The author always gets offended if questioned; 90% of the group may not
visit hereafter any of these temples as age is a factor; or maybe due to
family visits can visit a few. However, my interests, over any temple, lie
on what history IT CAN REVEAL TO US, to connect our Vedic scriptures. So
being a filler, if research is done, may be, the author may throw
information, on Indian History, instead, of copy and paste from, wiki and
dinamalar. WHEN I WAS GOING THROUGH DETAILS IN THE WEB SITES , I WAS
STUNNED BY INFORMATION THAT THE IDOL AGE IS 2998 BCE. MY IMMEDIATE QUESTION
WAS JUST 100 YEARS AHEAD ENDED THE MAHABHARATHA WAR, IF SO ANY WRITE UP
ABOUT IN THE BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURES OF THE TEMPLE? NO SIR. NO RAMAYANA NO
MAHBHARATHAM; MEANS KERALA IS UNAWARE OF IT; OR CLASH OF DATES. But there
are a few bloggers, untiring like RAMANATHANS who dig deep like me, and
present a better picture about why Vallabha a north name at Kerala/; where
do Nammalvar step in?; Where Krishna and Vyasa are seen? Thus, the idol is
older; but not, may be, the temple built. Carbon dating do not lie; but
there was no namboodris to find its source at all. Mere spread of Saivism
and Vaishnavism, so we lack History, for British to make fun of us. Now
Ramanathan blog extracts:
Sreevallabha Temple (Malayalam - ശ്രീവല്ലഭ മഹാക്ഷേത്രം), a highly
orthodox Hindu Temple dedicated to Purusha as Lord Sreevallabhan,] is one
among the oldest and biggest Temples of Kerala and a major destination for
devotees all over India for centuries. Located in Thiruvalla town of
Pathanamthitta district, this ocean of orthodoxy is well known for its
architectural grandeur and unique customs that can be found in no other
temples. The stone-wooden carvings and fine mural paintings inside the
temple are worth seeing. Being one among 108 Divya Desams, Sreevallabha
temple has been glorified by Alvars and many other ancient works. It is
considered to be the vallabha kshethram mentioned in Garuda Purana and
Matsya Purana. Lord Vishnu appeared here as Sreevallabhan for sage
Durvasa and Khandakarnan.Pleased by prayers of an old Brahmin lady
Sreevallabhan incarnated as a brahmachari and killed the demon
Thokalaasuran. Later the idol of Sreevallabhan worshipped by Lakshmi and
Krishna has been installed in the temple in 59 BC. From then till date, the
temple follows its own worship protocol that is known to be followed
nowhere else yet. Sage Durvasa and Saptarishi are said to reach the temple
every midnight for worshipping the Lord. The temple had governed one of the
biggest educational institutions in ancient time and heavily contributed to
the cultural and educational developments of Kerala. [TIME DIFFERENCE 2998
AND 59 2900 YEARS]
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Present Thiru Valla was once a village among 64 Namboothiri villages in
Kerala and is one among the oldest human settlements in India. Since this
place is situated at the mouth (vai) of Manimala River (valla river)
it had *been
known as ‘vallavai’ and later transformed into ‘Thiru Valla’. [why
trevalla?]*
Historical evidences point out the place had been inhabited by humans
before 3000 BC. The Thiruvalla inscriptions say the temple for Sudarshana
Chakra was built in 2998 BC.
Another opinion is that the place was named after sreevallabha temple
as sreevallabhapuram
and Thiruvalla in colloquial Malayalam.The temple for Sudarshana Chakra was
built by Sreedevi Antherjanam of Sankramangalathu Illam and it was
elaborately rebuilt by Queen Cherumthevi in 59 BC.Sreevallabha temple
flourished to a major spiritual and educational centre by AD 1100. The
temple had governed a Vedic school (thiruvalla sala) with around 1500
students and 150 teachers. Veda, Vedanta, Tarka, Mimamsa, Jyotisha,
Ayurveda, Kalaripayattu etc. were taught here. The temple also owned an
ayurvedic hospital with facilities to admit and treat 100 patients at a
time. Addressing lord Sreevallabhan by names Kolapiran, Thiruvazhmarvan and
Sundarayan, the Tamil vaishnavite saints Nammalvar of the 5th century AD
(2612-2622 in Divya Prabhandham) and Thirumangai Alvar of the 9th century
AD (paasurams 1806-1817 in Divya prabhandham) had praised glory of the
temple.Famous Sankrit poet Daṇḍin (7th century AD) of Kanchi mentioned the
temple in his works.
