TEMPLES IN KOTTAYAM & ERNAKULAM

ADITHYAPURAM SURYADEVA TEMPLE

Adityapuram is located near Iravimangalam. The deity is Suryan (sun). Like in other temples here too sub-deities occupy prominent position. Sastha, Durga and Yakshi are the sub-deities.
Sun worshipping temples in Kerala and India are very few. In some temples sun god has endeared as sub-deity. This Suryadeva (sun god) temple is believed to have been raised by Manangat Mana, a Brahmin family. The main ritual is Abhishekam (bathing). In the first stage the Abhishekam is performed by oil and Abhishekam by water followed. It is a surprise that after pouring of water for Abhishekam there will be no trace of oil on the idol.
The west facing Sun god is in meditation state. Years after, an idol of Devi, facing east, is also installed in the same sanctum sanctorum. This temple was glorified much after the installation of Devi, the devotees testify.
Rekthachandanam (medicinal sandalwood) is the main Prasadam (homaged and blessed ritualism stuff to the devotees).Sundays are considered auspicious here. Last Sunday of Vrischikam (October/November) and Medam (May/June) (glory of the Sun is at peak during these months) are considered more auspicious and special ceremonies and rituals performed.

THIRUVALLA TEMPLE

Thiruvalla is near Kottayam. The deity Vishnu here is also known as Vallabha or Kolappiraan. The carvings of Dakshinamoorthy and Shiva (Yogiswara) are noticed in the temple walls. There are a Namaskaramandapam, an Agramandapam, a Gopuramandapam and a Mukthamandapam in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Only prominent temples have such Mandapams. The god Viswesera is also accommodated in a sub shrine.Thew image of Vallabha bears a conch, a discus and a lotus. Through the west door of the sanctum sanctorum a Sudarsana Chakram is noticeable. Sacred ash called Vibhooti in Malayalam is given as Prasadam (god’s divine food) at the Sudarsana Chakram outlet, whereas sandalwood paste is given at Vallbha shrine as Prasadom.The flagstaff crowning an image of Garuda (eagle) is of 50 ft height made of black granite.The devotees who wish to have accomplished their wishes or got accomplished used to sponsor Kathakali as an offering to the deity.The one day festival conducted in the month of Medam (April/May) has a speciality. The icons of the nearby three temples – Kavil, Padappad and Alamthuruthu – brought here with great gaiety. They are returned with new clothes. These images are entered through the northern door of the shrine and it is only for this purpose this door is opened. 

THRIKKODITHANAM TEMPLE

Thirukkodithanam is near Changanasseri. The deity is Vishnu who is also known as Amrita Narayanan. This shrine is one of the five connected with Mahabharatam. The other four are Yuddhishtira of Chengannur, Bheema of Tiruppuliyur, Arjuna of Aranmula and Nagula of Tiruvamundur. This temple is believed to have been built by Sahadeva of the Pandavas. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum portray the images of various moods and acts of various gods. Narasimha and Dakshinamurthy have got the privilege of getting sub shrines.The wood carvings and murals are of centuries old and inscriptions from 10th century (Bhaskara Ravi Varman rein period) are noticed.

The surrounding wall of the temple is gigantic like a fort. The joints of the stone are so close to close, making it rather difficult to identify the joints. Such workmanship cannot be noticed anywhere else. There is an elephantine pond covering an area of more than 2 acres outside the temple. Such a big pond is extant only here. A pillar with a granite human figure hanging from the top is there on the bank of the pond as near to the temple gate. The hanging human figure wears a crown and sacred thread in addition to a conch in the hand.

A festival called Deepa Mahotsavam (festival of light) is celebrated in Vrischikam (November/December). For Deepa (light) a bonfire is created in a specific manner. Dried plantain leaves get piled like pyre to which lighted torches are tossed in. At this time musics from percussion instruments flow. It is said the Deepa Mahotsavam is held to commemorate the self-immolation of Madri, the mother of Sahadeva. The festival is attended by large number of people. 

CHENGANNUR 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. 

ARANMULA TEMPLE

Aranmula is near Chengannur. The deity is Vishnu who is commonly known as Parthasarathy in this part of Kerala. It is from this temple the sacred jewels of Ayyappan are taken in procession during Dhanu (December/January) in pilgrimage season for him to wear on Makara Vilakku (the utmost important pilgrimage day in Sabarimala). Aranmula temple is about 1800 years old and is linked with Mahabharata and is famous for boat race.

