Kerala in the Puranas The genealogies in the Puranas also of some historical importance, even though we have no correct insight into their identity of chronology. The Puranas notwithstanding the mythological elements that dominate in them are valuable sources of historical tradition. The importance of the Puranas as a source of history has been attested by great historian Kalhana.
The Puranas like Vayu-purana, Vishnu-purana, Markandeya-purana, Brahmandapurana, Padmapurana, Matsya-purana, Bhavisya-purana, Agni-purana etc. also make mention of Kerala. The Brahmapurana mention the Anantasayana temple (Tvm) and also so may other Punyaksetras. In the Agnipurana it is said that the keralites originated from the Gandharva king of Thurvasavamsa. In the Matsya Purana Kerala is referred, where description of the boundaries can be seen. In the Naradeeya Purana contain reference to Chera raja vamsas. (Kerala or Thiruvitamkur). The pratista of varahamurti in the Anandasayana temple is explaining in the Varshapurana. The Bhavisya Purana composed in the form of Uma-Mahesvara-samvada (as narrated by Siva to Parvati) and purported to be the 11th chapter of the Bhavisyapurana. The work deals with the genealogy of Kolathiris, it consists of eighteen and a half verses in the sloka metre. Supposedly a part of the Bhavisya-purana it gives information of prophetic nature. Then the work prophecies that in the lunar race would be born a king called Sukumarakrama who would be get two daughters. Of these the senior daughter would give birth to Vikramarka and his line following patrilineal mode of succession would last upto Burkana of the junior lady a line of kings following the matrilineal order would rule over Kerala and Kolattiri [Kolathiri]. King would rule the country defeating enemies with the assistance of his cousin Vikramarka. From that time matrilineal system would be followed by the Kolathiris. The account goes on to say the Mlecchas and Hunas would attack their kingdom and that the kolattiris [kolathiri] would have to give tribute money and taxes to the adventures. The narratives claims that the Kolattiri line would last upto 30000 years of the Kali age. Unlike the other association kolattiris the present work contain no allusion to the exploits of Udayavarma. Their connection with Ceraman Perumal also is not referred to. Thus it differs much from other traditional source like Keralolpatti. B.P. also mentions the Cera, Chola, Pandya Vamsas. The Visnupurana speaks of the Musikas along with Strirajyas and several other kingdoms of the Vindhya region. Strongly another version of the same work mentions it is a southern country along with Draviras, Keralas, Pracyan and Vanavasikas. It shows that there is some uncertainly with regard to its exact location. The Vayupurana mentions the Musikas as a people of the South India. The southern kingdoms like pandyas and Keralas are referred to among other countries. The reference is as follows :— athāpare janapadā dakṣiṇapathavāsinaḥ pāṇḍyāśca keralāścaiva caulyāḥ kulyāstathaiva ca setukā mūṣikāścaiva kumanā vānavāsikāḥ || The Markandeyapurana also speaks the Musikas as a southern people or country located to the south of the Vindya mountains. The following is the reference.— śailūṣā mūṣikāścaiva kumārā vānavāsikāḥ The Brahmanda Purana refers to the country as located in the South while dealing with the geography of Bharatavarsa. The reference is almost the same as found in the Vayupuranam it is as follows :— pāṃḍyāśca keralāścaiva colā kulyāstathaiva ca setukā mūṣikāścaiva kṣapaṇā vānavāsikāḥ | It contain the Parasurama’s legendary also. The Padmapurana mention Eastern Musikas, Balamusikas and Musikas as distinct peoples. BUT NO HISTORY OF KERALA, MENTIONS THIS PURAYAR (RIVER IN FRONT) OR OPPOSITE RAMA TEMPLE. K RAJARAM IRS 22925 On Mon, 22 Sept 2025 at 10:39, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty < [email protected]> wrote: > *SREE RAMA TEMPLE, TRIPRAYAR, THRISSUR DISTRICT, * > > *KERALA-**COMPILED.