The first ever prose work in Malayalam is the Thiruvalla inscriptions dated
first half of the 12th century AD,which was obtained from the temple during
1915. The famous Unnuneeli Sandesam of the 13th century AD highlighted the
grandeur, beauty, serenity, fame and status of the temple during its time.
Other works that glorified the temple are Sreevallabha Ksethra Mahathmyam
of the 10th century AD, Sreevallabha Charitham kavyam, Thukalasura Vadham
Kathakali, Sreevallabha Charitham Kathakali, Sreevallabha Vijayam
Kathakali, Sreevallabha Suprabhatham, Sreevallabha Karnamritha Sthothram,
Yajanavali Sangrham etc.
>From the date built, the temple was under control of thiruvalla
pattillathil pottimar (Brahmins of ten families) till 1752-1753.
Sreevallabha Temple emerged out as a major spiritual destination for
devotees all over India centuries before. It had 15 major priests
(melsanthi) and 180 sub-ordinate priests (keezhsanthi) all the time and
another 108 for only daily noon pooja. Temple provided staying and food
facilities for all visitors, students, teachers etc. and also used to
conduct annadanam (serving food to the poor) daily. Naivedyam of Lord
Sreevallabhan for a single time used to be made from 45 para (one para can
feed appx 100 persons) rice. In all these years, temple acquired enormous
amount of wealth that it even used to serve food in golden banana leaves
and throw them considering as the leavings. It also had thousands of acres
of land too which are lost now. During 1752-1753 Marthanda Varma of
Travancore captured the temple from Pathillathil Pottimar and it is
believed that Ramayyan Dalawa looted whole temple assets to
Thiruvananthapuram. Up to 1968, ladies and elephants were not allowed in
the temple. The temple used to be opened for ladies only during
Thiruvathira of dhanu month and Vishu of medam till then. Anyhow now this
custom is not in practise. These facts clearly say that how popular and
wealthy the temple was in those days.
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Architecture of the Temple:
Built in the silent and picturesque land on the banks of Manimala river,
this icon of Kerala temple architecture, covers an area of 8.5 acres and
ranks first among the temples of old Travancore state in terms of area
inside the compound wall. The temple is surrounded on all sides by 12 feet,
tall 566 feet long, 4.5 feet thick red granite compound walls with a
two-storied gopuram (gate tower) on each side. This huge wall was built in
57 BC and is believed that it was completed in a single night by
bhoothagana (servants) of The Lord. Outside eastern wall a big pond
covering 1.5 acres is seen in north-eastern direction with a copper
flagstaff on its southern bank.
Smaller shrines for lord Ganapathy and Ayyappan and another auditorium are
seen in south-western side. The position of kshethra palan or temple guard
which is strictly built in all temples on northern side is found here just
in front of Ganapathy’s shrine i.e. on southern side which also is another
peculiarity found nowhere else. The sacred fig and mango trees beneath
which sage Durvasa meditated is found near Ayyappan shrine. [LONG AFTER
BUILT] Just outside the western gopuram, Sankaramangalth Illam where
Sreedevi Antharjanam lived is seen well preserved for the initiation of any
pooja in the temple. Northern gopuram is closed always and is opened only
for Uthra Sreebali festival. North east to pradakshina veethi, a self
originated pond called Jalavanthi or Khandakarna theerthem which is
believed to contain 64 hidden idols of the Lord is seen. It is for only the
use of priests.
Spot where sage Vedavyasa and sage Durvasa disappeared is found on its
eastern bank and resting building for the priests on southern side. North
to the temple a roofless shrine dedicated to kurayappa swamy is seen. No
pooja is done here, but only banana as naivedyam. The bahir bali vrutham or
outer circle of sacrificial stones is built inner to bahir pradakshina
veethi. The temple koothambalam (stage) was destroyed by fire in 1915.
The most highlighted construction of the temple is the Garuda dhvaja
sthambam or flagstaff of Garuda, the majestic eagle mount of lord Vishnu.
This monolithic structure is completely built from black granite and
elevated 53.5 feet above the ground with its lower end touching water
table. Constructed in 57 BC, this structure was also built in a single
night along with the outer wall. And an amazing fact is that no black
granites can be found in an area ten miles around the temple. A 3 feet
massive idol of Garuda is placed on the top of it facing the main sanctum.
