My Spiritual Travelogue - Visit to Chottanikkara Sree Rajarajeswari Amman temple, Chottanikkara, Kerala.

Chottanikara is located about 17 KM away from Ernakulam Railway Station and around 7 KM away from Thiruppanithura railway station.  This town is famous for its Goddess  Rajarajeswari  (Bhagavathi) Amman temple which is one of the most famous temples in Kerala State.  Her Shakthi or Power draws thousands and thousands of her devotees daily from all over.  

Chottanikkara Sri Rajareswari Amman

The temple Legend history says That the area in which the temple is situated was once a dense forest that was believed to be infested by yakshas and rakshsas. A tribesman named Kannappan used to live in this forest. He was a devout worshipper of Kali, and would ritually sacrifice a cow to her every Friday  ( the day of the Goddess). One day, he found a beautiful black calf near the forest. he kidnapped her and took her to his altar. Just before he sacrificed the calf, his daughter, Manimanga, stepped in and pleaded for him to stop. The man loved his daughter and thus let her keep the calf as a pet. Unfortunately, Manimanga died the next morning. However, when the tribes man looked for the calf, he found two divine stones in its place : one was Lakshmi and the other was Vishnu. After many years, the stones were forgotten. One day, a woodcutter came to the forest to cut some trees. Since his axe was blunt,he sharpened it on a nearby stone. Wonder of wonders, the stone started bleeding. After devaprasnam, it was concluded that the stones were divine. The idol at Keezhkavu didn't come until after the temple was built. One night, a Brahmin was walking along a moonlit trail. Suddenly, he saw a beautiful woman, standing all alone. He offered to escort her home, and she agreed. However, when the Brahmin went to the Goddess's priest, he was told that it was really a yakshi. thus, with the yakshi after him, the Brahmin ran to the temple. Just as he reached the sanctum, the yakshi transformed and rounded up on him. However, the goddess jumped out of the sanctum sanctorum as Kali and killed her. She then went to wash her self in the pond, where the Kali idol was found hundreds of years later by Vilvamangalam of Guruvayoor. Thus the two Amman deities were born and worshipped at the main temple and at the Keezhakkavu temples.

The temple architecture is followed by ancient Vishwakarma Sthapthis in line with the wooden sculpture done in Sabarimala temple. One can worship  the Goddess Bhagavathi Amman in three different forms in a day viz. as Saraswathi Amman in the morning dressed in white,  as Lakshmi Devi dressed in Crimson in the noon and as Durgai Amman dressed in blue in the evening.  Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganesha and Lord zmuruga are also worshipped in this temple. The deity's Shakthi or Power is very well known here to cure her devotees from mental illness or to drive away the evil spirits.  There is a specific pooja being performed daily at the Keezhkkavu temple which is located at the foothills of the main temple.  Here, in this temple, the Bhagavathi Amman deity can be seen with a 'soola' (Trisul) in hand in the form of a rudra swarupa Kali.  People suffering from mental illness worship this Bhagavathi Amman who not only cures their illness but also ward off all evil  spirits.  A special pooja 'kuruthi pooja' is performed in this temple daily for the well being of her devotees.

Another peculiarity of this temple is that the Goddess is not fixed to the ground but rests on a bed of sand. Nearby her, is the idol of Lord Vishnu. Hence the devotees always pray to her along with Lord Narayana (Lord Vishnu) viz. 'Amme Narayana', 'Devi Narayana', 'Lakshmi Narayana' and 'Badre Narayana'.  Tuesday's and Fridays are important days in a week for Sree Bhagavathi Amman temples and one can see lot of worshipped in the temple.  Also the nine days of Navrathri festivals are celebrated in a grand manner every year in Amman temples

An important ritual is being performed in this temple is 'Makam Thozhal'. In this ritual, the Goddess Bhagavathi Amman appears in her sacred full-fledged splendor and glory bedecked with her full gold ornaments, precious jewellery and innumerable garlands.  Her devotees confidently believe that her darshan at this moment will result in the fulfillment of all their prayers and long desires and all their  miseries will go away from that golden moment.  It is believed that Bhagavathy Amman in her full attire gave darsan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on the Makam day and appears on the same day every year for giving darshan to the devotees in her special appearance. The Bhadrakaali at Kizhukkavu is believed to exorcise evil spirit from devotees

