KUMARANALLUR TEMPLE
Dear friends,
In 1998 while I had to undergo a training at Ghaziabad, one Assistant Engineer from Kottayam called me and said he too was going for the same training and introduced at the training centre.
He desired if I visited Kottayam at any time I should call him and he would join me to visit nearby temples after our works. Next occasion for courtesy I called him after reaching Kottayam. He collected us in the evening and took to his home for tea. He said we might go to Kumaranallur temple. He , after meals in the near-by restaurant dropped us back at inspection quarters.
Tirunakkara is the main temple at Kottayam. It is close to the Telephone exchange. My colleague Mr Sankranarayanan and I on inspection duty with me , every morning used to Visit morning Tirunakkara temple and take breakfast from an iyer restaurant very close to it. Enjoy divine reading.
Sincerely,
Kumaranalloor Devi Temple, located near Kottayam enshrines Bhagawati - the mother Goddess, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala.This shrine is located at Kumaranalloor, just 4-km away from Kottayam town.
Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya Swami described Kumaranalloor Devi temple as one among the Pancha mahakshetrams (five main temples) in India where you will feel the full presence of Devi and he gave the principal position to this temple.
2 Deity
Goddess Kathyayani is the presiding deity in this temple. This deity is worshipped in five different forms - as Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvathi, Durga and Vana Durga.
Kumaranalloor is an ancient cultural center and is one among the 32 Brahmin gramams made by Lord Parasurama. This place was known as 'Thingalkkadu', before the temple came into existence. Later the name 'Thingalkkadu' changed and later came to be known as 'Indu kananam'.In some ancient scripts, the temple is described and known as Mahishari kovil (temple). This temple has yielded an inscription assigned to 11th century A.D.
Local traditions indicate that this was a Siva temple, later converted to Durga temple.That is the reason for visiting the Shiva Shrine before visiting Kumaranalloor Amma.
Cheraman Perumal was the ruling emperor of Kerala when the construction of a temple at Udayanapuram to install the idol of goddess Durga began; while he commenced the construction of another temple at Thingalkkadu (which is later known as kumaranalloor) to install the idol of lord Kumara or Subramanya.
Meanwhile a disturbing incident took place at Meenakshi temple,Madurai in Tamilnadu. The gem-studded nose ring of Devi was stolen or was missing. The King ordered an enquiry. At the same time, he ordered to kill the priest of the temple unless he could solve this problem within 41 days.Because, the nose-ring would not be misplaced without his knowledge. However, the priest was innocent. He was confused and perplexed in this dilemma. He took refuge at the feet of Devi. As days and weeks progressed, the grief-stricken priest spent his days and nights crying and praying.
On the night of the 40th day, he slept at the doorsteps of temple, meditating and contemplating his fate that his life would reach an end on the next day. However, he had a dream that night.
Devi appeared before him and ordered him to quit the place at once. The perplexed and bewildered priest winked his eyes. He had seen a thejas (divine light) moving forward. He followed it without being aware of where he was going. The thejas (divine light) led him a long distance and finally reached the place which later became known as Kumaranalloor. At Kumaranalloor, the temple was under construction to install the idol of lord Subramanian or Kumaran.
The thejas entered into the sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple. Moreover, it was at the prathista time (suitable time of installation) that the thejas entered the sreekovil. Then there was an asareeri (an incorporeal and divine voice), 'kumaranalla ooril', meaning, 'this place is not for kumara'. This is, kumari's or Devi's place. Hence got the name Kumaranalloor.
Perumal was disappointed and frustrated. He travelled to Udayanapuram to install the idol of Kumara, at the temple, which was under construction. On the way, Perumal encountered some obstacles but finally managed to reach Udayanapuram and install the idol of Subramanian at the sreekovil of the temple.
Later, Perumal returned to Kumaranalloor with the Devi's idol and began the preparation for installing it there. Yet another thought strike him that the idol has to be changed. There was an idol lying in water at Vedagiri a nearby place. Perumal brought the idol from Vedagiri. Maharshi Parasurama had supposedly made and worshipped the idol in past.
At the time of installation, a Brahmin sage with matted hair, came and entered the Sreekovil and installed the idol in a second. As soon as the installation of idol was done he vanished. To this date people believe that the Brahmin sage was Maharshi Parasurama. The Brahmin priest, who followed the thejas from Madurai, became the priest of the temple. His residence is known as Madurai illam. His descendants worship the Devi even today.
