- Vishnu
Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
- Ernakulam,Kerala
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Overview
Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple is located at South Chittoor, Kochi in the State of Kerala. The temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Krishna. This is a prominent temple that comes under the management of the Cochin Devaswom Board. The temple was closely associated with the Kartha family of Cheranelloor Swaroopam for centuries, but was later taken over by Rama Varma Maharaja of Cochin Royal Family. The temple is known for its wonderful architectural style pertaining to the state of Kerala.
About the Temple
The sanctum sanctorum of this temple is square in shape, with a pyramid shaped roof plated with copper. The idol of Lord Krishna in this temple closely resembles that of the famous Guruvayoorappan temple, facing the direction east. The deity appears in the standing posture with 4 arms, each carrying a different sacred object namely the conch Panchajanyam, Sudarshana Chakra, Lotus and Gada. A small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesh is found within the inner sanctum. The roof of the outer sanctum is made of tiles. It also houses the temple’s kitchen and storage areas. The shrines of Naga, Brahmarakshas and Bhagavathi are built outside the sanctum sanctorum but within the temple complex. The temple also encompasses a separate shrine for Lord Hanuman which is located near the west entrance of the temple complex. Agnihotratheertham, the much revered temple pond lies to its north. A huge statue of Lord Krishna standing on the head of a huge serpent is found in the temple. This statue is seen depicting the event Kaaliya Mandanam, were Lord Krishna is believed to have banished the evil serpent King Kaliya from wrong doings.
About the deity
Dating back to the 13th century, temple is historically significant. The temple was built by the head of Cheranellor Swaroopam family, who ruled the place at that time. The men from this family were given the title Kartha. Around seven centuries ago, a young member of that family named Narayanan Kartha, became an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. In order to liver closer to the god, he is said to have moved to Guruvayoor. Meanwhile, he is said to have become the head of the family by succession, which required him to move back to his original place in order to discharge his responsibilities as the head and ruler. He was placed in a very confusing situation where he had to decide between his devotion to Lord Krishna, and the responsibility to his family and subjects. This Narayanan is said to have prayed Lord Krishna for guiding him in taking the decision. Lord Krishna is believed to have come in Narayanan’s dreams and had promised to accompany him, by embedding into an umbrella. Narayanan was supposed to build a shrine where he puts the umbrella down. On his travel back to his home, Narayanan happened to put the umbrella down at the present temple site, which is very close to his house. He therefore built a temple at the site as instructed by the Lord. The Sri Krishna temple at Guruvayoor temple was considered as a model when making the construction plan of this temple. The chief priest of Guruvayoor was invited to perform the rituals pertaining to installation of the idol in this temple.
The subsequent generations of the family too gave greater prominence to the temple and its traditions and contributed towards the expansion of the temple. The Cochin Royal Family which later rose to power, took over the administration of the temple. The management of the temple was transferred to the Cochin Devasom Board later on, when the kingdom was merged to the Indian Union.
Festivals
The annual eight day temple festival is the most revered festival celebrated in this temple. On this occasion, an Ezhunullathu procession is undertaken during which the deity is ceremoniously taken around the temple in a specially decorated chariot (Garuda Vahanam). This ritual is performed every day starting from the second day of this festival. The traditional dance of Kerala, the Kaathakali is performed on the temple on first five evenings, as part of the festival celebrations.
How To Reach Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple
Road
Chittoor is the nearest Bus stop located near the temple.
Railways
The closest Railway Station is the Ernakulam station.
Airport
The nearest Airport is the Cochin International Airport.
Temple Address
Chittoor Sree Krishnaswamy Temple,
South Chittoor Road,
Ernakulam, Kerala - 682027
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- For cure from acute rheumatic pain
Shlokas
Alokya Mathur Mukha Madarena Sthanyam Pibantham Saraseeruhaksham Sachinmayam Devam Anantha Roopam Balam Mukundam Manasa Smarami
Meaning -I think of this Balamukundan as the one who looks lovingly at his mother's face while taking milk from her, who has eyes similar to the red lotus, who is the embodiment of truth and intelligence and other forms.
Achutham Keyshavam Rama Narayanam Krishna Damodaram Vasudevam Harim Shridharam Madhavam Gopika Vallabham Janaki Nayakam Ramachandram Bhajey
Meaning -Oh Lord who cannot be perished, who also has names like Keshava, Rama, Damodara, Narayana, Sridhara, Madhava, Krishna, Ramachandra the beloved of Janaki, let me say your name regularly.
Vasudeva Sutham Devam Kamsa Chanoora Mardhanam Devaki Paramanandham Krishnam Vande Jagathgurum
Meaning -I bow to you O Krishna, the ultimate guru, Devaki and Vasudeva's son, and the destroyer of Kamsa and Chanur.
Adharam Madhuram Vadanam Madhuram Nayanam Madhuram Hasitam Madhuram Hridayam Madhuram Gamanam Madhuram Mathuraa Dhipate Rakhilam Madhuram
Meaning -Meaning - Sweet are Your lips, sweet is Your face, sweet are Your eyes, sweet is Your smile, sweet is Your heart, sweet is Your gait, O Lord of Mathura, everything about You is sweet.
Timings
The Temple is open in the morning from 3.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and in evening from 4.30 p.m to 8.30 p.m.