Padmanabhaswamy Temple

History In earlier years[when?] Padmanabhaswamy Temple and its properties were controlled by eight powerful Nair feudal lords known as Ettuveetil Pillamar (Lords of the Eight Houses), under the guidance of the Council of Eight and a Half. In a battle of succession in the 18th century, King Anizham Thirunal Valiya Marthanda Varma, the ruler traditionally regarded as the founder of Travancore, successfully suppressed the Ettuveetil Pillais and his cousins following the discovery of conspiracies the Lords were involved in against the Royal House of Travancore. The last major renovation of the Padmanabhaswamy temple was also done by Marthanda Varma. On January 3, 1750, Anizham Thirunal "surrendered" the kingdom of Travancore to Padmanabha, the deity at the temple, and pledged that he and his descendants would "serve" the kingdom as Padmanabha Dasa.[4] Since then, the name of every Travancore King was preceded by the title Padmanabha Dasa, while the female members of the Royal family were called Padmanabha Sevinis. The donation of the Kingdom to Sree Padmanabhaswamy was known as Thripadidanam and afterwards the Maharaja was known as Sree Padmanabha Dasa Vanchipala Varma Kulashekara Kireetapati. By surrendering the kingdom to Lord Padmanabha, the whole Travancore state became the property of Sree Padmanabhaswamy. The temple The history of the temple dates back to the 8th Century CE, when Thiruvananthapuram was ruled by the Chera Dynasty. The Divya Prabandha canon of literature by the Alvars glorifies this shrine as one of 11 Divya Desams in Kerala. It is said that there are references to this temple in four puranas; namely Brahma, Vayu, Varaha, Padma. The 8th century Alvar poet Nammalvar created four slokas and one phalasruthi about this temple. Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Padmanabhaswamy Temple stands at a place considered one of the seven Parasurama Kshetras; texts including the Puranas, particularly the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana, have references to this shrine.

Entrance of Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple The two annual festivals of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple culminate in a grand procession, in which the three deities (Padmanabha, Narasimha and Krishna) are carried on flower-deck and aesthetically decorated Garuda Vahanas to Shankumugham Beach, for "arattu" (sacramental ablution). The arattu days are declared as local public holidays in Thiruvanathapuram. This temple is located inside the Fort in the city of Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram is also called Syanandoorapuram. The main deity, Padmanabhaswamy is a form of Vishnu in Anananthasayanam posture (in eternal sleep of yognidra). This is an ancient temple and the city of Thiruvananthapuram(The Revered Endless City) derives its name from the name of the presiding deity enshrined in the temple. Texts including the Puranas like Skanda Purana, Padma Purana, Vayu Purana, Varaha Purana and Brahmanda Purana have references for this shrine. In Padma Purana there is reference to the temple of Anantasayanam, where the Lord Vishnu is having his yoganidra. It is also mentioned with Mathura, Venkatadri etc., as one of the well-known Vishnu Temples. In the Skandapurana, Sethu Mahatmya, Brahmakhanda Chapter-52, verses 102 to 105, some of the most important places of pilgrimages are indicated, which includes Padmanabha. There is also mention in the Bhagavata purana (canto 10 chapter 79) that Balarama visited "Syanandoorapuram" in the course of his pilgrimage. An entire chapter named Anantapura Mahatmyam in Brahmanda Purana, is dedicated to this temple. It is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. It has been identified as one of seven 'Mukti Sthalas' in the 'Syanandoora Purana Samuchayam' and as one of the six seats of Narayana by Chaitanya Maha Prabhu of modern times. Tradition states that in this place, Lord Vishnu gave darshan to sages like Divakarmuni and Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most famous Lord Vishnu Temples in Kerala, South India. Also known as Sree Ananda Padmanabhaswamy Temple, this Mahavishnu Temple is located inside East Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram - the capital city of Kerala, India. Lord Vishnu is enshrined here in the Anananthasayanam posture (in eternal sleep of yognidra), lying on Sri Anantha, the hooded snake. According to traditions, Sree Padmanabhaswamy Kshetram is believed to have been worshipped by Chandra (Moon God) and Lord Indra (the head of the Devas).

