Pranam
1 There are many British floored by the Miracles in India (including the
Maduranthakam in Tn) who had given charities of the maintenance.
2 Again, is there no other temple where such things are told including the
Tiruppathi?.
3 Dīpa or Dīpasamarpaṇa (offering of the lamp) is also mentioned in
the Śivapurāṇa
1.20
<https://www.wisdomlib.org/hinduism/book/shiva-purana-english/d/doc225958.html>,
while explaining the mode of worshipping an earthen *pārthiva-liṅga * according
to the Vedic rites:—“[...] the incense shall be offered with the mantra
‘Namaḥ Kapardine ca’ etc. in accordance with the rules. The lamp (*dīpa*)
shall be offered in the prescribed manner with the mantra ‘Namaḥ Āśave’
etc.”. Dīpa (दीप) (IN VAISHNAVISM) refers to a “ghee lamp” and represents
one of the articles offered during Maṅgalārati
<https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/mangalarati#vaishnavism>, according
to the Arcana-dīpikā (manual on deity worship).—Before each article is
offered, purify the right hand [with a drop of water from the *pañca-pātra*],
and then purify the article [viz., *dīpa*]. Chant the *mūla-mantra* for the
deity and then offer the article. Brihat samhita on Deepa lakshana by N
Chidambaram Iyer say," Chapter 84 - On Lamps (dīpa-lakṣaṇa) A lamp (dīpa
<https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/dipa#hinduism>) whose flame turns
from right to left, whose light is dim and small, and emits sparks and
which dies out even when the oil and the wick are pure, indicates evil. A
lamp (dīpa) whose flame is quivering, spreading and attended with noise and
which dies out in the absence of the fly or the wind also indicates evil. 2.
If the flame is close and united, long, still, bright, without noise,
beautiful, turning from left to right and of the colour of *vaidūrya
<https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/vaidurya#hinduism>* or gold, it
indicates approaching prosperity. In other respects all that has been said
in the case of fīre applies here also.
4 Temple complex *has two Bhagwati temples* at two different levels
besides some smaller temples.
Main Chottanikkara Devi Temple This is the fairly large temple with a
lot of open ground. Here the presiding deity of the temple is worshipped
along with her consort Narayana. This gives the impression that her main
Swaroop worshipped here is that of Mahalakshmi. The main deity is in
Laterite stone also called Rudraksha Shila in Sanskrit. It is believed to
be self-manifested. What you see is the golden cover that shows the human
form of the deity with all her icons. Next to Bhagwati Murti is the
Vigraha of Mahavishnu and together they are called Ammenarayana,
Devinarayana, Lakshminarayana, and Bhadrenarayana You would find devotees
chanting – *Amme Narayana Badre Narayana*. Other deities present along with
them are Brahma, Siva, Ganesh, Subramanya, and Sastha.
*Kizhukkavu Temple* This is an old temple located at a level below the
main temple and connected via a flight of stairs. There is a temple pond
located between the two. The presiding deity at this *temple is
Bhadrakali. *I am told this is a very powerful Puja called *Guruthi Pooja*
is done in the evenings, especially on Friday at this temple. Guruthi means
sacrifice, but these days it is food that is offered as part of this puja.
It is supposed to have a therapeutic impact on women suffering from mental
problems or even schizophrenia. People who feel impacted by evil spirits
also visit this temple. This old temple has very *restless energy* around
it. You can literally sense it. You see many *mentally challenged people
sitting around the temple*. I am not sure if the sight of those people
makes you feel helpless or the general energy there, but I sensed very
restless energy around this temple. I could not stay there for more than a
few minutes, while I usually end up spending a lot of time at the temples.
The trees around the temple are full of thick and long nails. It is
believed when the mentally sick people get cured here, usually after
praying at the temple for 41 days, they put a nail here. As per the temple
website, these nails are hammered by the patients themselves with their
foreheads. Small cradles, just like the ones I saw at Trincomalee Koneswara
Temple in Sri Lanka, are also seen on the trees. These are probably put by
people wishing for children.
Hence chottanikkara bhagavathi and mental problem cure Maha kali
are two different temples combined by the people in the course of years.
