Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple

Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple
Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple
Location in Kerala
Name
Other names Dakshina Palani
Proper name ഹരിപ്പാട് സുബ്രഹ്മണ്യസ്വാമിക്ഷേത്രം
Geography
Coordinates 9°17′5″N 76°30′5″E / 9.28472°N 76.50139°E / 9.28472; 76.50139Coordinates: 9°17′5″N 76°30′5″E / 9.28472°N 76.50139°E / 9.28472; 76.50139
Country India
State Kerala
District Alappuzha
Location Haripad
Culture
Primary deity Murugan
Important festivals Chitira Ulsavam
Markazhi Ulsavam
Aavani Ulsavam
Thaipooyam
Architecture
Architectural styles Traditional Kerala style
History and governance
Date established Before the advent of Kaliyuga
Date built 20th century
Governing body Travancore Devaswom Board
Website haripadsubrahmanyaswamytemple

The Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple in Haripad is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. This temple dedicated to Subrahmanya Swamy is known as Dakshina Palani(Southern Palani). It is believed that the temple was established even before the advent of Kaliyuga.

Early history

Main entrance to the temple

It is believed that the idol has been used by Parasurama for Poojas and was left in Kandanalloor in Govindamuttom Backwaters from which it was recovered. It is said that all the landlords of Eakachakra (the then Haripad) had vision regarding the idol in the sametime which led them to find the idol in Kayamkulam lake.The idol was brought ashore at Nelpurakadavu. In commemoration of retrieval of the idol Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam is conducted in Payippad river for three days, after Thiruvonam. Legend has it that the idol was kept for public viewing for Ara Nazhika (half an hour) under a banyan tree that belonged to a Christian family,Tharakanmar. There still exist a small temple where the idol was kept known as “Ara Nazhika Ambalam”.[1]

The temple was consecrated on the Pushya star of Makara Masa. This day is celebrated as the founding day of the temple every year. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as a saint to consecrate the temple. In Malayalam year 1096 the temple caught fire but the golden flag mast and the Koothambalam was saved from the fire. The temple was rebuilt during the reign of King Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma. and the golden flag mast was re-installed.[2][3]

Primary deity

The presiding deity of the temple is Murugan in four armed form with Vel in one hand, Vajrayudha in another hand one hand bestowing blessing and the other toughing its thighs. The idol is about eight feet in height. The idol is believed to have presence of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. The idol faces East[4][5]

Other deities

Beside the main deity there are many other deities which include Dakshina Moorthy, Lord Ganesh, Thiruvambadi Kannan, Nāga, Shasta, Keezhtyar Kovil Subrahmanyan.

Temple description

Koothambalam in Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple

The temple has four Gopuras. It has golden flag mast on eastern side. The temple's Sanctum sanctorum is round in shape. The temple compound also hosts a Koothambalam. Peacocks, Murugan's vahana, are protected and housed in the temple premises.[6]

Festivals

The Avani Utsavam in Chingom, Markazhi Utsavam in Dhanu, Chitra Utsavam in Medom form the Utsava Trayam.Trikkarthika in Vrischikam, Prathishta day in Idavam, Skanda Ashthami in Thulam, Navarathri in Kanni and Thaipooyam in Makaram are some of the other important festivals of the Haripad Temple.[2][7]

References

  1. "Payipad Boat Race History".
  2. 1 2 "Legands". Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple.com. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
  3. Knapp, Stephen (2009). Spiritual India handbook : a guide to temples, holy sites[,] festivals and traditions. Mumbai: Jaico Publishing. ISBN 9788184950243.
  4. Ramachander, P.R. "Harippad Subrahamanya Temple". Hindupedia. Retrieved 26 September 2013.
  5. Moorthy, K. K. (1991). The Kovils of Kerala: An 18-petal Fragrant Rose. Message Publications.
  6. ml:Haripad Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
  7. "Alappuzha -> Haripad Subrahmanya Swami Temple". Retrieved 26 September 2013.

Further reading

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