Sree Padmanabha Perumal

Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, Sabarimala

Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala. The temple is situated on a hilltop (about 3000 feet above sea level) named Sabarimala in Pathanamthitta district, which is unique in many respects. The uniqueness gathers its voice, as the temple is open to all, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. There is a place near the temple; east to Sannidhanam, dedicated to the Vavar (a sufi and friend of Lord Ayyappa) which is called 'Vavarunada', an epitome of religious harmony. Another interesting fact is that it is not open throughout the year. It is open for worship only during the days of Mandalapooja, Makaravilakku and Chitra Vishu. It is said that the pilgrims have to follow fasting for 41 days to cleanse their minds before going to Sabarimala. The journey to the temple is to be taken through difficult paths in the forest as the vehicles can go only up to Pampa. Sabarimala Temple Structure and Features The temple for Lord Ayyappan is built on a plateau which is about 40 feet high. This ancient temple consists of a sanctum sanctorum with a copper-plated roof and four golden finials at the top, two mandapams, the belikalpura that houses the altar and the flag-staff. The idol of Lord Ayyappan is made in panchaloha - also called Panchaloham which literally means "five metals". The shrine of Lord Ganesh, known as Kannimula Ganapati, is to the south-west of the main temple. Next is the shrine of Malikappurathamma (Malika Purathamma is also known as Manjamatha) which is about 100 meters away. The holy tank called Bhasma Kulam (Bhasmakkulam) is on the way to this shrine. Numerous devotees take a holy bath here. The temple of Malikappurathamma is situated on a small hillock and houses the shrines of the Devi and Kaduthaswamy. The shrines of the snake god and goddess, Nagaraja and Nagayakshi, are to the left of this temple. An interesting feature is that the tribes beat on drums, play stringed instruments and sing sarppa pattu to protect devotees from the harmful effects of snakebites. The two shrines of Kaduthaswamy and Karuppaswamy, who stand like dwarapalakas or guardians of the holy steps, are seen at the foot of the Patinettampadi. Another important aspect is that near the Patinettampadi is the shrine of the Muslim Vavurswami. It is believed that he was a warrior who was defeated and controlled by Ayyappan. Later he became a close friend such that the Lord himself instructed the Pandalam king to build a mosque for Vavur at Erumeli and a shrine at Sabarimalai. The Vavur deity is believed to be an ancient one and the poojas are conducted by a Muslim priest. Though there is no idol, people worship a carved stone slab which is represented as the deity. There is a green silken cloth which is hung across one wall and an old sword. Green pepper is the special offering here. Some devotees also bring a goat to offer to Vavurswami, in a belief that they would reach the temple safely. It is said that the design of the Lord Ayyappa temple is originated from the instructions of the Lord himself.

Guruvayur Temple in Thrissur, Kerala - Guruvayoor Krishna Temple

Guruvayur Temple or Guruvayoor Temple is one of the most famous Lord Krishna temples in India, situated in the town of Guruvayur, in Thrissur District of Kerala. Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple enshrines Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, as the presiding deity. Shri Krishna is known here by different names such as Unnikannan (Baby Krishna), Unnikrishnan, Kannan, Balakrishna, and Guruvayoorappan. The idol was once worshiped by the Lord Mahavishnu himself in Vaikunta and hence Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is known as Bhooloka Vaikunta - The Heaven on Earth. Sri Guruvayoorappan Temple is also renowned as the Dakshina Dwaraka (Dwaraka of South). Guruvayur Temple is said to be built by Guru (preceptor of Gods) and Vayu (God of winds), and hence the place came to be known as Guruvayurpura and later reduced as Guruvayur. Guruvayur has become the most famous pilgrimage center in Kerala mainly due to the five devotees, namely - Poonthanam, Melpattur, Vilvamangalam, Kururamma and the Prince Manadevan (Zamorin). This important and famous pilgrimage for Hindus is about 29 km northwest of Thrissur. Temple Festivals Ekadasi which falls on the eleventh day of every lunar fortnight is of special significance in Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple. The Ekadasi which falls on the Malayalam month of Vrischika is known as Guruvayur Ekadasi and special poojas are conducted at the temple on this occassion.

Guruvayur Utsavam or Guruvayoor Annual Festival is held for ten days. It begins on the day of Punartham Nakshatra (Pushya star - the 8th asterism) in the month of Kumbham (February March) and ends after the Guruvayoorappan Aarattu on the 10th day. Other important festivals celebrated here are Mandalam, Poonthanam Day festival, 11 days Chembai Sangeetha Mela (Chembai Music Festival), Narayaneeyam Day, Vaishka (April - May), Ashtami Rohini (July - August) and Kuchelas Day (held on the first Wednesday of Malayalam month of Dhanu (December - January).