The temple’s outer wall adorns four towers over its entrances. The eastern tower has 18 steps. 57 steps down from the northern tower lands one straight to Pampa river.The temple was built by Arjuna and the image for installation was brought in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo. The name of place Aranmula was derived from this bamboo raft (Are denotes to six and mula denotes to bamboo}.On 9th day of Kurukshetra battle Kauravas were having upperhand under the leadership of Bheema. Noticing this, Krishna persuaded Arjuna to annihilate the foe. Arjuna hesitated to do so. The raged Krishna jumped from the chariot with his discus. Sensing danger, Bheema surrendered when Arjuna pleaded with Krishna not to kill Bheema. Krishna’s action would have resulted against his vow not to take up arms in this battle. The image of Krishna in this temple resembles Vishnu in the form of Annadanaprabhu ( "One who gives food"), it is said that no pilgrim worshipping at the temple will go hungry. During Onam there is a boat race in Pampa river on the bank of which the temple stands. The boat race in which several snake boats participate is very famous and well attended. In the boat race 39 karas (villages) participate, each village having each snake boat. The snake boat is of over 100 ft length. Each will have a dozen motivators, over 100 rowers and over 20 singers. A sumptuous feast is arranged in the temple after the race.Yet another festival called Kandavanadahanam (burning of Kanda forest) is also celebrated in the month of Dhanu (December/January). This is done as symbolic to the Kandavana forest fire described in the Mahabharata. For this a replica of forest with dried plants, leaves, twigs etcd is created in front of the temple and ablazed.One more festival is celebrated in the month of Meenam (March/April). The image of deity mounted on a Garuda (eagle) is taken to the Pampa river bank in colourful procession for aarattu (divine dip). An image of the nearby Punnamthode temple’s deity, Bhagawathi is also brought to the bank of the river for this aarattu festival. 

CHIRAKKADAVU MAHADEVA TEMPLE

This temple is located at Chirakkadavu which is on Kollam-Theni Road, about 32-km from Kottayam town. This shrine has over 100 years of history. The deity is Mahadeva (Shiva) and the idol is in the form of ‘Swayambu Lingam’ which was reportedly detected from the shadow of a Bilwa tree, the ancestors testify.The temple, probably built during the reign of Alwars at the site where the Lingam was seen, gained glorification gradually. The temple pond nearby was not dug. The place where the Lingam detected was an inundating area during monsoon. The temple was therefore raised on a bund for which soil was dug from nearby. The present pond is the place from where soil was dug for the bund.

ERUMELI

This temple is situated about 60 km away from Kottayam town. This is also the biggest pilgrim centre in the district. There is an ancient temple where `Sridharma Sastha` is the presiding deity. There is also an ancient mosque dedicated to Vavar who is considered to be the friend of Lord Ayyappa.During the Mandala and Makaravilakku seasons lakhs of pilgrims arrive here on their way to Sabarimalai. Erumeli is also famous for Pettathullal. Before the devotees start Pettathullal they offer Prayers at the mosque of Vavar. Thus Erumeli displays a very colourful picture of Hindu-Muslim religious harmony and co-operation, which is a very rare example of unity in diversity.

ETTUMANOOR

Ettumannoor Shiv Temple FestivlEttumannoor is famous for the `Mahadeva` temple which is placed at 12 Km. away from Kottayam town. The golden elephants that are 7 in number in case of large ones and one in case of small one are present here, which are well known to all. Though actually 8 in number these are only considered as seven and half. Karthikathirunal Maharaja of Travancore presented these to the Lord.

The festival that is celebrated at this place is in Kumbham during February-March. On the 8th day of the festival the golden elephants are taken out which attracts thousands of devotees of the lord.

