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Home > Temples of Kerala > Pathanamthitta district Pathanamthitta district(a)Thiruvalla taluk Sree Vallabhaswami (Maha Vishnu) temple (59 B.C.) is one of the eleven Divya desorms sacred to Vaishnavites in the present Kera1a state.'Aazhvaars have praised Sree Vallabha very highly. The temple has an imposing circular shrine. The main idol of Maha Vishnu faces east while Sudarsana Chakra (Vishnu's discus) faces west. Idols of minor deities of Lakshmi, Varaahamoortthi and Dakshinamoortthi are also installed inside the sreekovil besides separate shrines for Ganapathi and Saastha. It is said that the main deity is conceived in five sankalpas during the five poojas viz. as child during usha-pooja, as a brahmachaari in ethrtthu-pooja, as forester in pantheerati-pooja, as an householder in uccha pooja, and as Viraat-Purusha during atthazha pooja. It is believed that every day after atthazha pooja the sage Durvasa visits the temple and conducts pooja. The most important architectunil feature of the temple is the round granite column of 53 feet height over the ground with tWo feet in perimeter. It is not known how far its bottom extends, but it is believed that it touches the water level. On the top of the column there is a pancha-loha image of Sree Garuda in winged human form with folded hands in standing posture; believed to have been donated by Perum- Thachan. Traditionally ladies were riot allowed to enter within naalambalam except on festival days of Vishu and Thiruvaathira. However on 1st Chingam 1143 K.E. (17th August 1957) this restriction was removed by the Travancore Devaswom Board. The main offering of the temple is patatti-pazham (a particular variety of plantain). Another major offering is conducting Kathhaka{i at the eastem gopura. The shrine is kept open when the Kathhakali is staged, since it is believed that the deity watches it, as witnessed by Vilwamangalam Swaamiyar. In commemoration of this incident a peetham covered with satin cloth and well-lit lamp for the Lord, is kept at the Kathhakali stage. Another ancient and famous temple is the Panayannar kaavu (in Parumala island of Katapra village). It is believed to have been consecrated more than seven centuries ago as its details are given in Unnuneelisandesam. In the main shrine of Bhadrakaali there are two idols one facing east and the other north. Within the naalambalam there are other prathishtas ie, ,Siva facing west (unlike Siva facing east in Kodungallur and Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathi temples), Saptha-mathrkkals, Karinkaali, Kotumkaali, Bhadrakaali etc. Though in earlier times sacrifices of young spinsters, animals like elephant, goats, cocks etc were offered at eastern nata of the deity, all these have been stopped by the Goddess herself and the nata was closed for ever by Her command. Therefore the devotees can worship only the prathishta facing north. However, Kuruthi (turmeric powder mixed with chunam and water) is still offered as Vazhipaat. The mural paintings here form an added attraction. As the idol is daaru-silpa (wood), chaanthaattam is the main offering besides raktha-pushpaanjali and koottu-paayasam. The Thiruverankaavu Devi temple (in Kaavumbhagom village) and the Subramanya temple at Paliakkara are also important ones. The Thrikkaapaaleswaram ( in Katapra village) is an ancient Siva temple revered and devotionally described by the celebrated Niranam poets of fifteenth century, outstanding among them being Kannassan (Rama Panikkar). It is believed that it existed even at the begininnig of Christian era, though no archaeological evidence is available. The main attraction of the temple is the Vrishabha (bull) of about four feet length which is one of the beautiful stone carvings. Unlike in other Siva temples, pooja is held for this vaahana of Lord Siva and lamps are lit in front of him. The main offering to the principal deity, is dhaara and pushpaanjali. There are some other temples in the neighbouring villages like the Anirudheswara (Siva) temple at Thiruvalla, Thiruvalamthuruthy Bhagavathi temple, Saast'bam kaavu at Podiyadi, Devi temple at Chathamkari etc. However on the eastern part of the taluk the Thrikkaviyur Siva temple commonly known as Kaviyilr temple, stands unique with a great historical and architectural background and with traditional legends. The main prathishta of Siva of this temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Sree Rama on his retum to Ayodhya after slaying Ravana. The structure of the temple originally built in 10th century A.D., was renovated in the 17th century. The legend says that Sree Rama asked Hanuman to obtain the idol of Siva