5 Ettumanur Mahadevar: On your left is a makeshift counter selling
puja material including oil. A big “Kedavilakku” (the lamp-lit without
break) in front of the temple is noteworthy. The devotees offer oil to this
lamp which is regarded as the representation of Lord Shiva. There is a
story behind this lamp. One day a devotee brought this lamp to the temple
and requested the temple authorities to use it. But the authorities
rejected his offering and laughed at him. The devotee was deeply hurt; he
prayed to Lord Shiva. A violent thunderstorm erupted suddenly. The
authorities sensed the displeasure of the Lord over their behaviour. So,
they accepted the lamp and placed it just in front of the temple. The black
oily soot obtained as a result of the burning of the wick in this lamp,
which accumulates on a circular plate above the lamp, is considered very
good for the eyes. So, when children have bad dreams in their sleep,
application of this ‘Mashi’ calms them down and thwarts such bad dreams The
temple is very artistically constructed and has a copper roof. Several
wooden sculptures can be found around the temple. There are also statues of
two bulls in this temple. There are also temples for Dakshinamurthy (very
rare in Kerala), Ganapathi and Sastha in this temple. The idol of
Dakshinamurthy, also of Shiva, is considered as a more benign image. The
image of the Lord, facing West, is a two feet high Lingam installed on a
high pedestal. To enable devotees to meditate, a beautiful vigraha is
placed in front of the Lingam after the morning abhisheka. On the East
side, Goddess Parvathy is imagined and prayed to. One can only see a closed
door there.
6 In the sanskrit class Ramakrishna sastrigal my teacher used to pun
"dasha" and "dasa" as Narayana dasa aham= narayaneeyam dashakam (of 10). KR
IRs 71221
On Tue, 7 Dec 2021 at 04:08, 'gopala krishnan' via Thatha_Patty <
[email protected]> wrote:
> QUES ANSW DIVINE 67
>
> Dear friends,
>
> These are information posted by members compiled as QA by me in
> 1998’s-2004’s and stored in my computer. At this date I have no information
> of the members posted.
>
> BEING COMPILATION THERE MAY BE ERRORS.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> *R. Gopalakrishnan, 78, Former AGM Telecom Trivandrum dated 07-12-2021*
>
> Q1 it is told the expenses for the tiruppothu arattu in Chengannur temple
> is connected with Colonel Munro .What are the details of it?
>
> A1 Colonel Munro was the Resident-Divan of Travancore during the reign of
> Rani Laxmi Bai (1810-14). It was he who organized the takeover of almost
> all the temples in Travancore by the Government.
>
> Once in this connection he was camping at Chengannur with his family.
> While checking the temple accounts to regulate the various expenses he
> came across the items against Triputtu. He could not help laughing at the
> naivety of the people. "*How can a metal deity get its Periods?" he
> mused.** "It is not only absurd but also obscene," he said and cut out
> the budget provision for the ritual with a stroke of his pen.*
> Q2 Is there a tradition that Sripadmanabha swamy at Trivandrum is worshipped
> by Indra and Chandra?
>
> A2 Yes. There is a tradition that the God of the temple is believed to
> have been worshipped by Chandra and Indra.
>
> Q3 What are the details of Bhadra deepam and Murajapam in Pdmanabha swamy
> temple at triandrum?
>
>
>
> A3 There are the 'Bhadradipams' of seven day duration celebrated twice
> a year. At the end of twelve such Bhadradipams, *that is every
> sixth year, there is a major celebration called the 'Murajapam'
> (chanting of Manthras*).
>
> The Travancore Maharaja, Marthanda Varma, had conducted many wars
> against petty principalities, which were scattered. == The first
> such Murajapam was held in 1750 A.D., to expiate the sins of war and
> annexation of territory. The 'Laksha Deepam' (festival of lights)
> around the temple, marks the conclusion of the celebrations.
>
> Q4 it is told the expenses for the tiruppothu arattu in Chengannur temple
> is connected with Colonel Munro .What are the details of it?
>
> A4 Colonel Munro was the Resident-Divan of Travancore during the reign of
> Rani Laxmi Bai (1810-14)……Refer answer 1
>
> At the same time the Devi had her period. For the first time the
> ceremonies connected with it were suspended
>
> The people felt disappointed. But the Colonel also learnt his lesson. *His
> wife started to have heavy blooding and their children took ill. *
>
> SO serious they became that it is on record that the maharani of
> Trivandrum made solicitous enquiries about their health through a letter
> sent with a special messenger.
