Oachira Parabrahma Temple
Oachira temple is an ancient temple located in Oachira, Kollam district of the state of Kerala, India. It is a pilgrimage center dedicated to Para Brahman or Param Brahman, also known as Ohmkaram, which represents Universal Consciousness. The temple covers an area of thirty-six acres and is considered one of the sacred places of Kerala and India, known as "Dakshina Kashi" or "South Kashi".
The temple is known for its unique non-idol worship tradition where the supreme force of nature is revered. The belief is that the supreme power is formless and shapes the basis of the temple doctrine. The name "Oachira" is believed to have been derived from "Uvachanchira", as "Uvachan" means Lord Shiva. Unlike other temples, the Oachira Temple does not have a covered structure, and people worship Para Brahma under the shade of trees. Bulls are considered sacred in this temple and are believed to be the vehicle of Parabrahman.
The legend behind the Oachira Temple is described in the famous Malayalam classic "The Aithihyamala", which is a collection of Kerala folklore. The story revolves around a mythical character named "Akavoor Chathan", who was the servant of a Kerala Namboodiri. Chathan was curious about the God his master constantly prayed to, named "Para Brahmam". His master, wanting to make fun of Chathan's ignorance, told him that Para Brahmam was in the form of a bull. Chathan took this very seriously and started worshipping the bull in their stable. Later, Para Brahmam was so pleased with Chathan's innocence and sincerity that he appeared in front of him in the form of a bull. It is believed that the place where the bull appeared in front of Chathan is today's Oachira temple.
Over time, various small structures were built to provide shelter to the weary wanderers, and today the Oachira Parabrahma temple stands as a symbol of worship of the Supreme, with prime importance given to bulls in honor of the bull form that appeared to Chathan. The 50-foot high twin gopuram (tower) in front of the temple complex is adorned with many ancient sculptures, adding to the temple's ancient charm.
Location
Oachira
Main Deity
Lord Shiva (Parabrahman)
Other Deities
Ayyappa, Mahalakshmi, Ganapathi & the temple premise also includes the Yakshikkaav where a Yakshi “female nymph form” has been believed to have dwelt nailed into a tree.
Festivals
It was on the plains of Oachira that the much-famed battle in the history of Travancore, the battle of Kayamkulam, was fought between Marthandavarma, the Maharaja of Travancore and the Raja of Kayamkulam. In commemoration of this historic battle Ochirakkali is conducted on the first and second of Mithunam (June-July) every year. On this occasion, the young and the old, drawn from the two Karas lying east and west of Oachira, from themselves into two groups, reach the Padanilam (the place for fighting) and conduct the age-old fencing exercise under the leadership of the elder kalari asan. Oachira Vrischikam Festival is celebrated during December and January. And "Irupathattam onam" (28 days after Onam) is also celebrated. It is the festival of cattle. In this festival, huge "Eduppu kala" (gigantic idols of bull made of cloth & hay) are made. They are then pulled on giant wheels to the Oachira Temple from the site where they are made. Normally there are around 50 such structures. It is the biggest festival in "Onattu Kara" which is an area of a few square miles.
Main Offerings
Unlike the other temple, the offerings made in Ochira temple are very different. The most unique ones are the Kayyum Kaalum (clay idols of hand and leg are provided as offering. These are offered for body healing of sick people), Anna Danam, Bhajanam Paarkkal (This is another unique feature of Ochira temple offered as part of the famous 12-day Vrichikotsavam. Devotees come and stay in the padanilam in specially made huts. Those devotees who sacrifice these 12 long days with the minimum facilitie
How To Reach
Airport
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the nearest Airport located 71km from Kollam.
Railways
Kollam Railway Station is an important rail head of the southern railways.
Road
Kayamkulam Bus station is 5 km north of Ochira and Karunagappally Bus Station is 10 km south of Ochira. The ferry station is adjacent to the central bus station that is 3kms from Kollam the railway station.