tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63354910612997512972024-03-13T23:56:01.547-07:00Devi BhagavathiAmme Narayana Devi Narayana Lakshmi Narayana Badre NarayanaMutharamman Satsangamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12920177247902565801noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-51061820444048698522017-03-30T06:46:00.000-07:002017-03-30T06:49:07.784-07:00கொடுங்கல்லூர் பரணி - (30.03.2017)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #660000; font-family: "roboto slab" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">கொடுங்கல்லூரில் உள்ள பகவதி தேவிக்கு நடத்தப்படும் வருடாந்திர பரணி திருவிழா மிகவும் புகழ் வாய்ந்ததாகும். உண்மையில் இது சிவன் கோவில் என நம்பப்படுகிறது. அதனால் பகவதி தேவிக்கு பூஜை செய்யும் முன் சிவனுக்கே முதலாவது பூஜை செய்யப்படுகிறது. கொடுங்கல்லூர் கோவிலிலுள்ள பகவதி சிலை ஒரே பலா மரத்தில் செதுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது என நம்பப்படுகிறது. தேவி சிலையின் முகம், முகமுடியால் மறைக்கபட்டும் பல்வேறு ஆபரணங்களால் அலங்கரிக்கப்பட்டும் காணப்படும். </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #660000; font-family: "roboto slab" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">பரணி நட்சத்திரத்தன்று கொடியேற்றுவார்கள். இந்த உற்சவத்தின் முதல் நாளன்று, கோவிலின் வடக்கு நுழைவாயிலின் அருகே புதைக்கப்பட்டிருக்கும் இரண்டு வட்ட வடிவமான கற்களை எடுத்துப் பூஜை செய்து, அவற்றிற்கு சிவப்பு நிறப் பட்டுத் துண்டு சாற்றி, அந்தக் கற்களை மீண்டும் பூமியில் புதைக்கி றார்கள். இதற்கு "கோழிக்கல்லு மூடுதல்' என்று பெயர். ஒரு காலகட்டம் வரை இந்தக் கற்களின் மீது கோழியின் ரத்தத்தை ஊற்றி காளிக்குச் சமர்ப்பித்ததாகவும், தற்சமயம் அது நிறுத்தப் பட்டு சிவப்பு நிறப் பட்டுத் துண்டு சாற்றப் படுவதாகவும் கூறுகிறார்கள்.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #660000; font-family: "roboto slab" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">இந்த சமயத்தில் நடக்கும் இன்னொரு சடங்கு காவு தீண்டல். இந்தச் சடங்கில் கலந்து கொள்ள கேரளத்தின் பல பாகங்களில் இருந்தும் ஏராளமான பக்தர்கள் வருகிறார்கள்.. ஒவ்வொரு குழுவையும் தலைமை தாங்கி ஒரு வெளிச்சப்பாடு (ஆணோ, பெண்ணோ) அழைத்து வருகிறார். அனைவரும் செந்நிற ஆடையே அணிந்திருப்பர். இந்த வெளிச்சப் பாடின் கையில் ஒரு நாந்தகம் வாள் (வாளின் நுனி பிறைச் சந்திரன்போல காணப்படும்) இருக்கும். அந்த வாளின் பல இடங்களிலும் சிறிய சிறிய சலங்கைகள் கொத்து கொத்தாகக் கட்டித் தோரணமாக்குகிறார்கள். அந்த வெளிச் சப்பாடு அடிக்கடி வாளை தலைக்கு மேலே உயர்த்திப் பிடித்து வாளை ஆட்டும்போது சதங்கைகளின் நாதம் கேட்கும். அந்த வெளிச் சப்பாடின் இடுப்பிலும் ஒலிஎழுப்பும் சிறிய மணிகள் கட்டப்பட்டிருக்கும். அனைவரும் கால்களில் சிலம்பு அணிந்திருப்பர்.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; color: #660000; font-family: "roboto slab" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">இந்த உற்சவத்தில் பங்கு கொள்ளும் பக்தர் கள்- தெறிப்பாடல் எனப்படும் பாடல்களைப் பாடிக்கொண்டு கோவிலின் வெளிப்புறத்தைச் சுற்றி ஆவேசம் வந்ததுபோல மூன்று முறை ஓடுகிறார்கள். ஒருசிலரின் கைகளில் இரண்டு சிறிய கழிகள் காணப்படுகின்றன. அந்தக் கழிகளினால் கோவிலின் மேற்கூûரையின் ஓரத்தில் தட்டிக் கொண்டே பாடல்களைப் பாடிக்கொண்டு வேகமாக ஓடுகிறார்கள். ஓடிக்கொண்டே மஞ்சள் பொடி, தேங்காய், மிளகு ஆகியவற்றை கோவிலினுள் வீசி எறிகி றார்கள். அந்த நேரத்தில் கருவறை மற்றும் எல்லா சந்நிதிகளின் கதவுகளும் மூடப் பட்டிருக்கும்.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "roboto slab", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">இந்த காவு தீண்டல் சடங்கு முடிந்த பிறகு கோவில் ஒரு வாரத்திற்கு மூடப்படும். பிறகு "சுத்திகரணம்' செய்த பிறகே ஆலயத்தைத் திறப் பார்கள். கோவிலில் நடக்கும் இன்னொரு முக்கியச் சடங்கு, சந்தனப் பொடி சாற்றுதல். மூல விக்ரகம் பலா மரத்தினால் செய்யப் பட்டுள்ளதால் அதற்கு உறுதி கொடுக்கும் வண்ணம் இந்தச் சடங்கு பரணி உற்சவம் தொடங்கும்முன் நடைபெறுகிறது.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "roboto slab", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">பக்தர்கள் கொடுங்கல்லூர் பகவதியை, "கொடுங்கல்லூர் அம்மா' என்று வாஞ்சையுடன் அழைக்கிறார்கள்.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fafafa; font-family: "roboto slab", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #660000;">அம்மா தன்னுடைய குழந்தைகளின் குற்றங்குறைகளை மன்னித்து அவர்களுக்கு நன்மையை மட்டும் செய்பவள்தானே! அதுபோல கொடுங்கல்லூர் பகவதியும் பக்தர் களின் குற்றங்களை மன்னித்து, அவர்களது மனக்குறைகளைத் தீர்த்து அருள்புரிந்து வருகிறாள். </span></span></div>
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Muthu KShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944539772495619289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-87897240745903971162017-03-19T06:13:00.001-07:002017-03-19T06:13:24.746-07:00Attukal Bhagavathi Pongala <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Attukal Amma Alangaram in my house<br />
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Muthu KShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944539772495619289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-51899508827903310902017-03-10T20:17:00.001-08:002017-03-10T20:17:46.446-08:00ஆற்றுக்கால் பொங்கல் ( Attukal Pongala 2017 - 10:45am)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="TA" style="font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கேரளம் உருவெடுக்க காரணம் பரசுராமர். அவர்</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, 108 </span><span lang="TA" style="font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சிவாலயங்களையும்</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, 108 </span><span lang="TA" style="font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அம்மன் கோவில்களையும் உருவாக்கினார். கேரளாவில்
அம்மன் கோவில்கள் நிறையவே இருந்தாலும் தனிப்பட்ட பெயரால் அழைக்கப்படுவதில்லை.
பகவதி என்றே அழைக்கப்படுகின்றனர். ஆனால் எல்லா பகவதி அம்மன் கோவில்களுக்கும்
இல்லாத சிறப்பு “ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன்” கோவிலுக்கு உண்டு.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
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</span></span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பராசக்தியின் பக்தர் ஒருவர்</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, ’’</span><b><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கிள்ளி”</span></b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">என்ற ஆற்றில் நீராடிக்
கொண்டிருந்தார். அப்போது அங்கு தெய்வீக அம்சம் பொருந்திய சிறுமி ஒருத்தி வந்தாள்.
