Srijan Foundation

Mr Watwani has sent this.  Do read and act on the last paragraph. colrama They’re written by Andy Rooney , a man who has the
gift of saying so much with so few words. Enjoy…….

I’ve learned…. That the best classroom in the world
is at the feet of an elderly person.

I’ve learned…. That when you’re in love, it shows.

I’ve learned…. That just one person saying to me,
‘You’ve made my day!’ makes my day.

I’ve learned…. That having a child fall asleep in
your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the
world.

I’ve learned…. That being kind is more important
than being right.

I’ve learned…. That you should never say no to a
gift from a child.

I’ve learned…. That I can always pray for someone
when I don’t have the strength to help him in some
other way.

I’ve learned…. That no matter how serious your life
requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act
goofy with.

I’ve learned…. That sometimes all a person needs is
a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I’ve learned…. That simple walks with my father
around the block on summer nights when I was a child
did wonders for me as an adult.

I’ve learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet
paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it
goes.

I’ve learned…. That we should be glad God doesn’t
give us everything we ask for.

I’ve learned…. That money doesn’t buy class.

I’ve learned…. That it’s those small daily
happenings that make life so spectacular.

I’ve learned… That under everyone’s hard shell is
someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.
I’ve learned…. That to ignore the facts does not
change the facts.

I ‘ve learned…. That when you plan to get even with
someone, you are only letting that person continue to
hurt you.

I’ve learned…. That love, not time, heals all
wounds.

I’ve learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow
as a person is to surround myself with people smarter
than I am.

I’ve learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be
greeted with a smile.

I’ve learned…. That no one is perfect until you fall
in lov e with them.

I’ve learned… That life is tough, but I’m tougher.

I’ve learned…. That opportunities are never lost;
someone will take the ones you miss.

I’ve learned…. That when you harbor bitterness,
happiness will dock elsewhere.

I’ve learned…. That I wish I could have told my Mom
that I love her one more time before she passed away.

I’ve learned…. That one should keep his words both
soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat
them.

I’ve learned…. That a smile is an inexpensive way to
improve your looks.

I’ve learned…. That when your newly born grandchild
holds your little finger in his little fist, that
you’re hooked for life.

I’ve learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of
the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs
while you’re climbing it.

I’ve learned…. That the less time I have to work
with, the more things I get done.

To all of you…. Make sure you read all the way down
to the last sentence.

It’s National Friendship Week. Show your friends how
much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a
FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person
who sent it to you. If it comes back to you, then
you’ll know you have a circle of friends. HAPPY
FRIENDSHIP WEEK TO YOU!!!!!! YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I
AM HONORED! Now send this to every friend you have!!
And to your family.

Travancore Devaswom Board is an autonomous body constituted under the Travancore Cochin Religious Institutions Act XV of 1950, looking after the Hindu temples in the southern part – in the erstwhile Travancore area- .of Kerala .

      It consists of three members including the PresidentIt is entrusted with the task of administrating 1194 temples in the erstwhile princely state of Travancore comprised in the state of Kerala which were earlier administered by the ruler of Travancore prior to the integration of the Princely states of Travancore and Cochin in 1949 The Constitution of the Board was based on the Covenant entered in to by the Maharaja of Travancore in May 1949 and concurred and guaranteed by the Government of India.  

      Out of the 1206 Temples under the administration of the Board, 224 temples are Major temples. In all these temples there are more than three poojas daily and the temples are opened in the morning and evening.

       There are 456 Minor temples (which are being opened in the morning and evening) and 467 Petty Temples which are being opened only a day.

      There are 59 P.D. Temples

Arranmula: Presiding Deity : Partha Sarathy, with a separate small temple for Bala Bhadra (Balarama) within the temple precincts.

The Parthasarathi Temple (dedicated to Sree Krishna) on the banks of the holy river Pamba attracts large crowds of devotees. The famed Aranmula boat race is held on the last day of the week long Onam festival.

The Vijnana Kalavedi at Aranmula imparts training in the traditional arts like Kathakali, classical dances, classical music, as well as Kalaripayattu. Foreign tourists stay here for long periods to get a first hand knowledge of the culture of Kerala.

The Parthasarathi Temple here has fine murals from the 18th century.

Chengannur is the nearest railway station which is about 1O km away. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is about 115 km away.

The ritual of Arranmula Uthrattathi, begins in the Parthasarthy temple of Arranmula, with a lavish lunch offered to Arranmula Shri Krishna temple of Kerala.

The Folk-tale: This festival has a long history of water carnival organized every year known as Jalotsavams, also there is a story associated to it. The legends says that a Brahmin devotee used to offer rice to Arranmula temple, but on one such occasions he was attacked by rival men from other village and was rescued only by a Snake boat of his own village.

