MALAI NAATU DIVYA DESAM –
13 TEMPLES
KERALA - 11 TEMPLES
TIRUNELVELI
- 2 TEMPLES
KERALA - 11 TEMPLES
Kerala
- the southern state of India was named as Malai naadu in ancient days. The
Divya desam situated here are called Malai Naattu Divya desam or Malai Naattu
Tirupathi.
65) Thiru Navai
66) Thiru Vithuvakodu
67) Thiru Katkarai
68) Thiru Moozhikkulam
69) Thiru Vallavazh - ThiruValla
70) Thiru Kadithanam
71) Thiru Chengannur
72) Thirupuliyur - Kutta Nadu
73) Thiru Varan Vilai - Aaranmula
74) Thiru Vanvandoor - Thiruvamundoor
75) Thiruvananthapuram
65) THIRU NAAVAAI -
THIRUNAVAYA NAVAMUKUNTHA TEMPLE
Location
Thiru Naavaai
temple is located in Thirunavaya, a village in Malappuram District, Central
Kerala - India. It is situated in Chennai – Kallikkottai train route. We can
also reach this temple in the bus route from Hertanoor - Kuttipuram.
About
Temple
The current temple
is constructed in the Kerala Temple Architecture style, which is practically
universal among Kerala temples.
The temple's exterior
walls encircle the sanctum.
All of the temples
within the temple are encircled by a rectangular wall called kshetra-matilluka,
which is pierced by gateways. A metal plated flag-post (dvaja sthambha) and a
dipasthambha (light post) are positioned axially to the temple tower leading to
the central sanctum.
Within the temple
walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion. The centre temple and its adjoining
hall are housed in the nalambalam, a rectangular edifice with pillared halls
and corridors.
There is a raised
square platform called namaskara mandapa with a pyramidal roof between the
entrance of nalambalam and the sanctuary. Thevrapura, the kitchen where
offerings to the Navamukunda are prepared, is located to the left of the
namaskara mandapa as you enter.
Balithara is an
altar where ritualistic offerings are made to demi-gods and celebratory
deities. Sri Navamukunda idol is housed in the principal temple known as Sri
Kovil. It is located on a raised platform with a single door accessible through
a five-step staircase.
The centre temple
has a square plan with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and terracotta
tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden structure. The roof is
built on two layers to protect the inner structure from monsoon rains.
The temple's roof
and parts of the pillars are covered in ornate wood and plaster sculptures
depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics. Around the sanctum's
perimeter are a number of wooden frames that house a variety of lamps that are
lit for special occasions. 1000 – 2000 years old temple
Specialities
The idol of Sri
Navamukunda is only depicted above the knee, with the rest of the statue hidden
beneath the earth. Behind the statue in the sanctum is said to be a bottomless,
unknown hole.
Sri Navamukunda
statue is 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall, built of stone, and covered in pancha loha.
The statue is in a standing position, holding the Panchajanya conch, lotus
flower, Kaumodaki mace, and the terrifying Sri Sudarshana discus in his four
hands. The idol is oriented eastward.
In the Tirunavaya
Temple, Goddess Lakshmi has her own sri kovil. Sri Kovil is located in the
northwestern corner of the nalambalam, to the left of Sri Navamukunda, with the
idol facing east.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Naavaaimukuntha Perumal - Sri Narayana
Perumal -Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Malarmangai Naachiyaar - Sri Sirudevi
Thaayaar
Pushkarani
Sengamala Saras
Vimaanam
Vedha Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 13
Paasurams - Songs
Thirumangai
Alwar - 2
Nammalwar - 11
How to
reach:-
By Air
43 kms from
Kozhikode International Airport
By
Train
7 kms from
Kuttipuram Railway Station
By Road
400 metre from
Thirunavaya Bus stand
66) THIRU VATHUVAKODU –
THIRUMITTAKODU ANCHUMOORTHI TEMPLE
Location
Thiruvathuvakode
is located about 5 kms from South of Pattambi, Palakkad District, Kerala -
India. It is situated in the train route of Palakkad - Shorunur - Kozhikode,
Pattambi Railway Station.
About
Temple
The Bharathappuzha
Temple is located on the banks of the Bharathappuzha River in Thirumittacode,
Palakkad District.
In the temple,
there are five shrines dedicated to Sri Shiva, Sri Vishnu as Sri Abhayapradhan,
Sri Vithuvakootuvalli, Sri Vinayaga, and Sri Ayyappan.
The temple is
constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, which is found in all temples
in Kerala's Eastern axis. The temple does not have a gateway tower, but it does
have an archway from the main road.