* > > Introduction > > Sree Rama Temple, Triprayar is a revered Hindu temple located in > Triprayar, in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is one of the four > temples in the Nalambalam pilgrimage, dedicated to the four brothers of the > Ramayana—Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Among these, the > Triprayar temple, dedicated to Lord Sree Rama, is traditionally visited > first. > > *The main deity, Sree Rama,* is enshrined in a majestic form with four > arms, holding a conch (shankha), discus (chakra), bow, and garland—a rare > and powerful depiction that reflects both divinity and valour. The temple > is scenically situated on the banks of the river Theevra, enhancing its > spiritual ambiance. > > *Sree Rama of Triprayar is also the presiding deity of the famous > Arattupuzha Pooram*, one of the grand temple festivals in Kerala, > underscoring the temple's cultural and religious importance. > > Since some temples could not participate in Arattupza pooram due to rains > etc. in a year. They were not invited next year. Sakthan Tampuran on this > account started the famous *Trichur Pooram. * > > Legend > > There is an interesting legend about the origin of this river. Lord > Mahavishnu during his Vamana incarnation visited this place while going to > Thrikkakkara and he found no water to wash his legs as the whole place was > dry and desolate. Vamana took the water from his kamandalu (a small round > vessel used by hindu sages to carry water) and poured the water to wash his > legs, that source of water never went dry but kept on flowing as the Thiru > Purayar or the Thriprayar (river of divine source) as it is called now. > Purayar is also called *Sreepriya river and Nandiyar.* > > History > > Historically, the temple was owned and administered by three prominent > Namboodiri families: Cheloor Mana, Janappilly Mana, and Punnappilly Mana. > Although the temple's management has since been transferred to the *Cochin > Devaswom Board*, the Ooralans (hereditary custodians) from these three > families continue to play key roles in temple rituals and festivals, > preserving centuries-old traditions and customs. > > Origin of Place Name and Theevra River > > Triprayar temple is situated on the bank of river Theevra. Theevra river > is also called Purayar. *Hence this place got the name Thirupurayar > (sacred river) and later became Triprayar*. > > Architecture: > > The temple features a circular sanctum, a copper-covered conical roof > (Thazhikakudam) crowned with gold, and rich wood carvings with mural > paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. > > Architecture: > > The temple features a circular sanctum, a copper-covered conical roof > (Thazhikakudam) crowned with gold, and rich wood carvings with mural > paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. > > *Chief deity- Lord Triprayarappan* > > The diety Lord Rama in the Triprayar Temple is popularly known as > Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar. *The idol of Lord Rama was initially > worshipped by Lord Krishna at Dwaraka.* > > After the swargarohana of Lord Krishna the idol was immersed in the sea. > Later some fisher men got the idol from the sea near Chettuva region of > Kerala and the local ruler Vakkayil Kaimal constructed a temple at > Triprayar and installed the idol. > > *The image of Rama (Triprayar Thevar) resembles the Chaturbhuja Vishnu > form* with four arms, bearing a conch(Panchajanya), a disc (Sudarsana), a > bow (Kodanda) and a garland respectively. It is believed that the deity > worshipped here possesses some of the aspects of Shiva too. > > *It was after killing the asura, Khara that Sri Rama got both the Shaiva > and Vaishnava aspects*. Thus Triprayar Thevar is also called *Khara > Samhara Moorthy*. > > It is also believed that the portrayal of Rama with a *garland held in > the image’s hand is also suggestive of aspects of Bhrahma and hence the > deity is said to be a manifestation of the Trimoorthis*. > > The image is adorned with necklaces and other fine jewellery. > > * Images of Sreedevi and Bhudevi are on either side.