Since this flagstaff started slanting and reached its current position, a
three tiered copper roofed construction has been made all around it to
prevent further slanting. West to this, currently used golden flagstaff can
be seen.West to the third flagstaff, balikkalpura (room of the major
sacrificial stone) is built around a ten feet tall balipeetha (main
sacrificial stone). Vallyambalam (building attached to naalambalam at its
main entrance and between naalambalam and balikkalpura) is a double storied
copper sheet roofed building standing on 16 stone pillars. These pillars
and the roof are noted for their exquisite and minute carvings
demonstrating the excellence of those who built it. The central corridor of
vallyambalam leads to naalambalam (double walled building constructed
around sanctum-sanctorum at a distance) with thidappalli or holy kitchen,
navakappura or room for navaka pooja etc. The 150 feet long, 11 feet Broad
square naalambalam is completely made out of black stones and supported by
54 stone pillars beautifully carved with the image of a Salabhanjika on
each. Outside naalambalam, a deepasala (galaxy of bronze lamps) is built on
teak wood. The western part of naalambalam is adorned with some murals and
a small shrine for vadakkum thevar i.e., the idols of Vishnu, Shiva,
Parvati, Murugan and Nrithaganapathy worshipped by Sreedevi Antherjanam.
Two namaskara mandapam (prostration building) are built against both doors
of Sreekovil (sanctum-sanctorum) and only Brahmins are allowed there. The
eastern mandapam is 24 feet long square building with copper sheeted roof
and stand on 12 wooden and 4 stone pillars. All these are well known for
their fine carvings. The western mandapam is small and also square shaped.
The circular, copper roofed, golden domed sreekovil is adorned with finely
etched murals of matsya, kaaliyamardana, kurma, Dakshinamurthy, varaha,
venu gopala, maha ganapathy, narasimha, vamana, sudarshana, parashurama,
sree rama, Purusha sukta, balarama, sreeKrishna, lakshmi, kalki and garuda
in clockwise manner. Sreekovil has an outer perimeter of 160 feet and has
three concentric walls. It enshrines Lord Sreevallabhan facing east and
Sudarshana chakra(sathrusamhaaramoorthy) facing west under the same roof.
Sreevallabhan is portrayed as bearing a lotus in right hand, chakra in
right upper hand, sankha in left upper hand and his left hand kept on his
waist (kati hastham). This 7 feet tall massive idol is situated at a height
of 10 feet in such a way that one has to bend his body to see it and its
top and bottom cannot be seen. Along with this idol other idols of Vishnu,
Lakshmi, Dakshinamurthy, Varaha and Sreebali bimbam or procession idol of
Sreevallabhan are also there. Unlike usual yantra form, here Sudarsana is
installed in eight handed human form bearing sankha (conch), chakra(disc),
gada, padma(lotus), pasha(rope), ankusa (hook), musala(pole), and
dhanu(bow).No other temples are known to enshrine lord Vishnu and lord
Sudarsana under same roof.
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Legends:
Second passage on the Western side:
Legends have their own space in relation with the history of a temple, but
they should never be mixed up. While going through the legends related to
Sreevallabha temple it is clear that even though Sreevallabhan’s idol is
older, it was the temple for sudarshana built first. These legends can be
summarised as below.
Ascend of Sreevallabhan’s idol to the earth:
Before creation, while being in deep meditation at the origin of universe,
Viratpurusha appeared to Brahma. Brahma understood the Lord as he could and
later on continued worshipping Purusha in an idol created by Vishvakarma
from energy concentrated out of extreme power and vehemence of Purusha.
Upon request by Samudradeva (god of water) lord Brahma advised worship
protocol of Purusha to him and handed over the idol. Later goddess Adi
Parashakti takes birth as Samudradeva’s daughter in the name Sreedevi
(lakshmi,shree). Sreedevi worshipped the very same idol and lord Vishnu
promised to marry her while she comes out during churning of the milky
ocean in Krita yuga. This eventually made Vishnu to be known as
sreevallabhan (sree-lakshmi, vallabhan-husband) and the goddess
incorporated her power also to the idol. Later Vishnu married Lakshmi as he
promised.