அவளைப் பார்த்ததும் அந்த அன்னையே குழந்தை வடிவில் வந்திருப்பதாக எண்ணினார் அந்த
பக்தர். கருணை மிகுந்த சிரிப்புடன் அம்மனின் பக்தரைப் பார்த்த சிறுமி</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, ”</span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">என்னை ஆற்றின் மறுகரையில்
கொண்டு விடமுடியுமா</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">? </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">என்று கேட்டாள். அவ்வாறே
மறுகரையில் </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கொண்டு</span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">போய்</span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சேர்த்தார்</span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ஆனால்</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சிறுமியை உடனே அனுப்ப
பக்தரின் மனம் ஒப்புக்கொள்ளவில்லை. வீட்டிற்கு அழைத்துச் சென்று உபசரிக்க
எண்ணினார். அதனை அந்த சிறுமியிடம் கூற எண்ணி திரும்பியபோது</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அந்த இடத்தில் சிறுமி இல்லாதது கண்டு திகைத்தார். பின்னர்
வந்தது அம்பிகை தான் என்பதை எண்ணி மகிழ்ந்தார்.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அன்று இரவு அந்த பக்தரின் கனவில் தோன்றிய அதே சிறுமி</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, ‘</span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">தென்னை மரங்கள் அடர்ந்த
பகுதியில் </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3 </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கோடுகள் தென்படும். அந்த
இடத்தில் கோவில் அமைத்து</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">என்னை குடியேற்றுங்கள்’ என்று
கூறினாள்.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">மறுநாள் சிறுமி கனவில் சுட்டிக்காட்டிய இடத்திற்கு சென்ற
பெரியவர்</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அங்கு </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">3 </span><span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கோடுகள் இருப்பதை கண்டு ஆனந்தம் கொண்டார். அங்கு சிறிய
கோவிலை கட்டி அம்மனை வழிபட்டார். நாளடைவில் இந்த கோவில் ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன்
கோவிலாக எழுச்சியுற்றது என்கிறது கோவில் வரலாறு.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nePb0G0jJsA/WMN5wRkoejI/AAAAAAAACoo/LjeA5Ej-rbAENZx-Lu63A8rTM1n9WrAhACLcB/s1600/DSC02810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nePb0G0jJsA/WMN5wRkoejI/AAAAAAAACoo/LjeA5Ej-rbAENZx-Lu63A8rTM1n9WrAhACLcB/s320/DSC02810.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attukal Bhagavathi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">இக்கோவிலை பற்றிய மற்றொரு கதை....</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கற்புக்கரசியும்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சிலப்பதிகாரத்தின் நாயகியுமான கண்ணகியின் அவதாரம்தான்
ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன் என்றும் கூறப்படுகிறது. தன் கணவன் கள்வன் அல்ல</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">என்பதை மதுரை பாண்டிய
மன்னனிடம் நிரூபணம் செய்து விட்டு</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">மதுரையை தீக்கிரையாக்கினாள் கண்ணகி.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பின்னர் அங்கிருந்து கன்னியாகுமரி வழியாக கேரளா மாநிலத்தின்
கொடுங்கல்லூர் என்ற இடத்திற்கு செல்லும் வழியில் ஆற்றுக்கால் என்ற இடத்தில்
இளைப்பாறினார் என்றும்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அதன் நினைவாகவே அங்கு
ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன் கோவில் திகழ்கிறது என்றும் கூறுகிறார்கள்.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கேரள மற்றும் கேரள தமிழக எல்லை வாழ் பெண்கள் மாலை அணிந்து
விரதமிருந்து இருமுடி கட்டி இக்கோவிலுக்கு செல்கின்றனர். அதனால் இக்கோவில
பெண்களின் சபரிமலை என்று பெயர் பெற்றது. கேரளத்து மக்கள் பகவதி அம்மனை தங்கள்
தாயாக பாவித்து தங்கள் இல்லத்து விசேசத்துக்கு அம்மனுக்கு முதல் மரியாதை
செய்கிறார்கள். ஆதிசங்கரர் இத்தலத்தில்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><b><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ஸ்ரீ சக்கர யந்திரம்</span></b><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பிரதிஷ்டை செய்து வணங்கினார். அவருக்குப்பின்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">வித்யாதிராஜ சட்டம்பி </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சுவாமிகள்</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">இத்தலத்தில்</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">வெகுகாலம்</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">தங்கி</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பூஜை</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">செய்துள்ளார்</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன் ஆலயம் முழுவதும் செம்புத் தகடால்
வேயப்பட்டுள்ளது.. கோவில் தூண்கள் மற்றும் சுவரில் மகிஷாசுரமர்த்தினி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">காளி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ராஜராஜேஸ்வரி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சிவபார்வதியின்
சித்திரங்கள் இடம்பெற்றுள்ளன. கோபுரத்தின் ஒரு பகுதியில் கண்ணகியின் வரலாற்றுச்
சிற்பங்கள் வடிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கருவறையில் ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன் கத்தி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கேடயம்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சூலம்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அட்சயபாத்திரம் போன்றவற்றை
கரத்தில் தாங்கி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அரக்கியை அடக்கி அவள் மேல்
அமர்ந்த கோலத்தில் அருள்பாலிக்கிறார். கருவறையில் இரண்டு அம்மன் சிலைகள்
அமையப்பெற்றுள்ளன. மூல விக்கிரகத்தில் ரத்தினங்கள் பதித்து தங்க அங்கி
சாத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">மூல விக்கிரகத்தின் கீழே அபிஷேக விக்கிரகம் உள்ளது.
அம்மனின் கருவறை ஸ்ரீகோவில் என்று அழைக்கப்படுகிறது. கருவறையை சுற்றி கணபதி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">சிவன்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">நாகர்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">தட்சிணாமூர்த்தி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ஆஞ்சநேயர் சன்னிதிகள்
அமைந்துள்ளன.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="TA" style="font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அம்மனே பொங்கலிடும் ஐதீகம்</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">;</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கேரளம் மட்டுமின்றி</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">தமிழகம் மற்றும் பல மாநிலங்களில் இருந்து பெண்கள் இங்கு
வந்து பொங்கல் வைத்து அம்மனை வழிபடுகின்றனர். மாசி மாதம் பூர நட்சத்திரமும்</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பவுர்ணமியும் கூடும்
நாளன்று இந்த பொங்கல் விழா நடைபெறுகிறது. பொங்கல் விழாவின் போது திருவனந்தபுரமே
புகை மூட்டமாகத்தான் காட்சியளிக்கும்.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ஆண்கள் அனுமதிக்கப்படாத இந்த பொங்கல் விழாவில் பெண்கள்
மட்டுமே கலந்துகொள்வார்கள். பொங்கல் வைக்கும் பெண்களின் ஊடே</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பகவதி அம்மனும் ஒரு பெண்
வடிவில் பொங்கல் வைப்பதாக இன்றளவும் பக்தர்களால் நம்பப்படுகிறது. மாலையில் கோவில்
பூசாரிகள் ஆங்காங்கே இருக்கும் அனைத்து பொங்கல் பானைகளிலும் தீர்த்தம்
தெளிப்பார்கள்.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">அப்போது வானத்தில் இருந்து ஹெலிகாப்டர் மூலமாக பூ
தூவப்படும். இந்த நிகழ்ச்சியின் போது கோவில் உள்ளேயும் பகவதிக்கு பொங்கல்
விடுகிறார்கள். அந்த அடுப்பிற்கு ‘பண்டார அடுப்பு’ என்று பெயர்.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">கருவறையில் உள்ள விளக்கில் இருந்து தீ எடுத்து வந்தே</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">, <b>‘</b></span><b><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பண்டார அடுப்பு’</span></b><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">பற்ற வைக்கிறார்கள். இந்த
அடுப்பில் இருந்து செய்யப்பட்ட பொங்கலே அம்மனுக்கு நிவேதனம் செய்யப்படுகிறது</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="TA" style="background: white; font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">இனி கின்னஸ் சாதனை பற்றி பார்ப்போம்...</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-language: TA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">1997–</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ம் ஆண்டு பிப்ரவரி </span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">23–</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ந் தேதி நடந்த பொங்கல் நிகழ்ச்சியில் </span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">15 </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">லட்சம் பெண்கள் கலந்து
கொண்டனர். அது ‘கின்னஸ்’ உலக சாதனை புத்தகத்தில் இடம் பிடித்தது. இதே போல் </span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">2009–</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ம் ஆண்டு மார்ச் மாதம் </span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">10–</span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">ந் தேதி நடந்த பொங்கல்
விழாவின் போது </span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">25 </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">லட்சம் பெண்கள்
கலந்துகொண்டு பொங்கல் வைத்ததாக முந்தைய சாதனையை முறியடித்து மீண்டும் கின்னஸ்
சாதனை புத்தகத்தில் இடம் பிடித்தது ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன் கோவில் பொங்கல்
வைக்கும் திருவிழா.</span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">உலகப்புகழ் பெற்ற ஆற்றுக்கால் பகவதி அம்மன் கோவில் பொங்கல்
திருவிழா வரும் </span><span style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">11/3/2017 (10:45 am) </span><span lang="TA" style="background: rgb(247, 238, 237); font-family: Latha, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">நடைப்பெற உள்ளது..