Kshetra-Madilluka,
a small rectangular wall encircling the temple pierced by entrances, encloses
all of the temple's shrines. The Dwajasthambam (metal plated flagpost) is
placed axially to the temple tower leading to the central sanctum. Within the
temple walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion.
The primary shrine
and adjoining hall are housed in the Nallambalam, a rectangular edifice with
pillared halls and corridors.
The image of the
presiding god is housed in the central shrine known as Sreekovil. It is located
on a raised platform with a single door accessible by five steps.
Only the primary priest,
Thantri, and the second priest, Melshanthi, are allowed to enter the Sree
Kovil, according to Kerala customs. The centre shrine is circular in shape,
with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and terrocata tile conical roof
supported from the inside by a wooden structure.
Specialities
Sri Perumal
appeared here to give darshan to Raja Ambhareshan. 2000 – 3000 years old temple.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Uyyavandha Perumal - Sri Abhayapradha
Perumal - Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Vithuvakkottu Valli Thaayaar - Sri
Pabmasani Naachiyaar
Pushkarani
Chakra Theertham
Vimaanam
Thaththuva Kanchana Vimaaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 10
Paasurams - Songs
Kulasekaraalwar
- 10
How to
reach:-
By Air
70 kms from
Kozhikode International Airport
By
Train
8 kms from Pattambi
Railway Station
By Road
8 kms from Pattambi Bus
stand
67) THIRU KATKARAI - THIRUKAKKARA
Location
Thirukatkara temple is located in Thrikkakara, village in Kochi District, Kerala - India. It is situated between the Thrissur-Ernakulam highway (NH 47), Seaport-Airport Road, Cochin University of Science and Technology, and Model Engineering College, it is about 10 km north-east of the city centre.
About
Temple
The Onasadya, or
Onam feast, is celebrated in the temple in a magnificent fashion, with people
of many religions taking part. It is a hub of festivities and the birthplace of
the famed Onam festival.
The main shrine
devoted to Sri Vamana is located within the temple complex, which is set in a
broad area with beautiful surroundings. The deity of Sri Vishnu is kept in the
sanctum sanctorum of the main temple.
Lord Sri Vamana is
seen on the idol as he prepares to step on the Brahmin Asura King Mahabali. The
temple is supposed to have been built by Lord Sri Parashurama. The temple also
has records dating back to the 861 Common Era that show the first mention of
the Onam festival. 2000 – 3000 years old temple
Sri Bhagavati, Sri
Sasthavu, Sri Gopalakrishna, Sri Naga, Sri Brahmarakshasa, and Sri Yakshi are
the sub-deities of Sri Vamana temple.
The
Kapilatheertham, located closer to the temple on the Northern side of the
sanctum sanctorum and accessible solely to priests, is one of two ponds linked
with the temple.
The other pond,
located outside the temple gates on the northern side, is used on a regular
basis for the Aaraattu ceremonial bath of the deity during Onam celebrations.
Specialities
The Brahmarakshas
shrine, as well as a Banyan-tree god and the Sarpa Kavu, are found in the outer
compound.
Chuttuvilakku,
which means'surrounding lamps - is a series of thousands of lamps that surround
the interior complex walls.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Kaatkaraya Perumal - Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Perunselvanayaki Thaayaar - Sri
Vaathsavyavalli Thaayaar
Pushkarani
Kapila Theertham
Vimaanam
Pushkala Vimaanam
Sthala Vriksham - Holy Tree
Aala maram -
Banyan tree
Mangalasasanam - Total - 10
Paasurams - Songs
Nammaalwar - 10
How to
reach:-
By Air
21 kms from Kochi
International Airport
By
Train
7 kms from
Edappally Railway Station
By Road
4 kms from
Edappally Bus stand.
68) THIRU MOOZHIKKULAM
Location
Thiru Moozhikkulam
temple is located in Moozhikkulam town in Erunakulam District, Kerala - India.
It is situated about 25 kms from Erunakulam city. We can reach through bus from Aalavai, Erunakulam, Angamali.
About
Temple
The main shrine
devoted to Sri Lakshmana Perumal is located within the temple complex, which is
set in a broad space with beautiful surroundings.
Sri Mahavishnu
idol is kept in the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple. The temple is
constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, which is found in all temples
in Kerala's Eastern axis.
The temple does
not have a gateway tower, but it does have an archway from the main road. All
of the temple's shrines are encircled by a rectangular wall called
Kshetra-Madilluka, which is pierced by portals.
The Dwajasthambam
(metal plated flagpost) is placed axially to the temple tower leading to the
central sanctum. Within the temple walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion.
