tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60287070735648784982024-02-06T21:46:08.609-08:00Temples Of KeralaSreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639809262546832863noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6028707073564878498.post-60285807241424129412010-06-08T13:12:00.000-07:002010-12-08T06:08:12.900-08:00Chakkulathukavu Temple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2nT2uvnMxClF0wJECBg-plUmfPL5CpSRYHy2tZJU2V-sD8_L49KlQq5TlduTKfSVCQRSCfFUrzEc3AsQuHFmq7rEsy2ZgaPSCqyVqJN_L74QHyA8a48tdaVygBdPhYJFNR2cJQ6kr-Y/s1600/chakulathe+kavu.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2nT2uvnMxClF0wJECBg-plUmfPL5CpSRYHy2tZJU2V-sD8_L49KlQq5TlduTKfSVCQRSCfFUrzEc3AsQuHFmq7rEsy2ZgaPSCqyVqJN_L74QHyA8a48tdaVygBdPhYJFNR2cJQ6kr-Y/s1600/chakulathe+kavu.gif" /></a></div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></b><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c27ba0;">Chakkulathu Kavu</span> is a Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Durga.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The temple is located in Neerattupuram, Thalavady panchayat, Alappuzha District,</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Kerala and is one of the most popular temples in the state.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bhagawathi is one of the most popular deities in the area. Pilgrims from all over</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">South India visit and worship the Devi.The temple was less known even to the</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> local residents and lay as a family temple of a local resident.This remained until</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it was renovated a few decades before.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Located on the banks of the holy Pampa River, this temple has attracted pilgrims</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> all over Kerala and became one of the most popular pilgrim centre of the state ,</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thanks to the excellent promotional strategy of the temple management.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The major festival is Pongala which takes place in the temple during the month</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of Vrischikam (November/December).This is the time when the glory of the</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Goddess is at its peak. Lakhs of women devotees gather around the temple as</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">early as even one week before the function. The temple premises will be over</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">crowded and the devotees arrange places for offering the pongala on both sides</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the main streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising length of 20 km. Rice,</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> coconut and jaggery are brought by women devotees along with round earthen</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pots for cooking. The Chief Priest lights the main hearth from the divine fire inside</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the sanctum sanctorum. This fIre is exchanged from one oven to another.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Panthrandu Noyampu is another festival celebrated at the temple. This is the type</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of fasting and prayer which qualifies the devotee for eternal blessings of</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Chakkulathamma. This fasting starts every year from the first day of the</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Malayalam month of Dhanu till the twelfth.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The other festivals are Naree pooja, Thrikkarthaka.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chakkulathamma</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is an eternal divinity which is the ultimate cause </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for the creation as well sustenance of this universe. As oil in sesame seeds, water in river beds and fire in </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">friction sticks, this divinity defines all that we see and </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">see not, all that we know and not know or all that we </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> hear and hear not. The concept of Goddess which in</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">way is a manifestation of Nature is the supreme symbol </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of his divinity that shapes us. The Devi at Chakkulatukavu </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> temples is a benign example of the love and motherliness that Almighty showers upon any devotee who seats that </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">inimitable Goddess in his heart.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let us have a look at the temple history that dates back to almost 3000 years.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> This area where the temple stands now has been a fearful forest. Trees that</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> seemed to touch the sky, serpents with hissing noises and wild animals in</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">barbaric freedom created and atmosphere one would shudder to think. Rays</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> of the sun failed to look through the trees. Afternoons were like midnights.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Into this forest came a hunter with the idea of collecting firewood. The</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hunter was not alone. He had his wife and children with him. But everything</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was so sudden and unexpected. The hunter saw a serpent moving towards him.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Its hood was erect and its hissing noise was fearful. Not thinking too much the</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hunter attacked the snake with his axe.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the snake was not hurt it only slipped into the forest. An expert in the</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">habits of animals, the hunter knew too well that an attacked snake is dangerous</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> if spared. So he followed it. Searching and searching and still he couldn’t spot</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">out the snake. Finally he reached a lake. It was not much difficult to observe a</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ‘Chithalputtu’. (A cover of sand made by insects).</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And what was it that ornamented it like a golden chain? Yes, it was the very snake that</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> he was in search of. Not a second to waste, the hunter thrust his axe again and a</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">gain upon the serpent. But it was like cutting in the air. Surprisingly the serpent had</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">disappeared.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The hunter had a touch of horror. The next second he saw that the shell upon which</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the snake coiled was broken. Water was oozing out f it. The hunter watched with</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">awe and wonder. Now there was ‘Akshatham’ (paddy and rice) and ‘Darbha’</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(a peculiar type of grass used for pujas). Meanwhile the wife and kids of the hunter</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">joined him. All were spell bound at the unbelievable sight in front of them.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">New surprises were to follow. There appeared in front of the hunter a hermit with</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> an inexpressible glow of spirituality. The hermit continued to inform that the</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">very Goddess who is in herself the Mother of the Universe has been residing with</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> full powers inside the shell of sand. He advised the hunter to respectfully break</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the shell. The statue or image of Goddess was within it. This Goddess was Vanadurga</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whose worship was sure to shower many fold blessings.