இயன்றவர்கள் சென்று பகவதி அம்மன் அருள் பெறுவோம்.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Muthu KShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944539772495619289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-76676882901215474592017-01-16T23:24:00.001-08:002017-01-16T23:24:12.556-08:00Sakthi Peedam Photos - Part - 2<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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7. Thiruvarur Kamalambal</div>
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8. Periyapalayam Bhavani</div>
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9. Mandaikadu Bhagavathi</div>
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10. Veerapandi Kaumariyamman</div>
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Muthu KShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944539772495619289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-82128125524685283482017-01-16T23:01:00.003-08:002017-01-16T23:15:15.920-08:00Sri Mandaikadu Bhagavathi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Mandaikadu</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Bhagavathi</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Amman</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Temple</st1:placetype></st1:place> is a popular temple dedicated to Mother Goddess Shakthi near Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu. A 15 feet tall anthill is worshipped as Bhagavathi Amman. The anthill has five heads and the belief is that it is still growing. Currently the anthill has the height of 12 feet.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxFxKvElFqY/UfdRdz_7GmI/AAAAAAAALE0/FZEzMmag7BY/s1600/Mandaikadu+Temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #888888; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PxFxKvElFqY/UfdRdz_7GmI/AAAAAAAALE0/FZEzMmag7BY/s1600/Mandaikadu+Temple.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(255, 255, 255); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a>There is a belief that the Mandaikadu Bhagavathi Amman Murti stands on the spot where Adi Shankaracharya performed puja to a Sri Chakra.</div>
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The face of the murti of Bhagavati Amman can be seen at the upper end of the anthill. There is also a Sri Chakra installed in the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is built in the Kerala style of temple architecture.</div>
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<b>Major Offering in the Temple</b><br />Silk clothes and mangalsutra are offered to the Goddess for early and good marriage. Those having problems with hand or legs or other body parts offer body parts made using silver.</div>
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Those suffering from headache and other ailments associated with head offer Mandaiappam a sweet made using rice flour and jaggery.</div>
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Those couples not having children offer cradles. Those people who believe that they are suffering due to evil eye or as a result of the activities of other people perform Vedi Vazhipadu – lighting of temple crackers. Other rituals including eat monsooru – in this ritual devotees keep Prasadam received from the temple on the floor and eat it.</div>
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<br /><b>Festivals and Important dates</b></div>
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Full moon day (Poornima), Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays are important days in the temple. The most important temple festival is held in Maasi month (February – March). The festival attracts a million people. Mandaikadu Temple is located on the sea shore at Mandaikadu village in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. The temple is around 4 km from Colachel, 5 km from Thingalnagar, 22 km from Nagarcoil, 41 km from Kanyakumari and 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.</div>
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<b>Mandaikadu Temple Timing</b></div>
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Morning Darshan Timing is from 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM</div>
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Evening Darshan Timing is from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM</div>
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<br /><b>Mandaikadu Temple Location</b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, sans-serif; font-size: 18.4px; text-align: left;">Mandaikadu Temple is located on the sea shore at Mandaikadu village in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu. The temple is around 4 km from Colachel, 5 km from Thingalnagar, 22 km from Nagarcoil, 41 km from Kanyakumari and 70 km from Thiruvananthapuram.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sri Mandaikadu Bhagavathi</td></tr>
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Muthu KShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11944539772495619289noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-50359254032709831962011-10-04T22:35:00.000-07:002011-10-04T22:35:57.227-07:00Sakthi peedam photos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1.Thirukadaiyur Abirami</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ty4pht7YQw/TovrRdqhwuI/AAAAAAAAAA8/EzSvLniz3sY/s1600/Abirami.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ty4pht7YQw/TovrRdqhwuI/AAAAAAAAAA8/EzSvLniz3sY/s320/Abirami.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <br />
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2.Thiruvanaikkaval Akilandeshwari<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3.Kollur Sri Mookambikai</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">4.Kodungalloor Sri Bhagavathi</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">5. Thirumayilai Sri Karpagambal</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">6.Attukal Sri Bhagavathi</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwBfrhbTBzs/TovrvveFuHI/AAAAAAAAABQ/mxZ4JUm7cT4/s1600/attukal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" kca="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EwBfrhbTBzs/TovrvveFuHI/AAAAAAAAABQ/mxZ4JUm7cT4/s320/attukal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-26760897609807628452011-02-27T06:08:00.001-08:002011-02-27T06:14:51.757-08:00Pallikal Bhagavathi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gABs_AmupJY/TWpcIvvnZ8I/AAAAAAAAAA4/uGsEu0S3-Qg/s1600/pallickalamma.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" l6="true" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gABs_AmupJY/TWpcIvvnZ8I/AAAAAAAAAA4/uGsEu0S3-Qg/s1600/pallickalamma.gif" /></a></div>Situated just two kilometers along the <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Mannady</span></strong> road, north of the famous <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">kottarakkara Ganapathy temple</span></strong>, <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Pallikkal Maha Devi temple</span></strong> has a rich history of more than thousand years. This temple is one among the <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Pathinettu pattupura kshethram</span></strong> of the erstwhile Mannady temple which is closely associated with the history of Travancore. For the numerous devotees around the globe Pallikkalamma is the mother goddess, who saves them from all the trials and tribulations in their lives. Contrary to Devi’s usual posture of anger, <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Pallikkalamma</span></strong> is a symbol of love and passion for her devotees. Pallikkalamma is a mother goddess with <strong><i><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">sathvika bhavam</span></i></strong><em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">. </span></em>There are a number of incidents to illustrate her kindness.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">One among the legend is the visit of <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Kaambithan</span></em> to the temple. <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Kaambithan</span></em> was a renowned Sidha of the region. He was undertaking a pilgrimage to Devi temples. Thus he came to the world of Pallikkalamma. But at that time the temple and sanctum sanctorum was locked. Pallikkalamma felt the visit of her true devotee <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Kaambithan</span></em>. Thus he heard the conch-shell voice from the locked sanctum sanctorum. The bells in the temple rang. Thus Amma proved her divine presence there.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 10.5pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Historical evidence about the importance of this temple is linked with V<strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">eluthampy Dhalava</span></strong> who sacrificed his life for the freedom of his motherland. After the very renowned <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">Kundara Proclamation</span></strong> Veluthampy and his younger brother fled to the Mannady temple.It is sure that on the way to the Mannady Temple the duo visited the Pallikkal Mahadevi temple.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="pr11"><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 14.0pt;">To the North side of the temple near by the Kavu(grove), there is a huge Cotton tree (Elavu maram). It is more than thousand years old. The tree can be seen from every part of the region. It looks like an umbrella to the temple. The devotees also bow before the natural wonder.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: maroon; font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">KULAKKADA THAMARASSERRY NAMBIMADOM</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #002060; font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is a very old thanthrik family in Kollam district in Kerala. It still holds the Thanthrasasthra, which was instituted by Parasurama. It is also believed that Parasurama brought this family from the North in order to systematize the ritualistic procedures in this holy book. With continuous and rigorous commitment the members of this family completed this work commendably well. These systems and procedures are being performed without fail. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The family got the unique distinction in worshiping the very rare moorthy’s such as Vallabha Ganapathy, Aavahanthy, Sreechakram, Bhadrakaly, Durgayakshy and Sooryan(Sun).These moorthy’s were consecrated in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in the nalukett of the family decades back.Being the devotees of soorya, the male members of this family are known as Bhanu, which is a synonym of Sun. One among the Acharya of this family Bhanu Pandarathil, who lived from 1102 to 1184 of the Malayalam year, consecrated Swayamvara Parvathy and systematized the rituals for her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This great family is the thanthry of more than 400 temples all over Kerala. There are historical evidences which suggest that one of the heads of this family consecrated the so called 18 pattupura temples of the Mannady temple in the first year of the Malayalam era (A.D. 825).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 14pt;">Festivals</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">The Thiru ultsavam of the temple falls on the <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">swathy</span></strong> (chothy) star of Kumbha masam. The functions start with <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">Ashtadravya Ganapathy homam</span></em> performed under the leadership of <strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">Thanthry Brahmasree Bhanu Bhanu Pandarathil.</span></strong> Then follows the <strong><i><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">25 kalasam kalabhabhishekam, marappani pani sopana sangeetham and kalamezhuthyppattu</span></i></strong><em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">.