The primary shrine
and adjoining hall are housed in the Nallambalam, a rectangular edifice with
pillared halls and corridors.1000 – 2000 years old temple.
Between the
Nallambalam entrance and the sanctum lies the Namaskara Mandapa, an elevated
square platform with a pyramidal roof. Thevrapura, the kitchen where offerings
to the deity are prepared, is located to the left of Namaskara Mandapa as you
enter. Balithara is an altar where ritualistic offerings are made to demi-gods
and celebratory deities.
The image of the
presiding god is housed in the central shrine known as Sreekovil. It is located
on a raised platform with a single door accessible by five steps.
The centre shrine
is circular in shape, with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and
terrocata tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden structure.
Sri Shiva shrines
in the form of Sri Dakshinamurthy, Sri Krishna, Sri Bhagavathy, and Sri Ayyappa
may be seen in the temple.
Specialities
The unique feature
of this sthalam is that no music is played during the pooja performed for Sri
Perumal.
The temple is
linked to the Ramayana mythology, as it was here that Sri Rama's brother Sri
Lakshmana and their other brother Sri Bharatha worshipped Sri Rama.
The principal god
worshipped here in the form of Sri Lakshmana. Sri Rama at Thriprayar, Sri
Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Sri Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam, and Sri Chathrughna at
Payammal are the four temples that make up the Nalambalam Yatra.
Sri Lakshmana Perumal - Sri Thirumoozhikalatha
Perumal - Sri Appan - Sri Sukthinatha Perumal - Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Mathuraveni Naachiyaar
Pushkarani
Sanga Theertham,
Chittaaru, Perungulam
Vimaanam
Soundarya Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 10
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 10
How to
reach:-
By Air
12 kms from Kochi
International Airport
By
Train
12 kms from
Angamally (Kalady) Railway Station
By Road
8 kms from Angamaly Bus
stand.
69) THIRU VALLAVAZH - THIRUVALLA
Location
Thiruvalla temple
is located 4 kms from Thiruvalla Railway Station in Kollam - Erunakulam Railway
line. It can be reached in the bus route of Kottayam - Chenganacherry -
Thirukadidanam - Thiruvalla.
About
Temple
This icon of
Kerala temple design, built in the quiet and gorgeous terrain on the banks of
the Manimala river, occupies an area of 8.5 acres and ranks first among the
temples of old Travancore state in terms of space inside the compound wall.
The temple is
encircled on all sides by red granite compound walls that are 12 feet tall, 566
feet long, and 4.5 feet thick, with a two-story gopuram (gate tower) on each
side.
Outside the
eastern wall, a 1.5-acre pond with a copper flagstaff on its southern bank may
be observed in the north-eastern direction.
Just in front of
the eastern entrance is a platform for kathakali performances. The pradakshina
veethi, or outside circumambulation road, is visible inside the temple wall,
with four little aankottils (places where the god is removed and maintained for
worship inside the temple wall) and a large one on the south-eastern corner.
South-east of this
is an oottupura or dining hall, which is only found on the northern side of
other temples and is unique to Sreevallabha temple.
Near Sri Ayyappan
shrine are the hallowed fig and mango trees beneath which sage Durvasa
meditated. Sankaramangalth Illam, where Sreedevi Antharjanam dwelt just outside
the western gopuram, is carefully preserved for the initiation of any pooja in
the temple.
The Northern
Gopuram is always shuttered and only opens for the Uthra Sreebali festival. A
self-created pond named Jalavanthi or Khandakarna theerthem, located north east
of pradakshina veethi, is claimed to hold 64 buried idols of the Lord.
Vallyambalam
(building linked to naalambalam at its main entrance and situated between
naalambalam and balikkalpura) is a two-story copper sheet roofed structure
supported by 16 stone pillars. The delicate and minute carvings on these
pillars and the roof demonstrate the craftsmanship of those who built it.
The 150-foot-long,
11-foot-wide square naalambalam is entirely built of black stones and is
supported by 54 stone pillars each carved with a Salabhanjika figure.
A deepasala
(galaxy of bronze lamps) is erected on teak wood outside the naalambalam.
Sreedevi Antherjanam worships Sri Vishnu, Sri Shiva, Sri Parvati, Sri Murugan,
and Sri Nrithaganapathy, and the western portion of naalambalam is ornamented
with murals and a little shrine for vadakkum thevar. 1000 - 2000 years old
temple
The eastern
mandapam is a 24-foot-long square structure with a copper-sheeted roof and 12
wooden and four stone pillars. All of these places are famed for their
exquisite carvings.