Triprayar Rama Temple in Thrissur, Kerala

Triprayar Rama Temple, also spelled Truprayar Rama Temple, is one of the famous temples in Kerala located in Thriprayar, near Irinjalakuda, about 25 km from Thrissur (Trichur), between Kodungallor and Guruvayur, in Kerala, India. Triprayar temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This idol of Lord Ram is believed to have been originally worshipped by Sri Krishna at Dwaraka in Sowrashtra coast. Thriprayar Rama Temple is closely related with the temples dedicated to Lakshmana at Tirumoozhikkalam (or Moozhikulam), Koodalmanikkam Bharata Temple in Irinjalakuda, and Shatrughna Temple at Payammal.

Important Festivals in Triprayar Rama Temple

Pooram Festival
Celebrated during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March - April), the festival lasts for seven days. It concludes on the Pooram naskhatram (the previous day of Pankuni Uthram in

Tamilnadu)

Triprayar Ekadashi Ekadashi falling in the month of Vrischikam (November - December), known as Thriprayar Ekadasi, is of special importance here. The idol of Shasta is taken in procession on the preceding day (on Dasami day) of Ekadashi and on the Triprayar Ekadashi festival day, the procession of Rama is carried out, accompanied by 21 elephants and royal possessions. In 2010, Triprayar Ekadasi Festival is on 2nd December 2010. . Arattu This is a twelve-day festival, held during the month of Vrishchikam. Highlight of the Triprayar Arattu festival is the performance of Angya Kootu, a local theater form. Episodes from epic Ramayana are enacted in the play.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam, Kerala

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest Shiva Temples in South India, situated at Vaikom, in Kottayam district of Kerala. Referred as Thekkan Kashi (Southern Kashi), Vaikom temple enshrines Lord Shiva as Vaikkathappan - is the presiding deity of the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva manifests himself as Dakshinamurthy in the Panthirathi pooja in the morning, Kiraata Murthy during the Uchcha pooja at noon and as Satchitananda in the evening. Lord Shiva is. Vaikom Shiva Temple is considered as one of the largest and the oldest of all Kerala temples. Vaikom Mahadeva Shiva Temple, along with Ettumanoor Shiva Temple and Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple is considered a powerful tri-some. Vaikom Temple is 33 km south of Ernakulam and 40 km north of Kottayam.

Vaikom Temple Festivals Vaikom Ashtami

Two major Ashtami festivals are held annually in the Vaikom Siva temple. One is celebrated in the month of Kumbhom (February - March) and the other in Vrischikam (November - December). However, Ashtami festival during the dark lunar fortnight of the Malayalam month Vrischikam, known as Vaikkath Asthami, is the most popular one. The celebrations last for 12 days, with Ashtami falling on the last day.

On the Ashtami night, Thidampu, a symbolic idol of the Lord Siva is taken out in procession and kept in the Anakkottil (elephant shed). The deities from nearby temples are also taken in procession to the Anakkottil. After this, a ceremony called Kanikkiduka (offering of presents) is performed which is unique to this temple. Classical music and dance performances including Kathakali performances on the eighth and ninth days are the major attractions. The festival concludes with an Arattu (holy bath) at Udayanapuram which is the abode of Lord Subramanya. In 2010, Vaikam Ashtami Festival is on 29th November 2010 and Arattu Festival is on 30th November 2010.

Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur Kerala

Vadakkumnathan Temple or the Vadakkunnathan Temple is one of the largest and ancient Shiva temples in Kerala, located at Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala. Also known as Vrishabhachalam and Thenkailasam (the Kailash of the south), Vadakumnathan Temple is situated on a beautiful hillock, facing the Trissur town. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as Vadakkunnathan, the Lord of North. Vadakkumnathan Temple is a typical example of the Kerala style of architecture with beautiful murals and pieces of art including various episodes from the great Hindu epic Mahabharata.

Temple Festivals
Vadakkumnathan Temple is famous for the Thrissur Pooram Festival celebrated annually in the Malayalam month of Medam (April May). One of the most colourful temple festivals of Kerala, Thrissur Pooram is a majestic event which combines the imposing elephant pomp with the furious playing of drums and cymbals. The fireworks at the occasion are fabulous sight.

