Koodal Manikkam Temple, Irinjalakkuda
By
P.R.Ramachander
Irinjalakkuda is a small town which is about 25 Km from Trichur. It is believed that two
streams were flowing through this place and it was called Iru chala kkuda, which later
became Irinjalakkuda. This is the only temple which is dedicated to Bharatha, the
younger brother of Lord Sri Rama, in India. The God is also called Sangameshwara. It is
believed that a saint called Kuleepathi was doing yagas at the spot where the temple is
built. There is a temple tank inside the temple which is called Kuleepathi tank. People
believe it as the spot where the above saint was doing Yagnas. Today the water of this
tank is only used to the worship of the God Bharatha in the temple. This temple tank does
not have any other aquatic life except fishes. People believe that the fishes in this tank
were the sages who used to do Yaga there. There is a custom of feeding these fish to
please the God, because of this.
People believe that there was a very ancient temple at this spot but the power of the
deity started diminishing. Astrologers were consulted and they told that a new Prathishta
should be done. At that time some fishermen fished out four statutes of Gods from the
sea. Then it was decided based on a divine voice, that one of those statues would be
consecrated in this place .The statue chosen was that of Bharatha. The Rama Statue was
consecrated in Triprayar, the Lakshmana statue in Muzhikkulam and the Shattrugna
statue in Payamel. All these places are not very far off. After the consecration, the power
of the temple increased. The idol of Bharatha is five feet tall with four hands holding
bow, conch, wheel and Abhaya mudra. Offering Lotus to this Lord is considered as very
propitious.
During that time, the priest noticed a very red glow being the statue. The people wanted
to measure the strength of the glow, which was like the glow of Manikkam (a costly
gem). The only rich man in possession of such a gem was the king Of Kayankulam. He
willfully gave his very costly Manikkam. But when it was taken near the glow behind the
statue, the manikkam of the king got merged with the statue. From that time this temple
was known as Koodal Manikkam Kshethram (The temple of added Manikkam)., Since
the gem belonged to king of Kayankulam, this temple was given under his control After
some time the King of Travancore conquered Kayankulam and then the temple belonged
to him Thus a temple in the middle of Cochin Kingdom was owned by the king of
Travancore. After independence the temple came under the control of the government.
Another peculiarity of this temple is the offering of 101 Brinjals to the Lord. This is
followed because of a story. There was a devotee of the temple who suffered due to
severe stomach ache. The Lord came in his dream and ordered him to offer 101 Brinjals
to the Lord. His ache disappeared. Ever since this incident people offer 101 Brinjals to
get cured of diseases.
The punartham (Punarvasu) star of the Makara (January –February) is celebrated as the
foundation day of the temple. In the Thiruonam (Sravana) star of the month of Thulam
(October-November) Puthari (new rice) festival is celebrated in this temple. People bring
new rice, vegetables, Banana etc to the temple from all villages around the temple. Next
day they are offered to God and grand feast for every one is arranged with the new
produce brought by them. Next day a medicine called Mukkudi is offered to the Lord and
distributed to the devotees.
The temple has Poojas in the morning, noon and in the evening. For the night Pooja
women are not allowed to participate .Another peculiar practice in this temple is that
bells are not rung, camphor not lighted and incense not offered during worship. People
believe that Lord Bharatha is doing meditation here and doing all these things would
disturb him.
Description of several temples of Kerala which are the mini editions of deep devotion P.R.Ramachander
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Perungottu kavu Bhagawathi temple
Perungottukavu Bhagavathi Temple
By
P.S.Krishnan
Sthala Puranam:
Once a king (Some say the king was Samoothiri Raja who was ruling Malabar in the
olden days) wanted to have darshan of his favourite Goddess and did severe Thapas.
After worshipping for many years, the Bhagavathi, pleased with his devotion, decided to
fulfill his wishes and asked the king to follow her by the sound of her anklets. The
Bhagavathi told him that the moment he utters a word she would freeze at the place and
the king would get only a partial darshan of Goddess. He followed her for quite a long
time and got the partial darshans of the Goddess in the different forms of sound, hands,
above breast and legs. Not satisfied with these partial darshan he followed her further to
get a full darshan. After a long time he got poorna darshan of Bhagavathy at the slopes
of Thenmala (part of Western Ghats)at Perungottukavu. After that the king attained
moksham.
Present Form:
Here the Bhagavathi is in a sitting position with left leg folded and right leg kept on the
peetam. Till 2002 the idol was of stone and was 2 feet high. In 2002 puna: prathishta was
done and the present Dharu silpam was placed. This idol is approximately 4 feet in height
and the Goddess holds a Thrisoolam in right upper hand, sword in right lower hand, the
severed head of the asura in left upper hand and plate in left lower hand.
Inside the garbhagriha to the right side of the main deity is Ganapathy. Ganesha is visible
only if the devotees view from the side. Then we can see the oil lamp inside and this is
worshipped as Ganapathy. In the inner prakaram in the South West corner Ayyappa’s
prathishta is there. When we do outer pradakshinam, in the North-West corner, Nagas
are also there.