Click flwg link to listen the melodious devotional song on 'Amme Narayanan, Devi Narayana..."

http://www.tamilv2.com/Tamil%20Devotional%20Songs/Amme%20Narayana%20Devi%20Narayana%20-%20Www.TamilKey.Com.mp3

                                                      

Temple timings are - 04.00 a.m. To 12.30 p.m. And 4.00 p.m. To 8.45 p.m.

Contact details : Chottanikkara Devaswom, Chottanikara, Ernakulam Dist, Kerala PIN 682312

Phone: 0484-2711032, 2713300

URL: www.chottanikkarabhagavathy.org

வணக்கம் 

My Spiritual Travelogue - Visit to Arulmigu Patteeswarar Temple in Perur, Coimbatore

Perur is a town near Coimbatore (7 KM from Coimbatore Railway Station on the Western side) near river Noyyal.  This Kongu region of Tamilnadu has got one of the best known Sivasthalams in Perur. This temple dates back to the Chola dynasty, about 1500 years back, during early Christian Era. This temple was built by Palayakkars and the inner most sanctum sanatorium was built by Karikala Cholan. The main deity of the temple is Lord Patteeswarar and His consort is Parvathi also called as Pachainayaki Amman. As the legend goes that a cow Khamadhenu and its calf Patti worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple and the name Patteeswarar was born. Similar is the legend with the other two famous Siva temples - one Patteeswarar temple at Dharasuram near Kumbakonam and the other Sri Dhenupureeswarar temple in Madambakkam near Chennai.

                                                 

                                                    

                                                    

Different views  of the temple entrance

This magnificent temple's architecture is unique and beautiful. The famous hall Kanagasabhai where the Nataraja sannadhi is situated has rare, very beautifully and intricately carved priceless stone sculptures depicting different manifestations of Lord Siva and other gods on both sides that stand testimony to the splendid work of temple architecture in Tamilnadu. It's really a wonderful feast to the eyes of those who love ancient temple architecture.  A gold plated Nataraja statue offering blessings two sages Goumuni and Pattimuni add more beauty to the Kanagasabai hall.  This temple is called 'Mel Chidambaram'.

One of the intricately carved beautiful stone sculptures

                                                                                                                                                                  

Some of the main and important festivals celebrated in this temple are Panguni Uthram during March, Natyanjali (festival of dance) in September, karthigai  Sangabishekam in November and Arudhra darshanam in December. Thousands of devotees gather here during festivals time to offer their prayers to Lord Patteeswarar and Goddess Perianayaki to seek their blessings and bestow them with their benign grace.

This place has got some wonder specialities - the seeds of the tamarind tree in front of the temple do not germinate when sown which spells the truth that those pray to Lord Patteeswarar will attain total salvation and no births or deaths any more for them;  the palm tree is praised as Irava Panai (இறவா பனை) meaning it won't fall down which symbolically mean that those belief Lord Patteeswarar never bow down but ever straight with name and fame;  the bones of those dead when immersed in Noyyal river would turn to white stones; a belief is that dying creatures would keep their right ears upwards to listen to the Lord uttering 'Namashivaya' mantra to take them to Heaven;  the cow dungs found around this place would have no germs.

Saints Sundrar sang in praise of Lord Patteeswarar in this temple in Thevaram when he came to visit his friend King Cheramaan Perumal who ruled Kerala at that time.  But, the ten pathogams sung by Sundarar are not available.

During 18th century, when Tippu Sultan invaded south he attached some of the Inams of the temple and later it was restored back to the temple by East India Company.  A treasure trove containing Roman coins were found in Perur which dates back to the Roman period.

Temple timings are - 6.00 am to 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm.  Pooja timings are 7.30 am to 12.00 noon and 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm.  Contact Phone No. +91 4222607991.