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple in Alappuzha Kerala

Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple is a famous Hindu Lord Krishna temple situated 14 km south of Alappuzha in Kerala, India. Ambalapuzha Temple was built by the erstwhile ruler of Chembakasserry Sree Pooradam Thirunal Devanarayanan Thampuran during 15th 17th AD. It is believed that the idol of Sree Krishna of Guruvayoor Temple was brought here for safekeeping during the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789. The temple is also famous for its unique prasadam, the delicious Ambalapuzha Palpayasam a sweet porridge made of rice, milk, and sugar. Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple is often refereed as Dwaraka of South.

Ambalapuzha Temple Festivals

Ambalapuzha Arattu is the main festival celebrated at the temple for 10 days during the Malayalam month of Meenam (March April). An important feature of the temple festival is the Velakali - a unique martial dance form performed during temple festivals. Ambalapuzha Moolakazhcha is another important ritual held in the temple during the Malayalam month of Mithunam on the Moolam asterism (Mool Nakshatra). Champakulam Boat Race is held on the Prathista day (idol installation day) of Ambalapuzha Sreekrishnan idol in the temple.

Kalpathy Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Kalpathi, Palakkad

Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple, popularly called as Kalpathy Temple, is located in the Kalpathy village of Palakkad District in Kerala. Locally called as Kundukovil and Dakshina Kashi, the temple enshrines the deities of Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Lord Viswanathaswamy and his consort, Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Visalakshi. Kalpathy Temple is situated by the banks of the Kalpathy River (Nila Nadhi), a tributary of Bharathapuzha, and surrounded by the four Tamil Brahmin agraharams or traditional villages, namely, New Kalpathy, Old Kalpathy, Chathapuram and Govindarajapuram. The presiding deity, Lord Viswanathaswami is surrounded by a Kshnaiga lingam. The idol of Lord Subramanya is flanked by his consorts, Valli and Devayani, and Kalabairava. On the right side of the inner prakara is the Kanaka Sabhai where you can see the bronze idol of Lord Nataraja. Another interesting feature of this Dakshina Kashi Temple is that the idols of Sri Viswanathaswamy and Sri Visalakshi are attached to the pedestals by Ashtabandhanam which is a mixture of eight elements. These help fix the idol to the peetham or base. The Viswanathaswamy idol is a Bana Lingam which extends four carpenters angul (inch) higher than the pedestal, while the idol of Vishalakshi is placed twenty four inches above the pedestal up to the top of the crown.

Sreekanteswaram Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

Sreekanteswaram Temple or Srikanteswaram Temple is one of the most popular Shiva Temples in Kerala, situated at Sreekanteswaram, around 1 km from East Fort, in Thiruvananthapuram. Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of a Shiva Lingam facing east. Lord Shiva is known by the names Sreekanteswaran (the lord of Sreekanteswaram), Mahadeva, Kailasanatha, and Gowri Shankara. Sreekanteswaram Temple also has separate shrines of Sree Mahaganapathy (Ganesha), Sree Dharmasastha (Swamy Ayyappa), Sree Nagaraja, Sree Murugan (Lord Subramanya), Sree Krishna and Sree Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman). The holy pond is seen on the eastern side of the temple. Sreekanteswaram Temple is situated to the south-west of the Pazhaya Sreekanteswaram Temple (Old Sreekanteswaram Temple) in Trivandrum.

Sreekanteswaram Temple Festivals Thiruvathira Mahotsavam - The annual festival of Sreekanteswaram is the Thiruvathira Mahotsavam is held during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (March April). This ten day festival starts with the hoisting of the temple flag called Thirukkodiyettu. The 9th day of the festival is the Pallivetta (royal hunt). Adryadarshan is on the 10th day morning. Magnificent processions and special rituals are held on all the ten Thiruvathira Mahotsavam festival days. Maha Shivarathri Festival - Shivaratri Festival is another major festival celebrated at Sreekanteswaram Temple in a grand scale in the Malayalam month of Kumbham. During the Shivrathri festival, devotees circumambulate the temple 108 times chanting the mantras and stotras of Shiva. The deity is carried out in procession on the silver Rishabhavahana at 3 am. This procession is conducted only on the 5th day of temple festival and during Shivaratri.

