THURAVOORSREE NARASIMHA MOORTHY TEMPLE, ALLEPPY DISTRICT KERALA -COMPILED Dear friends,
Today my posting is about the Narasimha Moorthy temple at Thuravoor in the Alappuzha District of Kerala. Thistemple’s distinctive architecture andartistic vividness are what attracts devotees to this temple. It is one of therare temple complexes in Kerala, where two templesanctum sanctorum are situated within a single Nalambalam (temple structure).One is dedicated to Lord Narasimha Moorthy and the other to Lord Maha SudarsanaMoorthy. The temple’s two sanctorum,two towering gold-plated flag masts, a majestic Anapandhal (a place whereelephants stand during rituals) as well as unique festivals add to the overallmystique of the shrine. The Sudarsana Moorthy Temple is believed to be 1300 yearsold. The one dedicated to Lord Narasimhais believed to have come into being sometime in the 7th century CE, during thereign of a Chera king named Keralendran. Hope a divine reading. Gopalakrishnan 17-08-2025 Introduction Thuravoor Mahakshethram, an ancient Devasthanam located bythe side of NH-47, approximately 25 km south of Kochi city, is the sacred abodeof Lord Sree Narasimhamoorthy and Lord Sree Mahasudarsanamoorthy. The entiretemple complex can be seen from the road. Two separate Sanctum Sanctorum in close proximity - withinthe same compound - reflect the synthesis of a unique and mysterious divinepower. The idol of Sree Narasimhamoorthy is said to have originated in the holycity of Kashi (Varanasi). Swami Padmapadar (8th century AD), the principaldisciple of Adi Sankaracharya, had worshipped the very same idol at Kashi. Distinctive in its architectural and artistic grandeur,Thuravoor Mahakshethram is one of the most venerated places of worship inKerala. Twin Sreekovils - onesquare and the other circular shaped - in a single Nalambalam, two gold-plated flagmasts that tower into the skies, a majestically tall Anapandhal(elephant rostrum, the largest in Kerala) and a strict regimen of observancesof vrathas for the priests, days after days of rituals and festivals, chantingof Vedic hymns and presentation of learned discourses on Puranas throughout theyear... all these attract streams of devotees to the temple from within andoutside the state. Veti - vazhivadu is one of the popular vazhivadu orofferings in the temple. Of the two temples here, it is believed that the onededicated to Sudarsanamoorthy was the first to come into existence.Though there is norecord of its origin, the temple is estimated to be over 1300 years old. Thereare scholars who hold that the circular-shaped Sreekovil belongs to the TretaYuga; according to others, its origin dates back to the Dvapara Yuga. Some palmleaf texts on the temple do exist, but nobody has yet been able to understandor decipher them. As for the Narasimhamoorthy temple, records do show that itcame into being sometime in the 7th century AD, during the reign of a Cheraking named Keralendran. His guru was the great Muringottu Adigal, a well-known TuluBrahmin priest and scholar. Legends The idol of SreeNarasimhamoorthy is saidto have originated in the holy city of Kashi (Varanasi). Swami Padmapadar (8thcentury AD), the principal disciple of Adi Sankaracharya, had worshipped thevery same idol at Kashi. Another legend -During his pilgrimage to Varanasi,a Namboothiri priest from Angamaly- Kalati had a supernatural vision. He saw abrilliant beam of light descending towards the earth and traveling in a south westerlydirection. The priest followed the beam closely. At a pre-ordained point in avillage called ‘Poothanilam’ in central Kerala, the light hit the earth anddisappeared into the ground. The priest dug the earth at this spot and saw anextraordinarily beautifulidol of Mahavishnu in Anjanakallu (a rare kind of black stone)buried underneath. While the idol was being salvaged, the heavens opened up andblessed the event with a shower of fireworks which lit up the sky and shook theearth with a thunderous sound. This Vishnu idol was later to become famous asSree Narasimhamoorthy.The priest enshrined the idol in a Sreekovil of its ownnear the sanctum of Sudarsanamoorthy. It is said that the idol occupies a site,which was originally the abode of Goddess Bhagavathy. The