Tapasya of sage Durvasa:
After the churning of milky ocean, sage Durvasa was upset due his own
wrathful nature which led to the whole incidents. He sought advice of his
father, lord Shiva who directed Durvasa to lord Brahma for getting the
knowledge of Parabrahmam. Brahma advised the same as he did to Samudradeva
and asked him to worship the Lord. Durvasa along with 63 disciples reached
the Earth and found a suitable place and named it as Mallikavanam (forest
of jasmines). Durvasa did tapas beneath jointly growing mango and sacred
fig. Later in treta yuga the Lord appeared to the sage. As lord Vishnu
appeared, water sprouts rushed out of earth and Durvasa washed the Lord’s
feet with it. Pleased with the sage’s devotion, Vishnu promised to be
present at the spot forever on a condition that the sage should do his
service whenever he appear in a form that can be visualized by all. (The
spot where Durvasa meditated is south-west to the temple and the water
sprouts turned into a tank, Jalavanthy)
Khandakarnan and his bells:
In spite of being son of lord Shiva, Khandakarnan was a horrible ogre who
used to sacrifice animals to please Shiva and never missed any chance to
humiliate Vishnu.He had a pair of bells as ear rings so that he can hear
only the name of Shiva what he used to chant always. As he didn’t get
salvation even after long time, he asked Shiva for its reason. Shiva
decided to teach him both Shiva and Vishnu are same advised him to worship
Vishnu.Directed by Durvasa, Khandakarnan reaches Mallikavanam. There he
took bath in Jalavanthy and threw away his ear rings and got a new pair so
that he can hear only the name of Vishnu thereafter. During Dvapara Yuga,
Vishnu appeared in front of him as Sreevallabhan and he got salvation. By
this, Jalavanthy became famous by the name Khandakarna Theerthem.
Journey of Sreevallabhan’s idol:
Soon after the construction of Dvaraka, Samudradeva gifted many precious
things including Sreevallabhan’s idol to Krishna. Krishna handed it over to
his friend Satyaki saying “there is nothing in the world for Vishnu pooja
like Sreevallabhan’s idol. Worshipping Vishnu directly and worshipping this
idol are the same always. It has got the power to wash away even sins
accumulated through ages”. Satyaki asked Krishna’s permission for building
a temple and celestial architect Vishvakarma constructed the biggest temple
in Dvārakā. Sage Vedavyasa installed the idol and Durvasa advised worship
protocol. During end of dvapara yuga Sathyaki handed over the idol to
Garuda and asked to keep it safe for the use of humans in Kali yuga. Garuda
went to Ramanaka island and worshipped it there. Worship of the idol made
Garuda free from all his curses. When the time for Garuda to leave the
earth reached, he had hidden the idol in the Bhadra deep of *Netravati
River (in present day Dakshina kannada dist., Karnataka)*
Annihilation of Thokalasuran:
Brahmins are envious:
Mallikavanam became a human settlement before thousands of years and
emerged out as a high profile spiritual and educational centre with
enormous wealth and human power.At that time only Brahmin families were not
less than 3000 and Sankaramangalath illam enjoyed top status among them.
But Sankaramangalath Illam faced risk of extinction as only an old lady and
her younger son Narayana Bhattathiri lived there. Bhattathiri married
Sreedevi Antharjanam against dreams of others that they will get his wealth
too by making their daughters getting married with him. Sreedevi
Antherjanam had all good qualities but illiterate. Since literacy was a
mandatory for Brahmins and even women were well versed in Sanskrit, being
illiterate was a matter of humiliation and envious Brahmins never missed a
chance to humiliate Antharjanam to which she never paid any attention.As
the couple had no children even long after marriage, they started Ekadasi
vrata for the same. The method adopted by Antharjanam for this was the most
difficult one which made her to leave food and sleep also and she made her
servant Sreedevi and her son Mukundan to follow the same.Since they were
too wealthy Antherjanam started giving food to anyone at anytime which only
increased the wrath of orthodox Brahmins.
Humiliation of Antharjanam and miracle:
As time passed, Bhattathiri died and Antherjanam was left all alone in the
world. Since she regularly performed the Ekadasi vrata, she became a good
devotee of Vishnu.However she was deeply troubled by the fact that she was
unable to do ekadasi as she could not read panchangam(astrological
calendar) and that others would humiliate her illiteracy if she were to ask
them. But she somehow found an ekadasi day and to mark the days, she would
keep a pebble in a pot each day so as to know when 15 days had passed. But
many times the actual ekadasi day was either a day earlier or a day later
than the one she thought due to the change in the appearance of the moon.
This brought on more humiliation and people began associating all sorts of
stubborn acts with her name. But one day, to everyone's shock, two
astrolegers confirmed the day to be ekadasi at Sankaramangalath Illam while
it was dasami at every other place. Astonished by this incident, people
understood and accepted the unconditional devotion of Antherjanam and
started calling her “Sankaramangalathamma” or “Chankrothamma” with
respect.This lead the whole village to perform Ekadashi vrata on the same
days Antharjanam did.