The western mandapam
is a tiny, square-shaped structure. The clockwise murals of Sri Matsya, Sri
Kaaliyamardana, Sri Koorma, Sri Dakshinamurthy, Sri Varaha, Sri Venu gopala,
Sri Maha Ganapathy, Sri Narasimha, Sri Vamana, Sri Sudarshana, Sri Parashurama,
Sri Rama, Sri Purusha Sukta, Sri Balarama, Sri Krishna, Sri Lakshmi, Sri Kalki.
Sreekovil features
three concentric walls and a 160-foot outer boundary. Under the same roof, Lord
Sreevallabhan faces east and Sudarshana chakra (sathrusamhaaramoorthy) faces
west.
This gigantic
7-foot idol is placed at a height of 10 feet in such a way that one must bend
his body to see it, and its top and bottom are hidden. Other idols of Sri
Vishnu, Sri Lakshmi, Sri Dakshinamurthy, Sri Varaha, and Sreebali bimbam or
Sreevallabhan procession idol are also present.
Specialities
Sri Sudarsana
Chakram is erected in an eight-handed human shape, rather than the normal
yantra form, with sankha (conch), chakra (disc), gada, padma (lotus), pasha
(rope), ankusa (hook), musala (pole), and dhanu (bow). Lord Vishnu and Lord
Sudarsana are not known to be enshrined in the same temple.
Sri Kolapiran Perumal - Sri Thiruvazhmaarban
Perumal - Sri Vallba Perumal - Standing Position.
Thaayaar
Sri Selvathirukozhundhu Naachiyaar - Sri Vatsalya
Devi Thaayaar
Pushkarani
Kandakarna
Theertham, Pamba River
Vimaanam
Chathuranga Kola Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 22
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 10
Thirumangai
Alwar - 12
How to
reach:-
125 kms from
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport
120 kms from Kochi
International Airport
By
Train
3.5 kms from
Thiruvalla Railway Station
By Road
2.5 kms from Thiruvalla
KSRTC Bus stand.
70) THRIKODITHANAM
MAHAVISHNU TEMPLE
Location
Thiru Kodithanam temple is located in Thirukodithanam town, Kottayam District, Kerala - India.
About
Temple
The temple is
designed in the Kerala style. The temple contains a two-story gopuram, or
gateway tower, with wooden pathways covering the Kottupura, or drum-beating
hall, which is used during festivals.
All of the
temple's shrines are encircled by a rectangular wall called Kshetra-Madilluka,
which is pierced by portals. The Dwajasthambam (metal plated flagpost) and
Deepastamba (light post) are positioned axially to the temple tower leading to
the sanctum.
Within the temple
walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion. The sanctuary and adjoining hall
are housed in the Nallambalam, a rectangular edifice with pillared halls and
corridors.2000 – 3000 years old temple.
A raised square
platform called Namaskara Mandapa (altar) with a pyramidal roof is located
between the Nallambalam entrance and the sanctuary.
Thevrapura, the
kitchen where offerings to the deity are prepared, is located to the left of
Namaskara Mandapa as you enter. Balithara is an altar where ritualistic
offerings are made to demi-gods and celebratory deities.
The image of the
presiding deity is kept in the sanctum known as Sreekovil. It is located on a
raised platform with a single door accessible through a five-step staircase.
Dvarapalakas, or guardian deities, are shown on both sides of the doors.
The centre shrine
is circular in shape, with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and
terracotta tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden structure.
The basement, the
pillar or wall, named stambha or bhithi, and the entablature, called prasthara,
make up the lower half of Sree Kovil's height in the ratio 1:2:1. Similarly,
the upper half is divided into the griva (neck), shikhara (roof tower), and
kalasam (copper finial) in the same proportion.
The roof is built
on two layers to protect the inner structure from monsoon rains. The temple's
roof and parts of the pillars are covered in ornate wood and stucco sculptures
depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha epics.
Specialities
The ruling deity's
depiction stands 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall. Sri Krishna is in the Vishvarupa
position, which he showed Arjuna during the Mahabharatha conflict. Sahadeva of
the Pandavas constructed the Divya Kshetram. There are also shrines dedicated
to the Hindu gods Sri Krishna and Sri Narasimha.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Amirtha Narayana Perumal - Sri Arputha
Narayana Perumal - Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Karpaga Valli Naachiyaar
Pushkarani
Boomi Theertham
Vimaanam
Punyakoti Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 11
Paasurams - Songs
Nammaalwar - 11
How to
reach:-
By Air
108 kms from Kochi
International Airport
132 kms from
Thiruvananthapurm International Airport
By
Train
2.5 kms from
Chenganaserry Railway Station
By Road
2.5 kms from
Chenganaserry Bus stand.