வணக்கம்

     

My Spiritual Travelogue - Visit to Thirupparaikkal Sri Bhagavathi AmmanTemple, Vadakkandara, Palghat, Kerala

After having darshan at Meenkulathi Sree Meenakshi Amman temple, reached Thirupparaikkal Sree Bhagavathy Amman temple by about mid-day.

Thirupparaikkal is located on the outskirts of Palakkad in Vadakkanthara. We were inside the spacious temple complex by about the noon time when ucchikala Pooja was going on for Goddess Bhagavathi (Karnaki) Amman and Sree Shiva-Parvathi shrines.  The temple has got two entrances - one straight to Sree Shiva-Parvathi  shrine and the other for Goddess Bhagavathy Amman in the same compound.  One of the main attractions in this temple, is the way in which traditional pooja rituals are performed for the Goddess Karnaki and the Shiva-Parvathy temple, worshiped in the same compound.  The pooja ritual practices followed in these two shrines are a mix Kerala and Tamil cultures.  For Bhagvathi Amman pooja practices are performed  by Kerala Brahmins and for the Shiva-Parvathi shrine, Tamil Brahmins perform the pooja practices.  This is the only temple in Kerala where the two cultures are blend which is unique and one of the rarest finds.  This unique cultural blend acceptance has induced a new cultural life in Palakkad as can be seen even today. 

Two temple entrances

If we look at the history behind the temple, one can find that the main deity Goddess Bhagavathi (Karnaki) worshiped is at nadu pathi of Moothanthara.  Being the only temple for Karnaki at that time people from neighbouring  deshams (places) came here to worship Karnaki.  It is also observed from history that Tippu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali and his army ransacked and destroyed this temple during Tippu's reign in Pallakkad.  Devotees gathered and wanted to save the possessions of the temple and to avoid destruction of the idol from the clutches of Hyder Ali and his army.  The possessions were scattered and taken to different places and were worshiped by the devotees.

Other view of the inside temple

The temple is neatly maintained and colorfully painted.  We joined in the ucchikala Pooja and had a Blissful darshan.  In and around the praharams there were separate shrines for Lord Brahmarakshsas, Lord Ayyappa, Lord Nagaraja, Lord Ganesha and  Lord Nagaraja.  There is also a new Thulabaram -a balance used for Prarthana offerings from Bakthas who offer equivalent weight of the person in kind of what they intend to offer to the deity in compliance of their owe to God to overcome the difficulties they met in their life. This Thulabaram offerings are very popular in Kerala temples.  Even now a days one can see Film personalities, cricket players, politicians etc patronizing this ritual in temples in Kerala, Tirupathi etc.

Thulabaram

                                            

The idol of Goddess Bhagavathi which is believed to be that of Goddess Parvathi who took birth as Kannagi of Silappathikaram, a heroine of the great Tamil epic.  The epic Silappathigaram is said to be 600 years old.  This idol was installed by one of the Chera Dynasty who ruled partly Tamilnadu and Kerala about 600 years ago.   This idol is installed under a fig tree which is also said to be 600 years old.  

After the ucchikala pooja, Annadanam is being to served to the devotees everyday.  We also had the opportunity to join in the seva.

TIMINGS

The temple opens for morning poojas at 5.00am and closes at 12.00 noon and reopens for evening poojas at 4.30pm and closes for the day at 7.30pm.

TEMPLE OFFICE

The activities of the temple are very well organised by the office staff who perform their functions with great devotion and dedication.  Accountability is of the greatest order.

Contact details: Sree Thirupparaikkal Bhagavathi Devoswom 

Vadakkanthara, Palghat - 678 012

Phone Number : 0491 2500229

My Spiritual Travelogue - Visit to Kote Sri Hanuman Temple, Palakkad Fort, Palghat district, Kerala

Palakkad  Fort is situated in Palakkad town.  It is also known as Tipu's fort though it was built by his father Hyper Ali in 1766 A.D.  One of the best preserved and maintained forts in Kerala today.