KUMARANALLOOR SRI BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE

This shrine is located at Kumaranallur, just 4-km from Kottayam town. There is an interesting legend. Cheraman Perumal who was reigning the region at that time commenced building a big shrine for Subramanya whose ardent devotee Perumal was. At this point of time Pandya Kings whose family deity is Meenakshi were ruling Madura region of Tamil Nadu. One day the precious ornament worn by the deity Meenakshi found missing. The King thought it was stolen by the priest and ordered him to find it out within 41 days failing which he would be axed. The priest resigned to his fate as there was no clue or trace of the ornament. On 40th night he heard a voice from nowhere to the effect he should leave the place before dawn. He took it as that of goddess Meenakshy and when he opened the eyes a light was moving forward and he followed the light. The light and the priest ended up in the new temple constructed by Cheraman Perumal. The light was none other than goddess Meenakshy. Thus the temple meant for Subramanya turned as a temple of goddess Devi (Meenakshy). The displeased Perumal transferred the idol of Subramanya to Udayapuram temple, near Vaikom and discontinued the financial assistance to Kumaranalloor temple.

While Perumal and his entourage travelling to Udayapuram in boats fog made them blind. His Minister quickly grasped it is due to the displeasure of Devi and advised Perumal to please Devi immediately. Consequently Perumal vowed to submit all the lands within the vicinity of Kumaranalloor temple to it and poured some water as a vow. To his surprise a beautiful hand appeared and received the poured water and the Perumal and his entourage regained sight. The place where the hand appeared is thereafter known as Trikkai Kandam.This shrine is credited as one of the five important shrines in India for Durga Aradhana (Devi worship).The annual festival in Vrischikam (November/December) is celebrated on a big scale and attended by thousands and thousands. Navarathri is also celebrated on a grand scale.Vijayadasami, Shivarathri, Meenappuram, Vishu, Uthrattathi during Onam, 41 days Mandalvilakku are the other events celebrated here.The mural paintings and wood carvings of the temple are of top order endearing even to a layman. 

 KODIMATHA PALLIPURATHU KAVU TEMPLE

This place is situated in the southern part of the Kottayam town. This temple is devoted to Devi. The `Kumbhakuta Mahotasva` that is organized here attracts a large crowd every year. It is held on the day of Pathamudaya, which is basically the Tenth day of the month of Medam. The `Garudan Thukkam` at night is also famous at this place. 

PANACHIKKADU SARASWATHI TEMPLE

The temple anchored in Panachikkadu is known as Dakshina Mookambika in South India. Panachikkadu is located 11-km away from Kottayam town. Though the temple is known as Saraswathy temple, the main deity is Mahavishnu (Vishnu). The devotees worship Vishnu first before worshipping Saraswathy (Devi) as a custom. Ganapathy, Shiva, Sasthavu and Yakshi are satisfied with the position as sub-deities.There is no temple structure for Saraswathy. On the southern side of the Vishnu shrine a small pond cut through granite exists. The pond is waterful throughout the year.The idol of Devi, the Saraswathi, is beneath the pond. A creeper in the pond serves as a structure for Devi. The creeper with ample leaves in static growth rate – neither increases nor decreases the size – serves as structure from the time the Devi was worshipped centuries ago. The creeper has never flowered and never fruited – a subject worth of research by botany scientists.

PUTHUMANA MAHAGANAPATHY DEVASTANAM

It is located at Thururuthy, near Changanassery. The deity is Ganapathy. 21 different idols in 21 Bhavas (moods) are worshipped here. The devotees can see only the idol of Siddhi Vinayaka Bhavaa. Only the priests can see other idols.

The main ritual conducted here is Vigneswari Balai (a sacrificial ritual). This ritual helps nullify mental diseases. People from far and near come to conduct this ritual.

Karuga Moodal (for fulfillment of wishes), Ganapathi Prathal (for removal of obstacles in marriage), Ganapathiyoottu (for prosperity), Ganesh Sadhya (for decimating the doings of enemies) are the other offerings. Ganeshayantra Elas (pendant) delivered from here possesses miraculous powers, the devotees testify.

THIRUNAKKARA SHIVA TEMPLE

Situated in the centre of Kottayam town.  :It is built in Kerala style architecture. The ‘koothambalam’ – traditional temple theater – is one of the best in Kerala. The paintings on the wall are commendable. 

Siva temple at Thirunakkara is situated in the heart of the Kottayam town. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with pictures from the epics. Three festivals are celebrated here which are named as Thulam celebrated during the month of October-November, Mithunam celebrated during June-July and Meenam during March-April. Out of these three festivals the last one is the most important. The `Arattu` is usually celebrated in the last day of the festival and this is regarded as the important one as all the people irrespective of their caste and creed enjoy the festival with full joy and greet.