>
> Munro's clerk conducted a secret prasnam, which revealed the wrath of the
> deity. He advised his master accordingly.
>
> Munro repented for his thoughtless action and made an amends by *not
> only restoring the expenses for the fun but also by himself donating a sum
> of Rs. 706/- for celebration of the first Triputtu of every year*.his
> still continues. Needless to say that his wife and children recovered from
> their illness.
>
> Q5 Do there is any legend Chengannur connected with Dakshayaga?
>
> A5 Yes. There is a thinking on those lines. Daksha showed disrespect to
> Siva, his in-law, by not inviting him to ft sacrifice he performed. Because
> of this, his daughter, Sati, who attended it dis-regarding Siva's advice
> was also slighted. Resent the insult to her and her husband she immolated
> her by jumping into the sacrificial fire.
>
> The grief-stricken Siva carrying the char of Sati wandered here and there
> in desolation. To relieve him from this situation, Mahavishnu with the aid
> of Sudarsana chakra cut Sati's body into pieces. *Where her limbs fell
> the place acquired Siva's Chaitanya.*
>
>
>
> *At Taliparambu the head fell, at Chengannur, the yoni mandala or the
> female reproductive organ, which explains why the Devi gets her monthly
> periods here.*
>
> It is significant that at both these places the image of Siva is Swayambhu
> or self-born.
>
> Q6 What is Oath at Chengannur west Nata?
>
> A6 There is a hole in the wall at Chengannur west nata. The man taking the
> oath had to insert his finger in this hole and then swear. If he utters any
> falsehood woe to him and a serpent strikes him dead instantly. Because of
> this no one is prepared to swear here. The very term "Chengannur west nada"
> thus became synonymous terror.
>
> Q7 Name the nambudiries in the famous story of Chottanikkara Rakthakulam
> .What is the other version than coming to Chottanikkara?
>
> A7 Recollect the story of Guptan Nampoothri coming to see Kathakali at
> Chottanikkara temple and young Itrusu variasayar joining….
>
> Guru-Kosapalli Achan Nambudri Sishyan-Guptan Nabudri… But the Mother
> Goddess caught the Yakshi by the hair, cut her head and threw it in the
> southern tank. As a result the water became red like blood. This tank is
> therefore still called Rakthakulam (blood tank).
>
> There is however another version with a slight variation. According to
> this Guptan Nambudiri was going to Triprayar for the Pooram festival when
> he met a beautiful woman walking alone in the night. At the temple, it was
> Kalloor a great magician who met him and pointed out he was in the company
> of a fiendish girl.
>
> Then followed the same advice: to run to Chottanikara. He gave him some
> pebbles to be thrown behind his back till he reached the temple. The rest
> of the story is the same.
>
> Q8 Everybody knows about the sastha at Chottanikkara temple. Do minor
> cases are mental problems prayed here?What is the story of Sastha there?
>
> A8 Usually minor cases are disposed of at the nearby Sasta shrine. A nail
> is driven into one of the pillars in front and the exorcised spirit is thus
> bound preventing it from affecting others. Chottanikkara
>
> On the north-east side of the main deity is. Dharma Sasta shrine. Here he
> is depicted not as Brahmachari as is generally the case but as a grihastha
> with
> his two wives, Purna and Pushkala* There is a legend about the advent of
> Sasta in the Chottanikara temple. *
>
> Once Bhagawati went in procession to Meppazhur Mana for para (offering of
> a measure of paddy). On the way some rowdies harassed those accompanying
> the procession. Hence while returning the Meppazhur Nambudiri provided
> escort by sending his family deity, Dharma Sasta who, however, continued to
> stay at Chottanikara serving the goddess.
>
> Q9 What is the nailing at Palamaram and Guruti in chottanikkara temple?
>
> A9 One or more nails offered by the priest, depending on the severity of
> the case, is thrust into the paala tree on the north side of the shrine
> by the devotee with the fist and also hitting the head against it.
>
> After partaking of the guruti liquid the devotees carry it home and bury
> it in the four corners of the house and inside to ward off evil spirits.
>
> *My note- For those not familiar to Chottanikkara Devi temple. There are
> two deities one is on the* upper road side and another a few steps
> below. The one at height is called Melkavu, one at lower level is called
> Keezkavu. Guruthi is performed only in keezkavu.