</span></em> After these the famous <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">kettukazhcha </span></em>takes place. This is believed to be one the best <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">kettukazhchas </span></em>in the whole Kottarakkara thaluk.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt;">Shortly after the <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">Deeparadhana</span></em> and <strong><i><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">kalamezhuthumpattu</span></i></strong><em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">,</span></em> Amma’s<strong><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";"> </span></strong><em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">ezhunnallathu (Divine Visit)</span></em> begins. Girls with <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif";">thalappoli</span></em>(floral plates) and men with vadyamelam accompany Amma to the temple of her main upadeva, Udayan thampuran.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Ponkala</span></em> of the temple is performed on the Sunday prior to Amma’s <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">thirunal </span></em>and <strong><i><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">parakkezhunnallathu</span></i></strong><em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">. </span></em>Four days prior to the thirunal,<em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;"> parayeduppu</span></em> begins. This is the much awaited tour of Amma to visit her people. The devotees worship Amma by dedicating <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">para</span></em> before the deity. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Navarathry</span></em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> is celebrated with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm. Recitals by famous artists is a usual feature. <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Poojavayppu</span></em> and <strong><i><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Ezhuthiniruthal</span></i></strong><em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">(initiation to the world of knowledge)</span></em> will also be performed. <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Sapthaham</span></em> and <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Navaham</span></em> are performed on an alternative basis every year. <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">Ramayana masam</span></em> is also observed. Mandala festival is observed with <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">chirappu</span></em> and <em><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Latha; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;">kalamezhuthumpattu</span></em> for 41 days.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vazhipadukal</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The main vazhipadukal include Panthirunazhi payasam, Kadumpayasam, Kudumbarchana, Swayamvarchana, Bhagavathyseva, Chuttuvilakku, Ankicharthi deeparathana, Swarna kireedam charthy deeparathana, Unniyappam, Idichupizhinja payasam and Aravana payasam(offered once in a year).The swayamvararchana here is very famous. It is believed that the obstacles in marriage will be overcome by praying before Pallikkalamma after performing swayamvararchana.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 11.7pt;"><br />
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</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Algerian; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Upadevas</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The most important and original Upadevan of Pallikkalamma is Udayan Thampuran. This is a Kiratha moorthy with a savage costume. The deity faces the south. This temple is maintained and supervised by the Devi vilasom Haindava Sangatana. Udayan thampuran the upadevalayam of pallickal devi temple.The main offerings here are idichupizhinja payasam, Udayanoottu jaladhara, nirajanam, mrityujnjaya homam, Thrimadhuram, Ankicharthi Deeparadhana etc.<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">To the North West direction of the main temple there is a Sarppakkavu. In this piece of land exists Nagaraja,Nagayakshy and the Chithrakudam. Noorum Paalum is performed on the Ayilyam star of every month. Ayilyam of the Kanni month is very famous here. Special pujas are performed on the same day. On the Ponkala day Naga puja also takes place.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Interior to the nadavazhy of the main temple,to the south of the sanctum sanctorum is the temple of Bhoothathan. This structure is a roofless one. The main offerings are plantain (pazham) and breaking of tender coconuts( karikkudakkal).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exterior to the nalambalam and outside the pradakshinavazhy in the North West corner is the temple of Yakshiyamma. As per the devotees, the presence of Yakshiyamma is a reality. During the Padayany, at the time of the entrance of yakshikkolam this feeling of divine presence looms large there.The main offering is Ada. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The other Upadevas include Rakshas, Yogeeswaran and Maadan. The main offerings for Rakshas is Palppayasam , for Yogeeswaran pazham and malar and for Madan it is nivedyam.</span><span style="font-family: "Berlin Sans FB", "sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-30144372661650212772011-02-20T01:52:00.001-08:002011-02-20T01:52:51.304-08:00Kadampuzha Devi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Sree Parvathy reigns supreme as Goddess Vana Durga at Kadambuzha and is considered as one of the most prominent Devi temples in Kerala. The term 'puzha' which means 'river' is a misnomer here since the otherwise sylvan surroundings and verdant greenery around the glade has no river skirting it. The idol in the Sanctum Sanctorum is abstract in shape but it is 'Swayambhoo' or natural in manifestation. The temple is very simple in architecture without any imposing edifices or a gold-plated flag-mast. There are no festival processions or drum concerts. But the multitude of birds nestling on the verge of the green belt provide a natural ambience with their continous chirping and it is fully in tune with Kerala's temple culture as an epitome of preservation of ecological balance.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Legend about the origin of the temple is associated with the popular episode in the Mahabharatha where Arjuna does penance to appease Lord Siva to obtain the divine weapon Pashupathasthra(The divine arrow of shiva/pashupathi). Lord Siva approaches Arjuna as a hunter (Kiratha) with his consort Sree parvathi escorting him as a huntress. When Arjuna tried to hunt down a wild boar with his arrows, Shiva also aimed his mighty arrows at the animal. A squabble started for the better part of the hunt and within no time got accentuated into a fearsome battle. Parvathi turned the arrows which Arjuna showered on Lord Siva into flowers. Arjuna stood awe-struck as he couldn't believe his eyes. He understood that the person whom he has been fighting to is not a silly hunter and the lady who is seen by the hunter's side is not a mere jungle-woman and prostrates before them. Pleased by this, both Shiva and Parvathy revealed their true form. Having found Arjuna worthy of the deadly weapon, Shiva gave him the same as well as the hymn to empower it.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The shower of arrows turned into flowers quite miraculously is symbolised here by a unique offering to the Goddess, the <b>Poomoodal</b>. The Swayambhoo Sthanam being covered completely by flowers or petals of Thechi(Jungle flame) flowers as they resemble arrowheads. The quantity required is 12 Kutanna, one Kutanna being the capacity when two cupped palms are held together. During the divine couple's wandering in this forest, Sreeparvathi once felt thirsty and the Lord brought forth holy water from river Ganga through a well directed arrow ino the earth. This event is immortalised as Kaadan Ambu-eitha-ala where kaadan is hunter, ambu is arrow, eitha is shot and ala is hole. This became Katanambueithaala which was later colloquialised as Kadampuzha. Devotees thus worship the hole through which river Ganga sprouted and this is the idol sankalpa. </span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Shankaracharya</span></b><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> during once of his frequent pilgrimages while traversing this forest area was attracted by an all pervading aura emanating from the dense undergrowth. Finding it difficult to approach the spot due to the immense heat generated by the radiation, he prayed Lord Vishnu as Narasimha and the Lord appeared. With the help of Sudarshana chakra of Lord Vishnu the great saint moved closer only to fmd the radiance shrinking and fmally vanishing into a hole on the earth's surface. Through deep meditation using the 'Divyachakshussu'(supernatural gift to know the unknowns), the Acharya discerned the nature of the phenomenon nothing other than</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">the divine presence of Sree parvathi in the forest. A temple was built at the place and in commemoration of 'shower of flowers' , Poomoodal gained prominence due to the inherent quality and power of flower petals to absorb heat. Lord Narasimha and Sudarshanachakra are honoured through depictions in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum. There are enclosures for Sree Dharma Sastha and Nagakanyaka as upadevaas or subsidiary deities. Modalities of worship are as prescribed by Shankaracharya.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Goddess here is worshipped in three forms, Vidya Durga (Saraswathi), Vanadurga(Durga/parvathy) and Aadi Durga (Moola Durga Lakshmi). As Durga, She blesses the devotees with health, early marriage and domestic harmony. Saraswathi is invoked for education and career. Lakshmi is of course Goddess of wealth and prosperity. Another unique offering here is 'Muttarukkal' where coconuts brought by devotees are broken by the priest in front of Devi's idol in the presence of the devotees themselves and this is to ward off hostile influences plaguing them. One coconut for every obstacle is the system followed. The popularity of this ritual can be gauged from the figure of more than thirty lakhs of coconuts that are brought to the temple every year by the stream of devotees. The other important sevas are Kadinapayasam, Rakthapushpanjali, Choroonu (Annaprasam), Dehapushpanjali, Thrimadhuram, Thrikalapooja, Kettu-nira,Vilakkumala,Malapooja, Neyyu-vilakku, Ganapathi Homam, Niramala etc.</span></div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">The temple is far from the bustle of city life, just about two kilometres east of Vettichira between Valanchery and Kottakkal on NH 17. Those who prefer train journey can alight at Kuttipuram or Tirur Railway Station from where there are buses to the temple which is 19Kms away. </span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-63092185209068559872011-02-20T01:51:00.000-08:002011-02-20T01:51:22.491-08:00Kodungalloor Bhagavathi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif";"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Kodungalloor Bhagavathi</span></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBtivdHx2Gk/TWDkEOcxItI/AAAAAAAAAAs/N_D1cGoQU10/s1600/180px-Kodungallur_Bhagavathy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eBtivdHx2Gk/TWDkEOcxItI/AAAAAAAAAAs/N_D1cGoQU10/s1600/180px-Kodungallur_Bhagavathy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Daylight dawns over the banyan trees of Kodungalloor. The place which is considered as the pinnacle of Kali worship in Kerala is all set for another Bharani festival. Within the temple grounds, the atmosphere is electric. The blades of a hundred sabres carve the air, etching frenzied syllables of adulation to Kali. This is the hour of the velichappadu(also called as ' The revealer of light ' who acts as a mediator between deity and the devotee and dresses himself in red), the resplendent oracle, embodying the mystic tradition of centuries, smiting his forehead with the sword of his faith, bleeding profusely and proclaiming his communion with the goddess in a weird act of self-flagellation.<br />