Festivals :
In the Karitakamasam, Laksharchana is conducted in a big way for two days. Ganapathi
homam, Kalasa pooja, Laksharchana, Sandya Deepam, elephant procession and
kalasabhishekam are done on the first day. On the second day also Ganapathi homam,
Kalasa pooja and Laksharchana, are done followed by Kalasam procession on elephant
alongwith Panchvadyam , Nadaswaram etc and this ends with kalasabhishekam. Later
annadhanam is organised. On the first 12 days in Karkitakamasam special poojas are
done every year.Also Bhagavathisevas are done in this masam.On the first Friday of all
Malayala masams (Mupattu velliyazhcha) Devi namajapam and annadhanam are
conducted.
Management: The temple affairs are looked after by Eralpadu Raja and his manager,
Karyasthan etc. The present executive officer is Sri Jayadevan Raja.
Important vazhipadu:
Ganapathy Homam, Trikala Pooja, Kadumadhura Payasam, Bhavathiseva, Annadhanam,
Neyyappam (evening only),Nei Vilakku, Thechimala Rakthapushpanjali, Kadhana vedi
etc.
Timings :
Sunday, Tuesday & Friday - 5.30 AM to 12 Noon & 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM.
Other days : 6.00 AM to 9.00AM & 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM.
Address :
Trustee / Manager,
Perugottu kavu Dewaswom,
Kizhakkumuri P.O.,
Via Nemmara, Dist.Palakkad, Kerala.
Tel : 04923 – 266399 / 266431.
How to reach:
The temple is situated at Kizhakkumuri , near Elavancherry. The Perungottukavu Bus
Stop is on the Pollachi – Thrissur main Road. It is in between Kollengode(7 Kms )and
Nemmara. Buses from Palakkad – (20 Kms from Palakkad )- to Nemmara, Pothundi
Dam (Via Kollengode) are going through this place. Also Pollachi-Thrissur, Kollengode-
Nemmara, Govindapuram- Thrissur buses are available from Kollengode Ayyappan
Kavu Bus stop. After getting down on the main road, you need to walk one Km towards
south through the panchayat road to reach the temple. The temple is accessible by taxi or
auto-riksha from Kollengode.
Siva temple :
One KM from the Bhagavathy temple, ancient Siva temple is there in Elavanchery
belonging to the same management. This temple is under renovation.
By
P.S.Krishnan
Sthala Puranam:
Once a king (Some say the king was Samoothiri Raja who was ruling Malabar in the
olden days) wanted to have darshan of his favourite Goddess and did severe Thapas.
After worshipping for many years, the Bhagavathi, pleased with his devotion, decided to
fulfill his wishes and asked the king to follow her by the sound of her anklets. The
Bhagavathi told him that the moment he utters a word she would freeze at the place and
the king would get only a partial darshan of Goddess. He followed her for quite a long
time and got the partial darshans of the Goddess in the different forms of sound, hands,
above breast and legs. Not satisfied with these partial darshan he followed her further to
get a full darshan. After a long time he got poorna darshan of Bhagavathy at the slopes
of Thenmala (part of Western Ghats)at Perungottukavu. After that the king attained
moksham.
Present Form:
Here the Bhagavathi is in a sitting position with left leg folded and right leg kept on the
peetam. Till 2002 the idol was of stone and was 2 feet high. In 2002 puna: prathishta was
done and the present Dharu silpam was placed. This idol is approximately 4 feet in height
and the Goddess holds a Thrisoolam in right upper hand, sword in right lower hand, the
severed head of the asura in left upper hand and plate in left lower hand.
Inside the garbhagriha to the right side of the main deity is Ganapathy. Ganesha is visible
only if the devotees view from the side. Then we can see the oil lamp inside and this is
worshipped as Ganapathy. In the inner prakaram in the South West corner Ayyappa’s
prathishta is there. When we do outer pradakshinam, in the North-West corner, Nagas
are also there.
Festivals :
In the Karitakamasam, Laksharchana is conducted in a big way for two days. Ganapathi
homam, Kalasa pooja, Laksharchana, Sandya Deepam, elephant procession and
kalasabhishekam are done on the first day. On the second day also Ganapathi homam,
Kalasa pooja and Laksharchana, are done followed by Kalasam procession on elephant
alongwith Panchvadyam , Nadaswaram etc and this ends with kalasabhishekam. Later
annadhanam is organised. On the first 12 days in Karkitakamasam special poojas are
done every year.Also Bhagavathisevas are done in this masam.On the first Friday of all
Malayala masams (Mupattu velliyazhcha) Devi namajapam and annadhanam are
conducted.
Management: The temple affairs are looked after by Eralpadu Raja and his manager,
Karyasthan etc. The present executive officer is Sri Jayadevan Raja.
