SREERAMA TEMPLE, TRIPRAYAR, THRISSUR DISTRICT, KERALA-COMPILED.
Introduction Sree Rama Temple, Triprayar is a revered Hindu temple locatedin Triprayar, in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is one of the fourtemples in the Nalambalam pilgrimage, dedicated to the four brothers of theRamayana—Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Among these, the Triprayartemple, dedicated to Lord Sree Rama, is traditionally visited first. The main deity, Sree Rama, is enshrined in a majestic form withfour arms, holding a conch (shankha), discus (chakra), bow, and garland—a rareand powerful depiction that reflects both divinity and valour. The temple isscenically situated on the banks of the river Theevra, enhancing its spiritualambiance. Sree Rama of Triprayar isalso the presiding deity of the famous Arattupuzha Pooram, one of the grand temple festivalsin Kerala, underscoring the temple's cultural and religious importance. Since some temples could not participate in Arattupza pooramdue to rains etc. in a year. They were not invited next year. Sakthan Tampuranon this account started the famous Trichur Pooram. Legend There is an interesting legend about the origin of thisriver. Lord Mahavishnu during his Vamana incarnation visited this place whilegoing to Thrikkakkara and he found no water to wash his legs as the whole placewas dry and desolate. Vamanatook the water from his kamandalu (a small round vessel used by hindu sages tocarry water) and poured the water to wash his legs, that source of water neverwent dry but kept on flowing as the Thiru Purayar or the Thriprayar (river ofdivine source) as it is called now. Purayar is also called Sreepriya river and Nandiyar. History Historically, the temple was owned and administered by threeprominent Namboodiri families: Cheloor Mana, Janappilly Mana, and PunnappillyMana. Although the temple's management has since been transferred to the Cochin Devaswom Board,the Ooralans (hereditary custodians) from these three families continue to playkey roles in temple rituals and festivals, preserving centuries-old traditionsand customs. Origin of Place Nameand 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-coveredconical roof (Thazhikakudam) crowned with gold, and rich wood carvings withmural paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Architecture: The temple features a circular sanctum, a copper-coveredconical roof (Thazhikakudam) crowned with gold, and rich wood carvings withmural paintings depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Chief deity- LordTriprayarappan The diety Lord Rama in the Triprayar Temple is popularlyknown as Triprayarappan or Triprayar Thevar. The idol of Lord Rama was initially worshipped by LordKrishna at Dwaraka. After the swargarohana of Lord Krishna the idol was immersedin the sea. Later some fisher men got the idol from the sea near Chettuvaregion of Kerala and the local ruler Vakkayil Kaimal constructed a temple atTriprayar and installed the idol. The image of Rama(Triprayar Thevar) resembles the Chaturbhuja Vishnu form with four arms, bearing aconch(Panchajanya), a disc (Sudarsana), a bow (Kodanda) and a garlandrespectively. It is believed that the deity worshipped herepossesses some of the aspects of Shiva too. It was after killing theasura, Khara that Sri Rama got both the Shaiva and Vaishnava aspects. Thus Triprayar Thevar is alsocalled Khara SamharaMoorthy. It is also believed that the portrayal of Rama with a garland held in the image’s hand isalso suggestive of aspects of Bhrahma and hence the deity is said to be amanifestation of the Trimoorthis. The image is adorned with necklaces and other fine jewellery. Images of Sreedevi and Bhudevi areon either side. There is an image of Dakshinamoorthy, in the sanctum facingthe south. Dakshinamoorthyis commonly found in Shiva temples. There is also a lamp behind theimage which is kept burning all the time. Because of these and also because ofthe fact that people got relief when troubled by evilspirits chathan-the deity is believed to have a Shiva aspect also. The original idol of Rama was subject to severe wearwith the passage of time.Astrological investigations however revealed that the Lord did not desire tohave change of the vigraha. Therefore a raiment was made inPanchaloha and the same now covers the original stone image. About the Sub Dieties Hanuman: Though there is no separate idol for Rama’s best devoteeHanuman, it is believed that his presence is always there atthe Namaskara mandapam(in front of the Sreekovil) of the temple.Devotees generally bow before the mandapa imagining the presence of Hanumanthere before worshipping Sree Rama. The offering of flattened rice (avil) made from dried paddyis meant for Hanuman. Ganapathy: There are two Ganapathy prathishtas inside the Nalambalam.Devotees can see a Ganapthy prathishta(facing south) in the garbhagruha(nearsouth 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 southdoor) of Sree Rama’s Sreekovil. The idol of Dakshinamoorthy is in Shiva Lingaform adorned with Rudraksha garlands, crescent moon etc. Sastha(Ayyappa): Outside the nalambalam, in