71)
THIRU CHENGANUR -
THIRUCHITTATT
MAHA VISHNU TEMPLE - THIRUCHENGUNDRUR -
IMAYAVARAPPAN
TEMPLE
Location
Thiruchenganur
temple is located in Chenganur, Alapuzha District, Kerala – India. We can reach
in the railway route by Thiruvananthapuram - Erunakulam via Kollam route,
Chenganur Railway Station.
About
Temple
The temple is
constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, which is found in all temples
in Kerala's Eastern axis. The temple does not have a gateway tower, but it does
have an archway from the main road.
All of the
temple's shrines are encircled by a rectangular wall called Kshetra-Madilluka,
which is pierced by portals. The Dwajasthambam (metal plated flagpost) is
placed axially to the temple tower leading to the central sanctum.
Within the temple
walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion. The primary shrine and adjoining
hall are housed in the Nallambalam, a rectangular edifice with pillared halls
and corridors.
Between the
Nallambalam entrance and the sanctum lies the Namaskara Mandapa, an elevated
square platform with a pyramidal roof. The image of the presiding god is housed
in the central shrine known as Sreekovil.
It is located on a
raised platform with a single door accessible by five steps. The centre shrine
is circular in shape, with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and
terrocata tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden structure.
The ruling deity's
depiction stands 4 feet (1.2 metres) tall. Sri Krishna is in the Vishvarupa
position he showed Arjuna during the Mahabharatha conflict. 1000 – 2000 years
old temple
Specialities
Thrichittatt Sri Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudhishthira,
Puliyur Sri Mahavishnu Temple by Bheema,
Aranmula Sri
Parthasarathy Temple by Arjuna, Thiruvanvandoor Sri Mahavishnu Temple by
Nakula, and Thrikodithanam Sri Mahavishnu Temple by Sahadeva
These are the five
ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala linked to the Mahabharata
legend.
Before mankind was
born, Devas are said to have built the Temple along the banks of Chittar, a
tributary of the Holy River Pampa. Yudhishthira, in the Dvapara Yuga, restored
the temple.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Imayavarappa Perumal - Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Shengamalavalli Thaayaar
Pushkarani
Sanga Theertham,
Thirusittaru
Vimaanam
Jagthjyothi Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 11
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 11
How to
reach:-
By Air
130 kms from Kochi
International Airport
118 kms from
Thiruvananthapurm International Airport
By
Train
1.3 kms from
Chennganur Railway Station
By Road
1.5 kms from Pamba spl
Chennganur KSRTC Bus stand.
72)
THIRUPULIYUR -
THIRUPULIYOOR
MAHA VISHNU KOVIL -
MAYAPIRAN
TEMPLE -
PULIYOOR
-
KUTTA
NADU
Location
Thirupuliyoor
temple is located 5 kms from Chenganur town, Alapuzha District, Kerala - India.
It is about 25kms
from Ernakulam.
About
Temple
The main shrine
devoted to Lakshmana Perumal is located within the temple complex, which is set
in a broad space with beautiful surroundings.
Sri Mahavishnu
idol is kept in the sanctum sanctorum of the main temple. The temple is
constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, which is found in all temples
in Kerala's Eastern axis.
The temple does
not have a gateway tower, but it does have an archway from the main road. All
of the temple's shrines are encircled by a rectangular wall called
Kshetra-Madilluka, which is pierced by portals.
The Dwajasthambam
(metal plated flagpost) is placed axially to the temple tower leading to the
central sanctum.
Within the temple
walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion. The primary shrine and adjoining
hall are housed in the Nallambalam, a rectangular edifice with pillared halls
and corridors. 1000 – 2000 years old temple
Between the
Nallambalam entrance and the sanctum lies the Namaskara Mandapa, an elevated
square platform with a pyramidal roof.
The image of the
presiding god is housed in the central shrine known as Sreekovil. It is located
on a raised platform with a single door accessible by five steps.
The centre shrine
is circular in shape, with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and terrocata
tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden structure. Sri
Dakshinamurthy, Sri Krishna, Sri Bhagavathy, and Sri Ayyappa have shrines at
the temple.
Specialities
The temple is
linked to the Mahabharata legend, according to which each of the Pandavas built
a temple: Yudhishthira built Thrichittatt Sri Maha Vishnu Temple, Bheema built
Puliyoor Sri Mahavishnu Temple, Arjuna built Aranmula Sri Parthasarathy Temple,
Nakula built Thiruvanvandoor Sri Mahavishnu Temple, and Sahadeva built Thrikodithanam
Sri Mahavishnu Temple.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Mayapiran Perumal - Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Porkodi Naachiyaar
Pushkarani
Poonjunai
Theertham
Vimaanam
Purushothama Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 10
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 10
How to
reach:-
By Air
131 kms from Kochi
International Airport
120 kms from
Thiruvananthapurm International Airport
By
Train
1.3 kms from
Chennganur Railway Station
By Road
1.5 kms from Pamba spl
Chennganur KSRTC Bus stand.