Little known about its early history but believed to be existed from ancient times and constructed in present form in 1766 A.D.  Local ruler Palakkad Achchan sent a deputation to Hyder Ali to help him from the invasion by Zamorin and Hyder Ali wanted to have a strategically important location in Palakkad and he sensed the golden opportunity for his thoughts to gain possession and helped the local ruler.  From that time onwards till 1790 the fort was continually in the hands of the Mysore Sultans or the British.  It was first taken by British in 1768 captured by Colonel Wood.  It was recaptured by Hyder Ali a few months later.  In 1783, it was captured by Colonel Fullarton but was abandoned a year later.  Zamorin captured it and in 1790 it was finally captured by British under Colonel Stuart.   The fort was renovated and was used as a base for operations  that ended for capturing Srirangapatnam.  Until the middle of 19th century, the fort continued to be garrisoned.  It was converted into a taluk office in 1900.  

There is a large ground between the Fort and the Palakkad Town hall, known as Kota Maidanam (Fort Grounds). The ground, which had once served as a stable for the elephants and horses of Tipu's army, is now used to stage cricket matches, exhibitions and public meetings. An open air auditorium called "Rappadi" is also located within the spacious grounds of the Fort. Additionally, there is a children's park on one side of the Fort.

Some of the Picturesque scenes of the Fort

It is said that Hyder Ali had plan to build the famous Palakkad Fort here. But the plan was changed and the fort was constructed at Pallakkad. The resulted massive plain land was used by the people of nearby villages as a market of ancient times and the place was known as Kottachantha which means Fort Market place.  

Today fort is visited by thousands of locals and outsiders every day for a different reason. Sri Kote Hanuman temple is situated here inside the fort.  The temple is dedicated to Lord Anjaneya. The temple is situated on the Eastern entrance of the fort. A sculpture  of Anjaneya is carved in the inner side of the fort wall.  The murthi of Lord Anjaneya is south facing, while the Lord Himself is facing west.It is worth mentioning here that some of the forts built during the time of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan have Anjaneya figure in 'ardha shilpa' form or in shilpa form in or around the fort. The Lord was worshiped by the warriors, and the Lord is known as Kote Anjaneya ."

The deity was worshiped by the warriors of the fort.  He was an inspiration for many warriors. The idol of the deity is shown facing the south, in the standing posture with the gatha held in folded hands. The lord's tail is raised and curved, with a small bell at the end of the tail. His right leg is forward and the left is just raised, ready to move.It is seen to be believed that thousands of locals offering ghee for the lamp on Saturdays and Tuesday from early morning itself. Today He continues to inspire many of the Bhaktas who visit Him for their missions' success.  Thousands of local devotees lit ghee lamp infront of the deity and worship  Anjaneya  on Tuesdays and Saturdays from early morning.

Though the deity is situated inside the fort in a small side corridor, Hanuman Shakthi draws people from far away places for worshipping him.  Regular Pooja rituals are being performed for Hanuman and lot of Bakthas visit this temple everyday.  When we were at this temple, a beautiful Carnatic music group was performing with melodious songs soothing the admosphere creating a more spiritual sensation. 

Then, we proceeded to Thirupparaikkal Sree Bhagavathy Amman Temple for darshan

My Spiritual Travelogue - Visit to Meenkulathi Sri Meenakshi AmmanTemple, Pallassena, Palakkad Dist., Kerala

After having darshan at Manappullikavu Sree Bhagavathi Amman temple, we reached Meenkulathi Sree Bhagavathi Amman temple at Pallassena. 

Meenkulathi Sree Bhagavathi Amman temple is located In Pallasena village which is about 20 KM from Palghat. The main deity is Meenakshi Amman here.  This is an oldest temple in Pallasena.  The legend for this temple goes centuries back when a sect Veerasaiva Mannadiyar of Tamilnadu driven away by a severe draught in Chidambaram took asylum in this village for their livelihood. On seeing the greenery pastures and forests in and around this village they settled here in Pallassena. They worshipped their family deity in the form of a stone which they brought along with them when they displaced here with much devotion.  They did diamond business and prospered in the business.  A miracle happened while they performed their customary rituals to the deity.  An astrologer opined that Goddess Meenakshi manifested herself under one of their belongings 'umbrella' which they could not lift or remove from the floor. Then a temple for Sree Meenakshi Amman was raised and worshipped by the devotees. 