the southern side of the courtyardthere 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 theAyyappa shrine. Arrattupuzha pooram Thriprayar Thevar is the presiding deity of the ArattupuzhaPooram, one of the important festivals of central Kerala. Lord Ayyappa of this temple also participated in this poorambefore the installation of Lord Rama. Except Triprayar Thevar, all otherparticipants 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 intraditional gosala form. Theidol of Lord Krishna faces east. There is mention about this GosalaKrishna 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 ispossible from 3.00am - 12.30pm 4.00pm - 8.00pm Festivals Triprayar Ekadasi Triprayar Ekadashi is a major festival celebrated in thistemple . The festival occurs on theEkadashi (11th day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the Malayalammonth of Vrishchikam (November-December). It's known for its grand processionwith caparisoned elephants carrying the deity, accompanied by traditional musiclike 'Melam'. Key aspects of TriprayarEkadasi: Celebration:The festival is a grand celebration centeredaround the deity, Lord Rama, also known as Thriprayarappan or ThriprayarThevar. Procession:A spectacular procession with 21 elephantscarrying 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 itsarchitecture and serene surroundings, is the focal point of the celebration. Timing: The festival typically takes place in the lateevening or early night, followed by fireworks and other festivities. Significance: Triprayar Ekadasi is a significant event fordevotees, marking a day of prayer, devotion, and cultural celebration. Devotee Participation: A large number of devotees from allover Kerala participate in the festival, offering prayers and seekingblessings. Arattupuzha Pooram Arattupuzha Pooram is an annualtemple 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 oldesttemple festivals in India, featuring a unique gathering of deities from varioustemples in the region. The festival culminates in a grand procession ofcaparisoned elephants, traditional music, and fireworks. Triprayar Thevar, thedeity of the Triprayar Sri Rama Temple, is a prominent participant in theArattupuzha Pooram. This festival, also knownas Devamela, is aweek-long celebration culminating in a spectacular display of elephants andpercussion ensembles. Gathering of Deities:It's unique for the ritual of bringingdeities 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 isbelieved to participate in the festivities. Traditional Performances:The festival includes traditionalmusic like Pancharimelam, featuring a large number of percussion artists. Spiritual Significance:Devotees believe that duringArattupuzha Pooram, all Gods and Goddesses gather at the temple, making it apowerful spiritual event. The "MakayiramPurappadu"The"Makayiram Purappadu" is a significant event at the Thriprayar SreeRama Temple, marking the deity's departure for the Arattupuzha Pooramfestival. It occurs on the seventh day of the temple festival and involves aprocession where the deity, Thriprayar Thevar (Lord Rama), is taken out of thetemple. This procession is a grand spectacle, known for its elaborate ritualsand the participation of other deities and elephants. Significance:The Makayiram Purappadu is a precursor to theArattupuzha Pooram, a major temple festival where deities from various templesgather. Procession:he deity is taken out of the temple in a grandprocession, accompanied by traditional music, drums, and elephants. Other Deities:During the procession, Thriprayar Thevar isoften accompanied by Goddesses Oorakathamma and Cherppu Bhagavathy,representing Sree Devi and Bhumi Devi, respectively Offerings Unique ritual ofMeenootu (fish feeding). "NeyVilakku"- to lighting the"Nilavilakk" inside the Temple, "Vedi"- "KathinaVedi" intend to avoid/overcome danger, "AvilNivedyam"- Riceflakes offering "Avil" offering for Hanuman, "Meenoott"-Feeding Fish by the Riverside "Kanoli Kanal" intend to ancestralspirits, "Pushpanjali", "Thirumadhuram","Appam","Neypayasam", "Chethi/thulasi/thamara Mala" More- "Sundarakanda Parayanam", "Kalabham withAnnadanam", "Niramala chuttuvilakk" with "pizhinjupayasanivedyam" 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 sonsof King Dasharatha, popularly known as Nalambalams, the others beingKoodalmanikyam Temple in Irinjalakuda housing Bharata, Thirumuzhikoolam templehousing Lakshmana and Payammal housing Shatrughna in that order. It is believedthat worshipping these temples on a single day in the Malayalam month ofKarkadakam is auspicious, and thus many devotees visit these temples. Temple address andphone 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, Thrissurdistrict, Kerala, on the banks of the Theevra River. Nearest Railway Station: The closest railway station is inThrissur, which is about 21-22 km away. Visiting Information Opening Hours: The temple typically opens early in themorning 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 managinglarge crowds during festive occasion Compiled and posted by R. 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