Lokanarkavu Temple, Vadakara, Kerala

Lokanarkavu Temple or Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple is situated at Memunda, about 5 km from Vadakara (or Badagara) in Kozhikode district of Kerala. Also known as Lokamalayar Kavu Temple, Lokanarkavu is derived from the Malayalam word Lokamalayarkavu which means Lokam (world) made of Mala (mountain), Aaru (river) and Kavu (grove). The presiding deity of Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple is Goddess Durga who is named as Lokanarkavilamma (Lokanarkavil Amma). This 1500-year old Goddess Durga temple has two shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The three-rock cut caves in the temple premises are beautifully engraved with carvings and murals. Lokanarkavu Temple is associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkanpattu (a collection of Malayalam Ballads of medieval origin). Thacholi Othenon, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, is said to have worshipped this temple daily.

Lokanarkavu Temple Festivals Two annual festivals are celebrated here during the Malayalam months of Vrischikam (November December) and Meenam (March - April). Lokanarkavu Utsavam This main festival of the temple, which lasts for 41 days, is held during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (mid November to mid December). It is locally known as Mandalavilakku Festival or Mandala Utsavam. The unique feature of the festival is that it is only here a folk dance called Thacholikali is performed during the temple festival. Thacholikali is similar to the traditional martial art form called Kalarippayattu. Large numbers of people from various places flock here to see this festival. Another attraction is that all the lamps on the walls of the Lokanarkavu Bhaghawathi Temple are lit on the occasion. Meenam Festival Meenam Festival at Lokanarkavu Temple is celebrated for eight days with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) on the Rohini day and the Arattu (holy bath) on the Pooram day. The traditional dance performance of Theyyambadi Kurup is the special attraction on the fifth and the sixth days. On the seventh day is the Nadu Valam Vekka and Pallivetta (holy hunt). On the Pooram day is the Poorappattu and Poorakkali (a traditional dance ritual performed by men). Poorakali, conducted during night, is a fascinating event. Poorappattu includes theme from the life history of the Goddess. The idol of the goddess is taken for Arattu on the Pooram day.

Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple in Alappuzha Kerala

Chakkulathukavu Sree Bhagavathy Temple, also known as Chakkulathu Kavu Temple, is one the most famous Devi Temples in Kerala situated at Neerattupuram (Neerettupuram), 18 km from Ambalapuzha on the Thiruvalla Road, in Alappuzha District of Kerala. Chakkulathukavu is 12 km west of Thiruvalla, on the border of Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha Districts. The presiding deity is Goddess Durga or Bhagavathi and is worshipped in the name of Chakkulathamma (Chakkulathu Amma). Thousands of devotees visit the temple of every Fridays and during the annual Chakkulathukavu Pongala Festival in November December the temple is visited by lakhs of devotees from all over the state. Chakkulathukavu Bhagawathi Temple Festivals Pongala Chakkulathukavu Pongala, similar to Attukal Pongala, is a major festival celebrated during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November - December) every year. Performed mainly by women devotees, this ritual involves offering Pongala (rice pudding) to Chakkulathamma. Naree Pooja Women are highly respected in our Hindu tradition. Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathy Temple has comprehended this concept as such and introduced this fascinating ceremony. As per the ritual, women are seated on specially arranged seats and their feet are respectfully washed. First Friday The first Friday of every Malayalam month gains special importance at the temple. Devotees observe meticulous fasting and penance and visit the shrine on this day. The small idol of the goddess which is usually placed inside the sanctum sanctorum beside the main idol is carried in procession. It is brought to the specially arranged place for prayer. An important task on the First Friday is the oath that certain devotees take against their habit of intoxication. The concerned devotees touch the divine sword of the goddess and the chief priest tells the oath of refraining from liquors and they repeat the prayers. The prayers are so important that they will give up the use of liquor. Another significant feature is that the devotees receive a special kind of medicinal water called as Outshadha Vellam. Consuming this water heals all type of diseases. Pandrandu Noyampu Every year, Pandrandu Noyampu fasting starts from the first day of the Malayalam Dhanu masam till the twelfth. Pilgrims visit the temple with Irumudi (bag with two parts) upon their heads. On the eleventh

day is the Kalasabhishekam. On the twelfth day, children, women and men hold Kavadi (semi-circular wooden frames decorated with flowers and feather). This is called Ammachi Kavadi. Kalamezhuthu and Nirapara are other major festivals celebraed at Chakkulathukavu Temple. Thrikkarthika Thrikkarthika falls in the Malayalam Vrischika masam and this is an auspicious day of the temple. Special rituals such as Divyabhishekam, Pongala, kindling the Karthika Pillar, Lakhshadeepam and Athazhapooja are performed.