Troublesome Thokalasura and Yakshi:
After many years Mallikavanam was attacked by a dreadful Asura called
Thokalaasuran who looted every one and was fond of eating young human
flesh. At the same time a yakshi (vampire) also reached western road to the
village attacking everyone who come by that way. This made many to leave
the place and outsiders to avoid the place. Being too aged, Antharjanam
couldn’t go anywhere. But it became very difficult to find a brahmachari
(Brahmin boy who is under his deeksha after samavartanam) and thus doing
paarana (final, most important event of ekadasi. Washing feet of
brahmacharis and serving food to them) also became difficult. One day
Antharjanam couldn’t find any brahmachari and she cried in front of her
idol of Vishnu requesting not to break her custom that she had been
following from many years. By the time a young brahmachari reached there
and asked food. Antharjanam became glad to see him and asked him to come
after bath since she needed to complete rituals of Ekadasi. Discarding all
warnings given by Antharjanam, the young man stepped towards the river
where Thokalaasuran lived. There happened a big fight between both. Finally
the golden pole with the brahmachari turned into Sudarshana chakra and he
killed Thokalasuran and his crew. After this, brahmachari washed his chakra
in water and installed the Shivalinga worshipped by Thokalaasuran on a hill
top. Reaching the northern entrance of the village, he conquered and tied
hands of yakshi. After installing an idol of Durga on the rock with what he
covered the well in which Yakshi was put, the Brahmachari requested Goddess
Mahamaya to protect Mallikavanam from all other tree directions.
*Installation of Sudarshana:*
Later the young man with five other brahmacharis reached Sankaramangalath
illam. Antharjanam completed all rituals and served food to them in areca
nut leaves as the rakshasa had destroyed all banana plantains. Goddess
Lakshmi disguised as a housewife entered the scene and served thrippuli (a
kind of pickle) to the brahmachari. Knowing Thukalasuran had been murdered
by the brahmachari, people came there to visit him and requested show them
his Chakra to salute. Brahmachari installed it in human form with eight
hands facing west on the raised land east to them and advised for its daily
worship. Sreedevi Antharjanam decided to build a temple there and asked
Pathillathil Pottimar to be the administrators. The gathered people paid
their oblations to the Chakra and prostrated in front of it. Then the
brahmachari removed his uthareeyam (dess covering his chest) showing his
chest adorned with Sreevatsam and goddess Lakshmi residing there, for
Antharjanam to be confirmed that he was lord Vishnu only and on showing his
Viswaroopam, Anthajanam, her servant and servant’s son got salvation by
merging with Him. This incident happened on 2998 BC and thereafter
Mallikavanam became famous as Chakrapuram. Fvive brahmachari came along
with the Lord were sage Durvasa and his desciples. The place where
Thukalasuran lived is now known as Thukalassery, where he has been killed
as Konnakkulangara, where brahmachari washed his Chakra as Chakrashaalana
kadav, where he installed Durga’s idol as Thiru Erankavu and three abodes
of Mahamaya around the area as Aalumthuruthy, Karunaattukaavu and
Padappaad. The Sankaramangalath illam is still well preserved outside the
temple near to its western gate and is considered as the place of origin of
the temple. Hence any custom followed in the temple starts here only.
*Installation of Sreevallabhan’s idol:*
*Around 3000 years after this incident*, King Cheraman Perumal visited the
temple and his wife Queen Cherumthevi expressed her wish to build a shrine
for Vishnu also attached with it rebuilding the whole structure. They
ordered a Vishnu’s idol from Tamilakam after the temple construction.
One night the Queen had a dream in which Garuda disguised as a Brahmin informed
her about Sreevallabhan’s idol and asked to install it there. With the help
of Garuda and Tulu Brahmins, Cheraman Perumal brought the idol to
Chakrapuram for installation. But during installation ceremony, the idol
didn’t fit to its peetham or seat, the priests felt something supernatural
and everyone came out near Jalavannthy. Then they heard celestial
instruments being played and chanting of vedic hymns from inside. As they
rushed and opened altar door, they saw the idol installed at right place
with blazing light everywhere and a couple of bananas in an Areca nut palm
leaf in front of the idol. Two celestial beings came out of the
sanctum-sanctorum and disappeared on eastern bank of Jalavanthy and they
were Durvasa and Vedavyasa.
