Velinalloor Sreerama Swami Temple
The Velinallur Sri Ramaswamy Temple is the second major Sri Rama temple in Kerala with the Itthikara river on three sides. This holy land which has been touched by the feet of Lord Sri Ram, bears witness to many epics of Ramayana. The main deity within the copper-clad circular sanctum sanctorum of this temple is Lord Rama, facing east. The temple is under the control of Travancore Devaswom Board. In the same temple, Lakshmana dwells in anantabhava facing west. There are four times puja and nitya shiveli in the temple.
The temple is complete with Anakottil, Balikalpura, Nalambalam, Namaskara Mandapam, Valiyambalam and Thidappalli. As per some belief initially the temple only had murtis of Indilayappan and Bhagavathi. Sri Rama was consecrated as the main deity by Brahmins who came from north. A unique ritual known as Nayuveyappu is offered to Indilayappan.
Velinallur Sri Rama Temple and its surrounding areas are of many historical importance and legends. There are many places associated with the story of Ramayana. The place where Sugreevan was born is called 'Ugramkunn', the place where Bali lived is called 'Balyankunn', the place where the battle with Jatayu took place is called 'Poredam' and the place where Jatayu fell is called Chadayamangalam.
It is believed by local people that Sri Rama and Lakshmana who were searching for Mata Sita met Sugriva at the place where the present Velinalloor temple is located. Sugriva was hiding from his brother, Bali, at Velinalloor. As per an understanding reached, Sugriva and his army will help Sri Rama in finding Mata Sita but before that Sri Rama should kill Bali.
Although a pact was reached, Sugriva doubted whether Sri Rama had the strength to kill Bali. Sugriva knew that the strength of whoever fought against Bali would be transferred to him.
Sugriva opened his mind to Sri Rama and told him that he would be convinced only if Sri Rama could cut down seven Sala trees standing on a nearby whirlpool with a single arrow.
After taking a look at the whirlpool, Sri Rama realized that the seven trees were standing atop a huge, coiled serpent. Therefore, the trees appeared to stand in a circle. Sri Rama poked the serpent with an arrow. The pain made the serpent to become erect. When the serpent became erect, the seven sala trees appeared in a line. Sri Rama then cut down seven sala trees with a single arrow.
The whirlpool can still be seen in front of the temple. As per local belief, no one has been able to calculate the depth of the whirlpool in Ithikkara River.
Location
Velinalloor
Main Deity
Lord Rama
Other Deities
Indalayappan, Hanuman, Nagaraja, Devi Shakti (Durga), Madaswamy, Lord Ganesh & Goddess Saraswathi
Festivals
The ten-day Annual festival is held on Thiruvonam nakshatra Medam month (April – May)
Main Offerings
Palpayasam, Ganapathy Homa, Vada Mala, Betel leaf Garland, Mrityumjaya Homa, Ashtadravya Ganapati Homam, Bhagwati Seva, Swayamvararchana.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 52.4KM from the temple.
By Rail: Kollam Railway Station is 24.9KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kollam KSRTC Bus Station is 26.5KM from the Temple.