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura, Kochi, Kerala

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is situated in Tripunithura, 10 km to the south-east of Kochi city, in Ernakulam District of Kerala. The temple enshrines Santhanagopala Murthy or Santhana Gopala Moorthy as the presiding deity. Santhanagopalamoorthy which literally means savior of infants is an incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu. Lord Vishnu is seen here in a sitting posture under the shade of five hoods of Ananthan. This is a unique pose unlike the other Vishnu temples where the Lord is usually found in a reclining posture on the divine serpent, Anantha. The folded body of the serpent itself serves as the seat for the God. The two upper hands of Lord Vishnu hold Sanku (conch) and Chakram (holy wheel) and the lower right hand holds the Padmam (Lotus flower). On the back side of Sreekovil, there is a small window from where devotees can get a close look at the idol of Santhana Gopala Moorthy of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. Devotees can also have a look at the idol of Lord Ganapathi on the extreme south side of the sanctum-sanctorum. It must be noted that, besides the idol of Lord Ganesha, no other Upadevatas are worshipped at Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. Poornathrayeesa is the combination of 3 words - poorna means complete, thraye means three, and isa means Iswara which means the Lord of Knowledge, or the Lord of the Three Vedas Rig Veda, Yajur

Veda and Sama Veda. Lord Poornathrayeesa is the family deity of the erstwhile Kochi dynasty. It is believed that childless couples are blessed with children on worshipping Sree Poornathrayeesan as the Lord is in the form of Lord Santhana Gopalakrishna.

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Festivals

Moosari Utsavam The beginning of Malayalam year is marked here with an eight-day long festival which is dedicated to the sculptor who had molded the idol of Sree Poornathrayeesan. Folklores say that the sculptor merged himself with the Lord while giving life to that beautiful idol and so the eyes of the image were left unveiled. This festival comes every year during Aug-Sept. Vrischikotsavam One of the important festivals of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Vrischikotsavam is a fifteen days long annual festival conducted in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November - December). The most captivating feature is the majestic procession (Ezhunnallippu) of the deity. Around fifteen elephants assemble in the Ana Kottil with all the decorations such as Nettipattam and Muthukkuda. They carry the Lord's idol (thidambu') on their back.

Attukal Devi Temple, Trivandrum, Kerala

Attukal Devi Temple, also known as Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, is situated about 2 km to the south-east from Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. One of the ancient Devi Temples of South India, Attukal Temple is situated on the banks of the Killi River. The presiding deity is Goddess Bhagavathi who is one of the forms of Parvati. Devotees considered Goddess Parvathi Devi as Amma, Attukal Amma (Attukalamma), and also Kannaki. Popularly called as the Sabarimala of Women, the Attukkal Temple is renowned for its most important annual festival called Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam, celebrated on the Malayalam month of Makaram Kumbham (February - March). Attukal Pongala

festival, mainly confined to the women folk, reached Guinness Book of World Records, when 1.5 million women offered Pongala in 23rd February 1997. Attukal Pongala Festival 2011 is on 19th February 2011, Saturday.

Attukal Devi Temple Festivals

Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam This is a ten-day festival which begins on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram Kumbham (February - March) and ends with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthitharpanam at night. Pongala Mahotsavam takes place on the ninth day of the festival. Pongala (Ponkala) means to boil over. This festival is the traditional offering of things to the Goddess. Irrespective of caste and religion, people in large numbers throng to Attukal Temple premises to offer pongala to the Goddess. Open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of Government offices are used for observing Pongala rituals. Pongala is sweet rice, prepared in earthen pots with rice, jaggery and coconut and offered to the Goddess. The festival is restricted only for women. Another attractive feature is the offering called Vilakku kettu. It is a huge structure made of pith, decorated with shining paper and garlands. Along with the image of the goddess, this is taken to the temple in a procession. The leaf of tender coconut and plantain leaf-stalks are also used for making these.