worshipped by Ravana for installation. Since Hanuman could not reach in time with the idol, Sree Rama installed a new one. To ward off the disappointment of Hanuman Sree Rama told him that his presence will be felt always at this place. Feeling the presence of Hanuman on the Ilanji (Mimusops elengi) tree in front of the temple, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar consecrated the pancha-loha idol of Hanuman in the north-west corner of the naalambalam. As per the sankalpa Lord Siva sits on padmaasana embracing Sree Parvathi, seated on his left side, with his left hand. Only in 1068 ME (1893 A.D.) a separate prathtishta for Sree Parvathi facing west was installed at the rear of the main idol. Though the main idol is Siva, Sree Hanuman is considered more powerful. This temple has exquisite wood carvings of intricate clear-cut forms that show gesture, pose, drapery and costumes. At the balikkalpura stories from Sreemad Bhaagavatha are carved while at the namasakara-mandapa and on the walls of the sreekovil there are scenes from Ramayana. The important offerings for Lord Siva are dhaara and chathussatham and for Sree Hanuman aval and Kannan plantain (a variety of plantain). The special uazhipaat of pantheeru-nazhi aual (12 edangazhis of aual mixed with gratings from 12 coconuts, molasses, cheru-parippu (green gram skinned in water, halved and dried), powder of jeeraka (cumin-seed), ghee, sugar crystals, dried grapes,cardamom, sesame and kadali or kannan plantain) is offered to Hanuman for abheeshta¬kaarya-siddhi (for getting the wish fulfilled). The Thrikkakudi cave temple of Siva about half a kilometer north of Kaviylir Siva temple, belongs to very early period, earlier than 8th century as it has a close resemblance to Pallava work. Facing west, this cave temple 'is scooped out from the sides of two massive boulders nearly 12 feet wide on the summit of a low hillock. The cave is 19 feet 8 inches broad and 8 feet 6 inches high. Two pillars 8 feet 8 inches in height, divide the breadth of the cave into three openings, two of which are 5 feet broad, the other being only 4 feet 8 inches. The central shrine is a square cell measuring 8 feet each side and has in it a cylindrical rock-cut linga. The rectangular hall in front of this sanctum measures 19 feet 8 inches by 5 feet, and contains one on either side of the door way, 2 niches 6 feet 5 inches broad and 6 feet 3 inches high, mounted on 2 feet pedestals containing three rows of plain, barid omament, flanked by pilasters 6 feet 3 inches high and 11 inches broad '201. The sculptures of GaI}apathi and Dwaasthhas in this temple are marvellous. The temple is now under the management of the Archaeological Department. (b)Mallappally taluk The Kizhakkedath Sree Subramanya temple at Mallappally is famous. The Thrikkarthika (in Dhanu) is celebrated in this temple. The Sree Siva temples at Vaippur (In Anikkad village), Kulangara kaavu, Kottangal Devi temple, Kalloor Devi temple (in Kallooppara village) and the Bhagavathi temples at TheWyoor (in Ezhumattlir village) are the other important temples in this taluk. (c)Rannitaluk Two temples in Kerala always stand supreme in the minds of ardent devotees, the one at Guruvayur (Lord Sree Krishna temple), and the other at Sabarimala (Lord Ayyappa). Sabarimala is one of the most 'famous pilgrim centres in India and it attracts lakhs of devotees. The temple of Lord Ayyappa, an incamation of Lord Saastha, situated in the midst of dense forests in the Westem Ghats, is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Parasurama. Further the shrine is actually located in the spot where Sabari met Lord Sree Rama during his wanderings in search of Sree Seetha Devi. The original idol of Sabarimala temple was a stone image, but because of a fire, it had to be replaced by a pancha-loha idol during the reign of Sri Moolam Thirunal. Later in 1950, the idol was destroyed and the temple was set on fire by some miscreants. The present idol is a replaced of the earlier, pancha-loha idol. At present there are five routes to the shrine through difficult terrains. The traditional route starts at Erumeli, 13 km south-west of Kanjirappalli and 56 km off Kottayam. From Erumeli at the foot of the Western Ghats, one has to trek through river beds, valleys, mountains and dense forests which have wild animals. The important places on the way are Kottappadi, Kaalaketti, Peroorthotu, Azhutha river, Kallitaamkunnu, Udumbaramala (Inchippaara kotta), Kariyilamthotu,Karimala, Valiyaaaavattam, Cheriyanavattam, Pamba (Thriveni), Neelimala, Appachimetu, Sabari peetam, Marakkoottam, Saram-kutthi and finally the famous eighteen steps (known as pathinettaam patikal to the holy