Important vazhipadu:
Ganapathy Homam, Trikala Pooja, Kadumadhura Payasam, Bhavathiseva, Annadhanam,
Neyyappam (evening only),Nei Vilakku, Thechimala Rakthapushpanjali, Kadhana vedi
etc.
Timings :
Sunday, Tuesday & Friday - 5.30 AM to 12 Noon & 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM.
Other days : 6.00 AM to 9.00AM & 5.30 PM to 7.30 PM.
Address :
Trustee / Manager,
Perugottu kavu Dewaswom,
Kizhakkumuri P.O.,
Via Nemmara, Dist.Palakkad, Kerala.
Tel : 04923 – 266399 / 266431.
How to reach:
The temple is situated at Kizhakkumuri , near Elavancherry. The Perungottukavu Bus
Stop is on the Pollachi – Thrissur main Road. It is in between Kollengode(7 Kms )and
Nemmara. Buses from Palakkad – (20 Kms from Palakkad )- to Nemmara, Pothundi
Dam (Via Kollengode) are going through this place. Also Pollachi-Thrissur, Kollengode-
Nemmara, Govindapuram- Thrissur buses are available from Kollengode Ayyappan
Kavu Bus stop. After getting down on the main road, you need to walk one Km towards
south through the panchayat road to reach the temple. The temple is accessible by taxi or
auto-riksha from Kollengode.
Siva temple :
One KM from the Bhagavathy temple, ancient Siva temple is there in Elavanchery
belonging to the same management. This temple is under renovation.
Kallekulangara Hemambika Temple
Kallekulangara Hemambika temple (Emoor Bhagawathy temple/Kaipathi kavu)
By
P.R.Ramachander
This temple is about 8 kilometers from Palakkad town.. The temple also is called Emoor
Bhagawathy temple or kaipathi (hand) temple or Hemambika temple. In this temple the
hands of the Bhagawathy are consecrated. There are several different stories about the
origin of this temple.
1. “On their regular trek through the dense Vadamala forest to worship at the valley
shrine of Durga, one day Kurur and Kaimukku Nambudiris were granted a vision. The
golden Goddess stood beside an elephant under a tree.
When the aged Kurur was disheartened by his inability to undertake hazardous
pilgrimages, the Goddess assured him in a dream that he would find her in the
neighborhood. The next day witnessed the emergence of her hands in the middle of a lake
close by. When Kurur swam through to clasp them, the divine hands turned into stone.
The lake was filled and a shrine erected by the local ruler, whose descendent remains in
charge of temple administration” (Hindu , June 14, 2002)
.2. The goddess had once agreed to appear before a devotee on the condition that he will
not disclose it to anyone. The excitement led the devotee to disclose the fact to others.
When the goddess appeared before the devotee, she noticed many people along with him.
The displeased goddess vanished suddenly. By that time The devotees had seen only her
upraised hand and in the temple her upraised hand is worshipped
It is believed, the deity takes three forms a day – in the morning as Saraswathi, in the
noon as Laxmi and in the evening as Durga. The rituals vary according to the form of the
deity at the time of worship. (gansripar.blogspot.com/2008/07/emoorbhagavathygoddess-
hemambika.html
3.Emur Bhagavathy (Hemambika), the bestower of prosperity, boons and auspiciousness
raised her divine hands in the middle of the blessed pond Kallekulam. In a paroxysm of
devotion, her impatient priest jumped in to the pond and caught hold of those hands
before she fully manifested. The Devi stopped appearing. The priest got only the Devi’s
emerging hands. This is the great legend of the famous Hemambika Temple where the
Devi’s hands are enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum.
4.The temple with unique idol of only " two hands ".It is widely believed that the
"DEVI" the goddess emerged from the midst of pond to bless an ailing devotee, who out
of excitement caught hold of two hands before it could come out .Then a temple was
consecrated with those two hands as goddess. This beautiful temple surrounded by 5
ponds and paddy fields. a nature kissed
environment.wikimapia.org/1616355/Hemambika-Temple-Kallekulangara
5.The story or the belief, behind this unique deity of two raised The Hands was that a girl
(incarnation of the Goddess Parvathy), who escaped from molestation jumped into the
river, holding her hands for help. And the story or belief goes that she was helped by the
Lord Shiva, on seeing the hands floating above the river.
http://blogs.ibibo.com/jgopikrishnan/story-behind-the-congress-party-s-election-sy
Daily pooja timings are 0500 hrs to 1130 in the morning and 1700 hrs to 2030 in the
evening
This temple is the family deity of Palakkad kings. In fact the ariyittu Vazcha of the
king (coronation) used to be conducted here. Main attraction is the nine day festival of
shivratri. Thousands of devotees attend the festival with pomp and fanfare. The
celebration ends at the Kalpathy River. Apart from this in the month of may every year a
Laksharchana is conducted. The Navarathri festival also is celebrated in this temple. A
kalam ezhuthu pattau mahothsavam is celebrated every year in the months of Vrichigam-
Dhanu (From November 16th to December 25th).