4 Architecture
The architecture of the temple is notable for the unique structure of the nalambalam and sreekovil both of which have been built in the sreechakra style (ring like object with a handle, which is placed in the right hand of the Devi). This kind of architecture is rarely found in temple architecture.The temple is situated in area of 15,000 square metres. The main gopuram (entrance) of the temple faces towards the east direction, and high walls surrounding the temple with other three gopurams (entrance) in each direction (south, west & north).
While entering the temple, the temple view presents a divine picture. Getting into the temple through the main gopuram one can see the golden dhwajom (flag staff) and the balickal pura with carvings of many sculptures including those of Ganapathy and Shiva and other saints on pillars.
Inside the nalambalam, sreekovil and the main mandapam are surrounded by paths made of carved stones. The temple of Shiva is on the right side of the main sreekovil. Bhadrakali temple is situated on the south of the temple along with the full stretched surrounding path on carved stones for the whole temple.
5 Murals
Mural paintings in Kumaranalloor temple are precious and rare. The outer walls of the sreekovil are decorated with paintings showing the different styles of gods, goddesses, and incidents from great epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. Natural colours and medicinal plants were used to colour the murals.
6 Devi's Idol
The idol of Devi is unique and is made of Pathalanjanshila (soft black stone).It is believed that Lord Parasurama worshipped this idol for thousand years and then immersed it in the Mokshasarassu in Vedagiri near Ettumanoor.
Later Cheraman Perumal brought the idol from there and Parasurama installed it in this temple.The idol has four hands with Shamgha Chakra Varada Katibandham[ belt going around the hip].
Since this idol is made of soft black stone there is no Vedi Vazhipadu(fireworks) and Chandanam Charthal (Sandal cream pasting) in this temple.Instead of sandal, Manjal (turmeric powder) is used and hence the main offering in this temple is Manjal Abhishekam.Manjal Abhishekam is also used to strengthen the idol.
Continued from part 1
7. Upadevathas or Sub deities
7.1 Mahadevar (Shiva)
This Mahadeva shrine is believed to be one among the108 Shivalayas made by Sage Parasurama.It is the Ambilikkadu temple given in the famous 108 Shivalaya Nama Sthotram.
At first in Kumaranaloor only Shiva temple existed and Cheraman Perumal built the Devi temple alongside of Shiva temple. Here Shiva is as important as Devi.Shiva has also full poojas daily.
It is the custom that before offering prayers to Devi everybody has to offer prayers to Lord Shiva.Dhara and Koovala (Bilwa) maala are the main offerings.
7.2 Manibhooshanan (Shastha)
Manibhooshnan or Shastha is located on the left side of the Namaskara Mandapam. Neeraanjanam and Pushpanjali are the main offerings to Shastha.
7.3 Aalinkal Bhagavathy (Bhadra Kaali)
Aalinkal Bhagavathy idol is located near the South Gopuram.The idol of Bhadra Kaali is under a Baniyan tree(hence the name Aalinkal Bhagavathy). Guruthy and Raktha Pushpanjali are the main offerings..
7.4 Sarppakkavu
Sarppakkavu is located near the North Gopuram.Noorum Palum and Aayilyam Pooja are the main offerings.
7.5 Rule for Darsan
"Umapathikkum Manibhooshanannum
Kramena Kithozhuthayavannam
Namami Padambuja Pallavam Te
Kumaranalloorezhum Adrikanye"
There is a special rule followed to visit Devi.Above Slokam points to that rule.Deevotees must enter into the temple Thirumuttam[yard] through the East Gopuram.Then offer prayers to Devi by standing infront of the Golden Dwaja.Also offer prayers to Ashtadikpalakas at the foot of the Dwajam, Simha (lion) Vahanam on the top of the Dwajam and Ganapathy on the pillar near to the steps of Balikkalppura.
Then start your Pradakshinam through the Pradakshina Veedhi(path).Then enter into the Nalambalm[ second enclosure] of the Shiva shrine and offer prayers to Lord Mahadeva.After completing three Pradakshinams to Shiva shrine enter directly into the Nalambalam of Devi temple through the door near to Thidappally.Then the devotees must offer prayers to Lord Manibhooshanan on the pillar of Namaskara Mandapam.
