HARIKANYAKATEMPLE-ARIYANNUR-TRICHUR DISTRICT-KERALA -COMPILED Dear friends,
Today my posting is about the Harikanyaka temple nearGuruvayoor in the Trichur District of Kerala. Here the deity is Mahavishnu in the Mohini form.Datable to the ancient period, it is one amongst the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. One of therarest temples in Kerala. There are many specialties with this temple. Newlymarried couples are not allowed into the temple. No smelling flowers are usedin the temple. For festivals only female elephants are deployed. Kings wearingcrown are not allowed in to the temple. The temple is under Archaeological survey of India. Theadministration is by Guruvayoor Devaswom board. Hope a divine reading. Gopalakrishnan 26-07-2025. Introduction Maintained by Indian Archaeological department,the AriyannurHarikanyaka Temple, located just a short drive from Guruvayoor temple inKerala, is a serene and historic site maintained by the Indian ArchaeologicalDepartment. Believed to have been built by Perumthachan in the early 14th century, this temple is dedicatedto Goddess Harikanyaka and showcases architectural carvings that dateback centuries. The temple features intricate carvings on its walls andceilings depicting various motifs including Dashavatharam, Sreekrishnaleela,Devasura ganas, palaazhi-madhanam, flowers, ashta-dikpaalakars wooden figurineson namaskaara mandapam ceiling among others. Dating back centuries, the Harikanyaka Temple is steeped inhistory and mythology, with its origins rooted in local legends and folklore.The temple is known for its serene ambiance, sacred rituals, and traditionalarchitecture, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. Architecturally, the Harikanyaka Temple features traditionalKerala-style design elements, including intricate wood carvings, ornatesculptures, and colourful murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. Thesanctum sanctorum houses the divine deity Harikanyaka, adorned with floraldecorations and offerings from devotees. The name of the temple translates to ‘the virgin form of LordVishnu’ as it is believed that Maha Vishnu took the avatar of Mohini, a kanyakaform. The temple is considered to be built by Perumthachan in the early 14thcentury. It is noted that Harikanyakapuram was the head of 32 surroundingdeshams. One of the main attractions of the temple is the entrance thatshowcases beautiful carvings from ancient times. Dedicated to GoddessBhagavathy, the temple organizes a special festival for 15 days in the month ofDecember. Temple, known locally as the Ariyannur Temple must have beenonce the centre piece of a medieval Namboodiri dominated habitat, as evidencedby the large number of historical relics seen around the area. Dedicated toGoddess Bhagavathy (an incarnation of Goddess Durga), this temple was built inearly 14th century. This temple is one of the ancient Maha Kshethrams. Thecarved entrance of the temple is a special attraction. People believe that MahaVishnu has taken the avatharam of Kanyaka here, hence the name 'Hari Kanyaka'. In the past, this templehad a glorious history and it was much wealthier than Guruvayur Temple. Thistemple was the head of 32 surrounding Deshams. This Temple is built in an elevated place and Devotees couldreach it by a sloping ramp or steps. History This temple in ancient times was a maha-kshetram and wasearlier used by members of 72 illams and later only by seven illams. As therewas conflict between the members of these families (illakkars), TrissurThekke-Swamiyar Madom took over its management. Later they entrusted it to twohereditary families of Vadakkumpat mana and Otaloor mana. During an attack on the temple by some miscreants the idolwas broken. As revealed in deva-prashnam, the idol was covered in 1120 K.E.