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple in Kerala India

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple or Chengannur Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Chengannur Mahadeva and Bhagawathy Temple is situated at Chengannur, around 117 km from Trivandrum city, in Alappuzha district of Kerala. The temple is also referred as Chengannur Bhagavati Temple, as the temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. The unique feature of Chengannur Temple of Shiva is the festival called Thriputharattu which is marked as a symbol of fertility. Derived from the word Tiruchenkunroor, Chengannur is one of the five ancient shrines connected with the Mahabharata. Chengannur town, also spelled Chenganoor, Chenganur, and Chengannoor, is also known as the Gateway to Sabarimala Temple.

Chengannur Temple Festivals

Thriputharattu Festival One of the interesting festivals of the temple, Thriputharattu is celebrated only here. The festival is associated with the menstruation ceremony and is observed periodically in the temple. Once the sign is observed on the vesture (Udayada) of Goddess Parvathi, it is removed by the Main Priest (Melsanthi) every morning. He examines the vesture and if he feels any signs of Thriputhu (Period), he hands over the vesture to Devasom Officials, then verified by the abbess (senior women) of the (Madom meaning monastery). Once the abbess confirms it, Devi's shrine will be closed for three days and worships will be offered to another image of the goddess in a different spot of the temple. The idol of Devi is taken to the nearby river on the fourth day and Arattu (holy bath) is conducted. This ceremony is called Thriputharattu. Afterwards, the goddess is taken back to the temple on an elephant. The idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi are taken in procession around the temple three times and then the Lord enters the shrine through eastern side and the goddess enters through western side. Main Festival Varshikotsavam This is a 28 day long festival at Chengannur Temple which begins on the asterism Thiruvathira of Dhanu masam (mid December-mid January) and ends on Thiruvathira of Makaram masam (mid January-mid February). Special rituals are performed during these days.

Koodalmanikyam Temple of Bharata in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, Kerala

Koodalmanikyam Temple or Koodal Manikyam Bharatha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Irinjalakuda, a small town in Thrissur District of Kerala. Kudal Manikkam Temple is the only temple in India dedicated to Lord Bharata, the brother of Lord Rama. He is worshiped here as Lord Sangameshwara. Sangameswara is a Sanskrit word which in Malayalam translation means Koodalmanickyam. Koodalmanikyam Bharatha Temple is also one of the four temples in Kerala which

form a set known as Nalambalam (Four Temples), of which each temple dedicated to the 4 brothers Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The Koodalmanikyam Temple sanctum sanctorum is round shaped and is covered with copper plates. There is a six-foot Thaazhikakudam at the pinnacle which adds beauty to the temple structure. The lord here is Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamaala. However, it is believed that the Lord is Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama. According to myths, Bharatha was anxiously waiting for the return of Rama from exile for fourteen years. He heard from Hanuman that Rama has reached Ayodhya and was much relieved and happy. Bharatha is worshipped in his happiest mood here. Lord Hanuman is seen at Thidappilly (the holy kitchen). Temple Festivals Koodalmanikyam Temple is renowned for the annual Kudalmanikyam Arattu Festival held for 11 days in the Malayalam month of Edavam (April May). This famous event starts one day after the Thrissur Pooram and ends on the next Thiruvonam day. The festival attracts a number of devotees to watch the color, music, Orchestra and Fine Arts which cannot be seen anywhere in Kerala. Another major festival celebrated is the Thriputhari on the Thiruvonam nakshatram in the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November). The newly harvested rice is first cooked and offered to deity and then distributed to devotees. Next day is a special offering called Mukkudi, an Ayurvedic mixture, a divine medicine for all diseases.

Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple in Trivandrum, Kerala

Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathi Temple is one of the most famous Lord Ganesh temples in Kerala, situated at East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram. Located in the heart of Trivandrum city, the original idol of the Pazhavangadi Ganapathy Temple is a small idol of Lord Ganesh, with the right leg in the folded posture. Pazhavangadi Ganapati Temple is one of the main temples in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is situated within walking distance from Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple of Lord Vishnu.