>
> Q10 What is the speciality of chotanikkara devi?
>
> A10 The vigraha, which faces east is of laterite, three or four feet high
> and is said to be self-born. It has no well-defined shape. It can be seen
> only in the morning when the nirmlyam (previous day's flowers, garlands
> etc.) is removed.
> Alongside the Devi, to her right, is another image Vishnu-in granite.
>
> This is about two feet high springing from the same pedestal. *They
> together are called Lakshminarayana. Hence the popular chant of devotees.
> "Amme (Mother) Narayana," "Devi Narayana", "Lakshmi Narayana," etc. *
>
> The spot where the goddess appeared first is the present Pavizhamallithara
> on the south side of the temple.
>
> Q11 What is the legend about the valia vilakku at Ettumanoor temple?
>
> A11 The celebrated Valia vilakku or the lamp, which you have to worship
> first before having darshan of the main deity.
>
> This lamp is said to have been installed in 1545 A.D. and its wicks have
> been burning ever since. An important vazhivadu or offering is pouring
> oil in this lamp. It can contain nearly 3 liters of oil.
>
> As every devotee pours oil, the overflow is collected in a huge vessal
> placed below the lamp.
>
> The spillover thus collected is so much that it is sufficient for the
> annual festivals of the temple Making vows after worshipping to this holy
> lamp liberates people possessed by evil spirits also here.
>
> There is a story behind this lamp.
>
> The present lamp we see is the one renovated in 1542 A.D. Soon after, one
> evening, some temple servants were standing in front of the West tower and
> passing their time chitchatting. At this juncture a bell-smith came and
> placed reverently a beautiful lamp before them.
>
> With folded hands, he requested them to keep it for the temple use and
> give him something for the night's gruel. At this one of the servants
> admired the beauty and fine workmanship of the lamp, He thought it
> glittered like gold and wondered who could pay for it. He added that if it
> were lighted it would be very auspicious for the temple.
>
> Another among them spoke rather light-heartedly to the boll-smith's
> request to pay him something. Said he: *"Ettumanurappan only takes from
> his devotees, he never gives."*
>
> Yet another remarked: "It is alright, we can buy the lamp. Who will fill
> this up with oil? Surely it won't burn on water."
>
> To this, the poor bell-smith replied: "Who knows the divinity of the Lord?
> If He wills this will burn even without oil or water. In any case if it is
> hung inside the temple any devotee will pour oil and it will be kept
> burning."
>
> *As he said this, someone from inside the temple came running took the
> heavy lamp inside and fixed it in the present location. Soon there was
> thunder and lightning. Some closed their eyes unable to see the lightning,
> while a few fled for safety. After the thunder and lightning stopped,
> everybody was surprised to see the beautiful lamp burning brightly with
> five wicks and full of oil.*
>
> Q12 Every body know about the 7 ½ Ponnana of Etumanoor. What are the
> details of it?
>
> A12 A unique sight on the eighth and tenth day of the festival at
> Ettumanur is the exposition of the seven and half elephants of gold -
> Ezhara ponnana. These elephants were offered to the deity by the then ruler
> of Travancore, Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, as atonement for the
> destruction of temple property caused ' in his campaign to annexe territory
> after territory.
>
> These were made of gold weighing seven and half thulams (one thulam 28
> lbs.). *Each of the seven elephants is two feet high and the remaining
> one is of one feet only*-hence they are together called seven and half
> elephants. They are supposed to represent the guardians at the eight points
> (Ashtadikpalas).
>
> The tradition was that if eight elephants were made, one had to be given
> to Ettonnesseri lllam. Therefore only seven and half elephants were got
> finished, seven of the same weight, height and size and the other as a baby
> elephant. A large number of people flock to the temple during festival days
> to see these golden elephants.
>
> Q13 Who has installed deity at Ettumanoor? Who has reconstructed the
> temple?
>
> A13 Legend has it that it was the Sage Khara who installed Siva at
> Ettumanur. It was the same Khara who installed the Shivalinga at Vaikom and
> Keduthuruthi as described in the Chapter on Vaikom temple. It is always
> held meritorious to have the darshan of these three temples on the same day.
>
> Once a Pandyan King caught by an evil spirit, All the medical treatment,
> possessed Chanda Bhaskara and mantras were of no avail. So he prayed to the
> Deva of the Ettumanur temple and recovered from his affliction
> miraculously. It is said that it was he who constructed the Ettumanur
> temple.