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Blood and belief blend in symbiosis during the festival at the Kodungallur which falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam each year. From the symbolism of the cock-stone ceremony with which the festival opens that soon give way to the tremors and shivers of the Komarams and in the end, blood is an extended metaphor that encapsulates a whole range of moods, from the spirit of battle and bloodlust of the conqueror, to the joy of liberation and the ecstasy of a sacrament. A background chorus to this ritual tapestry, strident as a discordant note in a symphony, is the coarse convention of 'Therippattu', the singing of scurrilous songs addressed to the temple deity.<br />
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Each year, bus loads of pilgrims throng the temple to attend the seven-day festivities . Once in the temple premises, the pilgrims break up into small clusters and sing; some in low tones, some with gusto.<br />
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The custom of singing profane songs is the practice of Kavu Theendal, or 'polluting' the temple, the climax of the festival, after which the shrine is closed for a week. Kavu Theendal, the pollution ceremony, is overseen by the Kodungallur king. Hordes of Komarams who have arrived from other parts of the state assemble at various spots in the temple compound.<br />
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A red ceremonial umbrella is unfurled over the king's head. This is the signal. The vellichappads charge around the temple in a daunting human stampede, waving their sabres in the air, while members of their retinue strike the temple rafters with sticks and hurl objects over the roof and on to the inner quadrangle. They circle the temple three times in a frenzy and then fall before the king for his benediction. The temple is then closed to the public for a week. Its doors reopen after 'purificatory' rituals are conducted to cleanse the shrine of the 'stain' of Kavu Theendal.<br />
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A widely accepted notion connects the Kodungallur shrine with Ilamkovadigal's Tamil classic, Silapathikaram, whose date of composition is uncertain but is placed roughly between the second and ninth centuries AD. The temple is believed to be a memorial to Kannaki, the protagonist of the Tamil classic, whose husband was falsely condemned in a theft of royal ornament(Queen's chilambu) and then killed by the King's decree. Kannaki plucked her left breast in anguish and rage, and reduced the city of Madurai to ashes with her curse. At the end of her wanderings she is resurrected in heaven. The Chera king erected a memorial to Kannaki in the capital Vanji, which is now believed to be present-day Kodungallur.<br />
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The idol in the temple itself is shocking which is having eight hands and in them carries a severed head, a multi-headed serpant,a blood dripping sword,a trident,a bell,a cup and a shield.<br />
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Scholars speculate that Ilamkovadigal has based his characterisation on a contemporary heroine in whose honour a memorial was later established. An intriguing architectural feature of the Kodungallur temple is the existence of a sealed underground vault and it could be a megalith or a burial chamber, possibly containing the mortal remains of Kannaki.<br />
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The riddle may never really be solved. Temple authorities do not permit any exploration of the crypt or the breaking of its sealed walls for purposes of research. The popular imagination is infested with taboos. The local community fears that those who attempt to peer into the vault invite the most harrowing consequences.<br />
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The Kodungallur deity has some esoteric rituals that deviate from laid down procedures. For instance, in the run-up to the temple desecration ceremony, non-brahmins perform a three-hour puja which is said to be a departure from the norm. The ingredients used are said to be substitute items for meat, fish and alcohol. The Kodungallur temple has an age-old image as a great social leveller. Its doors were open to those at the bottom of the caste hierarchy long before the temple entry legislation came into force. Where other temples barred their entry round the year, the Kodungallur temple allowed them access for 27 days.<br />
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The wellsprings of faith lie deep in the psyche of the devotees. They are farmers who flock to Kodungallur in the aftermath of the harvest season. The festival acquires for them the significance of a fertility rite. The obscene songs perhaps have a cathartic dimension in the lives of these simple rustic folk.<br />
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To the poor pilgrim, the Kodungallur festival represents more than just an occasion for irreverent songs or a perverse infatuation with obscurantist rites. It is a quest for solace, a plea for redemption, a time for unburdening. And it is a time for renewal under the scathing stare of Kali, the mother goddess.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-49662021857206960602011-02-20T01:49:00.001-08:002011-02-20T01:49:22.249-08:00Chettikulangara Bhagavathi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Chettikulangara Bhagawathy</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><br />
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Chettikulangara, Bhagawathy temple is one of the very renowned temples of Kerala. It is about 5 km from Mavelikkara and 6 km from Kayangulam. In this temple the Goddess appears like Goddess Saraswathy in the morning, Goddess Lakshmi in the noon and Goddess Durga at night. The temple is believed to be 1200 years old and is in the middle of 13 Karas (Residential areas of Nairs). It is one of the temples with very high income running to several crores in Kerala. Nairs and Ezhavas play a major role in the worship and conduct of festivals in this temple. The idol of the temple is made using Jack wood. It seems once the idol got slightly dilapidated and the people decided to have a new idol. They after arduous search located a suitable Jack wood tree in a private compound in Aranmula. But the owner of the tree refused to give the tree for making of the idol. That day it seems the owner of the tree dreamt that he was being beaten by The Bhadrakali. When he woke up next day all over his body were the mark of the beating. Immediately he offered the tree and the present idol was made from that tree.<br />
There are several stories about the origin of this temple. It seems the people of this area used to attend the festival in the Koypallikarazhma Bhagavathi temple before this temple was built. That chieftain of that village humiliated the people of this area. Because of this they prayed Goddess Bhagawathi to come to their country. In the dream of one of them, the Goddess appeared and told that she will come to their country. After a few days an old woman was seen walking towards the temple. She needed to cross a river to reach this place. A Christian boat man helped her to cross the river and also started helping her to reach her destination. On the way that old lady became very tired and sat down below a tree. The boatman went to a nearby house, where some work was going on and brought some Kanji (rice gruel) and chutney made using horse gram. The old lady took them and went to a near by tank to wash her hands. There was a Brahmin lady in steps of the tank. She saw the old lady getting in to the tank and vanishing there. She also saw a very bright light there.<br />
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The people of the village called the astrologers who found out that that lady was Bhagawathy herself. So they built a temple for her there. The family of the Christian boatman were entrusted the job of the Fire cracker worship in the temple. They also offer daily to the Goddess the rice gruel and Horse Gram Chutney. Below the tree where the goddess took rest, they also built a temple for her called Puducherry temple. According to another version, this temple was consecrated by Padmapadacharyar (a leading disciple of Adi Shankara) on the Uthrittathi day of Makara month in A.D. 823. There is a firm argument that the goddess here was a family deity, and later emerged as the village and regional deity. Local historians oppose the argument that the temple is not as ancient as the nearby Kandiyoor Mahadeva temple or Mavelikara Krishna Swamy temple as it had not been mentioned in Unnuneeli Sandesam written in the 14th century. According to late Kandiyoor Mahadeva Shasthri, Samudra Bandhan–a leading courtier of Ravi Varman, an ancient King of Venad had visited this temple and wrote poems on Bhagavathi.Similarly Aadithya Kulasekharan, the King of Venad (1374 A.D. to 1389 A.D.) also had visited the Chettkulangara temple, argues them. However, it is to be said that the present Sreekovil of the temple is only 450-480 years old, and the Chuttambalam is not more than two centuries old. Local historians say that the temple infrastructure and the surroundings were developed by various local chieftains from time to time. The present Sreekoil was revamped during A.D.1540. Because of a small fire at this temple, the Chuttambalam was slightly modified during the Malayalam year 1002. It is also believed that Chettikulangara Amma (the main deity) is the daughter of Kodungallur Amma, brought to that place for the well being of all people at Onattukara(Mavelikara). In front of the temple there is a huge lamp in which you can put thousand wicks. One of the major offering at the temple is lighting the lamp. Since the statue of the Goddess is made of Jack tree wood, it is coated with red paste of Kumkum(called Chandadal often.Besides the main deity there are also temples for Yakshi, mukoorthi, Rakthakshi, Thevara Murthy, Kannampalli Bhagawathy, Ganapathy , Naga raja, Naga Yakshi, Brahma Rakshas, Valia Achan and Balakan in this temple.<br />
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<b>Festivals of the temple</b><br />
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are Parayeduppu In the numerous temples of Onattukara, the "Parayeduppu" period is the festival season. It all begins when the deity ("Devi") of Chettikulangara temple is taken out in procession for Parayeduppu on the Makayriam star of the Malayalam month Makaram(January-February). The festivals continue to the end of Medam(April-May). The main part of Parayeduppu is the Jeevatha constructed in the model of the temple structure itself. This box-like carriage for the deity rests on two teakwood poles about two meters long, and is in the form of a palanquin . The front resembles "Thidambu" behind which is a kind of pettakam (small chest ) built as per Thachusaasthra calculations. Up front is a woollen cloth embroidered with shining, colourful pictures and gold trinkets. Behind that is kept the deity's holy dress, starched and pleated, and decorated with small mirror pieces. More than 100 families form the entourage of Parayeduppu Bhagavathy’s - five month long visit to the homes of people who lives in her Karas The rhythms used during Jeevatha Ezunnallathu (procession) are quite noteworthy. Starting with very slow beats, it builds up a crescendo and ends in fast beats. The ensemble consists of Veekkan chenda, Uruttu chenda (both drums), Elathaalam (cymbals), Kombu and Kuzhal (both, wind instruments). Although Jeevatha Ezunnallathu and Parayeduppu are centuries old customs, the "Chuvadu Vechu Kali" (a peculiar dance with unique steps) is relatively recent. Kumbha Bharani The major festival at Chettikulangara is Kumbha Bharani Festival. This is in the month of march or April. The date is determined according to the Malayalam Calendar KollaVarsham. In that this day comes in the month of Kumbha and the day which has the star Bharani and hence the name Kumbha Bharani. The highlight of the festival is [Kuthiyottam] and [Kettukazha]. The preparation for Kumbha Bharani starts 7 days before the actual day and incidentally that day will be the Shivarathi. People who had pledged for Kuthiyottam will start training their children for the offering on that day. All these 7 days these people will host public get-togethers and arrange food for them. The children will be taught a special dance steps called Kuthiyoota chuvadukal etc.Meanwhile the people from 13 karas of chettikulangara will arrange for the construction of [Kettukazhcha] to the temple.<br />