Other deities worshiped at Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapati Kovil are Lord Ayyappa, Goddess Durga, Nagaraja, and Brahmarakshas. Devotees can see beautiful paintings of the 32 forms of Lord Ganesh inside the temple complex. Festivals Celebrated at Pazhavangadi Ganesh Temple Vinayaka Chaturthi (Ganesh Chaturthi), Ganesh Jayanthi, Varad Chaturti, and Sankashti Chaturti are the main festivals in Pazhavangadi Maha Ganapathy Temple. Special poojas (pujas) are performed for other Hindu festivals including Thiruvonam, Vijaya Dasami, Ayilyam, Sahasra Kalasam, Thirkkarththika, Thirvathira, Makara Vilakku, Maha Shivaratri, Vishu, Thriveda Laksharcchana, and Nira Puththari.

Thottuva Sree Dhanwanthari Temple in Kerala

Thottuva Sree Dhanwanthari Temple is one of the few Lord Dhanvantari Temples in Kerala, India. The presiding deity is Adi Dhanwanthiri and the idol is almost six feet tall and facing east. On the right hand the lord holds Amrith and with the left hand the lord holds Atta, Shanku and Chakra. Sub deities are Ayyappan, Ganapathy, Bhadrakali and Rakshas. Fresh un-boiled milk is offered here, the important offering is butter. The idol of Thottuva Sree Dhanwantahri Temple was laid by Parasurama 5000 years ago as per the legend and hence the deity is known by the name Adi Dhanwanthiri. Then over the years the temple was managed by a Namboodiri (Kerala Brahmin) family called Korumbur Mana.The temple had lots of landed property in the olden times. Sree Sankaracharya used to worship here regularly. Lord Dhanwanthari is the Lord of Ayurveda - the herbal medical science. important Festivals

Festivals are conducted on Ekadashi during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, and on the Pooyam star day during the month of Medam, which is the consecration day. Every year the Annual Festival falls on Guruvayoor Ekadasi day (Ekadasi in the month of Vrischikam) and it is celebrated with pomp and splendour. The Dasavatharam Chandanam Chartal (when the idol is anointed with Sandal paste and the shape of each Avathar of Vishnu viz. Matsya, Koorma, Varaha etc) during first to eleventh of Dhanu is very famous and thousands of devotees from far and wide come to Thottuva these days and offer their prayers. Every month (Thiruvonam), there used to be a feast (prasadam oottu) for the devotees. On that day Palpayasam (milk pudding) is offered by some devotees (with pregnancy problems) to conceive child.

Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple in Aluva, Kerala

Thiruvairanikulam Mahadeva Temple is a famous Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati temple located about 15 km south of Aluva, in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as Mahadeva. The Lord faces east and the separate shrine for Goddess Parvati facing west in the same sanctum. The unique feature Thiruvairanikulam Temple is that the shrine of Lord Shiva is open all round the year; but, the temple of Parvathi is open only for 12 days in a year. The shrine of the Goddess Parvati is opened during the Malayalam month of Dhanu (mid December mid January), beginning from the Thiruvathira nakshatram, the birthday of Lord Shiva. A grand festival is celebrated at the Thiruvairanikulam Shiva Temple during the opening period called as Nadathurappu Mahothsavam. In 2010, Thiruvairanikkulam Mahadeva Temple Nadathurappu Mahothsavam festival starts on 21st December 2010 and ends on 1st January 2011.

Thiruvairanikkulam Temple Festivals

Nadathurappu Mahothsavam Opening of Goddess Parvati Temple During these 12 days of Nadathurappu Mahothsavam festival at Thiruvairanikkulam Temple, the sanctum is opened for the public and the Goddess Parvathi is decorated in oriental silks. Various offerings are made to the deity such as Pattu Saree and wedding Thali (necklace), turmeric powder, Swayamvara Archana (pooja performed to remove marriage obstacles), Valkannadi (a unique mirror found only in Kerala), Nelpara, Malarpara, Aripara, Sarkara para, offerings in the form of oil lamps,

Thrimadhuram and Brahminipattu. Click here to check the timings or visiting hours of Parvati shrine at the temple during festival occasion. Sree Krishna Jayanthi An 8-day festival is carried out during Sree Krishna Jayanthi, the birthday of Lord Krishna. Bhagava Sapthaham, the life story of Krishna, is recited during the festival. Other Hindu festivals such as Pradishta Divasam (day of deity installation) during the month of Midhuna (Punartham nakshatram), Mandala festival, Vishu Kani, Naaga Pradishta, and Navarathri are celebrated here.