73) THIRU VARAN VILAI – ARANMULA
Location
Aranmula Parthasarathy temple is located in Aranmula, a village in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala - India.
The temple is
constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, which is seen in all temples
in the eastern axis of the South Indian state of Kerala. A flight of 20 stairs
leads to the temple's lofty construction.
The temple
contains a two-story gopuram or gateway tower, with wooden paths covering the
Kottupura area on the upper tier (a hall of drum beating during festivals). All
of the temple's shrines are encircled by a rectangular wall known as
Kshetra-Madilluka, which is pierced by portals.
The Dwajasthambam,
or metal plated flagpost, is axial to the temple tower leading to the central
sanctum, and there is a Deepastamba, or light post.
Within the temple
walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion. The primary shrine and adjoining
hall are housed in the Nallambalam, a rectangular edifice with pillared halls
and corridors. 1000 - 2000 years old temple
Between the
Nalambalam entrance and the sanctum lies the Namaskara Mandapa, an elevated
square platform with a pyramidal roof.
The image of the
presiding deity, a standing four-armed Lord Sri Vishnu revered as Sri
Parthasarathy, is housed in the central shrine known as Sreekovil. It is
located on a raised platform with a single door accessible through a five-step
staircase.
Dvarapalakas, or
guardian deities, are shown on both sides of the doors. The centre shrine is
circular in shape, with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and terracotta
tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden structure.
The basement, the
pillar or wall, named stambha or bhithi, and the entablature, called prasthara,
make up the lower half of Sree Kovil's height in the ratio 1:2:1.
In the same
proportion, the upper half is divided into the griva (neck), the shikhara (roof
tower), and the conical kalasam (made of copper). The roof is built on two
layers to protect the inner structure from monsoon rains.
Around the
sanctum's perimeter are a number of wooden frames that house a variety of lamps
that are lit for special occasions. In the bottom shrine of the second
precinct, there are shrines of Sri Sastha, Sri Yakshi, Sri Nagaraja, and Sri
Erangavil Bhagavathy Balarama.
Specialities
Around the
sanctum's perimeter are a number of wooden frames that house a variety of lamps
that are lit for special occasions. The temples have artwork on the walls that
date from the early 1800s.
The presiding
deity's image stands 6 feet (1.8 metres) tall, making it the highest idol in
all of Kerala's Krishna temples. Sri Krishna is in the Vishvarupa position,
which he showed Arjuna during the Mahabharatha conflict.
As a result, it is
thought to be in ferocious condition. According to mythology, Arjuna erected
the temple in Nilakal Narayanapuram and then transported it to Aranmula on a
six-bamboo raft.
The temple's
outside wall features four towers that guard the entrances. The Eastern tower
is reached via an 18-step flight, while the Northern tower is reached with a
57-step flight that leads to the Pampa River.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Thirukurallappa Perumal - Sri Parthasarathy
Perumal - Standing Position.
Thaayaar
Sri Padmasani Thaayaar
Pushkarani
Pamba River,
Vyasa Theertham, Deva Pushkarani
Vimaanam
Vaamana Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 11
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 11
How to
reach:-
By Air
125 kms from Kochi
International Airport
116 kms from
Thiruvananthapurm International Airport
By
Train
10 kms from
Chennganur Railway Station
By Road
11 kms from Pamba spl
Chennganur KSRTC Bus stand.
74) THIRUVANVANDOOR – VANNVANDOOR
Location
Thiruvanavandoor Maha Vishnu temple is located in Thiruvanvandoor town, Alapuzha District, Kerala - India.
About
Temple
The temple is
constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, which is seen in all temples
in the Eastern axis of the South Indian state of Kerala.
The temple
contains a two-story gopuram or gateway tower, with wooden paths covering the
Kottupura area on the upper tier (a hall of drum beating during festivals).
All of the
temple's shrines are encircled by a rectangular wall called Kshetra-Madilluka,
which is pierced by portals. The Dwajasthambam, or metal plated flagpost, is
axial to the temple tower leading to the central sanctum, and there is a Deepastamba,
or light post.