Snake Boat-race: The boat race commemorates the crossing of River Pamba by the Lord Partha Sarathy. All the snake boats in Kerala participate in the colourful ritual which really is a treat to the eyes.

This festival also celebrates the rescue of the Brahmin, by organizing Snake Boat race, which is the most amusing sight on a South India tour. This festival is also treated as a sport event thus it is open for people from all color, caste or creed. Lord Krishna is placed in all the boats that take part in this carnival. All boats are expected to reach their destination simultaneously.

www.kerala-south-india-tour.com/

Udayanapuram: Presiding Deity : Sri Subramania :

The Udayanapuram Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is situated in Kottayam District, just three kilometers north of Vaikom.

“It has a thick compound wall reminiscent of Vaikom Mahadeva Temple and in terms of structure it does resemble the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple. The karpagriha, the sanctum sanctorum  is a double storied square structure with a four feet tall idol of Lord Subrahmanya Swamy facing the east.  He is surrounded by sculptures of elephants, carved out of wood and Elephant yaalis supporting the superstructure.  The spacious namaskara mandapa is carved out of stone, with stone pillars with carvings of Sri Krishna Leela. The mandapam, balikalpura and srikoil are adomed with beautiful carvings and paintings. It signifies the periodicity of the temple.  One can observe the entire story of the Ramayana which has been graphically delineated on its four beams which are a connoisseurs delight.”

Once a year a decorated elephant carrying the Ulsava Moorthy from Vaikkom (Appan) meets the decorated elephant carrying the Ulsava Moorthy from Udayanapuram (Subramania) midway between the two temples. It signifies meeting of father and son. After the meeting when they part there is great sadness, even the elephants it is said, shed tears.

http://rajaputhran.sulekha.com/blog/post/2008/04/udayanapuram-subrahmanya-swamy-temple.htm

Vaikkom[1]: Presiding Deity Mahadeva also known as Vaikkathu Appan. The protest for allowing entry of untouchables was held here.

Kaduthuiruthi (kaduthuruthi) residing Deity Mahadeva

Ettumanoor: Presiding Deity Mahadeva (Aghora Murthy)

The temple at Ettumanoor is approx 12Km. north of Kottayam. It is famous for the exquisite samples of ancient murals and ‘Ezharaponnana’ or the 7 ½ elephants finished in gold. ( Seven grown up elephants and a young one decked beautifully take part in certain festivals)

Panthalam Presiding Deity: Dharma Shasta

Pathan Koil Karumbala: Presiding Deity: Bhagavathy: Rakhta Pushpanjali, Rakhta Chandanam are special here (3 km from Panthalam on Thiruvananthapuram highway)

Erumeli Presiding Deity: Dharma Shasta. Visited on the way to Sabari Mala. Wavar Sannidhi is also visited by all devotees. ‘Pettai Thullal’ is considered a must for all ‘Kanni Swamis’ before proceeding to Sabarimala.

Dakshina Mookambika Presiding Deity - SARASWATHY
via PARAVOOR, VAIKOM

A small but very beautiful temple with the Garbagriha situated in the center of a tank. The tank has lotuses and is a pleasant site. Even as in Mookambika in Karnataka, deity is prayed to as Saraswathy, Lakshmi and Parvathy. Children are brought here for Aksharabyasam (initiation in to studies).

The temple tank opposite could do with some renovation.

Mannar Salai :Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple Presiding Deity: Nagaraja :

Devotees pray for release from Sarpa Dosha. Mannarsala Nagaraja Temple is one of the most important centres of snake worship in Kerala, Sree Nagaraja temple is situated at Mannarsala near Haripad town, about 35 Km away from Alappuzha on the Alappuzha-Kollam route. Mannarsala Ayilyam is the famous Festival of this Temple. It is believed that by ‘Uruhi Kamizhthal’, which is placing a bell shaped vessel upside down as an offering to the deity, childless couples are blessed with children. The sacred turmeric paste of the temple is believed to cure leprosy. The eldest Female member of the Mannarsala Family Known as ‘Amma’ is performing Pujas in the temple.

Haripad: Presiding Deity: Subramanya.

Haripad is located north of Kollam and is home to the Subramanya temple. The other well known shrine dedicated to Subramanya in Kerala is at Udayanapuram. Also near Haripad is Mannarsala, where a serpent grove is held in great reverence.