Bhagavathy idol wasrelocated at a place a little towards the west, as per Hindu ideology.Reinforcing this belief is the fact that the multi-tiered bronze lamp in frontof the Narasimhamoorthy temple bears the image of a lion - the carrier ofGoddess Bhagavathy. The place came to be also called ‘Surapuri’ - probablybecause of the presence of an entire galaxy of gods and goddesses. About the temple Distinctive in its architectural and artistic grandeur,Thuravoor Mahakshethram is one of the most venerated places of worship inKerala. Twin-Sreekovils in a single Nalambalam, two gold-plated flag masts thattower into the skies, a majestically tall Anapandhal (elephant rostrum - the largest in Kerala), astrict regimen of observances of vrathas for the priests, days after days ofrituals and festivals, chanting of Vedic hymns and presentation of learneddiscourses on Puranas throughout the year ... all these attract streams ofdevotees to the temple from within and outside the State.Of the two temples here, it isbelieved that the one dedicated to Sudarsanamoorthy was the first to come intoexistence. History Though there is no record of its origin, the temple isestimated to be over 1300 years old. There are scholars who hold that thecircular-shaped Sreekovil belongs to the Thretha Yuga; according to others, its origin datesback to the Dwapara Yuga.Some palm leaf texts on the temple do exist; but nobody has yet been able tounderstand or decipher them. As for the Narasimhamoorthy temple, records do show that itcame into being sometime in the 7th century AD, during the reign of a Chera king namedKeralendran. His guru was the great Muringottu Adigal, a well-known priest andscholar. Architecture Sree Narasimhamoorthy temple (on the northern side) isseparated by a wall; the twotemples are interconnected. The fairly large, square-shaped, copper-roofed Sreekovil isbuilt of granite. The Namaskara Mandapam is ornamented with sculptures of lotusblooms. The granite pillars on the Mandapam also feature highly imaginative carvings. One stone pillar carries the image of Deepa Lakshmi. The sculptures and murals onthe outer walls of the Sreekovil are so beautiful; they will take your breathaway. Kerala's age-old tradition in temple architecture is reflected here. The walls of the Sreekovil are adorned with sculptures of elephant heads atregular intervals. Two of the elephants are with their trunks down,while the rest have their trunks raised. This may have been done to avoidmonotony. The compound wall of the Sreekovil is also adorned withenchanting murals. The painting of Mahavishnureposing on Anantha deserves specific mention. Since the temple was formerly inthe Cochin territory, the God depicted is likely to be Sree Poornathrayeesa,the family deity of the Cochin royalty. Nataraja, Indra withhis thousand eyes in the presence of Ugranarasimha, Sree Krishna, and a damselwith her face turned away from a scene showing a love-loran couple are some of the pictures that willlinger in the mind of a visitor. The Garbhagriha of the Sreekovil has two ante-chambers. Heretoo, the idols of Dwarapalakas are installed in one of them. The Garbhagriha houses a beautiful, four-armed idol of Mahavishnu who isperceived as Ugranarasima. In the corridor on the southern side, there is an idol ofLord Siva. You can view and worship Him through the narrow window in the wallon the southern side. Generally, Narasimha idolsare seen in a sitting posture. But here, the idol is on its feet. Onemay assume that originally this idol in the standing position was originallythat of Mahavishnu; and, as a result of poojas and other sacred rituals, it isbeing perceived as Ugranarasimha. Connoisseurs of art within and outside Kerala agree that thesculptures, relief works and carvings on the southern side of the Sreekovil arepriceless works of art. Scholars from afar often visit the temple for anin-depth study of these masterly creations. You can see here nine different perceptions of Narasimhaincluding Ugranarasimha, Lakshmi Narasimha and Yoga Narasimha. Khadgistraddling an elaborately decorated horse, Yakshi carrying a hand-mirror andeloquent scenes from Ramayana are worth a close observation. The Narasimha temple has its own gold-plated