shrine. According to tradition kanni-ayyappan (one who goes to Sabarimala for the first time) has to take this route after observing strict rituals. The second route is via, Vatasserikkara, Chalakkayam and Pamba where good motorable road is available. From Pamba to Sabarimala the route is same as that of the traditional route. The third route is from Vantiperiyar to Mount Estate (distance 8km) and then to trek via Pulmetu (Grass lands) and dense forests (distance 12km). The fourth route is from Vantiperiyar to Uppupaara via Vallakkatavu and Kozhikkagam (distance 20km) and from there one has to trek 6km. through dense forest inhabited by wild animals. The fifth route is a traditional one used for taking thiruvabharanam(ornaments) of the deity from the Pandalam palace to Sabarimala for the Makara vilakk festival; and it takes three days to reach Sabarimala. The route of first day is via Kulanata Bhagavathi temple, Ullatlnur Bhagavathi temple, Kuriamappalli temple, Aranmula, Kozhencherry, Pambatimannu and then rest at the Ayiroor Puthiakaavu temple. On the second day the Thiruvabharana procession starts early morning and passes through Edappavoor Devi temple, Aazhikakunnu, Ranni-Etakkulam, Vatasserikkara Vishnu temple, Perunaad, Kakkad koickal, Rajeswari shed and rests at Laaha Forest Station. On the third day the entourage touches Plappalli, Nilakkal temple, Kollamuzhi, Pupyambuzha, Kurunkkayam, Cheriagavattam, Neelimala-thodu, then crossing of Pamba river, Appachimetu, Sabaripeetham, Saramkutthi, Pathinettaampati and Sannidhagam.The route does not include Pamba Thriveni. On returning from Sabarimala, when the procession reaches the Perinad temple, the Saastha idol in this temple is adorned with these thiruvabharanams. The kanni Ayyappas who go to Sabarimala should be under the strict tutelage of the Guruswami. A pilgrim has to wear a string (maala) of holy beads of Thulasi denoting that he is also an Ayyappa and in vratha. Normally wearing of maala is done in a neighbouring temple. The pilgrims have to observe rigorous vratha for purity of body, mind and actions. The rituals include vratham (penance) for one hrthu (60 days) from 1st Vrischikam to 1st Makaram, consisting of morning and evening oblations before taking food or water, growing of beard, participation in prayers, daily worship in temples', strict brahmacharya,. taking of only vegetarian diet, keeping away from ladies and so on and so forth. In ancient days and even now in certain places particularly in central and north Kerala all Ayyappas of a village stay in local temples conducting prayers, chanting names of the Lord, singing devotional songs etc. Usually a panthal will be erected specially for this purpose in the temple. Women between the ages of ten and fifty-five are prohibited from entering the temple as the sankalpa ofthe deity is that of thaaraka-brahma one who helps to cross the ocean of samsaara. Reasons can be many for this. Mingling with ladies may deter the stablility of mind of ardent devotees. Difficulty in observing the rigorous pratha, strains in trekking through the dense forest etc. also may form reasons for prohibiting ladies from entering this sacred shrine. Further each temple has set rituals and it is the bounden duty of every devotee to follow them strictly for maintaining the sanctity of the temple. The temple is not a tourist spot but a place of pilgrimage. Apart from the main idol of Ayyappa, there are other subsidiary deities dedicated to Bhagavathi (Malikappurathamma), Ganapathi, Karuppaswami, Valia Katuttha, Cheria Katuttha, Navagrahas, Naagas etc. It is a rare feature of the pilgrimage that the pilgrims offer worship at the Vaavar shrine at Sabarimala and take prasadam from the Islam priest. The main vazhipaats of the temple are Neyyabhishekam (ghee),breaking of coconuts, pushpaabhishekam, kalabhaabhishekam, panchaamrthaabhishekam etc. Of the prasadams the important items are ghee, aravana, appam etc. The Ayiroor Bhadrakaali temple, known as Puthiyakaavu is very important and it is also a resting place while taking the thiruvabharanam to Sabarimala. The important offerings to the deity are, raktha-pushpaanjali and katum¬paayasam. The Nilakkal Siva temple about 10 km towards north-east on the way to Sabarimala and within the poonkavanam (forests) of Lord Ayyappa, is an ancient temple having daily poojas. On all sides of the temple there are trenches to safe guard the temple from wild elephants. The important vazhipaat is dhaara and pushpaanjali. At Pamba there are five important shrines Maha Ganapathi, Sree Rama,Sree Hanuman, Sree Pcirvathi and Naagas. The important vazhipaats for Ganapathi are modakam and aval. The Dharma Saastha temple, Ranni-Perunad