VAIKKOM TEMPLE

Vaikom TempleIt is situated at the distance of 40 km away from Kottayam Town. This place is famous for its Shiva Temple. Here two Ashtami festivals are held annually, one in Kumbham celebrated during February-March and the other one in Vrischikom during November-December. Out of these two the second one is more famous. The celebrations lasts for 12 days. At the end of the celebration `Arat` is organized at the Subrahmanya temple at Udayanapuram on the day after Ashtami. The `Panchavadyam` is an attractive item of the festival.

`Prathal` is the main `Vazhipadu` here. At Vaikom temple there is a school, which teaches temple arts. This is popularlu known as `Kshethrakalapeedhom`.

KIDANGUR SUBRAMANYA SWAMI TEMPLE

Kidangoor Subramanya Swamy Temple 10 kilometers southeast of Ettumanoor.
This temple is one of the ancient temples of Kerala. The Kidangur Subramanya Swami temple is situated in Kottayam District. It is a kilometer away from the Ettumanur-Punjar Highway by the south side of Kidangur- Manarkad road. It is believed that the idol of Subramanya Swami came out of the 'Kamandulu' or pot carried by Maharshi Gauna when it tilted and the water flowed out. Along with the flow of the water, the vigraha was carried away to the Vishnukshetra in Kidangur. Inside the temple where a new Sree Kovil was built for Lord Vishnu, the temple officials felt the presence of Subramanya Swami and so they kept the Subramanya Vigraha there instead of Vishnu. So along with the Vishnu Vigraha on the northern side the Subramanya vigraha was also consecrated in the new Sree Kovil.
Kidangur is historically one of the 64 villages of the Namboodiris. It was the boundary of the Thekkumkur- Vadakkumkur kings. The 14 Brahmin families of Kidangur were the owners of this temple. Out of the 14 Brahmin families some did not have male discendents, so those who had male members became the sole owners of this temple even to the present day.Koothambalam -Bharata Muni's concept of Natya Shastra is evident in the sculptural work inside the Kuthambalam. So this is different from all other Kuthambalams of various temples of Kerala. It is believed that the Kuthambalam was constructed by Perunthachan. The scenes from Ramayana and mahabharatha are beautifully sculpture.

TEMPLES IN ERNAKULAM

SIVA TEMPLE

The temple is located on Cross Road in the city. The name Ernakulam is derived from the pond of this temple. The temple pond is known as Rishinagakulam. Probably Rishinaga was softened to Erna and when the kulam (pond) joined to it, the name Ernakulam was born.The Shiva here is in Virata avatar, that is, primordial hunter posture.There is 8-day long festival. During the 7th day time pooram (festival) the deity is taken out on caparisoned elephant in procession accompanied by more caparisoned elephants and percussion music such as Panchavadyam and Pandimelam. The finale is marked by fireworks.

ALUVA SIVA TEMPLE

Aluva shiva kshethram is located approximately 20 kms from cochin and it is on the banks of periyar river at aluva, comes under ernalukulam district of kerala. The deity of the temple is lord shiva.
The main attraction of this temple is that the shivalinga is installed in the stands on sand banks. It is believed that the shivlinga has risen out from the sand on the bank of the river.
The main annual festival celebrated in the temple is Aluva shivarathri.

CHOTTANIKKARA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE

Chottanikkara is located at 15 km away from Ernakulam and 3 km from Thripunithura. This shrine is one amongst the most reckoned in Kerala. Goddess Rajarajeshwari more commonly known as Bhagawathi is the deity. Many have experienced the power of this deity to cure mental disorders.
There is wide spread belief that Goddess Mookambika of Kollur in coastal Karnataka visits Chottanikkara daily during early morning rituals as she is pleased with the rituals here. The goddess returns to Kollur in time to accept the rituals there. Based on this belief, most of the devotees assemble just before the start of early morning pooja (ritual). During Sabarimala season this temple is overcrowded by pilgrims to Sabarimala.
Kuzhikkavu Bhagawathi, Shiva, Ayyappa and Ganapathy are the sub-deities here.