Thereafter Chakrapuram had been renamed as Sreevallabhapuram. The idol that
King ordered had been installed at Sree Krishna temple, Malayinkeezhu,
Thiruvananthapuram. Sreevallabha temple had been built by Uliyannoor
Perumthachan, the architectural legend. The temple wall and Garuda dhwaja
were completed in a single day in 57 BC by the crew of the Lord.
Perumthachan had made a panchaloha idol of Garuda which is currently seen
over Garuda dhwajam. Soon after the installation, Garuda tried to fly and
perumthachan stopped it by cutting its one wing by throwing his axe. The
present copper flag is built there where Garuda had fallen during this
incident.
*Ban for women:*
*After an incident of a woman* getting salvation inside the shrine, ladies
were more attracted to the temple. A series of inauspicious events happened
after a lady who had been enchanted by beauty of the handsome idol entered
the sanctum-sanctorum to marry the Lord and the administrators decided to
ban women from entering the temple after an astrological counseling. But on
request, they agreed to allow women twice a year during Thiruvathira of
Dhanu month and Vishu in Medam when the Lord will be dressed up with mud,
ashes, torn clothes etc. to look ugly. The ban was removed in 1968.
Vilwamangalam and Nammalvar:
One early morning, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar visited the temple while
Kathakali was being played outside. Swamiyar was astonished for not feeling
the presence of the Lord inside. As he reached outer aanakkottil, he saw a
young Brahmin watching kathakali and recognised him as none other than the
Lord. Suddenly lord Sreevallabhan disappeared into the temple saying
Swamiyar disturbed him while He was enjoying Kathakali, his favourite.
Thereafter
Kathakali became an important offering and is being played regularly in the
temple.And too, to Nammalvar, Sreevallabhan appeared as Padmanabha sleeping
in the ocean of milk, Sree Chakrapani, Infant Krishna showing all worlds in
his mouth and Vamana who asked three feet land to King Mahabali.
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Vishnu at Sreevallabha Temple is being worshipped his cosmic, original and
transcendental form Purusha which can be understood from using different
moola manthra/fundamental hymn for different aspects of Purusha contrary to
the strict usage of only a single fundamental hymn in all temples,
sanctum-sanctorum is built in such a way that the top and bottom of the
deity can’t be seen as Viratpurusha has no origin and end, Peetha pooja
which is mandatory in all vaidika temples is not done here as Purusha is
devoid of origin and end, dressing up the deity only with white or saffron
clothes contrary to popular yellow clothing used for Vishnu temples of
vaidika sampradaya which suggests the eternity of Purusha and the rituals
and customs followed in the temple includes all Shaiva, Vaishnava and
Shakteya worshipping that are now in practise in vaidika sampradaya because
Purusha being the ultimate and others being only aspects of Purusha.
Generally all kerala temples follow Vaidika School of worship based on the
book Tantrasamuchayam. But Sreevallabha Temple doesn’t follow
Tantrasamuchayam and follows its own School called Pancharaathra Vidhaanam.
No other temples are known to follow it but Thripunithura Sree
Poornathrayeesa Temple follows a school of worship somewhat similar to that
of Sreevallabha Temple.It is to be noted that the temple has never changed
its worship protocols since 59 BC and it is doubtful that any other temple
follows such an ancient system.
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The Pancharaathra Vidhaanam:
This should not be confused with Pancharatra Agama of Vaishnavites which is
completely an Āgama Sampradaya established by 11 AD whereas Pancharaathra
Vidhanam is completely Vaidika Sampradaya of 4 BC origin.But base for both
these is the same- five spontaneous aspects of Purusha – Param, Vyooham,
Vibhavam, Antharyaami and Archa, but these have got entirely different
explanations in Vedic tradition and Āgama tradition. Durvasa Samhitha based
on Pancharaathra Vidhaanam by Sage Durvasa explains the rituals to be
performed. The book Yajanavali, the nutshell of Durvasa Samhitha is being
followed for worshipping lord Sreevallabhan and Ahirbudhnya Samhitha for
Sudarshanamoorthy.Considering Srishti, Sthithi and Laya as the tejas of
five aspects of Purusha, five pooja are performed here and the deity is
adorned like Brahmachari, Grihastha and Sanyasi in different forms during
these pooja.These customs are highly orthodox and can’t be found anywhere
else.The base of every temple is the energy driven through Moola
mantra/fundamental hymen (of the respective God), which should never be
changed/misused and strictly used during every pooja. If not, it changes
the chaitanya or energy of the temple and is believed to produce disastrous
effects to both temple and the place where it is situated, which need to be
rectified by expensive and complicated penitential procedures. So no
temples have multiple moola manthram where as Sreevallabha temple uses
different moola manthram for different occasions. This is just an example
to show how unique are the customs followed here and from basics, whole
things are entirely different.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were five Namboothiri Brahmin families and ten Tulu Brahmin families
appointed as melsanthi or chief priests along with 180 keezhsanthi or
sub-ordinate priests. Another 108 brahmacharins were also needed for daily
paala namaskaaram. Thanthram (power of conducting temple rituals) is for
three families viz. Thukalasseri Tharayil Kuzhikkattu, Thekkedathu
Kuzhikkattu and Memena Kuzhikkattu families.Now only two melsanthi are
there instead of 15. Any kind of pooja performed here should be done after
doing a token worship or starting it at Sankaramangalath Illam as it is
considered to be the moola sthaana (place of origin) of Sreevallabha temple.