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The Kuthiyottam processions starts early morning on that day and will last until afternoon. Those who had offered Kuthiyottam to Devi will bring their children to the temple as a procession and will offer the children before Devi as sacrifice. The boys will be playing the Kuthiyootam dance before the Devi. During the evening hours it will be turn of the Kettukazhcha. People from each area will pull the Kettukazhcha from the construction sites (usually in their respective karas itself) to the temple to preset them before the Devi and after having darshan the parties take up their respective position in the paddy fields lying east of the temple During the night, the image of Devi will be carried in procession to the Kettukazhcha stationed in the paddy fields. On the next day these structures will be taken back. A big bazaar is also held at Chetikulangara as part of this festival. Ethirelpu Ulasvam This is the annual temple festival. On the tenth day following the Kumbha Bharani the annual festival is celebrated in the temple for 13 days. Each day of the festival is organized by residents of each Kara numbering 13. special rituals are held in the temple premises. Every afternoon, cultural processions start form each Kara to the temple premises, with the accompaniment of drums, ornamented umbrellas, kuthiyottam songs,display of events from the Mahabharatha and the Ramayana, classical art forms, folk art form, different type of music, decorated structures and caparisoned elephants. During the rituals at the temple Thottampattu is sung. Thottampattu is a devotional song sung by a certain section of the community residing in the far off Trivandrum. This song is sung in the temple only during the Etheralpu festival. Performance of classical arts and other temple arts are conducted in the evening in the temple premises Aswathy Ulasvam The unique rituals during the Aswathy festival clearly convey the firm bondage and human pathos at the time of separation between the people and their beloved Bhagavathy. Held in the Aswathy day in the month of Meenom (March-April), this festival is attracting a large number of visitors. This festival is imagined as a send off to the deity on her journey to visit her mother at Kodungallur. In the evening, 100 odd decorated [Kettukazhcha] and different effigies are brought to the temple mainly made by the children. Though the size of these Kettukazhcha are comparatively smaller than the ones made for Bharani festival, the number of Kettukazhcha provide a visual impact even challenging the aesthetic effect of Bharani. During the day, Bhagavathy visits the four karas surrounding the temple for Parayeduppu and official Anpolis are given by Kara leaders at Kuthirachevudu, the place where Kuthiras are made. After that she visits and blesses the offerings displayed at the temple premises. By dawn, she decides to leave, and seeks their permission to leave for Kodungallur. The people of the first four karas make Polavilakku ( a large structure drawn on wheels decorated with tender banana stem and lighted with numerous traditional lamps) during her farewell procession. They offer her a grand farewell procession with Aappindi [a unique slow paced dance carrying a pyramid shape box on head). Aappindi will be embellished with crackers, pookkula ( cluster of coconut flowers - inflorescence ), and will be covered with tender banana stems and Thalapppoli (traditional sacred lamps carried by ladies). People from Kaitha North and Kaitha South participate in the function with Thiruvantham. It is said that Thiruvantham, a palanquin type structure with fireballs and carried by four people, is the light of Darika , which incenses the Bhagavathy. She scares them away. After the procession, she again visits the Upaprathishtas and asks the people and other gods to let her visit her mother at Kodungallur. By dawn, she proceeds with lightning sped towards west. Normally, within the 100 meters, the Poojaris carrying the Jeevatha will fall down unconsciously, and the Jeevatha will be taken back to the temple. The temple will remain closed for the day, and will be opened only the day after. The Aswathy festival concludes the five month long festivities at this temple. Kettukazhcha Kettukazhcha is an offering of the people of Chettikulangara to their beloved deity known for her spontaneous blessings on true devotees as a mark of gratitude, devotion, unflinching faith, and for showering prosperity and protection to their lives. Kettukazhcha displays deftly sculpted and decorated forms of six temple cars known as ‘Kuthiras’, five Therus’ (Chariots ) and icons of Bhima and Hanuman . All the temple cars, chariots and the icons are all incredibly gigantic in size and are many times larger than any other similar Kuthiras and Therus built during the festivities at other temples in the Central Travancore region. On the move, these out of the world sky scrapping colourful decorations are electrifying, and will create an unforgettable artistic impression in union, especially during the night in the back drop of illuminated lights. Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha heralds the architectural and aesthetic acumen of the ancient people of Chettikulangara, who could convert an improbable out of the world concept to an enormous artistic reality, achieved by collective hardships and will power. Lineage according to historians Historians attribute the concept of ‘Kettukazhchas’ - similar to the architecture of the ‘Buddha tradition in square, rectangular and pyramid shapes, to the remnants of the Buddha culture which was widely prevalent in the Central Travancore region a few centuries ago.Many historians cite that the famous Chettikulangara Kettukazhcha in the present form is not more than 180 to 200 years old, and was started during the early part of the 19thcentury. According to a popular legend, a group of village chieftains and their workers went for civil works to construct the Kollam–Chavara Thodu (canal), about 50 km away from Chettikulangara, in accordance to the decision from the then ruler of the region. But they could not return to their native place due to the unforeseen inordinate delay in completionof the canal. They pleaded with the authorities, but their request was turned down. During the period, they got an opportunity to visit the temple festivities at Kollam Mulankagakam temple, and were attracted by the Kettukazhcha there. They vowed to their local deity Chettikulangara Bhagavathy, that they would construct Kettukazhchas for her every year, if they were allowed to leave for Chettkulangara immediately. To their surprise, they were allowed to return to Chettikulangara the very next day, and as promised, they made huge Kettukazhchas and took them to their Bhagavathy’s premises. Kuthiras Kuthiras have a height of about 70 to 75 feets, and are a union of four parts– Adikkoottu, Kathirakal, Edakkodaram, Prabhada and Melkkoodaram, one above the other respectively. Adikkottu the basic structure also known as Vandikkoottu, form the basic foundation which consists of four big wooden wheels interconnected with four other beams above it. Kuthiras have Thandu, two long huge wooden poles helpful to control the direction while on the move. Thandu and the basic structure are interconnected and have reinforced wooden bearings similar to the modern shock absorbers. Kathirukal with about 35 feet height, consists of four long poles interconnected with Arecanut poles known as ‘Alaku’ and reinforced with coir and Panavalli knots. These are again strengthened with ‘Kuthukathrika’ or criss cross formation of Alakus.<br />
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Kathirakal is again bifurcated to two parts–the lower portion consisting of four to five extended layers of Thattu and Charippu (slanting pyramid shaped boxes, made of interconnected Alakus and coir formation, then decorated with white cloth known as Vella, colourful glittering clothes and embellishments called ‘Thookku’. Prabhada consists of exquisite wooden carved sculptors narrating stories from the Puranas, elephant caparisons called Nettipattoms, Thalekkettu and Aalavattom displayed in the backdrop of colourful clothes and sculptors. Many of the Prabhadas have stories like Gajendramoksham, Vasthrapaharanam,Krishnavatharm. Edakkoodaram almost half the size of Kathirakal with four to five Charippu made as in the lower portion, comes above the Kathirakal. It also has glittering different clothes and Vella, interlaced with colourful Thookku embellishments. Melkkoodaramthe top structure is exactly having a pyramid shape, and pivotal to it is an extended long sculpted wooden pole in white colour known as ‘Nambu’. All the separate units are pulled up and placed one above the other with the help of wooden pulleys, giant coir ropes called Vadams with a length of over 100 fts.and with huge iron structures, drawn by hundreds of people. Theru Theru does not have the Prabhadas and Edakkoodarams. Their illithattu and charippu are larger than that of the Kuthiras and diminishes in size upwards. Therus are also relatively smaller in comparison to the Kuthiras height Bhima and Hanuman The wooden icons of Bhima made by Mattom North and Hanuman brought by Mattom south are probably the largest of its kind in the world, and are sure to be the largest in Kerala. Bhima’s icon is postured as the Pandava en route to kill Baka on Pothu Vandi (vehicle drawn by buffalos) with food for the Rakshasa King. Mattom south kara also brings the icon of Panjali along with Hanuman Preparations for constructing the Kettukazhchas start from Shivarathri, about six to ten days prior to Kumbhabharani. On the evening of Kumbhabharani, the Kettukazhchas are dragged to the temple by hundreds of people, and are paraded at the paddy field in front of the temple. After Bhagavathi’s Ezhunnellippu to bless the Kettukazhchas and people, the Kettukazhchas are taken back to the respective Karas by next morning. The dismantled parts of Kettukazhchas are kept at the ‘Kuthirappura’ of each Karas. Kuthiyottam Kuthiyottam is performed as an important offering to the deity. Some people believe that this is the modified form of Nara Bali in which men were killed and their blood was allowed to fall on the Goddess. This is a ritual dance practiced and perfected through several centuries. It used to be done only in houses in the 13 Karas of the Chettikulangara<br />