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Narada himself broke the shell and took out the statue. The hunter and his family</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> bowed before it. Meanwhile the hermit had disappeared. The hunter brought flowers</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> from the forest, offered garlands and prayed. That night he had a dream and it’s was</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in this dream that the hunter understood that the hermit was Narada.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As the sun sent down its gentle golden rays in the next morning, many had gathered</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">near the hut of the hunter. They submitted many offerings to the Goddess. Henceforth</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> that place turned out to be a spirituality exceptional one.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The river of time flew gently and continuously. Poojas of the temple were structured</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> systematically. Members of the Illam (Brahmin House) namely Pattamana constructed</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> proper temple. The idol similar to that of Sivalainga, taken out by Narada was installed</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the Sanctum sanctorium with all the prescribed ceremonies and Poojas.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pattamana Illam still stands near at the temple. Members of this family have always</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> been especially dearer to the goddess. Damodaran Nambudiri is the Chief Priest. His</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> childhood days vibrate with powerful reflections of the kindness and blessings of</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chakkulathamma.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyday there was the “Therali Nyvedyam” (a special sweet preparation of rice and</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">jaggery covered with plantain leaves). During his childhood days Damodaran Nambudiri</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> used to ask for this Nyvedyam to his father. On days when Therali was not available</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the father told his son at asks the Goddess for Therali and fruits. The innocent child</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pleaded the Goddess to give him sweet and fruits. Who has really realized the extreme</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">benevolence of the Goddess who in herself is the mother of all living beings! As the child</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">was repeatedly crying for the eatables there was a sound from inside the sanctum</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> sanctorum.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Somebody seemed to mention that fruits will soon reach the temple. Wonder of Wonders!</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Some devotees were seen approaching the temple with basketful of fruits. So intimate was</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the love of Chakkulathamma to children. This love becomes renowned that parents used to</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> visit the temple with their children. Missing children were soon regained through prayers.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Diseases were wonderfully cured. Worship of Chakkulathamma sharpens the intellect</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of children; The Goddess was adored by all as the phenomenal “The Mother who answers”.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Many places near the temple have derived their original names from the history of the temple</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. For instance, the water in the historical pond of the temple had the sweetness of jaggery.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> ‘Chakkarkulam’ became shortened in the long run and came to be known as Chakkulam. ‘</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neeru’ in Malayalam means water. Water was absorbed into the sand shell which contained</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> the idol. So the place around the temple came to be called as ‘Neerattupuram’. ‘Puram</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">means place and the word denotes the place which carried and contained the holy water.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The temple was renovated in 1981. The illuminating idol of Vana Durga with the holy</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">eight hands is installed near the original idol. Lord Shiva, Sastha, Vishnu, Vinayaka,</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Muruka, Yakshi, Serpent Gods and Navagrahas are installed as ‘Upa Devas’.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Official Website is <a href="http://www.chakkulathukavutemple.org/">www.chakkulathukavutemple.org</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><u>Major Vazhipads</u></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><br /><br /><br />Ganapathy Homam 15.00<br />Archana 05.00<br />Pushpanjali 30.00<br />Raktha Pushpanjali 40.00<br />Navagraha Pooja 10.00<br />Choroonu (Anna Prasanam) 15.00<br />Kadumpayasam 25.00<br />Abhisheka Oil 05.00<br />Kudumba Archana 10.00<br />Lalitha Sahasranam Pooja 50.00<br />Mrithyunjaya Pooja 50.00<br />Pithru Pooja 15.00<br />Bhagavathy Seva 100.00<br />Kumkuma Pooja 100.00<br />Chen Guruthi 250.00<br />Valiya Karim Guruthi 750.00<br />Erratta Guruthi 500.00<br />Valiya Pooja 500.00<br />Chowa Pooja 350.00<br />Karma Pooja 400.00<br />Pithru Pooja 500.00<br />Anjana Guruthi 350.00<br />Nirapara 25.00<br />Neeranjanam 15.00<br />Shatru Samhara Pooja 100.00<br />Thrimaduram 05.00<br />Thulabharama 10.00<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;"><u>Advance Booking Poojas Charge</u></span><br /><br /><br />Asthra Draviya Ganapathi Homam 250.00<br />Ganapathi Homam (with Karuka) 25.00<br />One day Pooja 1501.00<br />Oru Nerathe Pooja 1001.00<br />Muzhukappu (Devi) 250.00<br />Karthika Pooja 1500.00<br />Adianthra Pooja 2001.00<br />Palpayasam 20.00<br />Aranazhi Payasam 450.00<br />Kalasham 150.00<br />Noorum Paalum 100.00<br />Manjaneerattu 2001.00<br />Kalabha Abhishekham 7001.00<br />Kumkuma Abhishekham 7001.00<br />Thiruvabharanam Charthi Pooja 501.00<br />Oru Divasatha Vayana 650.00<br />Udayasthamana Pooja 5001.00<br />Sakthi Pooja 1501.00<br />Chuttu Vilakku 4001.00<br />Uthasva Pooja 5001.00<br />Pithru Sakthi Pooja 650.00<br /><br /><br /><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Contact Details</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>ADDRESS<br /><br /><strong>Manikuttan Namboothiri</strong></strong></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 800;"><br /></span><strong style="font-weight: bold;">ADMINISTRATOR</strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong><b><br /></b><strong style="font-weight: bold;">CHAKKULATHUKAVU SREE BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE</strong><br /><strong style="font-weight: bold;">NEERETTUPURAM P.O</strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">THIRUVALLA, KERALA, INDIA</strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong><b><br /></b><strong style="font-weight: bold;">TEL: 0477-2213550, 9447104242</strong></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><strong></strong><b><br /></b><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Email: amma@chakkulathukavutemple.org</strong></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></strong></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></strong></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c74904; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c74904; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-weight: bold;">Major Festivals</span> </span><br /><br /><div style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Pongala</u></span><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the phenomenally renowned festival that takes place in the temple during the month of ‘Vrischikam’ (November/December). This is the time when the glory of the Goddess is at its peak. Lakhs of women devotees gather around the temple as early as even one week before the function. The temple premises will be overcrowded and the devotees arrange place for offering the Pongal on both sides of the mains streets. The queue usually extends to a surprising length of 20 km.