This temple enshrines an imposing image of Subramanya said to have been worshipped by Parasurama himself. Much of the temple is a result of renovations carried out in the 20th century. www.zonkerala.com/

Chakkalathu Kavu Presiding Deity : Durga www.chakkulathukavutemple.org

AmbalaPuza: Presiding Deity : Sri Krishna

Payamel : Presiding Deity is Shatrugana (with Shanka , Chakra, Gadha and Padma)

Muzikulam: Presiding Deity is Lakshmana (with Shanka , Chakra, Gadha and Padma)

There is a belief that to worship at all four temples on the same day is beneficial.

. Sri Rudhiramahakali Kavu : presiding Deity Bhagavathy: Uttaralikavi Pooram is a major festival. Loc Wadakkanchery, Thrissur Dt

Tirupannithura Presiding Deity

Chengannur : Presiding Deities: SIVA, PARVATHY

Perumanam Presiding Deity Siva via Parvoor, Vaikkom

Mitrananda puram: Presiding Deity: Sri Vamanamoorthy. Only known temple for Sri Vamana. Near perfect temple architecture, chaitanya of deity attracts devotees. Location Perumballissery, Pootharakkal P.O., Cherpu, Thrissur DT PH 0487 3206693, www.othukuttu.org

Irinjalakuda: Koodal Manickyam: Presiding Deity: Bharata:

The Koodalmanickam temple is an ancient and historic one situated in Manavalassery village about 10 Kms. from Irinjalakuda Railway station ( 20 Km south of Thirissur). Lord Bharatha is the deity of the temple. The festival is held annually for 11 days in Medom (April-May).

Kulipini Theertham is a temple tank of large proportions purported to have been a Yagnasala

Irinjalakuda

Dhanwanthara Moorthy to ailing Devotees .There is a popular belief that the deity at Koodalmanikyam is a veritable Dhanwanthara moorthy. There are several stories about His curing sometimes even incurable diseases of faithful devotees.

“This temple has several unique features.  There is only one idol  for worship and there are no upa-devadas, not even the customary Vigneshwara, which is usually found in all temples. They are all conspicuous by their absense!!  That idol is the majestic  Chathurbahu Vishnu with Conch, Chakra, Gada and Japamala.”

www.koodalmanikyam.com, http://rajaputhran.sulekha.com/blog/post/2007/07/koodalmanikyam-temple-irinjalakuda.htm

Chottanikara: Presiding Deity: BHAGAVATHY: RajaRajeshwari

www.chottanikkarabhagavathy.org

Kodungallur: Presiding Deity : Bhagawathy:

Thiruvavanchkulam, now a suburb of Kodungallur was a center of great historic significance during the Chera period. Cheran Senguttuvan is said to have built the temple to Kannagi – a manifestation of Kaali or Kotravai or Durga, here (Silappadikaaram).

Kadampuza:

      Presiding Deity: Bhagavathy: Parvathy as Kirati. When Arjuna performed tapas for obtaining the Pasupata Astra, Siva and Parvathy presented themselves as a Kirata (hunter) and His wife. When challenged, Arjuna chose to fight Lord Siva without realisng who his opponent was. Arrows shot by Arjuna turned into flowers before they reached Siva. This was due to the presence of Parvathy at the spot along with Siva. Even today ‘Poomoodal’ is a major ritual in the temple. ‘Muttu Irakkal’: Devotees bring fresh coconuts that are broken in front of the deity for warding off specific problems.  Located in Malabar, two hours drive via Pattambi from Palghat.

Nelluvai: Nelluvai Sree Dhanvanthari Temple Presiding Deity: Sri Dhanvanthari

       Nelluvai Sree Dhanvanthari Temple is located East of Kunnamkulam enroute to Wadakkanchery – South of the road. Important Nelluvai Ekadasi in Dhanu (Suklapaksha) or Vaikunta Ekadasi. A special Prasad  offered here is made up of turmeric, pepper, curd and salt and it is used as a precious medicine. Those who are coming from Palghat should  turn to Pazhayannur from Alathur and to Thiruvilwamala, panjal and to South Ottupara (near Wadakkanchery ) and then via kundannur can visit this temple. Can approach via Erumaipatti also. 

Tripryar: : Presiding Deity : Sri Rama with Hanuman. 

Tripryar 1

     Rama without Sita  in the Garbha Griha commemorates the fact that  Rama was alone when came in quest of Sita.

       Devotees possessed of evil spirits throng to this place and the cure is miraculous due to the presence of Hanuman. He is supposed to be always running about the temple  chanting ‘Drishta Sita, Drishta Sita’.

