• Murugan

Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

Overview


The Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple is located in Haripad. It is among the oldest Hindu temples of Kerala. The temple is also known as the South Palani temple. It is enriched with the existence of the almighty Velayudha Swami who is merciful and a protector.


About the deity


Lord Muruga with one face shines always with sacred ash or sandalwood paste. As the temple is in Kerala, puja procedures are strictly followed. After crossing the spacious hall at the entrance, the 70 feet tall dwajashamba (flag post) greets us. There is also a gigantic Main Tower – Rajagopuram. The foot prints below the tower are worshipped as the very foot prints of Lord Muruga. The temple has the graceful blessings of Lord Brahmma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, according to belief.


About The Temple


It is believed that this temple is 3500 years old and was consecrated by Lord Parasurama himself. There are several inscriptions in this temple in Tamil. The temple got fire and was reconsecrated about hundred years back. There is a story that after building the temple, the Namboodiris were in search of a proper idol to consecrate here. One of them was ordered in the dream to go to Kayamkulam and visit a pond (there he was told that a garland would be floating at one spot and if he makes a search there, he would get the suitable idol). The Namboodiris went there and got an idol, which was installed in the temple with four arms. One arm holding a Vel, another Vajrayudha, one showing the sign of blessing and one hand touching the thigh. This idol was brought and consecrated on the Pushya (poosam) star of Makara Masa (Thai maasam- January-February). This day is celebrated as the consecration day of the temple every year. In memory of that, they celebrate Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam.This is carried out for three days after Thiruvonamin Payipattu backwaters (river). The people who are participating in this celebration come in groups singing Vanjipattu, offering vazhipadu(worship) on Thiruvonam day, and only then, the Aavani festival Aarattu Ezhunnellathu in Chinga masam will start.

It is believed that in Kalivarsham 2874 Vrichikam 11,on the star of Karthika, half minute (Ara Kshanam) before noon, Lord Subramaniya idol was installed with Eakachakra, while a saint appeared and did the installation and the Jeeva Kalashabhishekam. That saint was believed to be Lord Sree Hari, and hence, Eakachakra village came to be known as Harigeetha puram or Haripad.

Around a century back, the temple caught fire, making all the devotees sad. In that fire the temple was destroyed completely. The temple which is seen now, was built during the period of king Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma. Edavakkattu architects (Shilpi’s) rebuilt the temple present now. The Golden Flag which was cut off in 1096 was reinstated after 58 years. The Keezhthya Kovil which is situated on the south side of the temple plays a very important role in the temple history. Lord Muruga’s Bihanded (Dwi bahu) idol is installed here.

This temple is older than Sri Subramania temple. Besides the main deity, there are many other deities which include Sri Dakshina Moorthy, Lord Ganesha, Thiruvambadi Kannan, Nagaraja, Sri Shasta, Keezhtyar Kovil Subrahmanya. Kavadiyattam’, “Karakattam’ and ‘Kavadi’ are the main ways of worship here. Kavadi is a bow-shaped wooden structure decorated with tapestry and peacock feathers carried on the shoulders of pilgrims as an offering to Lord Muruga. People believe that the Subrahmania idol has the Sannidhya (presence) of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Several peacocks wander in this temple. The major offerings in this temple is called Thula Payasam. People also offer a garland made of lime fruits to Lord Subrahmania.


Legend and Stories


Demon Surapadma was harassing the Devas in the celestial world. When he was attacked, numerous demons were born from each drop of his blood. They were terrorizing the world. Surapadma had a boon from Lord Brahmma that he could be killed only by a child of seven months of age.

Six sparks that came from the eyes of Lord Shiva mingled together and became a child named Karthikeyan. (The story in Tamilnadu is that Surapadma was killed by Lord Muruga when He grew into a boy. In Kerala, the story is different.) The child was taken care of by Mother Parvathi up to seven months. When Surapadma came to kill the child, the child took a huge form – Vishwarupa – and killed the demon. The child did many miracles then. The child taught its own Father. It undertook the creation of world for some time. When the child came to Kerala, the place of Sage Parasurama, Lord Vishnu (Hari) greeted the child with welcome songs. As Hari sang here –Padu – the place came to be known as Haripadu. Lord Hari (Vishnu) asked his nephew (Muruga) to stay in the place and grace the devotees.


Festival


Special pujas are performed in the temple on all Kruthika Star day in the year. A 10 day festival is celebrated during the months of Avani (August-September), Margazhi (December-January) and Chithirai (April-May).


How to Reach Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple


The nearest airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram Airport. The nearest railway station is Alapuzha. The temple is 22 kms from Aalapuzha on the Thiruvananthapuram route. Buses are available from Salem to Alapuzha. Alapuzha could be reached from Madurai via Tirunelveli and Kollam.


Temple Address


Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple,
Valiyazheekkal Road,
Valiazheekal,
Kerala 690515,
India.

Significance

Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-

  • Salvation
  • Wealth
  • Relief from diseases
  • Purchase of vehicles
  • Gain Knowledge
Shlokas

Shadaananam Chandana Liptha Gathram Mahorasam Divya Mayoora Vaahanam Rudrasya Soonum Suraloka Naatham Brahmanya Devam Charanam Prapadye

Meaning -I always take refuge in the 6 faced Lord Guha, who has sandal paste smeared over his body, who is broad-chested, whose vehicle is the peacock, who is Lord Shiva's son and who leads the army of the Devas.

Heyswami Natha Karunakara Dheenabandho Shree Parvatheesha Mukha Pankaja Padmabandho Shree Saadhi Devagana Poojitha Padha Padma Vallesa Nadha Mama Dehi Karaavalambham

Meaning -O! Merciful Lord Swaminatha, who cares for the poor, who is the sun to Lord Shiva's lotus face, whose lotus feet are acknowledged by Lord Vishnu and the others, Valli's Lord, please uplift me by lending me your hand.

Ariru Thadanthozh Vazhga Arumugam Vazhga Veppai Kooru Sei Thanivel Vazhga Kukkudum Vazhga Sevvel Yeriya Magnai Vazhga Aanai Thun Anangu Vazhga Maarila Valli Vazhga Vazhga Seer Adiyar Yellam

Meaning -Oh Muruga, we hail your 12 strong shoulders for they protect us from our enemies, we hail your 6 faces, we hail the Vel, your weapon that broke apart the Krounja mountain to reveal the asura in it. We hail the bird, the cock, that is part of your symbol in the flag. We hail your peacock, that takes you all over the world, we hail your consort Devyani, who was brought up by Indra's white elephant, Airavadam, we hail your other consort, the flawless Valli. And we hail your Bhaktas who worship you as a prayer.

Uruvai Aruvai Uladhai Iladhai Maruvai Malarai Maniyai Oliyai Karuvai Uyirai Gadhiyai Vidhiyai Guruvai Varuvai Arulvai Guhaney

Meaning -O Lord Muruga, you have form and you are formless, you have everything and have nothing, you who exist in the smallest, in flowers, in a bell's ring, in the light. You are the embryo, the life, destiny and fate. Bestow your blessings on us as our guru.

Timings

04:00 to 12:00 (All days of the week (Morning)) 16:30 to 20:30 (All days of the week (Evening))

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