PALLURUTHI SREE BAVANEESWARA TEMPLE

The temple is situated at Palluruthy near Kochi. The deity is Shiva.The consecration was done by the great reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. The temple has a Swarna Dwajam (golden flagmast). Near the temple there is a school established by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam (SNDP), founded by Sree Narayana Guru. This school is the second largest school in the State.

There is a 10-day festival in the month of Kumbam (February/March). The festival is a great event. Cultural and entertainment programmes of various nature staged during these days in addition to other usual temple festival programmes. The festival is attended by thousands and thousands of people. Pooyam Mahotsavam is also celebrated on a big scale. Kavadi Ghoshayatra (procession) with dozens of Kavadis is a great crowd pulling event during this Mahotsavam.

ANCHUMANA TEMPLE

This temple is located at Anchumana at Padivattam in Edapally within Kochi Corporation limit.Sri Bhuvaneswary, Sri Annapoorneswary and Sri Badrakali are the deities presided here with equal importance. Sri Bhuvaneswary, considered as the mother of universe, showers prosperity and protection while Sri Annapoorneswary ensures abundance of wealth and blesses for long happy married life. Sri Bhadrakali is duty-bound to annihilate evil forces.The sub-deities possessing varying degree and nature of powers have also prominent positions here. Sri Ayyappa, Sri Ganapathy, Sri Subramanya, Sri Guru, Sri Hanuman, Sri Hidumba, Sri Bhrahmarakhas, Sri Khandakarana, Nagadevathas and Arukola are the sub-deities.

Large number of devotees assembles here daily to receive the blessings in return of the offerings. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays are special days to perform particular types of rituals for the benefit of devotees.The first day of Malayalam month of Chingam (August/September) congregation of large number of devotees noticed to receive blessings for the whole year.Beginning from the first day of Vrischikam (November/December), Sri Bhuvaneswary visits neighbouring villages for 41 days to enquire about the well-beings of her wards. The wards in return give her Para (a full measure of paddy). The last 5 days of the 41 days are celebrated as Thalappoli Mahotsavam which attracts huge crowd.

SREE NARAYANESWARAM TEMPLE

The temple is located on Poonurunni-Vytila Road. The presiding deity is Goshala Gopalakrishnan who faces west. Subramanian facing east is a sub-deity. Shiva, also known as Dhakshninamoorthy, facing south and Parvathi facing north are also sub-deities. Other gods accommodated as sub-deities are Ganapathy, Ayyappan, Sribhoothanagayakshi and Hindumban. Gosala Gopalakrishnan, Shiva, Parvathi and Subramanian are housed in a same sanctum sanctorum.Palpayasam(milk kheer) is the main offering to the presiding deity.All the idols are made of Panchaloha (five metals). The temple was raised at the instance of Sree Narayana Guru and there is a magnificent altar for Sree Narayana Guru.The festival of the temple is in Kumbam (February/March) which prolongs to 7 days. Multi-pronged cultural programmes, folk dances, performing arts, Kavadi procession are some among many programmes. Massive day-time fireworks add gaiety to the festival.

PALLURUTHI SREE DHANWANTHARY

The deity of this temple is Dhanwanthari, the physician of Gods. The idol made of Krishna Sila (black granite stone) is four-handed. The right upper hand holds a Chakra (wheel) and the lower hand holds a Leach between the index finger and the thumb. Other three fingers show upright. The left upper-hand holds a Conch while lower hand holds a Pot with Nector. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple is square-shaped and constructed in Nagara style of architecture.Dhanwanthari is the incarnation of Vishnu. Gowda Saraswatha Brahmins call it Ayurveda Moorthi. Dhanwanthari is a particular wing of Ayurveda science. Gowda Saraswath Brahmins are very fond of Lord Dhanwanthari and there are many eminent Ayurvedic physicians in Saraswath segment. Babha Sharma Prabhu was a born Ayurvedic physician among them. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Dhanwanthari. One day he had a dream that a sculptor will prepare a granite stone idol of Lord Dhanwanthari and that he should construct a temple and install it so that he can visit and give solace to the ill inflicted. As felt in the dream, one day a sculptor came to Sharma Prabhu who promptly ordered him to carve out an idol of Lord Dhanwanthari and the sculptor did so. Sharma Prabhu constructed a shrine and installed the idol. Daily rituals and worships followed. Soon the region was free from illness, a legend says so.The Maharaja of Kochi had also experienced the healing power of Lord Dhanwanthari.In the month of Medam (April/May) there is a 3-day Aarat festival which is celebrated with great fanfare. Dhanwanthari Jayanthi (birth day of Dhanwanthari) is also celebrated on a big scale.The important offerings to the deity are Devak Deevap, Thailabhishekam, Thulabharam and Satynarayana Pooja.