(1945 A.D.) by a pancha-loha golaka. The temple was taken over by the Cochin Royal family in 1100K.E (1935 A.D.) and was later transferred to the Cochin Devaswam Board in 1950.It is presently administered by Ariyannoor Devaswam Officer appointed by theGuruvayoor Deaswam Board. There is mention about this temple in Kerala SahityaCharitram of Ulloor S. Parameswara Iyer (Vol.I, p.159)) and also in the famousManipravaala kavyam of Chandrotsavam. Architecture The sanctum has graniteupa-peetham and adhishthaanam and laterite stone walls. The sopanam has sixdirect steps with vyaali-face at top and niches and decorations at sides ofbanisters. In addition Makara-simha faces are also carved at the curve ofbanisters. The pranaalam has makara simha face at the base, multi-faceted sunduand gomukha end.. The walls have decorations of Gana-Bhoothas. Both at thegreeva and at the wall motifs ten elephants are carved. The roof of eka-thalapart is made of dressed laterite stones and lime, while that of dwi-thala istiled. The Sreekovil has a mukha-mandapam. The namaskaara-mandapamhas 16 pillars, 4 with bigger diameter and 12 with smaller diameter. Adeepastambham is installed in it facing the idol. Sanctum There are two deities within the Sreekovil, of SreeHarikanyaka and Sree Shastha. Sree Harikanyaka is Sree Mohini, the mostenchantingly beautiful form of a damsel assumed by Lord Vishnu for distributingamruth (nectar) among the Devas and Asuras in the episode of Palaazhi-Madhanam.When Lord Hari assumed theoriginal form of Sree Maha Vishnu after his mission and when Lord Sivaexpressed his desire to see the enchanting form of Sree Mohini, Lord Vishnu byHis maya once again took that form and attracted Lord Siva. LordSiva easily duped by maya, but he could regain and resume His original form.(As narrated in Sreemad Bhagavatham Puranam, Adhyayas 8 and 12 of SkandaEight). as the son of Sree Sankara in Sree Mohini and In the Balakandha of Kambaramayanam the origin of LordShastha is explained Lord Shastha is said to have emerged from the thigh of thechildish damsel Sree Mohini. Being a kanyaka born out of Lord Hari the damsel is known asHarikanyaka. Sree Shasthasignifies the combination of jnana (knowledge) of Siva and the Vishnu-maya(merciful charm) of Vishnu. Both these idols, Sree Harikanyaka and Lord Shasthaare installed in the same shrine. In Brahmani-pattu, Sree Harikanyaka Devi ispraised. It may be noted that in temple rituals whenever the utsava vigrahaof Goddess Harikanyaka is taken out, that of Lord Shastha also is made toaccompany Her. Deities are facing East. The krishna-sila idol of Mohini in standing pose (height:2.15 m.) covered with a pancha-loha golaka, has four arms with disc, ball andconch in three hands, while the fourth one is in abhaya pose. The sankalpam of the deity is SreeHarikanyaka or Mayamohini form of Lord Vishnu. A pancha-loha tidambu isalso installed within the garbha-gruham with the sankalpam of Lord Shastha asmentioned earlier. Specialty One notablefeature is that ruling Rajas and tuskers are not permitted to enter the temple. Female elephants are permitted to enter the temple premisesand they alone are allowed to take the utsava vigraha. The temple is famous formangalya bhagyam to maidens. Swayamvara pushpanjali is an important vazhipaduof the temple. The Sreekovil is believed to have been built by SreePerumthachan. The uli (chisels) used by him for constructing the Sreekovil arefixed in the kumudam part of the adhishthaanam. The floor of northern naalambalam produces a peculiar soundas that of walking on a wooden floor. It may be presumed that this portion wasperhaps built by Perumthachan meant to be a dancing-stage for the Goddess. Sub deities The sub-shrine for Lord Ganapati is at the southern naalambalam. The sub shrine of Goddess Bhadrakali is locatedat southwest corner facing east. Bothe the idols are made of sila, Lord Ganapati sitting poseand Goddess Bhadrakali of mirror type Within the akathe-balivattam at northwest there is a sub shrine for Sree Vana-Bhadrakali(with aal-thara) and a well at northeast. This idol was found to grow insize. When the devoteesstarted worshipping it many evil things happened. Hence poojas are not performed in this shrine.The idol, at present, is within a grove and no worship is done here. It may be noted that daily bali isoffered here also. There are two nadapanthals built within akathe-balivattam asprojections from naalambalam, the southern one projecting from the thidappaliand the northern one on the western side of the well. The entireakathe-balivattam is covered with granite stones . The chuttambalam has only the entrance from east. The thidappali is at southeast. Chuttu-vilakks are fixed on the trellis work of the outerwall of vilakkumaadam. The valiya-balikkall is within the agra-mandapam .Thereis a deepastambham at the front. The gopuram is at the