There is the snippet about this temple. It seems the former Prime Minister of India ,
Indra Gandhi visited this temple after the Congress split along with Sri Karunakaran. She
was impressed by the goddess and made the palm of the goddess as her election symbol.
By
P.R.Ramachander
This temple is about 8 kilometers from Palakkad town.. The temple also is called Emoor
Bhagawathy temple or kaipathi (hand) temple or Hemambika temple. In this temple the
hands of the Bhagawathy are consecrated. There are several different stories about the
origin of this temple.
1. “On their regular trek through the dense Vadamala forest to worship at the valley
shrine of Durga, one day Kurur and Kaimukku Nambudiris were granted a vision. The
golden Goddess stood beside an elephant under a tree.
When the aged Kurur was disheartened by his inability to undertake hazardous
pilgrimages, the Goddess assured him in a dream that he would find her in the
neighborhood. The next day witnessed the emergence of her hands in the middle of a lake
close by. When Kurur swam through to clasp them, the divine hands turned into stone.
The lake was filled and a shrine erected by the local ruler, whose descendent remains in
charge of temple administration” (Hindu , June 14, 2002)
.2. The goddess had once agreed to appear before a devotee on the condition that he will
not disclose it to anyone. The excitement led the devotee to disclose the fact to others.
When the goddess appeared before the devotee, she noticed many people along with him.
The displeased goddess vanished suddenly. By that time The devotees had seen only her
upraised hand and in the temple her upraised hand is worshipped
It is believed, the deity takes three forms a day – in the morning as Saraswathi, in the
noon as Laxmi and in the evening as Durga. The rituals vary according to the form of the
deity at the time of worship. (gansripar.blogspot.com/2008/07/emoorbhagavathygoddess-
hemambika.html
3.Emur Bhagavathy (Hemambika), the bestower of prosperity, boons and auspiciousness
raised her divine hands in the middle of the blessed pond Kallekulam. In a paroxysm of
devotion, her impatient priest jumped in to the pond and caught hold of those hands
before she fully manifested. The Devi stopped appearing. The priest got only the Devi’s
emerging hands. This is the great legend of the famous Hemambika Temple where the
Devi’s hands are enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum.
4.The temple with unique idol of only " two hands ".It is widely believed that the
"DEVI" the goddess emerged from the midst of pond to bless an ailing devotee, who out
of excitement caught hold of two hands before it could come out .Then a temple was
consecrated with those two hands as goddess. This beautiful temple surrounded by 5
ponds and paddy fields. a nature kissed
environment.wikimapia.org/1616355/Hemambika-Temple-Kallekulangara
5.The story or the belief, behind this unique deity of two raised The Hands was that a girl
(incarnation of the Goddess Parvathy), who escaped from molestation jumped into the
river, holding her hands for help. And the story or belief goes that she was helped by the
Lord Shiva, on seeing the hands floating above the river.
http://blogs.ibibo.com/jgopikrishnan/story-behind-the-congress-party-s-election-sy
Daily pooja timings are 0500 hrs to 1130 in the morning and 1700 hrs to 2030 in the
evening
This temple is the family deity of Palakkad kings. In fact the ariyittu Vazcha of the
king (coronation) used to be conducted here. Main attraction is the nine day festival of
shivratri. Thousands of devotees attend the festival with pomp and fanfare. The
celebration ends at the Kalpathy River. Apart from this in the month of may every year a
Laksharchana is conducted. The Navarathri festival also is celebrated in this temple. A
kalam ezhuthu pattau mahothsavam is celebrated every year in the months of Vrichigam-
Dhanu (From November 16th to December 25th).
There is the snippet about this temple. It seems the former Prime Minister of India ,
Indra Gandhi visited this temple after the Congress split along with Sri Karunakaran. She
was impressed by the goddess and made the palm of the goddess as her election symbol.
Vadakkanthara Bhagawathi temple, Palakkad
Vadakkanthara Thirupurakkal Bhagavathi
in Palakkad town (Vadakkanthara Kavu) ..
BY
P.S.Krishnan
This temple is located in Vadakkan thara locality of the Palakkad town. It is believed
to be a Kannagi temple.
Ithihyam (story)
Kannagi is the heroine of the famous Tamil epic –Silappadikaram. Her husband
Kovilan is wrongly sentenced by the king of Madurai to death. When Kannagi came to
know of this she asked for justice . The king realizing his mistake died instantly. In her
fury Kannagi burnt the city of Madurai and then came and settled down as a Goddess in
Kodsungaloore. But on her way to Kodungallore , she took rest under a fig tree In
Vadakkanthara, Palakkad. In the place where she took rest an idol was formed. Since no
roof was built over the goddess, she was called Thiru purakkal Bhagawathy. Even in
rainy seasons during heavy downpour along with wind none of the oil lamps burning in
front of the Goddess are disturbed or put out.. The serene atmosphere is always in our
mind when we go home after darshan of Devi.
