Ochira Para Brahma temple

The temple of Parabrahma, Ochira
By
P.R.Ramachander
Parabrahma is the conceptual form of God which pervades everywhere and in
everything. It is the basis of the philosophical religion of the Vedas. There can never be a
temple for this concept. But in Kerala 32 Km away from the town of Kollam , in Ochira ,
there is a temple for this concept. As can be expected, there is no deity there. It is a36
acres of open land covered by trees . The pooja(worship is offered to two banyan trees in
this land. Some old Kavu (temple ) structures are also there in this land. Normally
nothing is offered to this God who himself is nothing. Some earth is offered as Prasada
It seems the Travancore and Kayamkulam kings tried to build a temple here but all their
attempts failed. It is believed that Pakkanar (also called Akavoor Chathan) one of the
great philosopher son of Vararuchi who was brought up by a low caste Hindu was
connected with this temple.
The festival in this temple is celebrated for 12 days in the month of Vrushigam .
People of all castes and religion come and camp in the grounds of the temple.
Erupethettam onam is celebrated every year in ochira on the 28th day of the Onam
festival with procession generally known as "Kaala kettu". Normally the day falls in
September or October.Erupethettam onam is a procession of these Ochirakkala dummies
made and brought to the Padanilam by different groups of people from all the sides of
Ochira. Many bulls are looked after by this temple.
More information about this temple can be had from
http://www.ochira.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochira?id=45