east. On the southern granite pillar ofthe gopuram, muzhakkol (wooden scale) used for building the temple is engraved.The temple tank is very extensive with well-laid steps. Carvings andpaintings: The temple is rich in architecture. The walls of theSreekovil (both at lower part and greeva) have niches. In the mukha-mandapam,ten gaja-mukha motifs made of sila are installed. On the ceiling of namaskaaramandapam, wooden figurines of ashta-dikpaalakars are engraved in the coffers.On its sides Dashavatharam, Sreekrishnaleela. Devasura ganas,palaazhi-madhanam, flowers and other motifs are beautifully carved in wood. On the ceiling of agra-mandapam also nava-graha sthanas areengraved, besides some carvings. On the front granite pillars of naalambalam,two figurines of rishisare engraved. Ganabhootas holding lamps are also carved on the two pillars ofthe rear. Mural paintings exist on the walls of Sreekovil, but have faded. Temple timings The temple is kept open from 5 to 9-30 a.m. and from 5 to 8p.m. Poojas Five poojas are held daily, Usha-pooja (6 a.m.) Ethrithu-pooja (6-30 a.m.)Pantheeradi-pooja (8 a.m.) Uccha-pooja (8-45 a.m.) and Athaazha-pooja (7-30 p.m.) Besides Sandhya-deeparadhana (6-30 p.m.) and (Thrippuka (8p.m.) are also held daily. Offerings Pushpanjali, Bhagavathi-seva, koottu-payasam and MahaGanapati homam are the main vazhipadu of which pushpanjali is popular Festivals The Pooramahotsavam is held for 15 days. The festival period commences on Pooramnakshatram of Meenan with offerings to Lord Ganapati. The Kodiyettam is on the eighth day (Uthramnakshatram), of the festival period. On this day Brahmani-pattu is performedduring daytime at the mandapam. Utsava-bali is held from 2nd to 5th days (the days countedafter Kodiyettam). Utsava-bali for five days is rarely done in temples. Goddess is taken during ezhunnellath on a female elephant. Along with Devi LordShastha is also taken around. On the 6th day of the utsavam navorru-pattu by Mannars and onthe seventh day navorru-pattu by Paanars is performed. On the last day aarattuis held. No festival programswith crown on head are performed in the temple Priests The present thantri belongs to Puliyannoor mana of Elavalli(Chavakad taluk). The shantikkaran is appointed from Embranthiri or Malayala Brahmins. The other staff includes four kazhakam, three adichu-tali,one Marar and one person each for kuzhal and ilathalam. No loud noise bydrums or playing musical instruments isallowed in the temple Saraswathi mandapam There is a Saraswathy Mandapam built in the outer peripheral.Divine functions and rituals could be conducted here and several Devotees couldbe seated at the same time. During Saraswathi Pooja Kids are brought here andAksharabhyasam are done here in great numbers. It is widely believed that thoseDevotees who are willing to get married would be obliged with their Prayers ifthey come here and Pray to Goddess Harikanyaka Devi. There is a Sub Shrine forGoddess Bhadrakali at the rear end of the Temple in the outer peripheral.Devotees could avail the Thulabaaram facilities in the Harikanyaka Temple. General The Temple has facilities to light up and illuminate GheeLamps all over its outer wall and when this is done is a treat to watch for theDevotees since the entire Temple looks dazzling. The Temple has a well-maintained lawn with several plants andtrees. Devotees who come to Guruvayur should never miss this Temple since it issaid to be more than 1500 years old but still maintained so well. Administration The Harikanyaka Temple near Guruvayur is administered by theGuruvayur Devaswom Board. Darsan timings 5:30–10AM, 5:30–7:30PM Location The temple itself is 4 kms to the east of Guruvayur on the TrissurRoad, beyond Chowalloor Temple. The temple is a majestic structure situated on a hillockwhich provides a majestic view of the surrounding greenery At a distance of 21 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station & 5Kms from Guruvayoor Temple, Harikanyaka Temple is located in Ariyannur, betweenThrissur and Guruvayoor. Distance from Tirur to Ariyannur is 52 Kms. Address and phonenumber of the temple Harikanyaka Temple, Ariyannur, Guruvayur, Kerala Temple Phone Number: 91889 58029 and Seshadri, Purohit 9947725475 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1548265659.2229958.1753519016454%40mail.yahoo.com.