Garudadwaja,oriented towards the east. On the extreme eastern side, in the direct line ofvision of the Narasimamoorthy shrine, is a massive temple tank measuring 100 x 80 meters. It isbelieved that the cool, clean, serene waters of the tank provide a calmingeffect on the Lord’s fierce frame of mind. The foreground of the temple is spacious and paved withrough-hewn granite slabs. The Namaskara mandapam is also fittingly large andimpressive. On the ceiling of this Mandapam are exquisitely carved figures ofAshtadikpalakas (guardians of the eight directions) with Lord Brahma in themiddle. The outer walls of the Sreekovil are profusely adorned withintricately sculpted woodwork. One of the very interesting sculptures is thatof Devi breastfeeding Ganapathy. Depictions of this nature are very rare.Sculptures of Devi astride the Nandi with a bell in her hand, Ganapathydepicted in different rows and a frozen dance-and-music extravaganza are someof the visual treats here. On either side of a narrow doorway (which looks likea window), one can see miniature figures of an entourage of servant-gods. The gold-plated flag mast (dwajasthambam) on the eastern sideof the Sudarsanamoorthy temple is taller than its counterpart in Narasimhatemple. Chief Deities An ancient Devasthanam of Sree Narasimhamoorthy and SreeMahasudarsanamoorthy. Two separate temples in close proximity - within the samecompound - reflect the synthesis of a unique and mysterious divine power. The idol of Sudarsanamoorthy features four arms, eachcarrying a different object: a conch shell, a chakra (discus), a gadha (mace)and a lotus bloom. The idol of Narasimha Moorthy is actually that of LordMahavishnu Sub-shrines: Within the Nalambalam, on the southern side of the innercourtyard is the shrine of Ganapathy.Outside the two Sreekovils - but within the same temple premises - are theidols of Sastha on thesouth, with the serpent godsjust behind it; Bhagavathyon the west and Brahmarakshassuon the north - housed in separate, smaller sub-shrines. Speciality aboutPriests Inviolable discipline and austerity: The roles of theMelsanthi (chief priest) and Keezhsanthi (assistant priest) at this temple arereversed every year. So longas the Melsanthi continues in his position, he has to maintain absolutecelibacy; he must not leave the temple compound during his tenure, andhas to follow an austere lifestyle and a observe a stringent daily regimen. Pooja Timings Morning Niyamavedi 03.00am Temple opens 04.10 am Ushapooja 05.00 am Ethrithapooja 06.30 am Sheeveli 06.45 am Pandeeradipooja 07.30 am to 8.30 am Uchapooja 11.00 am Uchasheeveli 11.15 am Evening Temple opens 05.20pm Deeparadhana 6.30 pm Athazha Pooja 07.30pm Athazhasheeveli 07.45 pm The timings will vary on Thursdays and Sundays. Daily routine/rituals like puja, kazhagam are entrusted tosome designated families. Even now also puja has to be carried out by five vaishnava Tulu Brahminfamilies, say Adukathaya (Adukkam), Kubanuraya (Konoor), Parakode,Khajanaya (Kasha)and Kadamannaya (Nallur) of Kasargode District of Kerala. The Thuravoor Temple, specifically the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple in Thuravoor, is known for several poojas and rituals. Theseinclude Tulsi Puja, Sarpa Samskara Pooja, Ashlesha Bali Pooja, andNagaprathista. Additionally, the temple is known for special poojas likeAiravatha Vahana Pooja. Here's a more detailed breakdown: Tulsi Puja: This puja is performed with Tulsi (holy basil)and is a common practice at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple. Sarpa Samskara Pooja: This two-day pooja is performed forthose seeking relief from Sarpa Dosha (a negative astrological influencerelated to snakes). Ashlesha Bali Pooja: Another pooja related to Sarpa Dosha,offered in batches at specific times. Nagaprathista: This involves the installation of a serpentimage, often done as part of addressing Sarpa Dosha. Airavatha Vahana Pooja: This specific pooja involves theAiravatha (the white elephant mount of Lord Indra) and is sometimes performedat the temple. Friday Pooja: Friday poojas are performed for wealth andprosperity. Mahathrimadhura: Performed for good health. Sarvalankara Pooja: Performed for marriage and to eliminateGraha Dosha (malefic