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Naree Pooja</u></span><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hindu tradition had always bestowed reverence and acceptance to Indian womanhood. It often reminded humanity that a woman who is respected is the cause for prosperity whereas a woman is dishonoured is exactly like fire and can annihilate everything. We had even women who rose themselves to the pinnacle of spirituality and gave new dimensions to our culture.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>The First Friday</u></span><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first Friday of every Malayalam month marks a spiritually significant day for the Temple. Devotees who observe rigorous fasting and penance reach the shrine on </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> this day. The number of persons who gather themselves to have a visit of the Mother on this day are literally countless. Special spiritual functions are also conducted on this day. The small idol of the God which is usually placed inside the sanctum sanctorum beside the main idol is carried in procession and brought to the specially arranged place for prayer.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Thrikkarthika</u></span><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thrikkarthika that falls on the malayalam month of Vrischika is an important day of the Temple. This day became famous after a surprising incident that took place in 1851. A Friday of 1981.3.30 am in the early morning. Some devotees had gathered to have the “Nirmalya Darsanam”. Everyone was amazed to see rings of perfumed smoke all around. Rare glow of light was seen in front of the temple. No body could discern what was happening. As the priest opened the temple, everyone was spell bound. All the lamps inside were alive with a unique touch of brilliance.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><u>Kalamezhuthu</u></span><br /><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This ritual has both the influence as well as tremendous mental sense of awakening. The divine of the goddess is drawn in an elaborate size using differently coloured poweders. </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nirapara</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All the prosperities of this universe are a blessing that comes from the mother. After all, nature is one with the Goddess and whatever we receive is Her boon. Money, agriculture, handicrafts and everything prosper through her silent sanction. This belief prompts the devotees to offer helpful of paddy in the ‘Para’ or rational vessel to the Goddess</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: -webkit-left;"></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Sreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639809262546832863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6028707073564878498.post-36089952773761654142010-06-08T13:03:00.000-07:002010-12-08T06:08:12.929-08:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #aabbcc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11px;"></span><br /><h3 class="post-title entry-title" style="-webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://www1.blogblog.com/dots_dark/bg_post_title_left.gif); background-position: 0% 0.25em; background-repeat: no-repeat; color: #99cc77; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; font: normal normal bold 95%/normal Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4em; margin-bottom: 0.25em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.25em; padding-bottom: 1px; padding-left: 45px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><a href="http://templeinkerala.blogspot.com/2008/01/attukal-devi-temple.html" style="color: #99cc77; text-decoration: none;">ATTUKAL DEVI TEMPLE</a></h3><div class="post-header"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" style="line-height: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.75em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV2K1Okwd5eJF8c71OvZ_JILf5SzQeWrnQq-XuYXtWhgcXxBkjfhJHKK_KKneQZjRRDzzL67mDoqYAS-djFd9rPD8RrhMn_vNc0WDZexnTsrDoWB3PwPRh_FcqSsB1c81g5y83UzIw_U/s1600-h/aatukal.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" style="color: #779999;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160383265424704546" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRV2K1Okwd5eJF8c71OvZ_JILf5SzQeWrnQq-XuYXtWhgcXxBkjfhJHKK_KKneQZjRRDzzL67mDoqYAS-djFd9rPD8RrhMn_vNc0WDZexnTsrDoWB3PwPRh_FcqSsB1c81g5y83UzIw_U/s320/aatukal.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(85, 102, 119); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(85, 102, 119); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(85, 102, 119); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(85, 102, 119); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" /></a><br /><br />The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, 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, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and worship the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma. Vishnumaya took the incarnation of Bhagavathy to annihilate the evil and protect the good in the world in the present Era namely Kaliyuga.<br />According to mythology, Attukal Bhagavathy is supposed to be the divinised form of Kannaki, the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal, the Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal. Kannaki is supposed to be the incarnation of Parvathy, the consort of Paramasiva. 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 /><br />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 Kuruthitharpanam 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.</div>Sreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639809262546832863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6028707073564878498.post-56907801576917405792010-06-08T12:50:00.000-07:002010-12-08T06:08:12.965-08:00Manarasala Temple<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"></span></b></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; font-family: 'times new roman'; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;"><table border="0" bordercolor="#ABDA78" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber1" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><tbody><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" height="3" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4GnhdlQAyjSJwKPhGyAWAixniIt6SBcC8g4Wkz1ZO_Bb4WzX4b5ZG324az7_2_dTneB5_yWQApAwY1BIR47l0ytGFpIStyrpBWYjoyhXovvh-GqU-4PwXI9TquAcCbF5lTah_5ITwb4/s1600/1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4GnhdlQAyjSJwKPhGyAWAixniIt6SBcC8g4Wkz1ZO_Bb4WzX4b5ZG324az7_2_dTneB5_yWQApAwY1BIR47l0ytGFpIStyrpBWYjoyhXovvh-GqU-4PwXI9TquAcCbF5lTah_5ITwb4/s320/1.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlohCww_ifRJXpfE1DJ30qMZ3YJiEuIxG0orrTd9bZgd7kFMmLf_wwOivxkZ6hjYc3EmzEIMXuZjhRYmkS8mSfyrDGoWofx3Gm0larLRTY9pPd13oWf5dbr7TMmAwuc9pG4uaEX_IUZ1I/s1600/mannarasal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlohCww_ifRJXpfE1DJ30qMZ3YJiEuIxG0orrTd9bZgd7kFMmLf_wwOivxkZ6hjYc3EmzEIMXuZjhRYmkS8mSfyrDGoWofx3Gm0larLRTY9pPd13oWf5dbr7TMmAwuc9pG4uaEX_IUZ1I/s320/mannarasal.jpg" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_tjyvPnfdmYH58bFbsYFsoCH3gF0upspDICty12Oar_X9XnQHyejQ8niAQfPTVw1dUDAUtEH6fbcK27-YsUgay4Xq6j0NM37kAEZL53yQm48jD3Ed1u6rsZ8vh2rCKnNiycIKpyaPQE/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC_tjyvPnfdmYH58bFbsYFsoCH3gF0upspDICty12Oar_X9XnQHyejQ8niAQfPTVw1dUDAUtEH6fbcK27-YsUgay4Xq6j0NM37kAEZL53yQm48jD3Ed1u6rsZ8vh2rCKnNiycIKpyaPQE/s320/2.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="left" height="81"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;">Location</span><br /><blockquote><blockquote><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" height="300" id="AutoNumber2" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td height="195" rowspan="2"><div align="justify"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> M</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">annarassala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally-known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods.<br />The temple is located about three kilometers to the south-east of the bus station in N.H.47 at Haripad, in Alleppey district of Kerala.<br />Haripad, a culturally renowned ancient town with prominent role in the history of Central Travancore, is rich with its exquisite green paddy fields, towering coconut palms and serene atmosphere of the adjacent hamlets. Now Haripad is a well-developed town with enough civic infrastructure like shopping complexes, hotels & lodges, educational institutions and hospitals.<br />The ancient Subrahmanya Swamy Temple in Haripad, which is</span></span></div></td><td height="195" rowspan="2"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></td><td valign="bottom"></td></tr><tr><td height="8" valign="top"><div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span> </b></span></span></div></td></tr><tr><td colspan="3" height="48"><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">one of the renowned Subrahmanya temples of Kerala and a testimonial to the glory of the great Kerala temple architecture, is located on the way to the Mannarassala temple.