Harippad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple
The Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple (Perumthrikkovil) in Haripad is one of the largest and oldest temples in Kerala, dedicated to Subrahmanya Swamy, and is also known as Kerala Palani or Dakshina Palani (Southern Palani). According to legends, the temple is believed to be around 3500 years old and is considered extremely powerful as it is believed that Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu also reside in the idol.
It is believed that the idol was used by Parasurama for Poojas and was left in Kandanalloor in Govindamuttom Backwaters from which it was recovered. The temple was consecrated on the Pushya star of Makara Masa and is celebrated as the founding day of the temple every year. In Malayalam year 1096, the temple caught fire but the golden flag mast and the Koothambalam were saved. The temple was rebuilt during the reign of King Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma, and the golden flag mast was re-installed.
The temple has four Gopurams and a golden flag mast on the eastern side. The temple's sanctum sanctorum is round in shape, and it also hosts a Koothambalam, the third largest of its kind among Kerala temples. Peacocks, Murugan's vahana, are protected and housed in the temple premises, and the temple pond, popularly known as Perumkulam, is one of the largest temple ponds in Kerala, stretching over about five acres.
The presiding deity of the temple is Karthikeya, in his four-armed form with Vel in one hand, Vajrayudha in another hand, one hand bestowing blessing, and the other touching its thighs. The idol is about six feet in height and faces East. The temple is also known for its Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam, which is conducted in Payippad river for three days after Thiruvonam, in commemoration of the retrieval of the idol.
Location
Harippad
Main Deity
Lord Karthikeya
Other Deities
Lord Dakshinamooorthy (Siva as Guru), Lord Ganesh, Thiruvambadi Kannan, Nāga, Shasta, Keezhthrikkovil Subrahmanyan.
Festivals
The major festive celebrations in the temple take place in the Malayalam month of Chingom (August/September), Dhanu (December/January) and Medom (April/May) dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Lord Siva and Lord Subramonia respectively. Thrikarthika is a special day for the worship of Lord Muruga which is celebrated in the malayalam month of Vrichikom (November/December) while Pooyam is celebrated in the month of Makaram (January/February).
Main Offerings
Mahanivedyam : Idichu Pizhinja Payasam, Chathushataham, PanchassaraChathushatahamnivedyam, Panchamritham(Nivedyam and Abhishekam), Thrimadhuranivedyam, vellanivedyam, Kadumpayasam, Palpayasam, Unniyappanivedyam. Mughacharthu, Anjupooja, Sreebhoothabeli, Nithya pooja, Udayasthamana pooja, Chuttu Vilakku, Niramala, Arippara, Nelppara, Panjassarappara, Anpoli, Utsavabeli, Malacharthal, Udayadacharthal, Neivilakku, Namakaranam, Annaprasam, Adima.
How To Reach
Airport - The Kochi Airport is the nearest international airport which plies services on regular basis.
Railways - Regular trains are available from many major cities of the country to Haripad in Kerala.
Road - The town of Haripad is well connected with major cities of the state through regular buses.
Nearby Bus Station: Private bus stand on Danapadi road.