There are many temples in India that are famous for their unique traditions. While some temples ban women, some ban men. However, it is normally believed that if husband and wife together enter the temple, then God‘s blessing will be upon them.
But today we are going to tell you about a temple that husbands and wives cannot visit together, and the reason is linked to Lord Shiva. This temple of goddess Durga is located at Rampur in Shimla. In this temple, husband and wife together are strictly prohibited from getting a glimpse of the idol of the goddess. This temple is known as Shree Kotti Mata and is very famous in Himachal Pradesh. Although there is restriction on couples, they can visit on certain occasions for blessing. The reason behind the restriction is once Lord Shiva asked his sons Ganesh and Kartikeya to circle the world. Following the order Kartikeya started his journey but Ganesh stayed there and started circling his Lord Shiva and mother Parvati, citing that the world lied at the feet of parents. On the other hand, Ganesh was married by the time Kartikeya returned. This angered Kartik and he took a resolution to never get married. Angered by his decision, Parvati said that no couple will enter this temple if they did so, then they will be separated. This is the reason why even today husband and wife do not enter this temple together. VISITING TEMPLE ONCE WAS CONSIDERED AS A PILGRIMAGE, Lord Shiva If by chance, you actually do visit a pilgrimage, avoid going to a place with Lord's Shiva reverence, since that is considered to be inauspicious. The reason for this is that Lord Shiva, even though married to Parvati was known to be aloof and free from maya. If a couple visits a Shiv revered place in the first year of marriage and the girl gets pregnant, then the child born too, will be aloof and away from maya. It is exactly because of this reason that a woman should avoid touching a Shivling in the first year of the marriage. After the first year is complete, there is no such restriction. The tradition of seeking divine blessings at Aashirwad temples has taken on a renewed significance for newlyweds. Visiting these sacred sites goes beyond the rituals; it's about grounding their love in a spiritual connection that promises a prosperous and harmonious married life The other aspects are so simple to understand like King with the kreedom etc. Tuskers may create high complications in small temples so female elephants are preferred. Just married couples have some protocols as well as some stories as considered ,pilgrimage. K Rajaram IRS 26725 On Sat, 26 Jul 2025 at 18:30, gopala krishnan <[email protected]> wrote: > Sirs, > Many temples have customs, some customs are answered, some are simply > followed. > These customs are simply followed. > > A priest should not enter the sanctum without bath both in the morning and > evening. Priests in the thidapalli are not permitted to enter sanctum. When > deeparadhana pooja is inside sanctum and sanctum door is closed, one should > not ring the bell. Conch is to be blown only at specific times > > These are all customs. I hope my answer is sufficient to clear the doubts > you raised. If you think a little you may get answer for the specialties > in the Harikanya temple. > Gopalakrishnan > > Gopalakrishnan > > On Saturday 26 July, 2025 at 04:17:39 pm IST, Rajaram Krishnamurthy < > [email protected]> wrote: > > > Why these? Pl discuss > 1There are many specialties with this temple. Newly married couples are > not allowed into the temple. No smelling flowers are used in the temple. > For festivals only female elephants are deployed. Kings wearing crown are > not allowed in to the temple. > 2 One notable feature is that ruling Rajas and tuskers are not > permitted to enter the temple. *Female elephants are permitted to enter > the temple premises and they alone are allowed to take the utsava vigraha. > K R IRS 26725* > > > On Sat, 26 Jul 2025 at 14:09, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < > [email protected]> wrote: > > HARIKANYAKA TEMPLE-ARIYANNUR-TRICHUR DISTRICT-KERALA -COMPILED > > Dear friends, > > Today my posting is about the Harikanyaka temple near Guruvayoor 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 the rarest temples in Kerala. > > There are many specialties with this temple. Newly married couples are not > allowed into the temple. No smelling flowers are used in the temple. For > festivals only female elephants are deployed. Kings wearing crown are not > allowed in to the temple. > > The temple is under Archaeological survey of India. The administration is > by Guruvayoor Devaswom board. > > Hope a divine reading. > > Gopalakrishnan 26-07-2025. > > Introduction > > Maintained by Indian Archaeological department,the Ariyannur Harikanyaka > Temple, located just a short drive from Guruvayoor temple in Kerala, is a > serene and historic site maintained by the Indian Archaeological > Department. Believed to have been built by Perumthachan in the early 14th > century, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Harikanyaka and showcases > architectural carvings that date back centuries. The temple features > intricate carvings on its walls and ceilings depicting various motifs > including Dashavatharam, Sreekrishnaleela, Devasura ganas, > palaazhi-madhanam, flowers, ashta-dikpaalakars wooden figurines on > namaskaara mandapam ceiling among others. > > Dating back centuries, the Harikanyaka Temple is steeped in history and > mythology, with its origins rooted in local legends and folklore. The > temple is known for its serene ambiance, sacred rituals, and traditional > architecture, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. > > Architecturally, the Harikanyaka Temple features traditional Kerala-style > design elements, including intricate wood carvings, ornate sculptures, and > colourful murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The sanctum > sanctorum houses the divine deity Harikanyaka, adorned with floral > decorations and offerings from devotees. > > The name of the temple translates to ‘the virgin form of Lord Vishnu’ as > it is believed that Maha Vishnu took the avatar of Mohini, a kanyaka form. > The temple is considered to be built by Perumthachan in the early 14th > century. It is noted that Harikanyakapuram was the head of 32 surrounding > deshams. One of the main attractions of the temple is the entrance that > showcases beautiful carvings from ancient times. Dedicated to Goddess > Bhagavathy, the temple organizes a special festival for 15 days in the > month of December. > > Temple, known locally as the Ariyannur Temple must have been once the > centre piece of a medieval Namboodiri dominated habitat, as evidenced by > the large number of historical relics seen around the area. Dedicated to > Goddess Bhagavathy (an incarnation of Goddess Durga), this temple was built > in early 14th century. This temple is one of the ancient Maha Kshethrams. > The carved entrance of the temple is a special attraction. People believe > that Maha Vishnu has taken the avatharam of Kanyaka here, hence the name > 'Hari Kanyaka'. > > *In the past, this temple had a glorious history and it was much wealthier > than Guruvayur Temple. This temple was the head of 32 surrounding Deshams.* > > This Temple is built in an elevated place and Devotees could reach it by a > sloping ramp or steps. > > History > > This temple in ancient times was a maha-kshetram and was earlier used by > members of 72 illams and later only by seven illams. As there was conflict > between the members of these families (illakkars), Trissur Thekke-Swamiyar > Madom took over its management. Later they entrusted it to two hereditary > families of Vadakkumpat mana and Otaloor mana. > > During an attack on the temple by some miscreants the idol was 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 1100 K.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 the > Guruvayoor Deaswam Board. > > There is mention about this temple in Kerala Sahitya Charitram of Ulloor > S. Parameswara Iyer (Vol.I, p.159)) and also in the famous Manipravaala > kavyam of Chandrotsavam. > > Architecture > > The sanctum has granite upa-peetham and adhishthaanam and laterite stone > walls. The sopanam has six direct steps with vyaali-face at top and niches > and decorations at sides of banisters. In addition Makara-simha faces are > also carved at the curve of banisters. The pranaalam has makara simha face > at the base, multi-faceted sundu and gomukha end.. The walls have > decorations of Gana-Bhoothas. Both at the greeva and at the wall motifs ten > elephants are carved. The roof of eka-thala part is made of dressed > laterite stones and lime, while that of dwi-thala is tiled. > > The Sreekovil has a mukha-mandapam. The namaskaara-mandapam has 16 > pillars, 4 with bigger diameter and 12 with smaller diameter. A > deepastambham is installed in it facing the idol. > > Sanctum > > There are two deities within the Sreekovil, of Sree Harikanyaka and Sree > Shastha. Sree Harikanyaka is Sree Mohini, the most enchantingly beautiful > form of a damsel assumed by Lord Vishnu for distributing amruth (nectar) > among the Devas and Asuras in the episode of Palaazhi-Madhanam. *When > Lord Hari assumed the original form of Sree Maha Vishnu after his mission > and when Lord Siva expressed his desire to see the enchanting form of Sree > Mohini, Lord Vishnu by His maya once again took that form and attracted > Lord Siva*. Lord Siva easily duped by maya, but he could regain and > resume His original form. (As narrated in Sreemad Bhagavatham Puranam, > Adhyayas 8 and 12 of Skanda Eight). as the son of Sree Sankara in Sree > Mohini and In the Balakandha of Kambaramayanam the origin of Lord Shastha > is explained Lord Shastha is said to have emerged from the thigh of the > childish damsel Sree Mohini. > > Being a kanyaka born out of Lord Hari the damsel is known as Harikanyaka. > *Sree > Shastha signifies the combination of jnana (knowledge) of Siva and the > Vishnu-maya* (merciful charm) of Vishnu. Both these idols, Sree > Harikanyaka and Lord Shastha are installed in the same shrine. In > Brahmani-pattu, Sree Harikanyaka Devi is praised. It may be noted that > in temple rituals whenever the utsava *vigraha of Goddess Harikanyaka is > taken out, that of Lord Shastha also is made to accompany 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 and conch in three > hands, while the fourth one is in abhaya pose. The sankalpam of the deity > is Sree Harikanyaka or Mayamohini form of Lord Vishnu. A pancha-loha > tidambu is also installed within the garbha-gruham with the sankalpam of > Lord Shastha as mentioned earlier. > > Specialty > > One notable feature is that ruling Rajas and tuskers are not permitted > to enter the temple. *Female elephants are permitted to enter the temple > premises and they alone are allowed to take the utsava vigraha. * > > *The temple is famous for mangalya bhagyam to maidens. Swayamvara > pushpanjali is an important vazhipadu of the temple.