K RAJARAM IRS 28725
On Sun, 27 Jul 2025 at 19:57, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
[email protected]> wrote:
> SRIVALLABHA TEMPLE –THIRUVALLA- PART 2
>
> CONTINUED FROM PART 1
>
> Worship customs
>
> At Sreevallabha Temple, Vishnu is worshipped in his cosmic, original and
> transcendental form (purusha). In the sanctum sanctorum, the top and bottom
> of the deity cannot be seen because purusha has no beginning or end.
> Clothing the deity in white or saffron suggests the eternity of purusha.
> Sreevallabha Temple follows the unique Pancharaathra Vidhaanam school of
> worship, which has been unchanged since 59 BC, *DICTATED BY SAGE DURVASA*.
>
> Pancharaathra Vidhaanam
>
> Pancharaathra Vidhaanam originated in 4 BC. Durvasa Samhitha (based on
> Pancharaathra Vidhaanam) by the sage Durvasa explains the rituals
> performed. The book Yajanavali is followed for worshipping Vishnu .Five
> unique pujas are performed, when the deity is adorned like Brahmachari,
> Grihastha and Sanyasi in several forms.
>
> Pujas
>
> Five pujas are performed daily. The deity is awakened and bathed with holy
> water. This is followed by a naivedyam (offering). The idol is then dressed
> like a brahmachari in an 18-foot-long white mundu with two flower garlands.
>
> After the main offering, the deity is dressed in a saffron-yellow mundu
> with a garland.
>
> At noon, the deity is worshipped as a grihastha (householder). In the
> fifth (evening) puja, the deity is worshipped as Parabrahma and dressed in
> a saffron-coloured mundu with a tulasi garland. After the sleeping
> ceremony, the sanctum sanctorum is closed.
>
> Temple customs
>
> *Sreevallabha Temple is known for its orthodox customs. Poet and high
> priest Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri was temporarily removed from his post in
> 1997 after he crossed the sea to address the Millennium Conference on
> Integration on Science and Consciousness in Britain, violating temple
> customs.*
>
> The chief priest should be 50 years old and married. Every three years,
> priests can be changed. *Devotees should never use sacred ash (vibhuti)
> inside the temple wall.*
>
> Ritual walk
>
> Four clockwise circumambulations (Parikramas) are advised in the temple:
> one outside and three inside. *Enter through the east gate, turn left and
> worship Ganapathy, Shiva and Ayyappan on the southern side.* After
> circumambulating the sacred-fig and mango trees, proceed to
> Sankaramangalath Illam outside the western gate. Return to the temple and
> take the northern circumambulation path. Salute Kali at the northern gate.
> Visit Jalavanthy and salute Vedavyasa and Durvasa on its east bank. Turn
> *right
> and worship Garuda before entering the temple. In the sanctum, worship
> Sreevallabha, Lakshmi, Bhudevi, Varaha and Dakshinamurthy through the
> eastern door and Sudarshana Chakra through the western door.*
>
> Festivals
>
> The temple observes two major festivals. One, for ten days, is celebrated
> in the month of kumbham in the Malayalam calendar (February–March). Uthra
> Sreebali, the temple's largest festival, is celebrated in the Malayalam
> month of minam (March–April). It is the festival of three goddesses. Before
> their holy bath on the eighth day, the goddesses proceed to Sreevallabha
> Temple. Ashtapadi hymns are played, followed by dancing among lamps.
>
> Other festival observed is Vishu .
