VENNIMALASREE RAMA LAKSHAMANA PERUMAL TEMPLE-PUTHUPALLY-KOTTAYAM DISTRICT-KERALA
Introduction The Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshmana Perumal Temple inPuthuppally, Kottayam, believed to be visited by Lord Rama and Lakshmana during their exile.Located in the village of Puthuppally within the Kottayam district, the templeis situated on Vennimala hill, approximately 15 km from Kottayam town. The maindeity of the temple is Lakshmana Perumal, and it is one of the oldest Ramatemples in South India. Though the mainidol of the temple is Lord Lakshmana but Sri Rama is alsogiven the equal priority. The temple is on a hill 1500 feet highfrom sea level. Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshamana Perumal Temple is one among theoldest Rama Temples in South India. Key Information: Name:Vennimala Sree Rama Lakshmana Perumal Temple Location: Vennimala hill, Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kerala Deity: Lakshmana Perumal Mythological Significance: It is believed that Lord Rama andLakshmana visited this place during their exile, and Lakshmana killed demons to protect the sagesresiding there. Legend According to the legends, Lord Rama and Lakshmana had visited this hillside. In the caves of the vennimala, sages used to meditate , when lots of the demons were creating nuisance to the sages. Hence sagesapproached Lakshmana to help. Lord Lakshmana killed many demons. Thus theplace came to be called ‘Vijayadri’in Sanskrit which means ‘hill ofvictory’ . References to Vennimalaappear in Aithihyamala, a famous collection of Kerala legends compiled by Kottarathil Sankunni,which adds literary and spiritual significance to the temple. History The king of the Kerala, Cheraman Perumal Bhaskara constructedthis temple as per the direction of the Kapila Maharishi. The name of thisplace was Iravipuram originally. LordCheraman Perumal was attracted by the beauty of this place, stayed here andbuilt a palace. He earmarked the hill as a sacred and protected place. LordCheraman Perumal accepted Lord Rama as his king and he declared that Lord Ramaof this temple will be called by the name “Vennimala Perumal”. With the fragmentation of the Cera Empire, the region ofKottayam came under the sway of the Vadakkumkoor and Thekkumkoor dynasties. TheSree Rama Lakshmana Swamy Temple at Vennimala near Puthuppally came under theThekkumkoor dynasty, which ruled the region for a long period. Unnuneeli sandesam written in 14th century AD describesVennimala in Thekkumkoor. In AD 1749 King Marthanda Varma of Venadu capturedThekkumkoor and there after it was portion of Thiruvuithamkoor So the temple is said to be over a thousand years old, withrenovations and reconstructions carried out over the centuries under thepatronage of local kings and devotees. Its age-old charm, combined with thetranquil hilltop surroundings, continues to draw pilgrims and tourists alike. Architecture andFeatures The temple showcases the traditional Kerala style of templearchitecture, with sloping tiled roofs, wooden carvings, and a stone-pavedcourtyard. A key highlight of the temple is that it is on top of a hill that offers stunningpanoramic views of the countryside. The climb to the temple is often considered a pilgrimage in itself,with devotees enjoying the quietude and bird calls along the way. There are two bronze dhwajastambhas (flag masts) in the frontyard. The temple is facing west. Theentrance to the temple is through a dwara gopura in Kerala style followed by anAnappandal. The temple has been constructed in stone and the mukhamantapa hasornamented wooden panels in between stone pillars. Beyond the namaskara mantapa comes the unique Srikovil onlyone of its kind in South India. It isthe ‘Ghata Prasada’ type with a pot shape, the Srikovil is in proper circularform with a neck shaped mukhamantapa in front. Both are roofed over by an integral copper roof supportedby rafters. The exterior of the temple has beautiful daru silpas(wooden idols) at intervals along the periphery. The inside of the Srikovilis hexagaonal shape. TheSrikovil and mukhamantapa are surrounded by pillars enclosing a small walk-wayaround with tiles laid all over. Ther is a namaskaramantapa and balikkal infront of the shrine. There is also a sacred pond (theertham) nearby, believed to be connected tothe legends of Lord Rama. Devotees often visit this pond as part of theirpilgrimage. It is said that the sacred channel of the temple opens to thispond. Sanctum The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and his brotherLakshmana, rare deities to be worshipped together in a single sanctum. Eventhough the main idol is that of Lakshmana Perumal, Sri Rama is also present inthe srikovil by conviction. Reinforcingthis practice , there are two bronze dhwajastambhas (flagmasts) in the frontyard. Subsidiary shrines Among the subsidiary shrines, that of Sri Krishna is unique. Located in the north-west corner of the outer prakara, it is asmall square temple, and a squaremukhamantapa. Other deities are Lord Ganesh, Lord Nagaraja, Yakshi. Poojas Daily three poojas are performed now. Earlier the temple hadfive poojas and three sreebalies. Daily poojas and rituals areconducted in accordance with Tantric customs, and the temple ismaintained by a dedicated group of priests and committee members who ensure itstraditions are preserved. Festivals The temple observes all major Hindu festivals, with Sri RamaNavami being the most significant. Celebrated with grandeur and devotion, thefestival includes special poojas, traditional music, and cultural programs. Theannual Utsavam (temple festival) is marked by rituals, colourful processions,and community participation. CulturalPrograms Only Ramayana storyused to be played here. Koothu for 16days followed by Koodiyattom for 12 days was the routine. Vennimala Koothu has been an integral part ofthe cultural scene of Kerala for centuries. At present, the festival goes onfor reduced duration of ten days. There is a koothambalam inside the temple. Temple Timings Morning 5am to 10am and Evening 5pm to 8pm. Offerings to Pithrus Devotees pay obsequies in the Malayalam month of Thulam and Karkidagam vavu days in the temple tank nearby withrocky outcrops. Tourism The Kerala government and local tourism bodies have promotedthe area as part of rural and heritage tourism initiatives, encouragingvisitors to explore the spiritual, cultural, and ecological wealth of theregion. Address of the temple Vennimala Sri Rama Lakshmana Swamy Temple,Payyappady–Vennimala Road, Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kerala – 686516. Phone : +91 984 743 9251 Location Nearest Town: Puthuppally (approx. 4 km) >From Kottayam: Around 12 km by road Nearest Railway Station: Kottayam Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (approx. 90 km) Buses and taxis are available from Kottayam and nearby towns.A short uphill walk or drivetakes you to the temple premises. Administration The temple is under the administrative control of the Travancore Devaswom Board. -- 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/93301374.1696725.1759305032128%40mail.yahoo.com.