Within the temple
walls, Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion. The primary shrine and adjoining
hall are housed in the Nallambalam, a rectangular edifice with pillared halls
and corridors. 1000 – 2000 years old temple
Between the
Nallambalam entrance and the sanctum lies the Namaskara Mandapa, an elevated
square platform with a pyramidal roof.
The image of the
presiding god is housed in the central shrine known as Sreekovil. It is located
on a raised platform with a single door accessible through a five-step
staircase. Dvarapalakas, or guardian deities, are shown on both sides of the
doors.
The centre shrine
is circular in shape, with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and
terrocata tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden structure.
The basement, the pillar or wall, named stambha or bhithi, and the entablature,
called prasthara, make up the lower half of Sree Kovil's height in the ratio
1:2:1.
Similarly, the
upper half is divided into the griva (neck), the shikhara (roof tower), and the
conical kalasam (copper) in the same proportion.
The roof is built
on two layers to protect the inner structure from monsoon rains. The temple's
roof and parts of the pillars are covered in ornate wood and stucco sculptures
depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharatha epics.
Around the
sanctum's perimeter are a number of wooden frames that house a variety of lamps
that are lit for special occasions.
Sri Pambanaiappa Perumal - Sri Kamalanatha
Perumal -Standing Position
Thaayaar
Sri Kamalavalli Naachiyaar
Pushkarani
Pamba River
Vimaanam
Vedhalaya Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 11
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 11
How to
reach:-
By Air
125 kms from Kochi
International Airport
123 kms from Thiruvananthapurm
International Airport
By
Train
6 kms from
Chennganur Railway Station
By Road
6 kms from Pamba spl Chennganur KSRTC Bus stand.
75)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM -
SRI
PADMANABHA SWAMY KOVIL - TRIVANDRUM
Location
Sri
Padmanabhaswamy Kovil is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Capital city of Kerala
- India.
About
Temple
The current
gopuram's foundation was established around 1566. The temple contains a
Pandyan-style 7-tier 100-foot (30-meter) gopuram.
The Padma
Theertham temple is located next to a tank (meaning the lotus spring). The
temple includes a passageway with 365 and a quarter sculptured granite-stone
pillars with intricate carvings, which stands out as an ultimate testament to
the Vishwakarma sthapathis' work in sculpting this architectural masterpiece.
From the eastern
side, this hallway leads into the sanctum sanctorum. In front of the main
entrance from the prakaram, an 80-foot (24-meter) flagstaff stands (closed
precincts of a temple).
The famed temple
art Kathakali was staged in the night during the ten-day uthsavam (festival)
held twice a years, during the Malayalam months of Meenam and Thulam, on the
ground floor beneath the gopuram (major entrance on the eastern
side). 1000 - 2000 years old temple
The platforms in
front of the vimanam and the deity's resting place are both made of a single
enormous stone, hence the name "Ottakkal-mandapam."
The
Ottakkal-mandapam was carved out of a rock near Thirumala, some 4 miles (6.4
km) north of the temple, on the orders of Marthanda Varma (1706–58).
It was set in
front of the deity in the month of Edavom 906 M.E. and measured 20 square feet
(1.9 m2; 190 dm2; 19,000 cm2) in area by 2.5 feet (30 in; 7.6 dm; 76 cm) in
thickness (1731 CE).
Marthanda Varma
also transported 12,000 shaligrams, aniconic images of Sri Vishnu, to the
temple from the Gandaki River, north of Benares (now Varanasi). These were
employed in the Padmanabha's re-consecration.
Two more prominent
shrines, Thekkedom and Thiruvambadi, are located within the Temple and are
dedicated to the Deities Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Krishna Swami,
respectively.
Specialities
Sri Padmanabha
Perumal lies down on the serpent Anantha or Adi Sesha in the Garbhagriha. The
serpent bears five inward-facing hoods, which represent contemplation.
A Shiva lingam is
held in the Lord's right hand. Two of Sri Vishnu's consorts, Sri Sridevi- Sri
Lakshmi, the Goddess of Prosperity, and Sri Bhoodevi, the Goddess of Earth, are
by his side.
Sri Brahma appears
on a lotus that arises from the Lord's navel. There are 12,008 saligramams in
the god. These saligrams were found on the banks of the Gandaki River in Nepal,
and rites were done at Sri Pashupatinath Temple to honour them. Padmanabha's
deity is wrapped in "Katusarkara yogam," a specific ayurvedic
combination comprised of 108 natural materials collected from all across India
that forms a coat-like protection for the deity and maintains it clean.