planetary influences). Navagraha Homam:A homam (fire ritual) performed to appeasethe nine planets (Navagrahas) and mitigate their negative influences. Offerings Nithyannadanam is the major offering done bydevotees. Temple is distributing free food as Prasadam for all the devotees andalso the patients of Thuravoor Taluk Hospital. Due to covid it was stopped andnot started till today. Vedi Vazhipadu-Firing of kathinas or Vedi vazhipadu(Fire Crackers) is an important offering here. Chuttuvillakku-Chuttu vilakku or lighting oil lampsaround the temple is a traditional offering which bring prosperity and peace tothe individual and world at large. Palpayasam-Palpayasam is one of the mostimportant offerings of Vishnu temples. It costs Rs 160/- per litre. Besides Palpayasam, archana, sahasranamam, Daily poojas,bhagavathiseva, thrimaduram are other important offerings to the deity. Festivals The temple holds several Utsavams and festivals. The 9-day utsavam during the month of Thulam(October) is the mostimportant festival. Valiyavilakku is celebrated on the Deepavali (Diwali) day.It is said that one of the Arattu functions (holy bath before the closingceremony) at the temple coincided with the birth of Sree Chithirathirunal Maharaja.This was a Valiavilakku festival when Amavasi (new-moon) and Diwali happened tofall on the same day. The temple also hosts one-day festivals in connection with Ashtamirohini, Dwadashi, Thiruvathira, Vishu, Makarasankranthi andPathamudayam. On the day of Pathamudayam, the idols of the two temples aretaken out in a ceremonial procession till the spot where Sree Narasimamoorthy’sidol was first sighted. Interesting facts Geographically, the temple site belongs to the former Cochin state. However, itsubsequently came under the purview of Travancore for certain political reasons.But this transition was subject to an important provison: If a Travancore king were ever to set foot on theMahakshethra soil, the temple would be immediately restored to Cochin.Therefore, for a longtime, no Travancore king visited the temple. In 1951, on the merger ofTravancore and Cochin and coronation of Sree Chithirathirunal,the Maharaja visited the temple - the first time for a Travancore king to doso. He walked to the temple over a carpet to avoid steppingdirectly on the ground. Now the temple is under Cochin Devaswam board Great seers and saintsvisited the temple Great seers and saints such as Jagadguru Sankaracharya ofSringeri - Sree Bharathi Theertha Swamigal, Jagadguru Sankaracharya of Kanchi -Sree Jayendra Saraswathy, Sankaracharya of Puri - Sree AdhokshajanandaSwamigal, Uduppi Pejavar Math head - Sree Visweswara Theertha Swamigal and theJiyar of Ahobilamath - Sree Sadagopa Narayana Yatheendra Swamigal - have allvisited and experienced the spiritual and devotional grandeur of this fabledDevasthanam. Eda thavalam forSabarimala Pilgrimage devotees Thuravoor Mahakshethram is now one of the importanttransit-camps (Edathavalam) for the Ayappa devotees during the Sabarimalapilgrimage season. Administration The temple was administered by the Travancore Devaswam Board.Now the temple is under Cochin Devaswam Board. The Devaswam guest house and alarge spacious hall for conducting religious discourses, marriage functions arealso located just near the southern gate of the temple. Thuravoor Temple is administered by the Cochin DevaswomBoard. The Cochin Devaswom Board is one of the four Devaswom Boards in Keralaresponsible for the administration of temples and their properties.Specifically, the board manages 403 temples and has an annual revenueof 50 crore rupees. Other information The 29-th Akhila Bharath Shrimad Bhagavath Mahasathram, afourteen-day non-stop religious discourse camp or Mahasathram was held atThuravoor Mahakesthram from 2 April 2012 to 14 April 2012. Address of the temple The Administrative Officer, Thuravoor Mahakshethram,Thuravoor P O, Cherthala, Alappuzha. Kerala, India. Pin-688 532 Email Us [email protected],[email protected] Call Us+91 478 2561470 Temple timings Opens 4 AM ⋅ Closes 12:30 pm ⋅ Reopens 5:20 pm closes 8PM. The timings will vary on Thursdays and Sundays. -- 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/310202748.395682.1755434818968%40mail.yahoo.com.
