Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple

Overview

The Dakshana Mookambika Temple, located in Panachikkad Saraswathi, Kottayam, Kerala is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi. The temple is situated in the southern expanse of the Indian Peninsula, in Panachikkad in Kottayam, Kerala. It is one of the most popular Saraswati shrines in Kerala. While the temple is known as Saraswathi temple, the main deity is Mahavishnu (Narayana). The prevailing custom amongst the devotees is that they worship Vishnu first before worshipping Saraswathi.

About The Temple

The uniqueness of this temple is that there is no traditional garbagraha for Goddess Saraswath. The Vigraha of the Goddess Saraswathi is underneath a small pool on the southern side of the Vishnu sannidhi, concealed by creepers and shrubs known as Saraswathi leaves. The spring water flows continuously until it touches the feet of the Devi. This water is always perennial. It has never been dry. Since Devi is found on such a saras (small rivulet), the Goddess is called Saraswathi. The water for pooja and other requirements is got from the spring. This is the only source of water for the temple.

On the western side, above the Saraswati temple, there is a natural habitation filled with exotic plants with fragrant flowers. It is believed that an Yakshi dwells here, who is demanding but can be made easily happy. The idol of a Brahmarakshas is also seen there. Even though there are Yakshi shrines in other temples, the power of the Yakshi is supposed to be more established at Panachikkadu. The vigraha of the Yakshi has no edifice to cover it. It is located under the trees like Elinji and Ezhilam Pala. There are also shrines for Ganapathy, Shiva and Sastha within this temple.

Stone artefacts on the walls elucidate Lord Vishnu and his servants playing a game similar to modern day Volleyball. This indicates that Vishnu is the guardian deity of the Universe. He is seen dominating the opposition. These engravings also seem to suggest that India, and not USA, might have been the origin of the game.

It is believed that A.R. Raja Varma, a great literature was once a dumb. He did penance at this temple which enabled him to speak. The administration of the temple is managed by a Trust formed from among the members of Kuzhipuram Karunad and Kaimukku Namboodiri families.

Legends and stories

According to the Legend one of the Namboodiri of Kuzhipuram Illam near Panachikkad Vishnu temple went to Kollur Mookambika temple seeking blessings of Goddess for a male child. He worshipped the goddess for a long period. One day the Goddess came in his dream sand told him that it was not possible to grant him a child and instead it would be better for him to go back to his place and adopt a child from nearby Karunattu family. As directed by the goddess the Namboodari came back home. Before he reached home he went to the Panachikad temple pond to take bath. Before getting into the pond he placed his Olakuda (umbrella made of palm-leaf) on the bank of temple pond and took bath. After taking bath when he tried lifting the umbrella he found that it was fixed firmly to the ground. Astrologers, when consulted, found that the divine spirit of Goddess Mookambika was present in the umbrella and they suggested transferring the spirit from the umbrella to a vigraha. They also located a suitable idol in the nearby forest. The idol was installed at the place where the Namboodiri had kepts his umbrella. Post this incident the temple came to be known as Panachikkad SaraswathiTemple.

Festivals

Of the nine days of Navratri Saraswathi Pooja is the major festival. Vidyarambhom (formal initiation to the letters of alphabet for children) is held on the Vijayadashami (last day of Navaratri) Lakhs of pilgrims congregate here to initiate Vidyarambhom to their children. Except on the days of ‘Durgashtami’ and ‘Mahanavami’ all other days ‘Vidyarambham’ is performed here. On the Durgashtami day, special ‘pooja’ for the books , literary works and ‘Thaliola books’ of ancient wisdom takes place. On the day of ‘Vijayadhasami’, these books are given back to the owners after pooja.

Prasad

The ghee enhanced with 'Saraswathi manthram’ is distributed to devotees. The intake of this ghee enriches the intelligence of children. For intelligence and education, this is considered very good.

Significance

Children seek mother's blessings which instils lot of confidence.

How to Reach Panachikkad

Airport

The closest airport is Cochin International Airport, about 70 km.

Railways

The closest railway station is at Kottayam.

Road

Panachikkad village is around 11 km from Kottayam Town. Bus services are available to reach Panachikkad from Kottayam.

Temple Address

Panachikkad Saraswathi Temple,
Panachikkad, Kerala, India,
Pincode – 686533.