</span></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Proper signboards are available from the N.H.47 to the temple. Since the temple is very renowned, accessibility to the temple may not be a problem for the devotees. Various cabs and auto rickshaws are available near the Haripad bus station and Railway station to reach Mannarassala at nominal fare. Since located near the highway almost equidistant between the cities of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi (approx.113 kms and 103 kms respectively), it is easy to reach Haripad via bus and train.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate;"><table border="0" bordercolor="#ABDA78" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber1" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><tbody><tr><td align="left" bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Nearest Airports</span></b></td></tr><tr><td><blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Thiruvananthapuram <br />International Airport - Distance 121 kms.<br />Nedumbassery International Airpor</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">t - </span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Distance - 132 kms.</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><img border="0" height="268" src="http://www.mannarasala.org/images/map.jpg" width="311" /></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> Nearest Railway Stations</span></b></td></tr><tr><td><blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br />Haripad Railway Station - 3 kms<br />Mavelikkara Railway Station - 10 kms<br />Kayamkulam Railway Station - 11 kms</span></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr></tbody></table></span><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span></b></span></span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><table border="0" bordercolor="#ABDA78" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber1" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><tbody><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Legends</span></b></td></tr><tr><td width="50%"><div align="center"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://www.mannarasala.org/newwebimgs/thannitree.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 2px; border-right-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 2px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px;" width="175" /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: xx-small;">The THANNI tree</span></b></div></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">n the light of experience, many devotees who have experienced and heard about the miraculous powers of the serpents and the presiding deities here, tell many stories about Mannarasala temple.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The divine serpents</span></span></b></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />It is not a rare thing to see the same serpent appear in the same location for a number of days in the temple premises. On the steps of the gatehouse, on the hedgerows, among the creepers; those who perform </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">bhajanam</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> in the temple can stand very close at any time and pray.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Yellow snakes</span></b></span></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />On one occasion, about six decades ago, a fierce yellow serpent started dancing on the eastern bank of the holy pond near the Appooppan Kavu carrying an evil snake in its mouth. Then it vomited the evil snake and released it. The serpent raised its hood either out of fear or out of a desire of revenge. The fierce snake with a sense of humour swallowed that cobra again. The late Valia Amma came to know about it. She came to the spot with tears in her eyes and spoke a few words. The serpent did not budge. This drama lasted for half an hour. Amma became sad. With the chanting of manthras, she prayed for the release of the cobra. No more delay, the serpent left the cobra, bent down its head and went straight into the Appooppan Kavu, as if nothing had happened. The nature of the yellow snakes of Appoppan Kavu is beyond description, and is wonderful.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> The story of a Tahsildar who opened the cellar</span></b></span></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />When Sri Chitra Thirunal was ruling over Travancore; the destruction caused by World War II was spreading all over the country, the people were oppressed by poverty; there was famine everywhere. Sir.C.P.Ramaswamy Iyer was the Diwan, a man of great intellect and formidable prowess. Orders were issued to take over foodstuff from any household, even if they are in the custody of the great ones, and to introduce rationing.</span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Tahsildar of Karthikappally at that time was a Tamil Brahmin; a native of Haripad; his house was very close to his office; a gentleman who knew exactly the income of each individual and family in the locality. He was waiting for an opportunity to please the Diwanji. He got ready to display his skill to the maximum. Among the list of landlords the Mannarasala Illam was included. One day very early in the morning the Tahsildar and his associates came to the Illam along with a batch of policemen. They took away every grain of rice and paddy, even what was meant for Nivedyam. Everything was heaped in the courtyard. He was disappointed at not being able to collect as much rice and paddy as he had expected and it made him indiscrete. He knew very well that no one would enter the Nilavara. He issued orders to open the doors of Nilavara on the suspicion that foodstuff had been illegally stocked there, without heeding to the requests of the family members not to open the Nilavara. No one came forward to do so, including the accompanied policemen. The infuriated Tahsildar under a false sense of prestige opened the cellar. But he could not enter inside and had to retreat. (No great delay; he lost his eyesight and his family which had been rich was reduced to penury and destroyed. He was completely broken and had to sell off whatever left; and had to leave the place forever ).</span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The officers came with their men to take away the rice that had been heaped in the courtyard. On the top of that heap, a serpent was seen; and the policemen were frightened. They approached the head of the family for help. He advised them to take away everything leaving behind what was meant for nivedyam in the temple. They were ready to do so; and the serpent slowly crept away and disappeared into the jungle nearby.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td align="justify" bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;" width="100%"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tale of a trespasser into Nilavara</span></span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="justify" width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />There is a tale that has been well-known from ancient times depicting about the consequences for trying to enter the Nilavara, except by the Great Mothers from time to time.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A few days after Anantha the ‘Muthassan’ disappeared in the Nilavara, his younger brother had the desire to meet his brother. When he insisted obstinately, the mother said “ Then, enter the Nilavara and close your left eye and look at the south-west corner with your right eye…”” The son followed it and saw a brilliant light. The eye that saw it lost the power of sight!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">It is interpreted that the main characters in this tale, the Mother and the younger brother could have been the Valia Amma and son of a later generation, and that it may perhaps have happened. A young boy of the family may have felt the desire to see the “Muthassan”, and the Mother may have yielded to the unlimited obstinacy of the son. That mother by divine insight must have realized that he might lose eyesight because of the halo of light; hence she may have advised him to close one eye and look with the other eye. And in this way he might have lost the sight of one of his eyes because of the flaming brightness of the light.