PARAMARA BHAGAVATHY

The temple is at Paramara , opposite Ernakulam Town Hall. Here the deity Bhagawathy faces north, a rare experience. This temple is also known in two other different names – Parambanar Kulangara Bhagawathy and Paramara Grandma.Shiva, Ganapathy, Brahmarakshas, Nagayakshi and Alunkal Bhagawathy are also accommodated here as sub-deities.There is a legend behind this temple. A Brahmin from far away place reached Parambanar Kulangara. He had a practice of carrying an idol of a goddess for worship wherever he goes. He kept the idol at Parambanar Kulangara for worship. No sooner the worship is over than he ventured to lift the idol. The idol was stabilized and could not lift. The locals heard of this and they immediately raised a temple there. The temple gradually became famous and came to be known as Paramara Bhagawathy temple.Paramara Bhagawathy possesses various powers to the welfare of devotees. Cheranallur Kunchu Kartha, the erstwhile ruler of Cheranallur province, and his family and relatives treated Paramara Bhagawathy as their household deity. Kunchu Kartha was so eminent that Kottarathil Sankunni, a wellknown poet of the time, who penned ‘Aithihyamala’ (great poems about history) has devoted an entire chapter of it to Kunchu Kartha.The annual festival is in the month of Kumbam (February/March). Vela, Padayani, Garudan Thookkam are some functions among other entertaining functions during the festival.

VASUDEVAPURAM MAHAVISHNU

The temple is located at South Aduvassery in Aluva, about 20-km from Ernakulam. The deity is Vishnu. Wherever Vishnu is there, Mahalaxmi is also there in idol-less form to serve him, devotees firmly believe. Here the presence of Mahalaxmi is more felt, the devotees testify. The consecration of the temple was done by Parasuraman, the legend creator of Kerala.There is a great legend. After consecration Parasuraman entrusted the temple responsibilities to the Brahmins of the area. The Brahmins suddenly rose to prosperity. Soon their interest in the temple diminished, causing interruptions in the day to day rituals. As a retaliation, a great punch to their wealth followed. Ignorance in the shrine activities caused fading of glory and fame of the temple.. During this time Vilwamangalam Swamikal, the great Vedic exponent, visited the temple when Mahalaxmi was in the service of Vishnu. As Vilwamangalam has the godly power to see and talk to the gods, goddesses and devils he brought to the attention of Mahalaxmi the poverty state of the people around and the loss of fame to the shrine. She said the temple administrators and the people in the region are not conducting proper rituals and hence she is busy serving the Lord and has no time to visit the people and look after their interest. Vilwamangalam replied that if people’s well-being is not guarded they will turn atheists and persuaded her to deliver prosperity to the people and guard their interests. She agreed and said that she will be in the shrine for 8 days in a year, starting from Akshaya Tridiya in the month of Vrischika. On these 8 days she is being worshipped in 8 forms - Veeralaxmi, Gajalaxmi, Santhanalaxmi, Vijayalaxmi, Dhanyalaxmi, Adilaxmi, Dhanalaxmi and Mahalaxmi.The ritual of Thambula Samarpanam came into being in the temple after the face to face talk by Vilwamangalam. Betel leaves, arecanut along with money (a token amount) is placed before the deity which is called Thambula (betelnut, arecanut and token money) Samarpanam (placing).Mahalaxmi is supposed to be the possessor of wealth. She is prayed mainly for prosperity.Yet another important offering is Rice and Turmeric Para (a full measure). Rice Para offered to Vishnu for gaining prosperity whereas Turmeric Para is offered to Mahalaxmi for long and happy married life.

VELUTHATTU VADAKKAN TEMPLE

The temple is located at Kedamangalam, near North Parur. The deity is Bhagawathy.