>
> Vilwamangalathu Swamiyar entrusted the administration of the temple to
> Asthamangalathu Moothatu. Later it devolved on eight illams called
> Ettonnesseri, Mangathu, Pattamana, Ayunganikkal, Chirakka, and Punnekkel
> etc., which are around the temple. Thus the Place to be known as
> Ettumanakalute oor i. e. the place of illams which ultimately became
> Ettumanur.
>
> Q14 What is the speciality of each daskam of narayaneeyam?
>
> A14 Thus the poet Melpattur narayan bhattathiri closes the last dasaka of
> Narayaneeyam *praying to the Lord to bless him and likewise all those who
> recite this hymn with "ayur-arogya-saukhyam", l*ongevity, health and
> happiness here (in this world and now) and final deliverance thereafter.
>
> Q15 Who is the author of famous book Jnanappana?
>
> A15 Poonthanam Nampoothiri- Jnanappana or Song of Wisdom is one of the
> most moving works of poetry, simple and profound at the same time.
>
> Q16 What was the relation between Vilwamangalam and Kururamma?
>
> A16 Vilwamangalam and Kururamma who were cousins were two blessed souls
> who had visions of the Lord
>
> Q17 Do any curing of diseases are well known recently from Guruvayur?
>
> A17 Yes. In modern times, the well-known saint and scholar, Upanyasa
> Chakravarti, the late *Sengalipuram Anantharama Dikshitar* was cured of
> his leprosy by praying to Guruvayurappan.
>
> The late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar lost his voice suddenly at the
> peak of a concert he was giving at Suchindram. Several doctors tried to
> cure him but to no avail.
>
> In despair he resorted to Guruvayur and wrung out his heart to the Lord.
> He regained his voice and lived many more years to regale packed audiences
> with his inimitable concerts.
>
> Q18 What are the details of Vishnu temple at Trichambaram ?
>
> A18 According to the Mushakavamsa, a historical mahakavya in Sanskrit
> composed by Atula, which narrates the history of Mushaka kingdom till the 11
> th century A.D.,
>
> King vallabha II is credited with having renovated the Vishnu temple at
> Trichambaram. This indicates that the temple had been in existence much
> earlier than the 11th century A.D.
>
> Incidentlly, Mushaka country (which later came to be known as Kolathunad,
> North
> Malabar, ruled by Kolattiris,
>
> King Valabha was also a generous patron of learning. It was he who built
> the port of *Valabhapattana which later on got corrupted into
> Valayapattana* and then into Valarpattana, i.e. the modern,
> Baliapattanam, a picturesque town on the palm-fringed, coast off North
> Malabar, which you pass while travelling from Cannanore to Taliparamba.
>
> There are two peculiar customs observed here, which reinforce the belief
> that the deity here represents the Lord after Kamsavadha.
>
> One is the offering of naivedya immediately after the sanctum is opened
> for the day every morning. The belief is Krishna after killing Kamsa
> went to his mother Devaki and asked for food stating that he was very
> hungry after the ordeal. It is to commemorate this event that the ritual
> of offering food the first thing in the morning-is observed.
> The other is the prohibition of elephants being taken anywhere near the
> temple. It may be recalled that the royal elephant Kuvalayapida charged
> Krishna and Balarama while they were entering the palace of Kamsa.
>
> Since this incident Krishna had developed hatred against elephants. For
> this reason no one dares taking an elephant near the temple although
> elephants are very much part of all other Kerala temples where the deities
> are mostly carried atop these animals in procession.
>
> My note- Same legend about first Nivedyam on opening of sanctum is told
> in Tirivarppu temple near Kottayam.My lateperiamma(father side )belonged
> to Tiruvarppu.
>
>
>
> Q19 what is the height of namakkal hanuman?
>
> A19 Sri Hanuman is in front of SALAGRAMA rock with the height of 18 feet
> at Namakkal
>
> Q20 At what age Sankaracharya left the mortal body?
>
> A20 After performing the last rites for his mother, Sankara again resumed
> his spiritual mission. He is believed to have reached Kedar in the
> Himalayas and disappeared at the age of 32, after giving final
> instructions and benediction to his beloved disciples.
>
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