Meenkulathi Sree Meenakshi  Amman

The temple is built as per Kerala temple style, built in such a way the big wall shadow never fall on the ground. A large idol is installed for the main deity Sree Meenakshi Amman.  The temple has got two entrances, one on the northern side and the other on the western side.  A beautiful temple tank is located near the western side entrance.  The temple tank has fish abundantly and it is a belief that the tank theertham cures chronic illness.  It is a belief that feeding the tank fishes is like feeding the poor.

Temple tank

Several other deities are installed around the main deity. Separate sannadhies are there for Ganapathi, Veerabhadra, Durga, Shiva, Brahmma Rakshashas, Ayyappa etc.  separate sannadhi is there for Bairavar before entering the main temple from northern side. Festival celebrations in this temple include Navarathri, Karthigai, Mandala villakku, Masi thiruvizha, Pallivettai and Bhairava pooja.  During festivals entertainment programs such as Oottam Thullal and Kathakali are performed and witnessed by large gatherings there.  

 A view from the temple 

Another view from the temple

At the time of our visit to this temple, not many crowd was there. We had a quite, calm and peaceful darshan of the deities and spent quite a little more time engrossed ourselves with devotion and prayers.  After the Devine darshan, we found a place for breaking the fast in a nearby Hotel Jaishankar on the northern side of the temple entrance.  This hotel has got both boarding and lodging facilities and also has a mini hall for conducting functions.  The food served was in a homely atmosphere and we cherished the total set up here.  

From here, we left for Thirupparaikal Sree Bhagavathy Amman Temple enroute Kote Anjaneya temple.

1. Contact details : Meenkulathi Sree Bhagavathi Amman Temple, 

   Karipode Pallassena Road, Vadakkethara, Pallasena Post, Palakkad, Kerala 678505
2. Phone : 04923 268 495
3. 
   

   
   

   Darshan timings : Morning 05:30 - 12:30 and evening 17:30 - 20:00 hours

My Spiritual Travelogue - Visit to Manapullikavu Sree Bhagavathy Amman temple, Yakkara, Palghat, Kerala

Hinduism is one of the most oldest and third largest religions in the world which spreads across nations and devotees worldwide, binding them into its customs, cultures, to believe in Devine stories and mythological/puranic events or happenings and lead them to follow only Karma and Dharma in their life and to ward off evils through Dharma which will ultimately take them to achieve Mukti or Moksha.  The religious scriptures emphasize this in their vast legends and show greater importance for practicing daily rituals such as pooja,  recitations, festivals, and pilgrimages. Hindu religion has got many diverse traditions such as Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shakthism.

Shaivism and Vaishnavism talk about worship of supreme power in male form while Shakthism emphasize importance on the worship of supreme power in female form.  If Shakthism is not there then there is no Shaivism or Vaishnavism.  Shakthism is nothing but worshipping of  the Devine power 'Shakthi' in various female forms which is the ultimate Godmother, supreme Godhead;  she is the creator, preserver, nurturer and the destroyer of everything that exists.  Shakthi is worshipped by her devotees in the form of Kali or Bhagavathi or Devi etc. swarupams.  For assisting her devotes, she takes various forms to ward off their miseries, difficulties, troubles, to destroy evils and to bestow her Boon and Blessings to prosper in their lives.  In recognition, lot of Shakthi temples are built around from time immemorial by Rulers, Kings  and by common devotees.  Shakthi is 'Energy' and Shakthi is 'Power' and Shakthi worship is a vital part in Hindu religion. 