There is another story that Lord Shiva created Kannagi along with Kannu kottu
Bhagawathy and Kannadathu Bhagawathy to kill Dharuka Kannagi after killing of
Dharuka, was born as a human being Called Kannagi, who burnt the city of Madurai as
told above. She came to Kerala along with her two sisters .A king called Keasari Verma
built a temple for all the three of them. Later it seems the Kannadathu and Kannu Kottu
Bhagawathy went and settled in a place called Pirayari, where the temple for Kannu kottu
Bhagawathi is still there. A temple was later built near Thirunallai village of Palakkad for
Kannadathu Bhagawathy. Only Kannagi remained in a place called “Nadu pathi mandil.”
Once when there was a war(Padayottam ) in Palakkad, the temple was shifted to the
present location.
There is yet another story that the idol of Kannagi was brought was brought to Kerala
by a group of People calleds Muthaan from Tamil Nadu,, when the Pandya king wanted
to marry Kannagi.The Moothaans are merchants Their caste deity is Kannagi. They have
also built a temple for her in a place called Moothan Tharai, in Palakkad itself.
In the month of Kumbam (February-March), the Vadakkanthara Vela is
celebrated.This is one of the famous festivals of Palakkad.
The Devi is very powerful and rush of devotees is large, especially on Tuesdays and
Fridays. The temples normally opens at 4.30AM in the morning with devotional songs
are broadcast through loud speakers It remains open up to 12 noon when the Ucha Pooja
takes place.Then the temple opens at 4 30 Pm and remains open up to 8.30 Pm
The Koottu payasam vazhipadu at Uchcha pooja is famous and the taste of the payasam
prasadam remains in our tongues for ever. .Hundreds of devotees make cheettu for
koottupayasam vazhipadu every day..
Another famous vazhipadu is kadhana - vedi - Daily at 7.30 AM, 11.45 AM and 6.15PM
(Evening the number of vedi is more - almost a hundred-) kadana is lighted and the
sound can be heard in many parts of Palakkad town.. Another vazhipadu is Vivaha
archana..
Festivals : Navarathri festival is very important..Many famous carnatik singers come to
this temple during Navarathri and sing in front of Bhagavathi..Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagavathar used to find time in his busy schedule and come to this temple every year
without fail and render his kacheri in front of Devi..
Vijayadasami day is reserved for students of Palakkad Music Academi (Chembai Music
Academi) and other beginers - arangettam..
Another festival is Vadakkanthara Vela (Valiya vela.. This is celebrated once in three
years on the last Friday of Kumbha masam - Feb-March.. In the year of Vadakkanthara
valiya vela, all Fridays of Kumbah masam are important and cheriya velas with one to
three elephants, come to temple organised by many groups.. On Vadakkanthara valiya
vela day 9 or 11 elephants take part and the night vedikkattu is very famous.. The temple
is run by executive officer appointed by Govt Devaswom Board..
There are other three temple in a row here.. They are Krishna temple, Ayyappa
temple and Siva temple..The Ayyappa and Siva temples are in Vadakkanthara Gramam..
in Palakkad town (Vadakkanthara Kavu) ..
BY
P.S.Krishnan
This temple is located in Vadakkan thara locality of the Palakkad town. It is believed
to be a Kannagi temple.
Ithihyam (story)
Kannagi is the heroine of the famous Tamil epic –Silappadikaram. Her husband
Kovilan is wrongly sentenced by the king of Madurai to death. When Kannagi came to
know of this she asked for justice . The king realizing his mistake died instantly. In her
fury Kannagi burnt the city of Madurai and then came and settled down as a Goddess in
Kodsungaloore. But on her way to Kodungallore , she took rest under a fig tree In
Vadakkanthara, Palakkad. In the place where she took rest an idol was formed. Since no
roof was built over the goddess, she was called Thiru purakkal Bhagawathy. Even in
rainy seasons during heavy downpour along with wind none of the oil lamps burning in
front of the Goddess are disturbed or put out.. The serene atmosphere is always in our
mind when we go home after darshan of Devi.
There is another story that Lord Shiva created Kannagi along with Kannu kottu
Bhagawathy and Kannadathu Bhagawathy to kill Dharuka Kannagi after killing of
Dharuka, was born as a human being Called Kannagi, who burnt the city of Madurai as
told above. She came to Kerala along with her two sisters .A king called Keasari Verma
built a temple for all the three of them. Later it seems the Kannadathu and Kannu Kottu
Bhagawathy went and settled in a place called Pirayari, where the temple for Kannu kottu
Bhagawathi is still there. A temple was later built near Thirunallai village of Palakkad for
Kannadathu Bhagawathy. Only Kannagi remained in a place called “Nadu pathi mandil.”
Once when there was a war(Padayottam ) in Palakkad, the temple was shifted to the
present location.