Here the Bhagawathy is worshipped in different forms – Saraswathy, Parvathi, Sree Durga, Sreelaxmi, Ashtaiswarya Dayini and Bhadrakali. The history says that this Bhagawathy is the family deity of a Nair family of Malabar who brought it here when they settled here. This was about 800 years ago.

The deity is seen here with enough ornaments and garlands. If she is pleased, she will shower enough favours on the devotees. The worship during Deeparadhana (worship by light) with Kanikya (gift of money) results in immediate favours, the experienced testify. The devotees therefore troops in en-masse during Deeparadhana which is performed in the evening.Pushpanjali (floral offering) is the main offering. There are different types of Pushpanjalis for fulfillment of different types of wishes. Swayamvara Pushpanjali is meant for good marriage alliance. Shatrusamhara Pushpanjali is for nullifying enemy’s ill-doings. Purushasookta Pushpanjali for childbearing, Trayambakasookta Pushpanjali for good health, Aikyamatyasookta Pushpanjali for amity and the list goes on.The temple has various sub-deities. Velluthat Amma, Vettekaran Swamy, Kolladikote Neeli Bhagawathy, Vellayam Bhagawathy, Dharmasastha and Navagrahas. All these are within the compound wall. Durga Bhagawathy, Nagaraja, Nagas, Rakshas couples and Muthappan (who faces the temple) are outside the compound wall.There is Ratholsvam during the annual festival which conducted on April 9.

POORNATHRAYESA TEMPLE

Situated in Tripunithura, a tranquil temple town, located about 6 kms from the city of Kochi, Poornathrayeesa temple is presided over by Lord Vishnu, known as Poornathrayeesa. The Lord is the family deity of the erstwhile Kochi dynasty.

Lord Vishnu, here, is worshipped as Poornathrayeesa “thra" means three; 'poorna' means complete and 'isa' means Iswara which means the Lord of Knowledge, or the Lord of the Three Vedas – Rik, Yajus and Sama. It also means the Lord who manifests himself as the essence of the Vedas, who can be attained through inner saadhana.

Vishnu, here, is worshipped as 'Santanagopala Moorthy', or the protector of kids. The temple is believed to have come into existence in 'Dwapara Yuga', about 5000 years ago.Unlike other Vishnu temples, where the Lord is seen as reclining on Anantha, here, the Lord is seen in a unique pose. He is sitting on Anantha, who spreads his majestic hood over the Lord. It is said that, when Krishna and Arjuna reached Vaikuntam, the Lord got up from his serpent bed to receive them.

OORAMANA TEMPLE

this structural temple can be datable to 12-13thh century A.D. It is of circular vimana with granite stone plinth with plastered walls bearing beautiful mural paintings. They include various puranic scenes like Gajendra moksha, Sivathandava, Sastha on hunting, Sreerama Pattabhisheka, the war between Rama & Ravana etc. Main deity is Narasimha moorthy facing east. pranala of the ornate medieval type. Dwarapalakas are painted on the wall. Square ardha mandapa carries beautiful carvings on the wooden ceiling.

Considering the structural and mural importance, the temple was declared as protected monument in 1996.

MANJAPRA TEMPLE

It is a temple of square Sikhara type. The roof and all parts of the Sreekovil is made of granite rock. Dwarapalakas are of granite. Ghanadwaras on three sides. The main diety is vishnu in 'varadamudra'. This figure is dated to about 9-10 century A.D. Idols of Ganapathy, Bhadrakali, Sastha, nagar are also seen here. This type of temple is very rare in Kerala.

Considering its structural importance, the department had declared it as protected monument in 1996.

ULIYANNUR MAHADEVA TEMPLE

This structural temple is in the form of vritha vimana with granite adhisthana. A unified tiled roof for the whole temple. Sandhara type with four cardinal openings with wooden doors, square namaskara mandapa with a granite Nandi inside. Balipitha outside the Chuttambalam. Balustrades are of peculiar type. pranala is of unusual pattern with a bull head at the tip and supported by an Yakshi figure. Main deity is Sivalinga facing east. The temple is datable to 12th Century AD.

Considering the structural importance, the ancient temple was declared as protected monument by the Department of Archaeology in 1998.