OCHIRA TEMPLE AND PANDARAM PRIESTS
According to local folklore, the temple was founded by Parashurama, an
avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have created Kerala by throwing
his axe into the Arabian Sea. It is said that the place where his axe
landed became Oachira, and he consecrated the land as a place of worship
for Parabrahmam. The temple has been mentioned in ancient texts like the Sangam
literature, which highlights its importance in the cultural and religious
landscape of Kerala. Oachira Temple holds great historical and religious
significance due to its association with the concept of Parabrahmam, which
represents the ultimate reality or cosmic consciousness in Hindu
philosophy. The temple’s open-air design reflects the idea of universality
and inclusivity, welcoming people from all walks of life without any
discrimination. The sacred tank at the center of the temple is believed to
have healing properties, and devotees often take a dip in its waters as
part of their spiritual practice. The temple also has a strong connection
to the practice of animal sacrifice, which was prevalent in ancient times
but has now been replaced by symbolic rituals using plantain leaves and
coconut. The lack of a formal structure in Oachira Temple is symbolic of
its philosophy of universality and oneness. It represents the idea that the
divine can be found everywhere and not confined to a specific physical
space. The open-air design also allows for a direct connection with nature,
creating a tranquil and meditative atmosphere for visitors. The simplicity
of the architecture highlights the focus on spiritual practices and rituals
rather than elaborate ornamentation. The temple’s unique design has made it
a subject of interest for architects and scholars studying religious
architecture in India.
Oachira Temple is known for its distinct religious practices and rituals that
set it apart from other Hindu temples. The temple does not have traditional
idol worship or daily poojas like most other temples in India. Instead, it
focuses on abstract forms of worship that emphasize meditation,
introspection, and self-realization.
Devotees are encouraged to contemplate on the concept of Parabrahmam, the
universal consciousness, and seek spiritual enlightenment through inner
reflection. One of the unique rituals at Oachira Temple is the offering of
“Bali,” which involves placing plantain leaves and coconuts on the sacred
ground as a symbolic sacrifice. This ritual is performed by devotees to
seek blessings from the divine and express gratitude for their well-being.
Another important practice at the temple is the performance of
“Kalamezhuthu,” a traditional art form where intricate patterns are drawn
on the temple floor using natural powders. These patterns represent various
deities and cosmic symbols and are believed to invoke spiritual energy
during religious ceremonies. The temple also hosts regular cultural events
and performances that showcase traditional music, dance, and martial arts.
These events are an integral part of the temple’s religious practices as
they are considered offerings to the divine and are meant to invoke
spiritual harmony among the participants. Overall, the religious practices
and rituals at Oachira Temple reflect its emphasis on inner spirituality
and universal consciousness.
Oachira Temple is renowned for its vibrant festivals and events that
attract thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The most significant
festival at the temple is the Oachira Kali, which is celebrated annually
during the Malayalam month of Midhunam (June-July). The festival features
colorful processions, traditional martial arts performances, cultural
programs, and religious rituals that create a festive atmosphere in the
town of Oachira.
The highlight of the festival is the mock fight known as “Kali,” where
groups of men dressed in traditional attire engage in mock combat as an
offering to the deity. Another important event at Oachira Temple is
the “Panthrandu
Vilakku,” which translates to “twelve lamps.” This event takes place during
the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November-December) and involves lighting
twelve lamps around the sacred tank as a symbol of prosperity and
well-being. The festival also includes cultural performances, music
concerts, and traditional art exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural
heritage of Kerala.
Apart from these major festivals, Oachira Temple also hosts smaller events
throughout the year, including religious processions, spiritual discourses,
and community gatherings. These events play a crucial role in fostering a
sense of unity and harmony among people from diverse backgrounds who come
together to celebrate their shared cultural traditions.
Oachira is a center of reverence since the Chera Dynasty. The rituals
and traditions here offers insights into Kerala’s culture and heritage.