There is yet another story that the idol of Kannagi was brought was brought to Kerala
by a group of People calleds Muthaan from Tamil Nadu,, when the Pandya king wanted
to marry Kannagi.The Moothaans are merchants Their caste deity is Kannagi. They have
also built a temple for her in a place called Moothan Tharai, in Palakkad itself.
In the month of Kumbam (February-March), the Vadakkanthara Vela is
celebrated.This is one of the famous festivals of Palakkad.
The Devi is very powerful and rush of devotees is large, especially on Tuesdays and
Fridays. The temples normally opens at 4.30AM in the morning with devotional songs
are broadcast through loud speakers It remains open up to 12 noon when the Ucha Pooja
takes place.Then the temple opens at 4 30 Pm and remains open up to 8.30 Pm
The Koottu payasam vazhipadu at Uchcha pooja is famous and the taste of the payasam
prasadam remains in our tongues for ever. .Hundreds of devotees make cheettu for
koottupayasam vazhipadu every day..
Another famous vazhipadu is kadhana - vedi - Daily at 7.30 AM, 11.45 AM and 6.15PM
(Evening the number of vedi is more - almost a hundred-) kadana is lighted and the
sound can be heard in many parts of Palakkad town.. Another vazhipadu is Vivaha
archana..
Festivals : Navarathri festival is very important..Many famous carnatik singers come to
this temple during Navarathri and sing in front of Bhagavathi..Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagavathar used to find time in his busy schedule and come to this temple every year
without fail and render his kacheri in front of Devi..
Vijayadasami day is reserved for students of Palakkad Music Academi (Chembai Music
Academi) and other beginers - arangettam..
Another festival is Vadakkanthara Vela (Valiya vela.. This is celebrated once in three
years on the last Friday of Kumbha masam - Feb-March.. In the year of Vadakkanthara
valiya vela, all Fridays of Kumbah masam are important and cheriya velas with one to
three elephants, come to temple organised by many groups.. On Vadakkanthara valiya
vela day 9 or 11 elephants take part and the night vedikkattu is very famous.. The temple
is run by executive officer appointed by Govt Devaswom Board..
There are other three temple in a row here.. They are Krishna temple, Ayyappa
temple and Siva temple..The Ayyappa and Siva temples are in Vadakkanthara Gramam..
Kuzhal mannam Visweswara temple
Visweswara (Siva) Temple – Kuzhalmannam
From http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info
As you enter the Agraharam, the first on your right is Visalakshi Sametha Sri Visweswara
temple. Lord Shiva is the eternal remover of all obstacles and protector of mankind.
Propitiating the gods here will give benefits of longevity and good health.
Main deity is Shiva Linga facing east. Near the main deity is the shrine of Visalakshi facing
south. There are also separate sreekovils for Ganapathy and Subramania.
Ayyappa Temple is situated on south western side with separate compound wall. Here there is
no idol. Aavahanam is done on three stone oil lamps for Poorna Pushkala and Ayyappa. Behind
the lamps, there are stone idols of Sarparaja.
Main Offerings at Siva Temple
Rudrabhishekam and Dhara are the important offerings to Sri Visweswara. Manjal kappu,
Pattu paavadai, thali Chrathal and Swayamvara Archana are the important offerings to Devi.
Breaking of coconut is the favourite offering to Lord Ayyappa.
Important Festivals.
Navarathri, Annabhishekam, Thiruvathira, Thaipoosam and Sivarathri.
http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info/siva.html
From http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info
As you enter the Agraharam, the first on your right is Visalakshi Sametha Sri Visweswara
temple. Lord Shiva is the eternal remover of all obstacles and protector of mankind.
Propitiating the gods here will give benefits of longevity and good health.
Main deity is Shiva Linga facing east. Near the main deity is the shrine of Visalakshi facing
south. There are also separate sreekovils for Ganapathy and Subramania.
Ayyappa Temple is situated on south western side with separate compound wall. Here there is
no idol. Aavahanam is done on three stone oil lamps for Poorna Pushkala and Ayyappa. Behind
the lamps, there are stone idols of Sarparaja.
Main Offerings at Siva Temple
Rudrabhishekam and Dhara are the important offerings to Sri Visweswara. Manjal kappu,
Pattu paavadai, thali Chrathal and Swayamvara Archana are the important offerings to Devi.
Breaking of coconut is the favourite offering to Lord Ayyappa.
Important Festivals.
Navarathri, Annabhishekam, Thiruvathira, Thaipoosam and Sivarathri.
http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info/siva.html
Kuzhal mannam Lakshmi Narayana Temple
Lakshmi Narayana Temple of Kuzhalmannam Gramam
From : http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info
Situated in the heart of the agraharam, this ancient temple is considered
as the jewel for its beautiful workmanship. The entrance to the temple
is through a Mukha Mantapam. The carving of GajaLakshmi, the
pillars and various scroll work on the ceiling give an elegant look.