Then it's time to see the beautiful and powerful idol of Sree Kumaranalloor Bhagavathy in the huge rectangular Sreekovil.After offering your prayers to Devi do six Pradakshinams inside the Nalambalam and then leave the Nalambalam through the Valiyabalikkalppura[house of principal altar].Then start the Pradakshinam from Aanakkottil[ shed for elephant] and offer prayers to Aalinkal Bhagavathy,Rakshass and Nagadevathas and complete your Pradakshinam.
My note- Now direction of the order of worship has been displayed
8 Ardent devotees of Kumaranallooramma
Adi Shankara, Vilwa Mangalathu Swamiyar, Thirumala Naykkan, Melpputhoor Narayana Bhattathiri, Kurooramma, Kunjan Nambiar, Swathi Thirunal Maharaja were ardent devotees of Kumaranallooramma. Mahatma Gandhi had also visited the temple and offered prayers to Devi.
9 Main offerings to Kumaranallooramma
Divasa (Daily) Pooja, Manjal Abhishekam, Pantheerayiram Pushpanjali, Bhadra Deepam, Tali Pooja, Aymbara, Chathushatham, Chuttu Vilakku, Archana.
10 Details of the temple
As per the historical evidences, the temple was built by the great Kerala king Cheraman Perumal. During this period, the temple was installed and the assets for this temple were given by the King Perumal. He formed the ooranma[trusteeship] and other nattukuttams (group of villages) for the day to day activities of the temple and for the villages surrounding the temple.
My note- Late I could gather the AE who took us to the temple belonged to Marar community and their family had kazhakam[ service in the temple] earlier in the temple.
After the temple entry proclamation on 27 thulam 1112, by his Highness ChitraTthirunal Maharaja of Travancore,Kumaranalloor temple was opened for Harijans and allowed them to worship. During this period Kumaranalloor became one of the Malayala gramam (village).
King Perumal built the necessary activity centres belonging to the temple. This temple was the epic centre of social, cultural and political activities. Kunchan Nambiar used to visit kumaranalloor and spent days in the temple. During his visits, he wrote and sang a lot of hymns and literatures. Once circumambulating the temple he wrote a hymn on Devi known as 'sreekumaralaya stothram' and the details are available in old Malayalam literatures collections. This hymn is read and chanted by the worshippers every day. In Kumaranalloor Devi temple sanctity of Devi was described as Parashakthi with Vaishnava chaithanyam.
11 Main Poojas
Jagadguru Adi Shankara modified the Tantric rituals of this temple. Still the Pooja style prescribed by Shankaracharya is followed here.
12 Administration
Kumaranalloor is one among the 32 villages in Malayalakara (Kerala). Kumaranalloor Devi temple is the village temple of kumaranalloor.
In early days Pazhur Paduthodu Namboothiri and Vattappalli & Kunnath Moosath had some special rights in the temple administrations. Ooralans[ temple administrators] are from 28 Illams in and around Kumaranalloor. 'Munnussery Nattukoottam' (1000 Nairs from Perumbaikkattussery, Malloossery, NattasseryKaras) also had some right in temple customs and running.
13 other activities
The temple also manages some Educational Institutions viz: 1. Devi Vilasam LP School 2.. Devi Vilasam UP School 3. Devi Vilasam High School 4. Devi Vilasam Vocational HS School (Specialisation in Medical Laboratory Technology and Computer Application) 5. Devi Vilasam Public School (English Medium up to 7th standard)
14 Festivals-Thrikkarthika
The important festival of the temple is the 10 day long Thrikkarthika Utsavam celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (November-December).On the Karthika day it is usual to make a nivedyam (offering) in the precincts of the Udayanapuram and Thrissur Vadakkunnatha temples..
The story goes that the Gods in these two temples, greatly charmed by the beauty of the Devi returning after her Karthika bath. They came out of the temples, got over the compound walls, and stood there looking amorously at the seductive figure of the passing Devi, and the temple priest who ran helter shelter in search of the Gods, finally met them on the walls at the southern end of the temples.Thenceforth, during Karthika, puja is performed over the walls of these temples. The display of lights in the evening, called Karthika Vilakku, is the highlight of this celebration.
Re posted after editing and updating on 3-9-2020. Originally posted after compiling from Wikipedia on 25-10-2009. R. Gopala Krishnan
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