This place is located in Kerala’s Kollam district. This place is dedicated
to parabrahma, This site is famous for its Padanilam, a footprint believed
to symbolize Parabramha’s presence. This place allures visitors from all
paths of life to find peace and calmness. Visitors here can engage in many
other activities like boat rides, nature watching. So if you are ever
travelling to Kerala, Oachira should definitely be on your itinerary.
The Ochira Sree Parabrahma Temple, located in Ochira near Kayamkulam, is
completely different from other Hindu temples in Kerala. The temple, known
as "Dakshinakashi", is unique in that there is no shrine or worship here.
The Vetalamkunnu Parabrahma Temple is said to be the original site of this
temple. As soon as he saw Namboothiri, Parabrahman in the form of a buffalo
ran and jumped into a hole. That hole became "Pothinchira". Later, it
became Ochira. The name Ochira came from the sound of Parabrahman
"Omkaram". . A Westerner named Kanter Visher wrote in 1700 AD It is
recorded that Ochirakali was also there when he came to Ochira in the
beginning of the 19th century. Warriors used to fight in two camps. It is
also seen in history that they would take the blessings of a Nambiyathiri
before starting the battle.
History When Veluthampi Dalava built the Anandavalleswaram
temple in Kollam, he wanted to build a temple in Ochira too. However, due
to the conflict between the gods, it became clear that the gods did not
like the construction of the temple. The two altars, which are the main
places of worship seen today, were built by Veluthampi Dalava. It is
believed that the spirit of Parabrahma resides in these banyan tree altars.
Another reason why the name Parabrahmam is meaningful is that even before
the temple entry ceremony, all Hindus had equal freedom of worship here.
Non-Hindus are also allowed to enter anywhere outside the altar. People of
different castes and religions have been worshipping here since ancient
times. Ochirakkali and Ochirakkalas are the specialties of this place.
Another feature is that soil is offered as prasad. 'Kanjippakarcha' for the
poor, sick and beggars is the main vow. Ochirakkali in the month of Mithuna
and the festival of twelve lamps in the month of Vrischikam are important.
Karakoodal The twelve-day Vrischika festival begins with
the Karakoodal procession. The procession of the northern banks of the
temple starts from Ashan's corner and the southern banks from the
Muthukattukara Devi temple. Musical instruments and folk dances accompany
the procession. Karakoodal evokes the historical memory of the battle and
the battle that took place in Nuranat. History says that when the war
dragged on, the Karanaths of Nuranat, who wanted peace, came to Pazhur Mana
and invited Thampuran as a mediator and ended the battle. In memory of
Pazhur Thampuran, every year a hut is built on the eastern side of Kerala
for Vrischikachirappu, his sword and pedestal are worshipped, and a kerala
lamp is lit. The Chira on the north side of the temple is a historical
relic of the war. The sword and the pedestal were dedicated by Krishnan
Namboothiripad, a descendant of the Pazhoor Thampuran.
Rolling on the eight kands of Ochira is a ritual of offering. This
is done to cure skin diseases. Rolling is also done for other purposes. In
the past, those who needed to get rid of diseases used to roll on the eight
kands. The locals believe that the soil here has medicinal properties. Now,
instead of the offering person, there are special people who do the
rolling. The Malayalam film Padamudra, directed by R. Sukumaran and
starring Mohanlal in the lead role, mentions the beliefs of Ochira. In this
film, the song Ambalamila Altarayil Vazhum Omkaramoorthy Ochirayil, written
by Kudappanakunnu Hari and composed by Vidyadharan and sung by Yesudas, is
very famous. { https://youtu.be/xEfaAGD6s30} Takazhi’s novel
Anchupennuangal begins from the Ochira padanilam.
pan·da·ram. pənˈdärəm. plural -s. 1. : a Hindu ascetic
mendicant of the Sudra or sometimes a lower caste.
https://youtu.be/t-noeP3Kdzs
Pandaram can mean different things in different contexts. Let us see.