When we enter the temple, the non-stop Nama Japa "OM NAMO
NARAYANAYA" emanating from the temple is welcoming the
devotees and it gives solace and peace to all.
The main Prathishta is Lord Narayana along with Lakshmi, the goddess
of plenty and prosperity. Here Lakshmi is sitting on Lord Narayana's
left thigh. Lakshmi Narayana Swami the presiding deity of the
agraharam has been showering on his devotees with beautiful blessings.
He is reputed for the blessings for Santhanabhagyam.
The floors of the Namaskara Mantapam are built in white marble. The
temple SreeKovil wears a decorated look with Granite flooring. The
front side of the SreeKovil, Sopanam and Sreekovil doors is covered
with beautifully designed brass sheets. Sreekovil doors are covered
with Ashtalakshmi figures.
Important festival days - LakshmiNarayana Temple
Navarathri, Uriyadi Ratholsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Makara
Sankranthi, Sasthapreethi, SriRama Navami, and Prathishta Dinam
Main Offerings - Lakshmi Narayana Temple
Performing Navarathri Vilakku, Abhishekam, Kalabham Charthu, Pal
payasa Nivedyam.
Now this temple has become a dynamic centre of spirituality and
attracting more and more devotees. Many are coming forward to
perform Upanayam and marriage at this temple.
From : http://www.kuzhalmannamagraharam.info
Situated in the heart of the agraharam, this ancient temple is considered
as the jewel for its beautiful workmanship. The entrance to the temple
is through a Mukha Mantapam. The carving of GajaLakshmi, the
pillars and various scroll work on the ceiling give an elegant look.
When we enter the temple, the non-stop Nama Japa "OM NAMO
NARAYANAYA" emanating from the temple is welcoming the
devotees and it gives solace and peace to all.
The main Prathishta is Lord Narayana along with Lakshmi, the goddess
of plenty and prosperity. Here Lakshmi is sitting on Lord Narayana's
left thigh. Lakshmi Narayana Swami the presiding deity of the
agraharam has been showering on his devotees with beautiful blessings.
He is reputed for the blessings for Santhanabhagyam.
The floors of the Namaskara Mantapam are built in white marble. The
temple SreeKovil wears a decorated look with Granite flooring. The
front side of the SreeKovil, Sopanam and Sreekovil doors is covered
with beautifully designed brass sheets. Sreekovil doors are covered
with Ashtalakshmi figures.
Important festival days - LakshmiNarayana Temple
Navarathri, Uriyadi Ratholsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Makara
Sankranthi, Sasthapreethi, SriRama Navami, and Prathishta Dinam
Main Offerings - Lakshmi Narayana Temple
Performing Navarathri Vilakku, Abhishekam, Kalabham Charthu, Pal
payasa Nivedyam.
Now this temple has become a dynamic centre of spirituality and
attracting more and more devotees. Many are coming forward to
perform Upanayam and marriage at this temple.
Kachankurichi temple, Kollengode
Kachankurichi temple
By
P.R.Ramachander
This is a temple situated in Kollengode, a small town near Palakkad town of Kerala.
Though this is considered as a temple of Lord Shiva, more importance is given to Lord
Vishnu’s temple within the temple complex.
The Vishnu‘s idol is made of Jack tree wood and is about 6 feet tall and faces the east.
He is sitting on Anantha (Snake) and holds in his hand Conch, wheel, and mace and
lotus flower. On both his side are his consorts, Bhoodevi and Sridevi. Since it is difficult
to see his consorts, mirrors are kept on both sides so that the devotee can see all the three
statues together. But in spite of this the God is worshipped as Rama.
It is believed that these idols were consecrated by Sage Kasyapa. This temple has been
named after this sage as “Kasaypam kurichi” , which over decades has become
Kachankurichi. Very near the temple are two sacred rivers Ikshu and Gayathri. There is
also a mountain near by called the Govinda Mountain. People believe there is a cave in
the mountain called Sitharakundam. In this cave it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita
stayed for some time. There is a stone there by the side of a stream nearby, which is
yellow. People believe that Sita used to apply turmeric from this stone.. Since this temple
was also known as Venkata desam and the God here is also referred to as Venkatesan.
Since the idol is made of wood, there is no regular Abishekam. The idol is anointed with
oil once in a year. In these parts people who are not regular in their bathing habits are
teasingly referred as Kachankurichi Perumal
It seems Sage Kasyapa did an Aswamedha sacrifice here along with Sages Athri,
Agasthya and Markandeya. The Yaga kunda(the pit where the sacrifice is done) is the
present day Temple tank. It is called as Yagna theertham. The waters are considered as
very sacred and supposed to remove all sins. The steps to this temple tank goes very
deep. Very near the main (north side) temple tank, there is another small tank, which is
referred to as “Kuthira Kulam. (Horse tank)”. It is believed that the sages tied the horse
of Aswamedha sacrifice at this spot. In the southern side also there is a tank. It seems a
king got leprosy due to his insulting Lord Shiva. According to the advice of Sage
Agasthya, he got cured of this disease, by performing Abishekams to Lord Shiva using
this water.