Guruvayoor Presiding Deity: Mahavishnu popularly prayed to as Unni Krishna or Bala Krishna. ( www.guruvayurdevaswom.org)

Mammiyoor Presiding Deity: Mahadeva

Om Sri Sai Ram

Less Known Temples of Kerala

All over Kerala there are hundreds of temples*[1], large and small, dedicated to various aspects of God each with its own mahatmiyam and history. While a few of them are famous and attract millions of devotees through out the year like the Ayyappa temple in Sabari Mala, Sri Padmanabha Swamy koil in Tiruvananthapuram, Sri Krishna temple in Guruvayoor, Lord Siva (Vaikkathu Appan) in Vaikkom, there are many small and less well known, temples. While local populace flock during festivals (Ulsavam) them the smaller temples are not very well known out side Kerala.

Kavus** which are normally Bhagavathy temples, smaller in size dot the country side and are frequented by families residing in the nearby villages. They may be termed as tutelary deities worshipped by members of families who have lived in the surrounding areas. Many from families of those who have left their native villages generations earlier still return to visit their parental Kavu, or Adimai Kavu to pay homage and claim protection of Devi for their families and themselves.

Recently there has been a surge in the number of persons and families who have tried to trace back their roots to their parental villages and Adimai Kavus. Guruswamy Shri SA Padhmanabhan, who was born and brought up in his native village in Kerala, and has been associated with renovation of a number of temples is a store house of knowledge on local customs and ulsavams. He lives in Delhi but spends a greater part of the year in Kerala. This small note on the less known temples of Kerala is based on discussions with Shri Padhmanabhan, and visits to these temples over a number of years.

Routes. All these temples are connected by rail / road. Of course it is very easy to miss your way, given the number of bends and turns on the roads and absence of sign boards. Before embarking on a visit it is advisable to be clear on the routes especially for new comers. A positive factor is the attitude of the local population, who are ever helpful to give directions.

Dress Code: Men are expected to be bare chested when entering the sanctorum. In some temples like in Guruvayoor men will be expected to wear Mundu or Veshti, (dhoti). Lungis, Pajamas, and shorts are NOT permitted.

Timings: Temples in Kerala are very particular in observing Agama rituals. The temples are opened and closed strictly according to timings. They are open from 4:30 AM to 10 /11 AM in the forenoon and again from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the afternoons. During festivals and Mandalam temples are generally open for longer periods. Sanctum Sanctorum is closed for short periods during performance of certain pujas even when the temple is open. These timings can vary from temple to temple. Therefore it would be advisable to keep this aspect in mind when planning a visit.

Aarthi: They are performed at fixed time only. Unlike temples in Tamil Nadu and some other places Aarthi with camphor is not performed on request of devotees. How ever the sanctum sanctorum is generally well lit with lamps and a clear view of the image is possible.

Sanctum Sanctorum i.e. Garbha Griham: The main deity is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum. Only the priest can enter and perform the pujas. Devotees are not allowed to enter it nor touch the idol. Any puja offering is to be left on or near the top step.

**

Devi in the Kavu like every mother is intensely caring and concerned for her the welfare of her children always, wherever they may be. All She desires is that Her children remember her even in passing and visit her when they can. Even as every living being is born of one mother only, and there is no substitute, there is only one Adimai Kavu for an individual.

During the last few decades there has been a movement away from the gramam, resulting in breaks in traditional societal customs    due to pressures of city life and lack of guidance by elder members in the family. So there are many families who are not even aware of where their Kavu is situated and what are the rituals or pujas to be performed by members of the family. Many are not aware that even if a family member moves away from the village the allegiance extends to three generations.

Increasing problems in family life and profession, absence of mental peace, repeated calamities, children not getting married, continuous ill health of various family members are considered to be an outcome of not keeping in touch with the Adimai Kavu. Under these circumstances the individual, male or female is advised to visit and pray to the deity personally. If location of the parental Kavu is not known, one may try and find it through elders in the family or in the village. If that is also not possible a good astrologer can be approached who can indicate and specify the ancestral Kavu.

Ascertain the days and time when they are open while planning a visit, since quite a few of them open only twice a week (except during Mandalam or on special days)

Some of the common Vazivadus are

Padi Panam (one rupee and four annas)

Vaall Panam (one rupee and four annas)

Chandu Attal

Vilakku Thelikkal

Netti Pottu, Thali, Pavadai (presented when a son gets married and  visits the Kavu along with his wife)

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For help in identifying / queries regarding Admai Kavu:

Shri SA Padmanabhan Mob 09818437521

(Dilshad garden, New Delhi / Kalpathy, Palghat, Kerala)

Shri GM Krishnan:+98910503665, 09810503665, 911 011 26164320

(Delhi)

Shri NG Krishnan: 911 04923 222566

(Ananda Sadanam, Thekkegramam, Chittur, Kerala, PIN 678108)