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;" width="100%"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The mother and the serpent-child</span></span></b></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />Legends say that Anantha, was born as a five hooded serpent-child to Vasudeva and Sreedevi of the Illam. Once the aims of his incarnation were fulfilled, he informed his mother that he would remain in the Nailavara in Samadhi forever, blessing the devotees. </span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Mother who was so full of affection could not put up with that separation. Human weakness pained the Holy Mother. She rushed into the cellar herself; there shone only a halo of light… The Lord had his hermitess Mother as the one and only centre of confidence in this world. The beloved son consoled the Mother.</span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Only the Mother was granted the opportunity and authority to see the Lord face to face; he gave his full consent to be satisfied with the Mother’s offering of worship just once a year. </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(Still Nurum Palum is offered only once in a year, the day next to Sivaratri by the Great Mother)</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">. He also revealed the secret truth that the worship in the cellar need be offered only by the Mother and the worship offered in the temple will reach him without any loss of time, with the same force. Thus he gave his beloved mother the unusual permission to offer worship in the temple as well as the rare opportunity ever granted to an antarjanam (women) priestess.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1EH1IhmP1LMx_H-SsxOFeeQFLsD0-WGF3-KPhzY-vs9wvufQ61Z4aYERXCIHLXF2OQmtDFlLJ6_NF_p9HZBphm0DfOQxXUquqODylkMMXqVGftW30T76IL_0OQX10jQyVS4JI1WCi-8/s1600/photogallery01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1EH1IhmP1LMx_H-SsxOFeeQFLsD0-WGF3-KPhzY-vs9wvufQ61Z4aYERXCIHLXF2OQmtDFlLJ6_NF_p9HZBphm0DfOQxXUquqODylkMMXqVGftW30T76IL_0OQX10jQyVS4JI1WCi-8/s320/photogallery01.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><table border="0" bordercolor="#ABDA78" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber1" style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-collapse: collapse; border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><tbody><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><b><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> Offerings </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span></b></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><center><br /><br /><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber4" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://www.mannarasala.org/images/offerings.jpg" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(200, 239, 190); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 2px; border-left-color: rgb(200, 239, 190); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 2px; border-right-color: rgb(200, 239, 190); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 2px; border-top-color: rgb(200, 239, 190); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 2px;" width="185" /></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></center></div><div align="justify"><span style="color: yellow; font-family: Verdana; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">M</span></span><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">annarasala is a place where prayers have been granted, where Serpent-worship has been sanctified for ages.<br /><br />We don't have to worry about what can be dedicated to propitiate the Lord Nagaraja and the serpent gods. You may offer anything according to your capacity, such as things which will make the serpents happy (articles that can be used in Abhisheka and Alankara; incense, flowers, lamp etc., which can be used for worship.)<br />Those who suffer from incurable diseases, those possessed by fear as a result of the anger of serpents and thereby find life unendurable - all of them come here to stay and pray (bhajanam) and go back with their wishes fulfilled. There are some special ritual practices and regulations for this bhajana.<br />In recent times, the fame of this temple has been spread far and wide for the prayers answered for having child to couples. The 'Uruli Kamazhthal' offering with devotion and prayers, has helped numerous devotees to have children, who come to this temple.</span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;"><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="color: #c8efbe; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Main offerings:</span></span></b></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><center><br /><br /><br /><table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber2" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For wealth and prosperity </span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">A pot filled with gold or a gold pot filled with other things.</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For education, prosperity and fame</span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Silk grains, divine ornaments.</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For recovering health</span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Salt</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For protection from poison</span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Turmeric</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For curing diseases</span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Pepper, mustard, green peas etc.</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For protection from damage</span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Serpent cave made of gold etc., images of serpents' eggs, tree, earth etc.,</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For long life </span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Melted butter (ghee)</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For getting whatever one wants</span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Milk, ripe kadalai fruit, nilavarapayasam.</span></td></tr><tr><td bgcolor="#C8EFBE" width="238"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">For having child</span></td><td bgcolor="#ABDA78" width="439"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">A vessel named Uruli made of brass, bronze etc. for performing 'Nurum Palum'.<br /> </span></td></tr></tbody></table></center></div><div align="left"><br /></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span><b><span style="color: #c8efbe; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Offerings- details</span></span></b></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">1. Sarpabali * - Rs. 15,001/-<br />2. Nurum Palu** - Rs.172/-<br />3. Naurum Palu* - Rs.101/-<br />4. Muzhukkappu* - Rs.751/-<br />5. Enna Abhizhekam(oil) - Rs.10/-<br />6. Dhara* - Rs.10/-<br />7. Neyyabhizhekam (ghee) - Rs. 25/-<br />8. Tender coconut abhizhekam- Rs. 5/-<br />9. Palabhizhekam - Rs.10/-<br />10. Sahasranamarchana - Rs.10/-<br />11. Mrithyunjayarchana - Rs.15/-<br />12. Ashtotharasatham Archana -Rs.5/-<br />13. Archana - Rs.3/-<br />14. Palumapazhavum Nivedyam -Rs.5/-<br />15. Malar Nivedyam - Rs.3/-<br />16. Kadalippazha Nivedyam -Rs.5/-<br />17. Nilavara Payasam - Rs.20/-<br />18. Payasam - Rs.5/-<br />19. Palpayasam* - Rs.15/-<br />20. Appam * - Rs.25/-<br />21. EnnaVilakku - Rs.5/-<br />22. Neyyu Villakku - Rs.10/-<br />23. Mala - Rs.3/-<br />24. Uruli kamazhthu - Rs.25/-<br />25. Urulinivarppu - Rs.25/-<br />26. Urulinadakku veypu - Rs.25/-<br />27. Annaprasam - Rs.9/-<br />28. Thulabharam - Rs.10/-<br />29. Sarppaprathima Nadakku Veypu -Rs. 7.50/-<br />30. One day puja* - Rs.751/-<br />31. Ganapathi Homam* - Rs.25/-<br />32. Bhagavathiseva* - Rs.251/-<br />33. Wedding* - Rs.65/-<br />34. Thrimadhuram - Rs.3/-<br />35. Chathussatha Nivedyam* - Rs. 2501/-</span></b></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;" width="100%"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span></td></tr><tr><td width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><br /><center><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" id="AutoNumber3" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><tbody><tr><td><ul><li> </li></ul></td><td><span style="color: #c8efbe; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">** It is mandatory to produce 'prashnacharthu' (directions from experts) for performing the Nurum Palum for sarppahimsa and eliminating sarppasthanam.</span></span></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li> </li></ul></td><td><span style="color: #c8efbe; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">It is mandatory to book in advance for the offerings with the star mark *.</span></span></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li> </li></ul></td><td><span style="color: #c8efbe; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">It is advised to source pooja materials like salt, turmeric, puttu (abode of serpents), Sarppavigraham, Uruli etc. from the outlet of Devaswom.