Temple but after a recent Deva Prashnam it was allowed to conduct Kuthiyottam in the houses outside of the 13 Karas . The houses are decorated, and the portrait of the deity is installed in temporary structures. Kuthiyottam starts a week before Bharani day. It is a type of folk dance performed by youths with the accompaniment of folk music and other musical instruments. Young boys between 8 to 14 years are taught this ritual dance in the house amidst a big social gathering before the portrait of the deity. Feasts are also provided for all the people. Early in the morning on Bharani, after the feast and other rituals, the boys whose bodies are coiled with silver wires, one end of which is tied around his neck and an arecanut fixed on the tip of a knife held high over his head are taken in procession to the temple with the accompaniment of beating of drums, music, ornamental umbrellas, and other classical folk art forms, and richly caparisoned elephants. All through the way to the temple tender coconut water will be continually poured on his body. After the circumambulation the boys stands at a position facing the Sreekovil (Sanctum Sanctorum) and begins to dance. This ceremony ends with dragging the coil pierced to the skin whereby a few drop of blood comes out.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-31624001872574196482011-02-20T01:47:00.000-08:002011-02-20T01:47:33.944-08:00Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqEmPY01yxM/TWDjG00uWzI/AAAAAAAAAAo/gXl5BfUAzqY/s1600/chakkulathamma.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UqEmPY01yxM/TWDjG00uWzI/AAAAAAAAAAo/gXl5BfUAzqY/s320/chakkulathamma.gif" width="227" /></a></div><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Chakulathu kavu temple, famous for the ceremonial Nari-pooja(worshipping the womanhood), is situated in between the rivers pamba and manimala.From the town of Thiruvalla it only takes a 15 min drive to reach here.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 130.5pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The ancient history of the temple has some divine connections with the story of Sumbha and Nishumbha referred to in the Devi Mahatmyam. The story goes that two demonic characters called Sumbha and Nishumbha derived super human powers through rigorous meditation of Lord Brahma. They received a boon that they could be killed only through a battle with a woman. Such a condition being almost impossible, Sumbha and Nishumbha conquered Indra and other Devas. They became the unquestioned monarchs of the three worlds. The helpless Devas had to flee and take shelter in remote jungles.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Saint Narada feeling pity at the misery of the Gods approaches his father Lord Brahma. Brahma reminds Narada that ups and downs are part of the life and that was what the Demi-Gods were experiencing. There was only one way out for this despicable state of affair. Only one power could restore power and prosperity to Gods and that power was none other than the very Goddess. Devas accordingly moved in search of Goddess. Reaching near Himavan, the epic King of the mountains, they started chanting powerful mantras to appease the Goddess. They plunged into a heartful eulogy of the Goddess who in herself was power, knowledge and creativity.Goddess Parvathy had just arrived on the banks of river Ganga and in the mean time echoes of the mantras reached her ear. Goddess Parvathy grasped the pitiable plight of Devas. There emerged another Goddess from within her. This was the incarnation of Goddess Durga, having taken a divine form to rescue the Devas from the hardships caused by the asuras. The story culminates in a terrible fight between the Goddess and Asuras under the leadership of Sumba and Nishumbha. It was an encounter unheard of ever before. Needless to specify, all the auras were annihilated by the Goddess. The Devas got back the early powers and prosperities. Sage Narada appears in front of them and exhaults them about the invincibility of goddess Durga. She was the cause as well as the witness for the creation, maintenance and destruction the universe as told by Narada.It is believed that the Goddess residing in Chakkulathukavu is the wholesome manifestation of this all-pervading Goddess namely Durga.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Before 3000 years, this area where the temple stands now has been a fearful forest full of trees which are touching the skies, serpents and reptiles with hissing noises and wild animals in barbaric freedom, together created an atmosphere one would shudder to think. Rays of the sun failed to look down through the trees. Afternoons were like midnights.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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Into this forest came a hunter along with his wife and children, with an idea of collecting firewood. The hunter saw a serpent moving towards him. Its hood was erect and its noise was fearful. The hunter to ensure their safety attacked the snake with his axe. Without getting hurt, the snake managed to slip into the forest. An expert in the wild habits of animals, the hunter knew too well that an attacked snake is dangerous if spared. So he followed it. He searched through the forest frantically, still he couldn’t spot out the snake. Finally he reached by the side of a lake and near it an age-old 'Chithalputtu'(A structure of sand made by insects) could also be distinctly seen. Upon it hunter saw the very snake that he was in search of. Without thinking much, the hunter thrust his axe again and again upon the serpent. But it was like cutting in the air. Surprisingly, the serpent vanished into thin air.The hunter had a touch of horror. The next second he saw that the shell upon which the snake coiled was broken. Water was oozing out of it. The hunter watched with much awe and wonder. Now there was ‘Akshatham’ (paddy and rice) and ‘Darbha’ (a peculiar type of grass used for pujas). Meanwhile the wife and kids of the hunter joined him. All were spell-bound at the unbelievable sight in front of them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">There appeared a hermit from nowhere with an inexpressible glow of holiness. The hermit informed them that the very Goddess who is the Mother of the Universe has been residing with full powers inside the shell of sand. He advised the hunter to respectfully break the shell. The idol of Goddess as Vanadurga was within it. Narada himself broke the shell and took out the idol. The hunter and his family bowed before it. Meanwhile the hermit had disappeared. The hunter brought flowers from the forest, offered garlands and prayed. That night he had a dream and it’s was in this dream that the hunter understood that the hermit was Narada.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">As the sun sent down its gentle golden rays in the next morning, many had gathered near the hut of the hunter. They submitted many offerings to the Goddess. Henceforth that place turned out to be a spiritually exceptional one.Poojas of the temple were structured systematically and members of Pattamana Illam constructed a temple in that spot. The idol similar to that of Sivalainga, taken out by Narada was installed in the Sanctum sanctorum.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The water in the historical pond of the temple had the sweetness of jaggery. ‘Chakkarkulam’ became shortened in the long run and came to be known as Chakkulam. The temple was renovated in 1981. The resplendent idol of Vana Durga with eight hands was installed near the original idol. Lord Shiva, Sastha, Vishnu, Vinayaka, Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods and Navagrahas are installed as ‘Upa Devas’.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-29872105675308177552011-02-20T01:44:00.000-08:002011-02-20T01:44:26.993-08:00Attukal Bhagavathi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_YHh1TWZ2w/TWDia30uD5I/AAAAAAAAAAk/kFAKrU0CQRg/s1600/attukal-devi_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G_YHh1TWZ2w/TWDia30uD5I/AAAAAAAAAAk/kFAKrU0CQRg/s320/attukal-devi_01.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 19.2pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, located at the heart of the city of Trivandrum, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major portion of devotees. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother.<br />
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According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is supposed to be the divinised form of Kannaki, the famous heroine of Chilappathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the renowned Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal. Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Lord Parvathy, the consort of Lord Shiva. The all powerful and benign Attukal Bhagavathy reigns eternally supreme at Attukal and nurses devotees as a mother does her children. Thousands of devotees from far and near flock to the Temple to bend before the Goddess with awe and reverence to prostrate and redress their affliction and agony.<br />
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The story goes that the Goddess Bhagavathy revealed herself to a fervent devotee of a notable family (Mulluveettil family). It is said that one evening a young girl appeared before the head of the family while he was performing his oblations in the Killi river and requested him to help her cross the river. Impressed by her charismatic demeanor, the old man bent before her with awe and reverence and not only helped her cross the river but took her to his house nearby. Strangely enough, while the household members were amidst preparations for intending a warm welcome to the young girl, she vanished. That very night the Goddess Bhagavathy appeared as an icon before the old man in his dream and demanded that he should establish an abode for her in the nearby sacred ground of shrubs and herbs (kavu), at a consecrated spot marked by three lines. The next morning the old man went to the spot revealed to him in the dream and to his great surprise he did find three marks indented on the ground. He lost no time in erecting a temple on this consecrated spot to house the Goddess. Many years later, the building was renovated by the local devotees. They also installed a beautiful and majestic icon of the Deity with four arms, bearing weapons of destruction in each, like, spear, sword, skull, shield etc. The consecration ceremony of this Exalted Being was performed by no less a person than the high priest of the Badarinath Temple.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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The Pongala Mahotsavam is the most important festival of Attukal Bhagavathy Temple. The offering of Pongala is a special temple practice prevalent in the southern part of Kerala and some parts of Tamilnadu. It is a ten-day programme commencing on the Karthika star of the Malayalam month of Makaram-Kumbham (February-March) and closing with the sacrificial offering known as Kuruthi-tharpanam at night. On the ninth day of the festival the world famous Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam takes place. The entire area of about 5 kilometre radius around temple with premises of houses of people of all caste, creed and religion, open fields, roads, commercial institutions, premises of Government offices etc. emerges as a consecrated ground for observing Pongala rituals for lakhs of women devotees assembling from different parts of Kerala and outside. The ceremony is exclusively confined to women folk and the enormous crowd, which gathers in Thiruvananthapuram on this auspicious day is reminiscent of the Kumbhamela Festival of North India.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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According to mythology of Kannaki, after the destruction of the ancient city of Madurai, she left that city and reached Kerala and on her way to Kodungalloor took rest at Attukal. The hymns of the Thottampattu sung during the annual temple festival, are based on the story of Kannaki. Moreover, architectural depictions of Goddess Kannaki seen on the Gopuram temple substantiate this mythology. Small wonder then that, Sri. Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swamy, the well known saint of Kerala, found this temple premises ideal for his meditations. There are so many stories that prove the supremeness of the Goddess which attract thousands of devotees to the temple.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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Anyone visiting the Attukal temple is first struck by the beauty and charm of the temple architecture. The temple structure is a harmonious conglomeration of both Kerala and Tamil styles of architecture. The beautifully carved figures of Mahishasuramardhini, Goddess Kali, Rajarajeswari, Sree Parvathy with Lord Paramasiva and various other depictions of the Goddess in and around the temple are undoubtedly the work of a gifted artist. Equally well presented around the corridors surrounding the temple, are the depiction of various other Gods and the epic stories of the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu(the Desavathara). On either side of the elegant front gopura - are the icons based on the story of Goddess Kannaki. On the southern Gopura, the puranic story of "Dakshayaga" is depicted in sculptures. The decorated gate at the entrance of the temple is by itself an excellent example of architectural beauty.<br />
