Sree Harikanyaka Temple
Sree Harikanyaka Temple is one amongst the 108 Durga temples in Kerala. There are two pradishtas within the Sreekovil of the temple are Sree Harikanyaka (Sree Mohini) and Sree Shastha. This temple is one of the ancient Maha Kshethrams.
Among the few notable features of the temple, One is that in temple rituals whenever the utsava vigraha of Goddess Harikanyaka is taken out, that of Lord Shastha also is made to accompany Her.
Another notable feature is that ruling Rajas and tuskers are not permitted to enter the temple. Female elephants are permitted to enter the temple premises and they alone are allowed to take the utsava vigraha. An interesting thing noticed in the temple is the head portion of a sila at the northwest corner (outside the naalambalam). It is said that this sila grows in size.
The temple is famous for mangalya bhagyam to maidens. Swayamvara pushpanjali is an important vazhipadu of the temple.
The Sreekovil is believed to have been built by Sree Perumthachan. The uli (chisel) used by him for constructing the Sreekovil are fixed in the kumudam part of the adhishthaanam.
The floor of northern naalambalam produces a peculiar sound as that of walking on a wooden floor. It may be presumed that this portion was perhaps built by Perumthachan meant to be a dancing-stage for the Goddess.
Location
Ariyannur
Main Deity
Sree Harikanyaka or Mayamohini & Lord Ayyappa
Other Deities
Lord Ganesha & Goddess Bhadrakali
Festivals
The annual festival is celebrated for 15 days in the Malayalam month Meenum (December).
Main Offerings
Maha Ganapati Homam, Bhagavathi Seva, Pushpanjali & Koottu Payasam
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is situated 73.9 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Wadakanchery Railway Station is situated 23.1 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kunnamkulam New Bus Stand is situated 7.3 KM from the Temple.