* > > The Sreekovil is believed to have been built by Sree Perumthachan. The uli > (chisels) used by him for constructing the Sreekovil are fixed in the > kumudam part of the adhishthaanam. > > The floor of northern naalambalam produces a peculiar sound as that of > walking on a wooden floor. It may be presumed that this portion was perhaps > 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 located at southwest corner facing east. > > Bothe the idols are made of sila, Lord Ganapati sitting pose and 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 in size. When the devotees started 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 is offered here also. > > There are two nadapanthals built within akathe-balivattam as projections > from naalambalam, the southern one projecting from the thidappali and the > northern one on the western side of the well. The entire akathe-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 outer wall of > vilakkumaadam. The valiya-balikkall is within the agra-mandapam .There is a > deepastambham at the front. > > The gopuram is at the east. On the southern granite pillar of the gopuram, > muzhakkol (wooden scale) used for building the temple is engraved. The > temple tank is very extensive with well-laid steps. > > Carvings and paintings: > > The temple is rich in architecture. The walls of the Sreekovil (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 namaskaara mandapam, > 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 are engraved, > besides some carvings. On the front granite pillars of naalambalam, two > figurines of rishis are engraved. Ganabhootas holding lamps are also > carved on the two pillars of the 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 8 p.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 (8 p.m.) are also > held daily. > > Offerings > > Pushpanjali, Bhagavathi-seva, koottu-payasam and Maha Ganapati homam are > the main vazhipadu of which pushpanjali is popular > > Festivals > > The Pooramahotsavam is held for 15 days. The festival period commences on > Pooram nakshatram of Meenan with offerings to Lord Ganapati. The > Kodiyettam is on the eighth day (Uthram nakshatram), of the festival > period. On this day Brahmani-pattu is performed during daytime at the > mandapam. > > Utsava-bali is held from 2nd to 5th days (the days counted after > Kodiyettam). Utsava-bali for five days is rarely done in temples. Goddess > is taken during ezhunnellath on a female elephant. Along with Devi Lord > Shastha is also taken around. > > On the 6th day of the utsavam navorru-pattu by Mannars and on the seventh > day navorru-pattu by Paanars is performed. On the last day aarattu is held. No > festival programs with 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 by drums or playing musical instruments is allowed 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 could be > seated at the same time. During Saraswathi Pooja Kids are brought here and > Aksharabhyasam are done here in great numbers. It is widely believed that > those Devotees who are willing to get married would be obliged with their > Prayers if they come here and Pray to Goddess Harikanyaka Devi. There is a > Sub Shrine for Goddess 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 Ghee Lamps all over > its outer wall and when this is done is a treat to watch for the Devotees > since the entire Temple looks dazzling. > > The Temple has a well-maintained lawn with several plants and trees. > Devotees who come to Guruvayur should never miss this Temple since it is > said to be more than 1500 years old but still maintained so well. > > Administration > > The Harikanyaka Temple near Guruvayur is administered by the Guruvayur > 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 Trissur Road, > beyond Chowalloor Temple. > > The temple is a majestic structure situated on a hillock which provides a > majestic view of the surrounding greenery > > At a distance of 21 Kms from Thrissur Railway Station & 5 Kms from > Guruvayoor Temple, Harikanyaka Temple is located in Ariyannur, between > Thrissur and Guruvayoor. Distance from Tirur to Ariyannur is 52 Kms. > > Address and phone number of the temple > > Harikanyaka Temple, Ariyannur, Guruvayur, Kerala > > Temple Phone Number: 91889 58029 and Seshadri, Purohit 99477 25475 > > > > -- > 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 > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1548265659.2229958.1753519016454%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer> > . > > -- 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]. 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