>
> Temple timings
>
> The temple opens from 4 a.m. to noon and 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Timings of
> major events are as follows. At 4 a.m. the deity is awakened. The deity is
> viewed at 4:30, and bathed at 5:00 a.m.] The first puja is at 6:30, and the
> first outside procession (sreebali) is at 8:00.] The second puja is at
> 9:00, followed by a third at 10:45 a.m. Another procession is at 11:30,
> before the temple closes at noon.
>
> It reopens at 5:00 p.m. There is a fourth puja at 7:00, and a fifth at
> 7:30. The third and final procession is at 8:00, before the temple closes.
>
> Offerings
>
> The four main daily offerings are Paala Namaskaaram, Kathakali,
> Pantheerayiram and the Kesadipaadam garland. The popular Paala Namaskaaram,
> part of the third puja, is the *serving of food to the deity and the
> Brahmins in areca nut palm leaves*. Kathakali is performed each evening.
> Pantheerayiram is the offering of 12,001 bananas in a special ritual,
> usually made at the Pantheeradi (second) puja. The Kesaadipaadam garland is
> a flower garland, measuring about 15 feet, which adorns the deity during
> the third and fourth pujas. Other offerings are made during specific pujas.
>
> Sudarsana chakra
>
> The Thiruvalla inscriptions say the temple for Sudarshana Chakra was built
> in 2998 BC. The temple for Sudarshana Chakra was built by Sreedevi
> Antherjanam of Sankramangalathu Illam and it was elaborately rebuilt by
> Queen Cherumthevi in 59 BC.
>
> Temple flourishing
>
> Sreevallabha temple flourished to a major spiritual and educational centre
> by AD 1100. The temple had governed a Vedic school (thiruvalla sala) with
> around 1500 students and 150 teachers. Veda, Vedanta, Tarka, Mimamsa,
> Jyotisha, Ayurveda, and Kalaripayattu were taught there.
>
> The temple also owned an Ayurveda hospital with facilities to admit and
> treat 100 patients at a time. The first ever prose work in Malayalam is the
> Thiruvalla inscriptions dated to the first half of the 12th century AD,
> which was obtained from the temple during 1915.
>
> The Unnuneeli Sandesam of the 13th century AD highlighted the grandeur,
> beauty, serenity, fame and status of the temple during its time. Other
> works that glorified the temple are Sreevallabha Ksethra Mahathmyam of the
> 10th century AD, Sreevallabha Charitham kavyam, Thukalasura Vadham
> Kathakali, Sreevallabha Charitham Kathakali, Sreevallabha Vijayam
> Kathakali, Sreevallabha Suprabhatham, Sreevallabha Karnamritha Sthothram,
> Yajanavali Sangrham etc.
>
>
>
> From the date built, the temple was under control of Thiruvalla
> Pattillathil Pottimar (Brahmins of ten families) till 1752-1753.
> Sreevallabha Temple emerged out as a major spiritual destination for
> devotees all over India centuries before. It had 15 major priests
> (melsanthi) and 180 sub-ordinate priests (keezhsanthis) all the time and
> another 108 for only daily noon pooja. Temple provided staying and food
> facilities for all visitors, students, teachers etc. and also used to
> conduct annadanam (serving food to the poor) daily. Naivedyam of Lord
> Sreevallabhan for a single time used to be made from 45 para (one para can
> feed approximately 100 persons) rice. In all these years, temple acquired
> enormous amount of wealth, so much, that it even used to serve food in
> golden banana leaves and throw them considering as the leavings. It also
> had thousands of acres of land too which are lost now.
>
> During 1752-1753 Marthanda Varma of Travancore captured the temple from
> Pathillathil Pottimar, and it is believed that Ramayyan Dalawa looted
> whole temple assets to Thiruvananthapuram.
>
> *Up to 1968, ladies and elephants were not allowed in the temple*. The
> temple used to be opened for ladies only during Thiruvathira of dhanu month
> and Vishu of medam till then. *Anyhow now this custom is not in practise.
> These facts clearly say that how popular and wealthy the temple was in
> those days.*
>
> *Legends have their own space in relation with the history of a temple,
> but they should never be mixed up. While going through the legends related
> to Sreevallabha temple it is clear that even though Sreevallabhan’s idol is
> older, it was the temple for Sudarshana built first.*
>
> How To Reach
>
> By Bus-Thiruvalla Market Bus Station, about 600 m away
>
> By Train-Thiruvalla Railway Station, about 3 km
>
> Administration
>
> The temple, administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, is a major
> temple in the Thiruvalla group.
>
> Address:
>
> Sree Vallabha Temple, Road, Kizhakummuri, Thiruvalla, Kerala 689102
>
>
>
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