaa is performed at dawn by offering a dish of green gram. The devotees are fed in the early morning hours during this month.
Dhanurvyatiipaata
On the day of the vyatiipaata yoga in the solar month of dhanu a special puujaa is performed in the morning by offering a dish made of green gram.
Dhanurvaidhrti
Just like dhanurvyatiipaata the day of vaidhrti yoga in the month of dhanu is celebrated with special ritual.
Mukkoti dvaadasii
The twelth day in the bright fortnight of maargasiirsa is celebrated as mukkooti dvaadasii. A special puujaa is performed that day also by offering the dish of green gram.
Data jayanthi
The full moon day in the month of maarrgasiirsa is known as data jayanthi. It was on this day that God Vishnu was born as Datta through Anasurya, the wife of Atri. A special puuja is arranged for Datta on that day.
Saptootsava
Five days before makara sarikramana starts a series of seven days festivals to terminate on the day following that of sankramana. This is the most famous festival of Udupi. During the first five days only two chariots namely the garuda ratha and small one are taken out in procession.
The sixth day is the sankramana day. This is known as the greatest festival of Sri Krishna. All three chariots are dragged simultaneously. The idol of Krishna is placed in the brahma ratha. The idol of Mukhyaprana is placed in the small chariot. The piligrims from all parts of India and abroad come to witness this festival.
It is believed that the idol of Krishna is established in Udupi on this day. Hence it is celebrated as the anniversary of the sacred installation.
A special festival known as suvarnootsava or cuurnootsava is celebrated in the noon after the mahha puujaa on the seventh day. The brahma ratha is taken out in procession during this festival, which is the last in the series.
After the idol is seated in the chariot the swamiji waves aarati and then throws down coconuts, oranges, bananas and such other objects towards the devotees. The devotees vie with one another in catching those fruits coming down as prasaada.
Another noteworthy feature of this day is that all swamijis join with common people in holding the rope and dragging the chariot. They forget the differences and stand as equal in front of the idol in this sacred task of service to God.
After the procession completes the round, the swamiji takes sacred bath in Madhva Sarovara holding the idol in his hands. All devotees join together and take bath known as avabhrta snaana or purificatory bath.
Thousands of devotees are fed on that day. It is said that during the past the swamiji used to take food in Rajangana along with the devotees. But since the crowd is uncontrollable on that day this system is stopped now and the swamiji takes food in cauki. More than ten thousand people are served with grand feast that day.
Ratha saptamii- bhiismaastamii
The seventh day in the bright fortnight of maagha is known as ratha saptamii. The next day is observed as bhiismaastami. On both the days special feasts are arranged. The idol is taken out in procession in the chariot after the night service.
Madhva navami
The ninth day in the bright fortnight of maagha is the day on which Sri Madhvacharya went out to Badarikashrama and disappeared. (1317A.D. Pingala samvatsara maagha suddha navamii). This day is celebrated with great pomp and festivity.
The Paryaya Swamiji as well as other swamijis residing at Udupi on that day go to Anantheswara and offer special puujaa to the original idol of Madhvacharya. They also chant hymns. At Sri Krishna Mutt also special pujas are offered to the idol of Madhvacharya. The scholars chant Madhva Vijaya in suurya saalaa.
Thousands of devotees are served with feasts in the noon. In the evening the volumes of Sri Madhavacharya's works are taken out in procession and kept in Vasanta Mantap. A special congregation of scholars is convened.
Scholars are specially invited from off places to participate in scholarly discussions. In the end the swamiji honours those scholars by giving presents.
In the festival at night brahma ratha is taken out in procession.
Siva raatri
The fourteenth day in the dark fortnight of maagha is celebrated as sivaraatri with special worships at Anantheswara and Chandreswara. The flag hoisting ceremony takes place in Anantheswara. The fourth day is celebrated as the car festival in which the idols of both Chandramauliswara and Ananthasana are taken out in procession in brahma ratha.
Hooli habba-kaamaa dahana
The full moon day in phaalguna is celebrated by bringing an idol of kaama the god of love to the car street and by burning it. The visual burning of the replica of kaamaa symbolizes the curbing of lust in our heart.
Next day the people throw colour powder at each other and celebrate the festival.
Vaadiraaja punya tithi
The third day in the dark fortnight of paalguna is celebrated as Sri Vadiraj Memorial Day. During the paryaya of Sri Sode Mutt, this festival is celebrated with great pomp. During the paryay of other swamiji also special services are arranged in honour of Sri Vadiraja.A great feast is arranged for the devotees.
Vyaasatiirtha punya tithi
The fourth day in the dark fortnight of phaalguna is celebrated as the death anniversary of Sri Vyasa Tirtha of Sri Vyasaraya Mutt. Sri Vyasa Tirtha was intimately connected with Udupi because of Kanakadasa and Vadiraja. Special feasts as well as seminars are arranged on that day.
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