Pandaram (പണ്ടാരം) is a lingo (dialect) of the Sanskrit-Malayalam word
Bhandaram (ഭണ്ഡാരം) meaning exchequer (ഖജനാവ്). Thus the expression,
‘Pandaravaka’ in our land documents says that the land once belonged to the
state. Land ownership in Kerala was in three heads before the land reforms
and they were: Devaswam, Brahmaswam and Rajaswam. Devaswam was Ambalavaka
while Rajaswam was Pandaravaka. Brahmaswam as you all know was for the
Nambuthiris, the high class priestly clan of Brahmins. No one else had any
sort of title over the land. They were either tenements or encroachments.
The first known land registration in Travancore was that of the Kannan
Devan Hills.
Pandarappattam (പണ്ടാരപ്പാട്ടം) was a means by which agricultural land
owned by the state was leased to subjects of Travancore for cultivation of
Tapioca and Paddy. But the officials would sometimes grab the harvest and
ward off the occupants of the land who was then forced to tend for
themselves. After half a centuary, the tenants (പാട്ടക്കാർ) who had leased
out the land went to a strike which forced the state of Travancore to pass
the titles of the land to the agriculturists who were upper class (not to
confuse with caste) Eezhavas and Nairs. The present Jawahar Nagar near
Kavadiyar in Thiruvananthapuram was the first land to have these titles.
Previous name of Jawahar Nagar was Maracheeni Vila as this was the place
where tapioca was first cultivated in Kerala.
Pandaramadakkuka (പണ്ടാരമടക്കുക) means to attach all of one’s properties (
സ്ഥാവര ജംഗമ സ്വത്തുക്കൾ കണ്ടുകെട്ടുക / ഖജനാവിലേക്കു മുതൽക്കൂട്ടുക) and deny
his rights as a subject (പ്രജ) of the Kingdom. This explains the curse,
‘pandaramadangippotte’ (പണ്ടാരമടങ്ങിപ്പോട്ടെ).
Pandarakkettu (പണ്ടാരക്കെട്ട്) : When small pox (വസൂരി) and deaths due to
it (ദേവി വിളയാടൽ) was rampant in Kerala, the dead bodies were tied in a mat
made with palm like leaves (കൈതോലയിൽ മെനഞ്ഞ മെത്തപ്പായ). The knots over
these wrapper were made with natural fibres like plantain fibre (വാഴ നാര്),
fibre extracted from the harder part of coconut leaf (തെങ്ങോലയുടെ
തണ്ടിരിഞ്ഞത്), coconut leafs itself (പച്ചയോലകൾ കീറിയെടുത്തു
കൂട്ടിക്കെട്ടിയത്), or by coir (കയർ). This whole wrap was referred to as
Pandarakkettu (പണ്ടാരക്കെട്ട്) and was taken to common burial place (പൊതു
ശ്മശാനം / ചുടലക്കളം). So Pandaram in Pandarakkettu means the corpses that
were disposed off by the state untouched by relatives.
Pandaram Aduppu (പണ്ടാരമടുപ്പ്): In some temples such as Attukal Bhagavathi
Temple in southern Kerala, pandaramaduppu is the main fireplace inside the
temple from which, the first fire is lit for celebratory feast such as
Ponkala (പൊങ്കാല). It is from here that, then the fire is transferred to
the fireplaces of other devotees waiting to toast Ponkalas.
Pandaram is a caste in Kerala whose vocation (കുലത്തൊഴിൽ) is making Pappads
(പപ്പടം). They are worshippers of Lord Murugan.
Pandaram can mean ‘damn it!’
Pandarakkalan (പണ്ടാരക്കാലൻ) can mean nasty fellow. This is also used in a
friendly manner like most of the other cuss words.
Theettappandaram (തീറ്റപ്പണ്ടാരം) means one who eats extensively without
even bothering whether there is enough for everyone else.