</span></span></td></tr><tr><td><ul><li> </li></ul></td><td><span style="color: #c8efbe; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Sarppavigraham, Mutta ( egg), Puttu etc. should be made only of any four metals like Gold, Silver, Iron or brass.</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></center></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr><tr><td align="justify" bordercolor="#ABDA78" style="border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-width: 1px;" width="100%"><b><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> </span></span><span style="color: #c8efbe; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"> D.D./ or Money Order should for any offering should be addressed as -<br /> THE MANAGER</span></span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="justify" width="100%"><blockquote><blockquote><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><b><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br />Mannarassala Temple<br />Mannarassala P.O.<br />Harippad,<br />Kerala<br />India<br />Pin : 690550.</span></span></b></div></blockquote></blockquote><br /> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Phone Number of Temple</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;"> ::: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">+91-0479-2413214</span></span><br /><blockquote><blockquote><div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /> </span></span></div></blockquote></blockquote></td></tr></tbody></table></span></div>Sreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639809262546832863noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6028707073564878498.post-34343004629175945192010-06-08T12:23:00.000-07:002010-12-08T06:08:13.000-08:00Guruvayoor Temple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr0h0gD1WFStavrxTGufxMnGdZ71RAPBSjyJ2nf6_nTdgHQqQQU7ok5J8nsGLoaaIEAmmNEBbqna3877e_WeomEVQVd7kPCpzV9hYNFqqonv0dWtXCD5uAPF_UVMYafl-eMWMDa603k8/s1600/guruvayur_temple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyr0h0gD1WFStavrxTGufxMnGdZ71RAPBSjyJ2nf6_nTdgHQqQQU7ok5J8nsGLoaaIEAmmNEBbqna3877e_WeomEVQVd7kPCpzV9hYNFqqonv0dWtXCD5uAPF_UVMYafl-eMWMDa603k8/s320/guruvayur_temple.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkSDjTn3e-jioxiM5H7RldZqaFk19MMwtK6LEaWq-apF7h957FNmNIpOCO0Rp2UpSeBgMEg6y6ty1mvocl9da4K4YV8YEBgCvY1AnA8g7_cpzuz4kEWLCJMgW1QawsPTjB_FieeJdmBA/s1600/6490531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRkSDjTn3e-jioxiM5H7RldZqaFk19MMwtK6LEaWq-apF7h957FNmNIpOCO0Rp2UpSeBgMEg6y6ty1mvocl9da4K4YV8YEBgCvY1AnA8g7_cpzuz4kEWLCJMgW1QawsPTjB_FieeJdmBA/s320/6490531.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"></span><br /><div align="center" class="contentHeader" style="font-weight: bold;"><b>LOCATION</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">Guruvayur, the abode of Lord Sree Guruvayurappan, is located 29 kms north west to the cultural capital of the 'God's own country', Kerala. This narrow coastline strip of land on the south western edge of Indian subcontinent is one of the 10 paradises in the world. The geographical and bio diversity of Kerala with the coastline beaches and stretches of backwaters lined with the swaying coconut palms on one side and evergreen forests of the western ghats with very rich wildlife on the other side makes it a real paradise to the alien traveler.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><b>HOW TO REACH GURUVAYUR</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><b>By road</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">Guruvayur is well connected with the other parts of the country by road and rail. The National highway is passing through Kunnamkulam which is just 8 kms away from Guruvayur. The private bus stand is towards the east of the temple, near Manjulal (the banyan tree). It is half an hour drive by car from Thrissur and busses ply every 5 minutes from Thrissur to Guruvayur. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">Kerala Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) runs bus services from all major locations of the state and few inter-state services. The bus stand is 500 meters to the west of the temple. Both KSRTC and private busses offer interstate services to all major South Indian cities like Madras, Madurai, Palani, Salem, Coimbatore, Thiruchandoor, Mysore, Mangalore, Uduppi, Mookambika etc.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><b>By rail</b>Guruvayur has got a railway station towards the east of the temple which is connected to the Madras-Mangalore main line at Thrissur. It has got computerised ticket booking facility and tickets can be booked to any locations from here. One from the Mangalore side can get down at the Kuttippram station. Regular buss services are available from there to Guruvayur. Those from the Madras/Trivandrum side can get down at Thrissur.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><b>By air</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">Kochi international airport (Nedumbassery) is 80 kms from Guruvayur and the Calicut airport is 100 kms away. All major international flight services are operated from these airports.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"></span></span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 480px;"><tbody><tr><td width="480"><div align="center" class="contentHeader" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">HISTORY OF GURUVAYUR</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">EARLY HISTORY</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">According to the legends, the idol worshipped here is more </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">than 5000 years old. But there are no historical records</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> to establish it. In the 14th century Tamil literature</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> 'Kokasandesam', references about a place called Kuruvayur </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">is made. As early as 16th century (50 years after the </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Narayaneeyam was composed) many references </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">are seen about Kuruvayur. In ancient Dravidic, </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Kuruvai means sea, hence the village on the coast </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">may be called Kuruvayur.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But according to Prof. K V Krishna Iyer </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(eminent historian), the Brahmins had begun to </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">come and settle at Kodungalloor during the period </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">of Chandra Gupta Maurya ( 321-297 BC). Trikkunavay</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> in the Guruvayur documents is the same as </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Thrikkanamathilakam or Mathilakam mentioned in the </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Dutch and British records. And this place was in</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> between Guruvayur and Kodungalloor. Guruvayur </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">was Trikkunavay's subordinate shrine since they were</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> destroyed by the Dutch in 1755. That way Guruvayur</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> must have come into existence before 52 AD. The </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">story of Pandyan King building a shrine here may be </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">a reference to the Azhavars , but they are all </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">silent in their writing about Guruvayur.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was Melpathur's Narayaneeyam through which</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> the Temple got publicity. The concept of Unnikrishna</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> popularised by Poonthanam ,Kururamma , and </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Villwamangalam brought more and more </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">devotees to Guruvayur.