It seems during the invasion of Tippu sultan he wanted to plunder this temple. But
once he was told about the immense power of this lord, instead he gave many properties
to this temple.
It is interesting to note that , wherever a Yaga is performed in Kerala, The soma Latha,
the Karungali wood and the deer’s skin which are to be used in the Yaga are brought first
to this temple, kept before Perumal (Lord Vishnu) statue and pooja performed. Then only
it becomes fit to be used in the Yaga.
Inside this temple there are temples for Ayyappa, Lord Shiva and Lord Naga
Subrahamanya. Outside the temple is a Naga Prathishta
The arattu festival takes place in this temple in the month of Medam. The festival starts
in the Hastha Nakshathram and the festival goes up to the Thiruonam star.
All amavasya days are important to this temple, especially The Deepavali amavasya.
Thaipoosam also is a gala festival at this temple. On that day , devotees go to the
Govinda Mountain, bring water from a stream there . (It seems there are marks of Conch
and Vishnu Pada in the stream) and use the water to do Abhisheka to Lord Vishnu.
During all Thiruonam days, Paal payasam is offered to the God.
The temple opens at 5 Am and remains opened till 11 Am. In between several types of
worship including Seeveli and Pandheeradi Pooja are performed. It again opens at 5 Pm
and remains open till 8Pm..
By
P.R.Ramachander
This is a temple situated in Kollengode, a small town near Palakkad town of Kerala.
Though this is considered as a temple of Lord Shiva, more importance is given to Lord
Vishnu’s temple within the temple complex.
The Vishnu‘s idol is made of Jack tree wood and is about 6 feet tall and faces the east.
He is sitting on Anantha (Snake) and holds in his hand Conch, wheel, and mace and
lotus flower. On both his side are his consorts, Bhoodevi and Sridevi. Since it is difficult
to see his consorts, mirrors are kept on both sides so that the devotee can see all the three
statues together. But in spite of this the God is worshipped as Rama.
It is believed that these idols were consecrated by Sage Kasyapa. This temple has been
named after this sage as “Kasaypam kurichi” , which over decades has become
Kachankurichi. Very near the temple are two sacred rivers Ikshu and Gayathri. There is
also a mountain near by called the Govinda Mountain. People believe there is a cave in
the mountain called Sitharakundam. In this cave it is believed that Lord Rama and Sita
stayed for some time. There is a stone there by the side of a stream nearby, which is
yellow. People believe that Sita used to apply turmeric from this stone.. Since this temple
was also known as Venkata desam and the God here is also referred to as Venkatesan.
Since the idol is made of wood, there is no regular Abishekam. The idol is anointed with
oil once in a year. In these parts people who are not regular in their bathing habits are
teasingly referred as Kachankurichi Perumal
It seems Sage Kasyapa did an Aswamedha sacrifice here along with Sages Athri,
Agasthya and Markandeya. The Yaga kunda(the pit where the sacrifice is done) is the
present day Temple tank. It is called as Yagna theertham. The waters are considered as
very sacred and supposed to remove all sins. The steps to this temple tank goes very
deep. Very near the main (north side) temple tank, there is another small tank, which is
referred to as “Kuthira Kulam. (Horse tank)”. It is believed that the sages tied the horse
of Aswamedha sacrifice at this spot. In the southern side also there is a tank. It seems a
king got leprosy due to his insulting Lord Shiva. According to the advice of Sage
Agasthya, he got cured of this disease, by performing Abishekams to Lord Shiva using
this water.
It seems during the invasion of Tippu sultan he wanted to plunder this temple. But
once he was told about the immense power of this lord, instead he gave many properties
to this temple.
It is interesting to note that , wherever a Yaga is performed in Kerala, The soma Latha,
the Karungali wood and the deer’s skin which are to be used in the Yaga are brought first
to this temple, kept before Perumal (Lord Vishnu) statue and pooja performed. Then only
it becomes fit to be used in the Yaga.
Inside this temple there are temples for Ayyappa, Lord Shiva and Lord Naga
Subrahamanya. Outside the temple is a Naga Prathishta
The arattu festival takes place in this temple in the month of Medam. The festival starts
in the Hastha Nakshathram and the festival goes up to the Thiruonam star.
All amavasya days are important to this temple, especially The Deepavali amavasya.
Thaipoosam also is a gala festival at this temple. On that day , devotees go to the
Govinda Mountain, bring water from a stream there . (It seems there are marks of Conch
and Vishnu Pada in the stream) and use the water to do Abhisheka to Lord Vishnu.
During all Thiruonam days, Paal payasam is offered to the God.
The temple opens at 5 Am and remains opened till 11 Am. In between several types of
worship including Seeveli and Pandheeradi Pooja are performed. It again opens at 5 Pm
and remains open till 8Pm..
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