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There are two idols of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum. The original idol is preserved in all its pristine beauty covered in ornamental gold embedded with installed stones.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><br />
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The second idol of the Goddess is installed besides the original one. Within the temple corridors are also installed carvings and sculptures of Lord Ganesa, the serpent God(Nagaraja) and Lord Shiva. At the centre of the Sanctum within the Sreekovil, at a consecrated spot is installed the idol of the Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy emanating light and lustre to all.</span></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6335491061299751297.post-77025472422782165252010-11-17T21:56:00.001-08:002011-02-20T01:42:10.928-08:00Chottanikkarai Bhagavathi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h3 style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: #459808; font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt;">Chottanikkara Rajarajeswari Temple, Ernakulam </span></h3><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL12eU6mLrg/TWDhYIc7nFI/AAAAAAAAAAg/osQCrHcwD9M/s1600/chott.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" j6="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL12eU6mLrg/TWDhYIc7nFI/AAAAAAAAAAg/osQCrHcwD9M/s320/chott.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Arial", "sans-serif"; font-size: 16pt;"><br />
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Place : Chottanikkara, Ernakulam, Kerala<br />
Significance : The Mental Illness of People are said to be cured by worshipping the deity here<br />
Best Time to Visit : October to March<br />
Best Time to Visit : Open 4:00 am- 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm.<br />
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Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. The temple is located in Chottanikkara town, 17kms away from Ernakulam. Rajarajeswari (Adiparasakthi) alias Durga Bhagavathy - the mother Goddess, is the presiding deity of the temple. It is said that this deity was brought from Mookambika Temple in Kollur, Karnataka and therefore there is a presence of Mookambika (Saraswathy) Devi till 7am in the morning. <br />
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The 'Devi' in the temple is known for the healing powers, particularly relating to mental illness and disorders. The temple situated in a hilly region, is surrounded on all sides by green farms. The entry is through the west and the spiritual atmosphere in the temple gives mental peace and harmony to devotees.<br />
In the main temple, the golden hued idol of Bhagavathy 4 to 5 ft. high, is bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myriad of lights splendidly. The idol has four arms. The upper right holds the disc, the upper left bears the conch, the lower right hand is held in a boon-conferring pose and the lower left indicates the abhaya (fearlessness) pose. The Bhagavathy is worshipped in three different forms as Saraswathy in the morning clothed in an impeccable white garment, Lakshmi at noon with crimson red cloth and Durga in the evening wearing a bright blue dress. Durga is a much milder form. <br />
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The original idol of Bhagavathy, three or four feet high which faces east, is of laterite and is believed to be self-born (swayambhoo). This image called 'Rudraksha Sila' is irregular in shape, red in colour and is untouched by the human sculptor. This image can be seen only in the wee hours of morning at 4 am when the Nada opens for nirmalyam.<br />
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Adjacent to the image of Bhagavathy, to her right, there is an image of Mahavishnu in granite on the same pedestal. Vishnu and Bhagavathy together are referred to as Lakshminarayana. The deity is also called Ammenarayana, Devinarayana and Bhadrenarayana. Along with Lakshmi and Narayana there are idols of Brahma, Siva, Ganapathi (Ganesh), Subramanya and Sastha on the same pedestal.<br />
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The idol of the deity in the temple is not fixed to the ground. Hence the area around the pedestal is full of loose sand. Water offered during ablution ceremonies percolates underground. It is believed that the water flows underground and joins the tirtha of the Onakkur Bhagawati temple, one and half furlongs away.<br />
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Apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy temple, temples for Sastha, Siva, Ganapathi, Nagas and other Upa-Devas.<br />
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Dharma Sastha shrine is on the north-east side of the main temple. Here he is depicted standing with his consorts, Purna and Pushkala. The vigraha of Sastha is of granite, about half a foot high with golden covering. Legend says that the Sastha accompanied Devi in her The golden flagstaff and altar (balipeedam) are in the front of the Sastha shrine. <br />
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A platform known as 'Pavazhamallithara', where the deity is believed to have made her first appearance, is on the south of the main temple. Siva shrine is on the south-west. Nearby is the images of Nagas and yakshi can be seen.<br />
Kizhukkavu, a shrine to Bhadrakali is outside the main temple on the eastern side. The one-foot granite idol of Bhadrakali facing westward is said to have discovered by Vilvamangalam Swamigal, a saint associated with this shrine. <br />
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It is said that Vilvamangalam had retrieved the idol from the tank which is in front of the shrine. It is believed that worshipping bhadrakali here will exorcise evil influences, psychological ailments, evil spirits etc from devotees. There is a paala tree on the northeastern side of the kizhukkavu shrine, which is covered with long iron nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads. The practice of driving an iron nail into this paala indicates that the spirit is permanently made immobile. <br />
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The famous pooja Valiya Guruthy, which means great sacrifice, is performed in kizhukkavu on every night at about 8.45 p.m by the chief priest. Guruthy is a solution prepared out of turmeric and limewater which looks like blood.. It is believed that being present here during this pooja on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia.<br />
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The annual festival (ulsavam)of the temple comes in Kumbham of Malayalam Era. i.e in February- March. It begins with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting ceremony) on Rohini day, lasts for 7 days and ends on Uthram star. A special feature of the ulsavam is the daily Para ezhunnellippu and Aarattu. <br />
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Makom Thozhal (Devi darsan) comes during the ulsavam period. It is considered to be most effectual for Mangalyam (long married life) and for getting best marriage for girls. It is believed that Bhagavathy in her full attire, specially decorated with gold and diamonds shine in its entire splendor, gave darsan to Vilwamangalam Swamiyar on the Makom day and appears on the same day every year for giving darsan to the devotees in her special appearance. On that day, the whole temple premises will be over crowded by devotees especially the women folk.<br />
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Navarathri Aghosham is a famous festival, which attracts large number of devotees. Vidyarambham is conducted on the Vijayadasami day of Navarathri ulsavam. The Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam (festival) is celebrated during the entire period of mandalam season. On the makaravilakku day there is lakshadeepam (lighting of one lakh lamps) and fire works.<br />
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Vazhipaadu or offerings performed in Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple are <br />
Bhajanam, Annadanam, Chuttuvilakku and Niramala, Rudrabhishekam, Thrikala Pooja, One day Pooja, Mahabhagavath Seva, Noorum Palum, Palpayasam, Mrithyunjaya Homam, Chathussadam, Pantheerayiram pushpanjali, Mandapathilpaattu and Guruthy Vazhipaadu and Poomoodal at Kizhukkavu Bhagavathy Temple.<br />
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Presently, Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple is under the administration of Cochin Devaswom Board. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. A visit to the Bhagavathy temple brings relief to devotees from the overburdening anguish and agonies of material life. The temple is open from 4:00 in the morning to 12:00 in the noon. It reopens in the evening at 4:00 p.m and closes in the night after the last pujas are performed by 8:00.<br />
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There is a legend behind the origin of the temple. According to the legend, the place where the temple stands today was once a dense forest inhabited by tribals. Kannappan a ferocious dacoit who dominated this area, brought a cow to his home with the intent of slaughtering it. But the cow escaped into the forest and Kannappan tried to trace it but failed. He returned home disappointed and was surprised to find his beloved only daughter playing with the very same cow. <br />
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At her request, Kannappan dropped the idea of killing the cow. But some days later his daughter passed away and this shattered him. He lost interest in mundane things and turned his thoughts towards god. One day, Goddess <br />
Bhagawati appeared in his dream and revealed that it was she who had come in the form of the cow. She also informed him that the presence of Her idol and that of Vishnu would sanctify the cowshed. <br />
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The following day, Kannappan found the two images in the cowshed. He built a humble shrine and worshipped the images. Known as 'pavizamallithara', located south of the main temple was the exact place where Kanappan's cowshed and shrine was located.<br />
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After the death of Kannappan the temple fell in ruins, as the place became uninhabited. One day a pulaya (outcaste) woman who had come to cut grass sharpened her knife against a stone, which started to ooze blood. This was informed to the learned Edathu Nambudiri and he realised that there was divine Chaitanya of Parasakti at the place. <br />
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Several poojas were performed and a prasnam was held in which it was revealed that the stone be worshipped as Devi and the adjoining one as Vishnu. It then grew into a shrine of the magnitude seen today, over a period of time.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
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