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"></span></div><div class="contentHeader" style="font-weight: bold;">THE DAILY POOJAS IN THE TEMPLE</div><div class="contentHeader" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="contentHeader" style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><strong>THE TEMPLE OPENS AT 3.00 AM</strong></div><table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="table-101" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; width: 474px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="middle" width="34%">3.00am to 3.30am</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="top" width="66%">Nirmalyam</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="middle" width="34%">3.20am to 3.30am</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="top" width="66%">Oilabhishekam,<br />Vakacharthu,<br />Sankhabhishekam</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">3.30am to 4.15am</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Malar Nivedyam, Alankaram</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">4.15am to 4.30am</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Usha Nivedyam</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="top" width="34%">4.30am to 6.15am</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="top" width="66%">Ethirettu pooja followed by<br /> Usha pooja</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">7.15am to 9.00am</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="middle" width="66%">Seeveli,Palabhishekam,<br />Navakabhishekam,<br />Pantheeradi Nivedyam,<br />and Pooja</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">11.30am to 12.30pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Ucha pooja (the noon pooja)</td></tr></tbody></table><div align="justify" class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;">TEMPLE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.30PM<br /><br />AND 4.30PM AND REOPENS AT 4.30 PM</div><table cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" class="table-101" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; width: 474px;"><tbody><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">4.30pm to 5.00pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Seeveli</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">6.00pm to 6.45pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Deeparadhana</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">7.30pm to 7.45pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Athazha pooja Nivedyam</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">7.45pm to 8.15pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Athazha pooja</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">8.45pm to 9.00pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Athazha seeveli</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="34%">9.00pm to 9.15pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" width="66%">Thrippuka, Olavayana</td></tr><tr><td style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="middle" width="34%">9.15pm</td><td align="left" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(128, 128, 128); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px;" valign="top" width="66%"><div align="justify">The Sreekovil will be closed.<br /> On the day of Special Illuminations<br /> called "Vilakku" the Thripuka<br /> is performed after that.<br /> The Sreekovil will be<br />closed after Thripuka.<br />Then the Krishnanattam,<br />a colourful traditional<br />dance-drama on Lord Krishna's<br /> life is enacted inside the<br />Temple on specified days.</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: 300;"><br /></span></span></div><div align="justify" class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="req" style="color: red; font-weight: 300;">*</span>The timings given are approximate. It may vary if there is Udayasthamana pooja or on certain special occasions.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></td></tr></tbody></table></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS'; font-size: 12px;"> </span> <br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">Contacting Temple</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px;"> </span></span></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><br /><br /><br /><br /><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="width: 480px;"><tbody><tr><td align="Center" colspan="2"><span class="contentheader" style="color: #aa0000; font-family: verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">DEVASWOM OFFICE</span></td></tr><tr align="center"><td class="contentCell" colspan="2" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;">Please dial any of the below mentioned P.B.X. Telephone Numbers<br />(prefix code +91 487 if needed)<br />255 6335, 255 6799, 255 6347, 255 6365, 255 6538, 255 6670 or 255 6672<br />Fax Number +91 487 255 4844<br />Now dial the required extension number</td></tr><tr><td class="titelCell" colspan="2" height="10"></td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Reception</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">100</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Chairman Office</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">200</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Rest room</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">202</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Conference Hall</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">201</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Administrator Office</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">220</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Rest room</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">222</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Chief Finance and Accounts officer</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">245</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Assistant Audit Officers</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">252</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">C.A. to Administrator</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">221</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Deputy Administrator (Admin)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">250</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Deputy Administrator (Finance)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">240</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Deputy Administrator (S and P)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">230</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (Office)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">251</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (Finance)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">241</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (A/cs I)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">244</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (A/cs II)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">242</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (Audit)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">243</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (Maramath)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">257</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (Live stock)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">272</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (Thapal)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">253</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (Purchase)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">233</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Asst Manager (R&T Suite)</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">235</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Devaswom Inspector</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">234</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Cashier</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">246</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Fair Copy Section</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">254</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Record Room</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">256</td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%">Computer Cell</td><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%">247 </td></tr><tr><td class="contentCell" style="color: black; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: 500; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: middle;" width="56%"><br /><br /><br />The Official Website of the Temple is<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.guruvayurdevaswom.org/">www.guruvayurdevaswom.org</a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td><td class="contentCell" style="text-align: justify; vertical-align: middle;" width="44%"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></center></span></span></div>Sreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639809262546832863noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6028707073564878498.post-67896249686501520292010-02-26T22:44:00.000-08:002010-12-08T06:08:13.254-08:00Sabarimala (ശബരിമല) Temple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman';"><span style="color: #cc6600; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong><br /></strong></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kerala is a land of temples; perhaps the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala is Sabarimala, high up in the Sahyadri Mountains (Western Ghats). Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha Temples. It is believed that "Parasurama Maharshi" who retrieved Kerala from the sea by throwing his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala to worship Lord Ayyappa.<br /><br />The pilgrimage begins in the month of November and ends in January. The temple attracts pilgrims not only from the southern states of India, but also from other parts of the country and abroad.<br /><br />The shrine gets thronged with devotees especially during the main pilgrim season from November to January.<br /><br />Mandala pooja (November16,2009) and Makaravilakku(Jan.14th) are the two main events of the pilgrim season. The temple stays closed during the rest of the year except for the first five days of every Malayalam month and during Vishu (April).<br /><br />Certain customs are to be strictly observed if one has to undertake a pilgrimage to Sabarimala. A pilgrim attending the Mandalapooja should observe austerities for 41 days. During this period, the pilgrim should abstain himself from non vegetarian food and carnal pleasures.<br /><br />Pilgrims set out in groups under a leader, and each carry a cloth bundle called Irumudi kettu containing traditional offerings. Unlike certain Hindu temples, Sabarimala temple has no restrictions of caste or creed. The temple is open to males of all age groups and to women who have either passed their fertility age and those before reaching the stage of puberty.<br /><br />The easiest route is via Chalakkayam, by which one can reach the banks of the river Pamba by vehicle. Pamba is the main halting point on the way to Sabarimala. From here one has to trek 4 to 5 kms to reach the temple.</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">For Standard Schedule of Rituals at Sabarimala Temple</span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;">Click <a href="http://www.sabarimala.org/dailypooja.htm">here</a> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">For photo gallery click <a href="http://www.sabarimala.org/photogallery.htm">here</a> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">To Reach Sabarimala </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 24px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 24px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>By Rail:</strong><br />The pilgrims can reach Kottayam & Chengannur by Railway (Broad gauage) and Punalur (Metre Gauage) and from there by bus to Pampa.<br /><a href="http://www.sabarimala.org/traintimings.htm" target="_blank">Click here for train timings</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>By Air:</strong><br />The pilgrims can reach Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi & Nedumbassery by Air and from there reach Pampa by bus/car.<br /><br /><strong>By Road:</strong></span><br /><table align="CENTER" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr bgcolor="#FFC4C4"><td align="CENTER" colspan="3"><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Distance:</span></strong><b></b><b></b></div></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">From</span></b></td><td align="CENTER"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">To</span></b></td><td align="CENTER"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Distance</span></b></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Erumeli</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">56 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Kottayam</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Erumeli</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">72 Kms</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Kottayam</span></td><td width="108"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">128 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Chengannoor</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">93 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thiruvalla</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">99 kms</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Ernakulam</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa (via) Kottayam</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">200 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Alleppy</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa (via) A.C. Road</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">137 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Punalur</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">105 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pathanamthitta</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">69 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pandalam</span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">84 kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Thiruvananthapuram</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Pampa</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">175 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Ernakulam</span></td><td><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">Erumeli (via) Palai, Ponkunnam</span></td><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: verdana, arial; font-size: x-small;">175 Kms.</span></td></tr><tr bgcolor="#FFC4C4"><td align="CENTER" colspan="3"><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">KSRTC has started operating buses to Palani and Thenkashi from Pampa for the convenience of the Sabarimala pilgrims. Besides, the Govt. of Tamil Nadu has been given the permission to operate 20 buses from different parts of Tamil Nadu to Pampa. A chain service exists between Pampa and Nilackal base camp.</span></div></td></tr><tr bgcolor="#FFC4C4"><td align="CENTER" colspan="3"><div align="left"><strong>K.S.R.T.C Bus fare from Pampa</strong></div></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pathanamthitta</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 44</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kottayam</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 74</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Erumely</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 35</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ernakulam</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs.114</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Chengannoor</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 58</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kottarakkara</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs.65</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kumily</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 92</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thiruvananthapuram</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 104</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Pandalam</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 53</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Attingal</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs.90</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kilimanoor</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 82</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Guruvayoor</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 164</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Thrissur</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 145</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td align="CENTER"><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>Pampa</strong></span></td><td><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Adoor</span></td><td align="CENTER"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rs. 54</span></strong></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 24px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Videos</span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 24px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1267252017567">http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4464002209173454296#</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4464002209173454296#"><br /></a> </span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=legH7DDmrIc%C2%A0">www.youtube.com/watch?v=legH7DDmrIc </a> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"> </span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7yCnBeqoypr4lZMd18LB6EB7wIcpSkCTTEiYYQsjGolQt3lNZPk5J4uM-bXwpXbNc8SiyV_6sKiBiqO2AP9d6NS15jq9iMyVQmeNkOatKDTe50C-u_06FR-JNqhkLW_8WN0VEGIZYwQ/s1600-h/Ayyapan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7yCnBeqoypr4lZMd18LB6EB7wIcpSkCTTEiYYQsjGolQt3lNZPk5J4uM-bXwpXbNc8SiyV_6sKiBiqO2AP9d6NS15jq9iMyVQmeNkOatKDTe50C-u_06FR-JNqhkLW_8WN0VEGIZYwQ/s320/Ayyapan.JPG" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>Sreehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03639809262546832863noreply@blogger.com0