* > > There is an image of Dakshinamoorthy, in the sanctum facing the south. > Dakshinamoorthy is commonly found in Shiva temples. There is also a lamp > behind the image which is kept burning all the time. Because of these and > also because of the fact that people got relief when troubled by evil > spirits chathan-the deity is believed to have a Shiva aspect also. > > The original idol of Rama was subject to severe wear with the passage of > time. Astrological investigations however revealed that the Lord did not > desire to have change of the vigraha. Therefore a raiment was made in > Panchaloha and the same now covers the original stone image. > > About the Sub Dieties > > Hanuman: > > Though there is no separate idol for Rama’s best devotee Hanuman, it is > believed that his presence is always there at the Namaskara mandapam(in > front of the Sreekovil) of the temple. Devotees generally bow before the > mandapa imagining the presence of Hanuman there before worshipping Sree > Rama. > > The offering of flattened rice (avil) made from dried paddy is meant for > Hanuman. > > Ganapathy: > > There are two Ganapathy prathishtas inside the Nalambalam. Devotees can > see a Ganapthy prathishta(facing south) in the garbhagruha(near south door) > of Sree Rama’s Sreekovil. Another Ganapathy prathishta(facing east) in a > small sreekovil is located at south west corner of the Nalambalam. > > Dakshinamoorthy: > > Dakshinamoorthy is worshipped in the garbhagruha(near south door) of Sree > Rama’s Sreekovil. The idol of Dakshinamoorthy is in Shiva Linga form > adorned with Rudraksha garlands, crescent moon etc. > > Sastha(Ayyappa): > > Outside the nalambalam, in the southern side of the courtyard there is an > Ayyappa (Shastha) shrine. It is believed that the Shastha shrine is > ancient than the Rama Temple. With the arrival of Sree Rama idol, a new > temple was constructed near the Ayyappa shrine. > > Arrattupuzha pooram > > Thriprayar Thevar is the presiding deity of the Arattupuzha Pooram, one of > the important festivals of central Kerala. > > Lord Ayyappa of this temple also participated in this pooram before the > installation of Lord Rama. Except Triprayar Thevar, all other participants > in this pooram are Sasthas and Bhagavathys of different temples. This also > points to the prominence of Shastha shrine. > > Gosala Krishnan: > > Near the main temple, in the northern side of the courtyard, there is a > shrine of Gosala Krishna. The temple have a nalambalam in traditional > gosala form. *The idol of Lord Krishna faces east*. There is mention > about this Gosala Krishna temple in earlier sandesa kavyas. > > Temple poojas > > 04.30am Opening > > 05.00amUsha Pooja05.15 - 6.15amEthruthu pooja > > 06.30amSeeveli6.45 - 7.15amPantheeradi Pooja > > 10.30 - 11.30amKalabham11.30 - 11.45amUcha Pooja > > 12.00pmUcha Seeveli & Closing > > 4.30pmopening6.00pmeeparadhana > > 6.45 - 7.45pmAathazha Pooja & Seeveli > > 8.00pmosing > > During Karkidakam, darshan is possible from > > 3.00am - 12.30pm 4.00pm - 8.00pm > > Festivals > > Triprayar Ekadasi > > Triprayar Ekadashi is a major festival celebrated in this temple . The > festival occurs on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark > fortnight) in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November-December). It's > known for its grand procession with caparisoned elephants carrying the > deity, accompanied by traditional music like 'Melam'. > > Key aspects of Triprayar Ekadasi: > > Celebration:The festival is a grand celebration centered around the deity, > Lord Rama, also known as Thriprayarappan or Thriprayar Thevar. > > Procession:A spectacular procession with 21 elephants carrying the idol of > Lord Rama is a highlight of the festival. > > Traditional Rituals:The festival involves various rituals, including > special poojas (worship), 'Melam' (drum concert), and 'Panchavadyam' (a > traditional orchestra). > > Temple: The Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, known for its architecture and > serene surroundings, is the focal point of the celebration. > > Timing: The festival typically takes place in the late evening or early > night, followed by fireworks and other festivities. > > Significance: Triprayar Ekadasi is a significant event for devotees, > marking a day of prayer, devotion, and cultural celebration. > > Devotee Participation: A large number of devotees from all over Kerala > participate in the festival, offering prayers and seeking blessings. > > Arattupuzha Pooram Arattupuzha Pooram is an annual temple festival held > at the Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple in Thrissur, Kerala, and is known as > the "Mother of all Poorams". It's one of the oldest temple festivals in > India, featuring a unique gathering of deities from various temples in the > region. The festival culminates in a grand procession of caparisoned > elephants, traditional music, and fireworks. Triprayar Thevar, the deity of > the Triprayar Sri Rama Temple, is a prominent participant in the > Arattupuzha Pooram. > > This festival, also known as Devamela, is a week-long celebration > culminating in a spectacular display of elephants and percussion ensembles. > > Gathering of Deities:It's unique for the ritual of bringing deities from > 23 neighboring temples to the Arattupuzha Sree Sastha Temple. > > Triprayar Thevar:The deity of Triprayar Temple, Lord Rama > (Thriprayarappan), is a central figure in the Arattupuzha Pooram and is > believed to participate in the festivities. > > Traditional Performances:The festival includes traditional music like > Pancharimelam, featuring a large number of percussion artists. > > Spiritual Significance:Devotees believe that during Arattupuzha Pooram, > all Gods and Goddesses gather at the temple, making it a powerful spiritual > event. > > The "Makayiram Purappadu"The "Makayiram Purappadu" is a significant event > at the Thriprayar Sree Rama Temple, marking the deity's departure for the > Arattupuzha Pooram festival. It occurs on the seventh day of the temple > festival and involves a procession where the deity, Thriprayar Thevar (Lord > Rama), is taken out of the temple. This procession is a grand spectacle, > known for its elaborate rituals and the participation of other deities and > elephants. > > Significance:The Makayiram Purappadu is a precursor to the Arattupuzha > Pooram, a major temple festival where deities from various temples gather. > > Procession:he deity is taken out of the temple in a grand procession, > accompanied by traditional music, drums, and elephants. > > Other Deities:During the procession, Thriprayar Thevar is often > accompanied by Goddesses Oorakathamma and Cherppu Bhagavathy, representing > Sree Devi and Bhumi Devi, respectively > > Offerings > > Unique ritual of Meenootu (fish feeding). > > "NeyVilakku"- to lighting the "Nilavilakk" inside the Temple, "Vedi"- > "Kathina Vedi" intend to avoid/overcome danger, "AvilNivedyam"- Rice flakes > offering "Avil" offering for Hanuman, "Meenoott"- Feeding Fish by the > Riverside "Kanoli Kanal" intend to ancestral spirits, "Pushpanjali", > "Thirumadhuram","Appam", "Neypayasam", "Chethi/thulasi/thamara Mala" > > More- "Sundarakanda Parayanam", "Kalabham with Annadanam", "Niramala > chuttuvilakk" with "pizhinjupayasa nivedyam" > > Devotees can make offering to "Chathan/Kuttichaththan/Vishnumaya Chathan" > in "Bhandaram/Kanikka" at the west entrance inside the premises > > Nalambala Darsanam > > It is the first among the four temples housing the four sons of King > Dasharatha, popularly known as Nalambalams, the others being Koodalmanikyam > Temple in Irinjalakuda housing Bharata, Thirumuzhikoolam temple housing > Lakshmana and Payammal housing Shatrughna in that order. It is believed > that worshipping these temples on a single day in the Malayalam month of > Karkadakam is auspicious, and thus many devotees visit these temples. > > Temple address and phone number- > > Temple Rd, Valapad, Triprayar, Kerala 680567 > > Phone Number-(Temple) 0487-2391375 > > (Cochin Devaswom Board) 0487-2331124 > > Email Address > > [email protected] [email protected] > > Location & Travel > > Location: The temple is situated in Thriprayar, Thrissur district, Kerala, > on the banks of the Theevra River. > > Nearest Railway Station: The closest railway station is in Thrissur, which > is about 21-22 km away. > > Visiting Information > > Opening Hours: The temple typically opens early in the morning at 4:30 AM > and closes in the evening, with a break in the afternoon. > > Amenities: Parking is available at the temple. > > Crowd Management: The Kerala Police are involved in managing large crowds > during festive occasion > > > > Compiled and posted by R. Gopalakishnan on 22-09-2025 > > -- > 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/1323354979.3815011.1758517629420%40mail.yahoo.com > <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1323354979.3815011.1758517629420%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]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZopktFB6ye9nB%3D0xYkz8BvV5p_XrdxGgZ54pEbmrgSPQCQ%40mail.gmail.com.