Chirichu Pandaramadangi [ചിരിച്ചു പണ്ടാരമടങ്ങി] would mean dead of
laughing, as in uncontrollable laughter excited by some incident. It is
akin to ROFL.
'പണ്ടാരം', 'പണ്ടാരക്കാലൻ', ചിരിച്ചു 'പണ്ടാരടങ്ങി', നാശം 'പണ്ടാരമടങ്ങിപോട്ടെ'
എന്നിങ്ങനെ പല അർത്ഥത്തിലാണ് പണ്ടാരം മലയാളഭാഷാപ്രയോഗത്തിൽ കടന്നു വരുന്നത്.
ഇതിന്റെയൊക്കെ ഉത്ഭവം എന്താണ്? എന്നതിനുള്ള സെബിൻ ഏബ്രഹാം ജേക്കബ് (Sebin
Abraham Jacob) എന്ന വ്യക്തിയുടെ ഉത്തരം Pandaram comes into Malayalam usage
in many meanings, including 'Pandaram', 'Pandarakkalan', 'Pandarakalan'
laughing, 'Pandarakalan', and 'Pandarakalan
NOW ONE SHALL UNDEWRSTAND THE BLUNDER COMITTED BY THE WRITER WITHOUT
CONSIDERING ANY DETAIL WHICH IS 700 YEAR OLD TEMPLE CONNECTED TO C HERA
DYNASTY (NEDUNAL VADAI SANGA ILAKKIYAM) AND VELU THAMBI dfALAVAI; TENKASI
OF TIRUNELVELI TN AND TENKASI OF KERALA OCHHCHIRAI IS FAMOUS IN MANY
RESPECTS WHERE A BIG WAR WAS FOUGHT ALSO
K RAJARAM IRS 24125
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Gopala Krishnan <[email protected]>
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2025 at 11:39
Subject: [iyer123] OACHIRA PARABRAHMA TEMPLE
To: <[email protected]>
*OACHIRA PARABRAHMA TEMPLE*
KOLLAM DISTRICT –KERALA-COMPILED
Today my posting is about Oachira Parabrahma temple. I have visited the
temple two times while working in Trivandrum. Hope a divine reading
Gopalakrishnan 24-1-2025
Introduction
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.
Legend
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.*
History
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.
Tower
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.
Deities installed later
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 Patanilam (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 patanilam in specially made huts. Those
devotees who sacrifice these 12 long days with the minimum facilities.
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.
Aithihyamala
In Aithihyamala, there is a mention of a mythical character named "Akavoor
Chathan" he was the servant of a Kerala Namboodiri. Chathan oberved that
his master was constantly praying to a God named "Para Brahmam" and Chathan
got curious what kind of a God it is.
Bulls
Another rarity of the temple is the presence of a lot of temple Bulls
around the temple ground. They are considered to be holy and the devotees
pray to them and feed them.
Prasadam
"Prasadam" (The holy offering that is provided to the devotees) of the
Ochira temple is also very different. It is the only temple in Kerala which
provides mud as Prasadam.
Ochira vilakku
One of the main festivities of the temple is the "Ochira Vilakku" that is
celebrated during the month of November-December.
Priests
The priests in the temple are from a Hindu community called Pandaram. Their
main job is to prepare Papad.
--
To go to your groups page on the web, login to your gmail account and then
click on https://groups.google.com/
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"iyer123" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
email to [email protected].
To view this discussion visit
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/CAEE2L%2B3hV4sg4J_yZmm2%3DR6VLYVhuqEPT-8ke7Ls%2BSCMcTnStQ%40mail.gmail.com
<https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/iyer123/CAEE2L%2B3hV4sg4J_yZmm2%3DR6VLYVhuqEPT-8ke7Ls%2BSCMcTnStQ%40mail.gmail.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>
.
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Thatha_Patty" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
To view this discussion visit
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZoo20TjhxXJYQoLQxK-X-jD1dQbF6WSXOGN-wXAj0XQ7hA%40mail.gmail.com.