Here, butter is
not melting from Lord Hanuman’s body.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Anantha Padmanabha Perumal - Bhujanga
Sayanam -Sleeping Position
Thaayaar
Sri Hari Lakshmi Thaayaar
Pushkarani
Padma Theertham,
Varaha Theertham
Vimaanam
Hemakoota Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 11
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 11
How to
reach:-
By Air
123 kms from
Thiruvananthapurm International Airport
By
Train
1.8 kms from
Thiruvananthapurm Railway Junction
By Road
1.2 kms from Thiruvananthapurm
KSRTC Bus stand.
TIRUNELVELI - 2 TEMPLES
76) Thiru vattaru
77) Thiru Van Parisaram
76)
THIRU VATTARU -
SRI
AADIKESAVA PERUMAL KOVIL
Location
Sri Aadhikesava
Perumal kovil is located in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu - India.
About
Temple
The temple is
built in the Dravidian style, with wooden pillars, doorways, and roofs. The
lord is on his snake couch and can only be seen through three doors.
The Otraikkal
Mandapam (single stone hall), which is 3 feet thick and fashioned of a single
stone, is a marvel.
The carvings of
Oorthuva Thandavam, Sri Venugopala, Rathi, Manmatha, Lakshmana, and Indrajit
are superb. Near the river and opposite the Sri Adikesavaperumal Temple is a
modest temple dedicated to Lord Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy. 2000 – 3000 years
old temple
Specialities
Thiruvattar Adi
kesava deity is visible from the Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple deity,
Thiruvananthapuram. The main deity was previously coated in gold kavachams
encrusted with diamonds and other costly stones, which were gifted to the
temple by Kerala kings. "The Srirangam of Chera Kingdom," as the
shrine is known.
Sri Aadhikesava Perumal - Bhujanga Sayanam -
Sleeping Position
Thaayaar
Sri Maragathavalli Naachiyaar
Pushkarani
Kadalvaai
Theertham
Vimaanam
Asttanga Vimaanam
Mangalasasanam - Total - 11
Paasurams - Songs
Nammalwar - 11
How to
reach:-
By Air
49 kms from
Trivandrum International Airport
By
Train
30 kms from
Nagercoil Railway Station
By Road
450 metre from Thiruvattar Bus stand.
77) THIRUVANPARISARAM -
THIRUPATHISARAM
-
THIRUVAZHMARBAN
TEMPLE -
SRI
KURALAPPA PERUMAL KOVIL
Location
This temple is
located in Thirupathisaram village in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu - India.
It is situated
about 3 kms from Nagarcoil, Tamilnadu.
About
Temple
Thiruvazhmarban
temple has a five-tiered gopuram and is roughly 2 acres (0.81 hectares) in size
(gateway tower). The temple is encircled by stone walls in a rectangular
courtyard.
Sri
Thiruvazhmarban, the presiding deity, is shown in a seated posture in the
central shrine. His consort Sri Lakshmi is supposed to reside in his chest,
hence there is no separate shrine for her.
The images of
Saptharishis are arranged around the presiding god. To the right of the
presiding deity are images of Sri Rama, Sri Lakshmana, and Sri Sita Devi.
Sri
Thiruvazhmarban's image is formed of a mixture of lime and granite.
Vishwaksenara, Kulasekara Azhwar, Nataraja, and Sivakami's pictures are also
kept in the sanctum.
The festival deity
is fashioned of panchaloha, and all ablution rituals are performed solely for
the festival deity. The second precinct has the shrines of Sri Garuda, Sri
Anjaneya, Sri Ramanuja, Vedanta Desika, and Azhwars.1000 – 2000 years old
temple.
Specialities
Saptarishis, the
seven sages of Hindu mythology, are said to have worshipped Sri Vishnu here,
according to Hindu folklore. Sri Vishnu was moved by their devotion and came to
this location.
The Banyan tree,
which grows near the Lakshmi Theertham and is supposed to be the hamsam of the
perumal, is capable of curing ailments.
Perumal - Moolavar
Sri Thiruvazhmarban Perumal - Sri Kuralappan
Perumal - Veetrurundha Thirukolam - Sitting Position.
Urchavar
Sri Srinivasa Perumal - Sri Sridevi Thaayaar -
Sri Boodevi Thaayaar
Thaayaar
Sri Kamalavalli Naachiyaar
Pushkarani
Lakshmi
Theertham
Vimaanam
Indra Kalyana Vimaanam
Sthala Vriksham - Holy Tree
Aala maram - Banyan Tree
Mangalasasanam - Total - 1
Paasuram - Song
Nammalwar - 1
How to
reach:-
By Air
74 kms from
Trivandrum International Airport
By
Train
5.3 kms from
Nagercoil Railway Station
By Road
3.8 kms from Nagercoil
Bus stand.
To be continued in next
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