Uravappara Temple
The temple is situated at a height of 500 ft above mean sea level and can be reached by a flight of steps. Lord Murugan/Karthikeya presides there in the form 'Bala Subramanya'. The temple is also known by the name Malayala Palani.
Legend has it that the idol here is Swayamboo (Self Manifested). Pandavas, the renowned heroes in the great Indian epic Mahabharata along with their spouse Draupadi had a stop over here during their twelve years exile. Pandavas spent a few days in the temple premises during their exile. At present, three big boulders can be seen atop of the rocks which is believed to the three stands of a rock oven used by the Pandavas for cooking purposes. When a shortage of water occurred, Bhima, the mightiest among Pandavas forcibly applied his foot on the hard rock which produced an elegant spring. There are varied opinions regarding the name 'Uravappara'. Some say that the pond produced by the force of Bhima is Uravappara. While some other believe that the temple got its name from the 'Abhishekatheertham' that flows down from the rocks.
There are no evening Poojas in the Temple.
Location
Olamattom
Main Deity
Lord Bala Subramanian
Other Deities
Lord Ayyappa, Lord Ganapathi & Brahmarakshas
Festivals
The annual festival of the temple is hosted in the Malayalam month of 'Makaram' (January/February) and it coincides with the Thaipooyam festival.
Main Offerings
Ganapathi Homam, Salt and Pepper.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is situated 55 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Thodupuzha K.S.R.T.C Bus Station Depot is situated 3.2 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kottayam Railway Station is 56.1 KM from the Temple.