There are numerous Shakthi worshipping places in Kerala.  We had an opportunity to visit a couple of them during our week long trip to Kerala recently.  We visited and had the Devine darshan at

                        * Manapullikavu Sree Bhagavathy Amman temple in Yakkara, Palghat

                        * Meenkulathi Sree Bhagavathy Amman temple, Pallassena, Palghat district

                        * Thirupparaikkal Sree Bhagavathi Amman temple, Vadakkanthara, Palghat district

                        * Chottanikkara Sree Bhagavathi Amman temple. Chottanikara

Palghat is a small town in Kerala which is also known as Palakkad.  'Pala' means a fruit bearing tree (jack fruit) and 'kad' means forest and thus the name Palakkad derived from it.  Palakkad is also the birth place for many of the the finest South Indian cooks who have world famous expertise in vegetarian South Indian cooking. More so, some of the greatest Carnatic musicians are also from this place and to name some among them are Chembai Vaidhyanatha Bhagavathar, great mrithangist Palakkad Mani Iyer. Prominent astrologers are also hailed from this place and 'Palakkad Josiyam' is a very popular one among those who believe in Astrology.  Some of the famous Bhagavathi Amman temples are located in Palghat.

Palakkad Mani Iyer

Chembai Vaidhyanatha Bhagavathar

The Manapullikavu is a village which is nearer to Palakkad town in Kerala. This village is very famous for the temple ..Manapullikavu  vela.  The main deity is Sree Manappulli Bhagavathy Amman.  Sthala Puranas says that this  was originally belonged to a famous saintly Kerala Brahmin family Mattapalli Bathrakali Mana. The Brahmins live on the banks of rivers and perform Yagas on the river beds and this place was called Yaga-Kara. Thus, this area was known as  Yagakkara and later it took the present name of  Yakkara. The temple is located on the East Yakkara.  It is believed that the deity Bhagavathy Amman was on the West Yakkara and later on shifted to East Yakkara and the Brahmin devotee used to perform his prayers and Pooja to the deity at the kitchen (Madappalli) in his house.  Later on Temple was built there and the temple was known in course of time as Manappallikavu Sree Bhagavathy Amman of Yakkara.

                                                                

                                                               Sree Bhagavathy Amman

The temple mythological legendary says that once, Neelan, an Asura was giving lot of disturbances to the people of this area.  People complained about his miseries and menace  to Parasuraman and he advised to take up the matter with Lord Paramasiva.  Paramasiva by incarnation took  the form of Bhadrakali and killed Neelan.  After this, Bhadrakali became to be worshipped as Manappulli Sree Bhadrakali Amman.  This deity is a very powerful deity believed to shower prosperity, to ward off miseries, fullfil all desires, protect from all evils of her true devotees.

The temple is situated in a calm and serene place, has a beautiful pond on the south side.  Separate sannadhies are there for Lord Ayyappa, Kala Bairavar on the out side of the main shrine.  Inside the shrine there are sannadhies for Lord Ganesha, Lord Muruga etc. 

 

                                                                     Temple Entrance views

Sri Ayyappa Sannadhi entrance

Sri Bairavar Sannadhi 

In this temple, unlike other temple rituals sandal paste etc are not used to the main deity during poojas.   A chandhu paste in black color is used for pooja to the main deity which is unique in this temple.  A beautiful temple tank is also there adjacent to the temple in the back side.  

Temple tank

Some of the important festivals celebrated in this temple are Vishu, Onam, Navarathri, Diwali and the famous Manapullikavu Vela.  The temple processions are conducted generally with about seventeen elephants and the main deity with full flower decoration and ornaments will be taken.  Manapulli vela festival is famous in this temple during which time firework displays, panchavadya performances, Ootam thullal, Kathakali dances, Discourses and various cultural arts are performed.  Nithya Seva to the deity are performed as per stipulated schedule which is displayed near the temple office counter.  One can contact the office counter and get necessary receipt after paying the requisite amount for the pooja they intend to perform in this temple.

The main occupation of the people of this Palakkad district is paddy cultivation and hence this district is called as "Rice bowl of Kerala".  The people's offering to the deity will normally be in the form of agricultural produce and nothing else.  

Contact details:    Manapullikkavu Sri Bhagavathy Amman Temple,

Palakad 678 013, Kerala, India

Phone Number: +91-491-2539431

After having a Blissful darshan of the Devine Shakthi Bhagavathy Amman, we proceeded to have the darshan of Sri Meenkulathi Bhagavathy Amman temple which is nearby.