is famous since here the idol is adorned with the thiruvabharanam of Sree Sabarimala Ayyappa while it is taken back to Pandalam, around 21st January. It is a rare opportunity for all those who cannot go to Sabarimala to have a darsan of the Saastha adorned with all the thiruvabharanams at this temple. The other important temples are Sree Maha Vishnu temple at Ramapuram (Ranni-Ramapuram), Cheruvally Bhagavathi kaavu, Cheruvally Subramanya temple, Thottimon kaavu., Ranni etc. (d)Kozhencherry taluk Of the temples in this taluk, Sree Thiru-Aranmula temple stands unique. It is one of the five temples founded by Pandavas. According to legend the installation of the image of Maha Vishnu, with the sankalpa of Paarathhasarathhy was perfomed by Arjuna himself. It was originally consecrated at Nilakkal, a populous place in those days. But due to the menace of wild animals the place became uninhabitable and inhabitants left the place along with the idol. The merciful deity himself, in the guise of a brahmachaari, showed the place for re-installation and thus the deity was installed at Aranmula. Aranmula is famous for the Uthrittaathi-vallamkali associated with the temple's festival. The valla-sadya is an important offering in the temple. There are four beautiful mural paintings on the walls of the sreekovil. The Malayalapuzha Sree Bhadrakaali temple, the image of which is made of katu-sarkkara, is famous and many pilgrims visit this temple on their way to Sabarimala. The famous Vazhipaat of this temple is raktha-pushpaanjali. The famous Omallur temple is dedicated to Sree Rakthakantan swamy (Saastha). The deity is called differently as Arthakantan, Siva, Abhimanyu etc. The temple contains six inscriptions three in Malayalam, two in Telugu, and one in Tamil besides sculptures. The vazhipaats of the temple are pushpaanjali, appam and aval. The Valampiri Sree Bhadrakaali temple south-east of Pathapamthitta town is significant as Achancovil river flows on three sides taking valam-piri (clock-wise) path. The Kotunthara Sree Subramanya temple is another important temple near Pathan.amthitta and has offering of kaavati-aattam, besides the other routine offerings to Subramanya. The Kaippuzha Sree Krishqaswami temple, Sree Siva temple at Thrippara, Sree Padma1]abha temple at Thrikkovil, the Sree Bhagavathi temple at Uzhuvatth are also other major temples of this taluk. The Puthiyedathu kaauu (Devi) , Vallikode has also deities of Sree Bhadra, Lord Siva and Naagas. The temple is famous for serpent worship. Noorum-paalum, offering of turmeric, sarpa-paatt etc are the offerings for the Naagas. Ga1J.apathi hamam, Bhagavathi-seva and offering of human figures in silver are some of the other vazhipaats for getting cure from diseases. (e)Adoor taluk (Atoor taluk) Of the temples in this taluk, the Valia Koickal Sree Ayyappa, Sree Madhura Meenakshi temple attached to the Pandalam palace and the Sree Mahadevar temple located on the banks of Achhancoil river are important. The thiruvaabharanams (ornaments) of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala are kept at Panthalam palace, and they are displayed for public darsan on 1st of Vrschikam (middle of November) and thereafter on Wednesdays and Sundays for the next one and a half months and after that for the last few days till 27th of Dhanu (approximately 11th January). On the 28th of Dhanu it is kept at the Valiakoickal Sree Ayyappa temple for worship before it is taken to Sabarimala around 1 p.m., as and when the krishna-parunthu (white sacred kite) appears above the temple. It is a unique feature. It is believed that this kite travels the entire route of thiruvabhara1nam-procession till it reaches the sannidhanam of Sabarimala. The important vazhipaats are neyyabhishekam, pushpaanjali and appam, beside kanikka when the thiruvabharanam is kept there. At the Madhura Meenakshi temple pushpqanjali and paayasam are important. At Adoor there is an important Sree Krishna temple. The Mappati Bhadrakali temple has historic association with Velu Thampi, the gallant Dalawa of Travancore, and it has some interesting stone sculptures. A peculiarity of this temple is that rice is not part of nivedya. There is a peculiar small temple at Kotumop, known as Chilanthi-kshethram where the prathishta is that of Devi and it is believed that the prasaada from this Devi temple cures any type of spider poison. The Koorampala Puthenkaavu Bhadrakaali temple has a unique vazhipaat on festival days known as chooral-uruliccha ie rolling around the temple complex with fresh cane plants tied to the bodies. Offerings are made in this temple also for cure from poison cases.
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