SREESUBRAMANYA SWAMI TEMPLE, PAYYANUR, KANNUR DISTRICT-KERALA- COMPILED Dear friends,
The Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple in Payyanur, Kannurdistrict, Kerala, is one of the most famous Lord Subramanya temples in thestate. It is also one of the most architecturally significant temples inKerala, with a unique two-storeyed sanctum sanctorum in the shape of aGajaprishtam (back of an elephant). The temple also has a 6-ft tall idol of themain deity, Lord Subramanya, and a 12ft tall compound wall that is constructedin a unique style. The temple is famous for its Pavitra Mothiram, a uniquely crafted ring thatis believed to have sacred powers. The ring is made of gold and silver, and itis inscribed with the names of Lord Subramanya and his consort, Valli. The ring is alsobelieved to have the power to cure diseases and protect the wearer from harm. Among the 64 villages of Kerala created by Parasurama,Payyannur is considered to be the foremost. The temple is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees from allover India. My wife along with her sister and family visited the temple threemonths back. Hope a divine reading. Gopalakrishnan 15-6-2025 Introduction Payyanur Sree Subramanya Swami Temple is one ofthe three most important 'Maha Subrahmanya' temples in South India. It is a'PALANI' of Kerala .Commonly known as Payyannur Perumal . Payyan is an appellation of LordSubrahmanya and Ooru meaning the place. Thus Payyanur meaning the land of LordSubrahmanya. Payyannur Subramanya Temple is on the banks of river Perumba. This temple is known as the'Palani' of Kerala Legend It is believed that the temple is built by Lord 'Parasurama'. Laterit was destroyed two times -one because of fire and other because of the attackof 'Tippu Sulthan'. The temple remained closed for 3 years and re-opened on Vrschikam967 by the senior lady of the Thaazhakaat manna. The temple was rebuilt in 968 K.E., the renovation andconstruction stated as per the measurements with the help of 8 Deshams.According to the local tradition, the temple now, represents only a miniatureof the earlier original temple, which was believed to be built by Vishwakarmaas per the directions of Lord Parashurama. History of the Temple The Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple is believed to be over 1000years old. It is said that the temple was built by a king named EzhimalaCheraman Perumal. The temple was originally a small shrine, but it was expandedand renovated over the centuries. Temple Architecture The Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple is known for its uniquearchitecture. The two-storeyed sanctum sanctorum is in the shape of a Gajaprishtam (back of anelephant). This is a unique architectural feature that is rarely found in othertemples in Kerala. The temple also has a 12ft tall compound wall that is constructed in aunique style. The wall is decorated with sculptures of various Hindu deitiesand motifs. The total area of this temple compound is above 3 acres. The temple pond is large and sidelined with laterite stone. Facing the Sreekovil is the Mandapawhere there is a ‘peedam’ and ‘Axe’ representing Sree Parasurama Swamy as theSub deity. Outside the Nalambala ‘Pradikshina’ pathway are the shrinesdedicated to the sub-deities Sree Maha Ganapathy, Dharma Shasta, Sree KanyaBhagawathy and Bhoothatar. Deities Apart from the main deity, Subrahmanya, there are other deities also beingworshipped here. They are LordGanapathi, Bhootathar, Kanya Bhagavathi, Sasthavu and Parasurama. Kshetrapalan and Vairajathan are also beingworshipped. The rituals in thetemple Temple Nada opens at 4 am Abhishekam at 4.45 am Nethra Pooja at 5.30 am Usha Pooja at 6 am Seeveli at 6.45 am Pantheeradi Pooja - Between 7 am and 8 am Navakam Abhishekam between 8.30 am and 9.30 am Uchapooja between 10 am and 10 45 am Seeveli at 11 am Nada closing at 12pm Nada reopening at 5.30 pm Athazhapooja between 7 pm and 8 pm Chief priest The tanthris of thistemple belong to the Tarananalloor Tantric family. The family belongs to Irinjalakuda inThrissur district. The Tantri is chosen from ‘The Thekkiniyedath Tarana Nalloorfamily. Nampoothiri settelemt It is the village temple of the Namboothiri families settledhere. Payyannur is the first of the Namboothiri villages in the northernKerala. Temple Festivals The Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple celebrates a number offestivals throughout the year. Triputhari, the harvestfestival is also oneof the functions celebrated here. During triputhari, the newly harvested riceis cooked and offered to the deity. This festival is a good example of communal harmony andco-existence. The sugar used for the 'payasam' is brought by aMuslim family of Payyanur. When the date for the festival is decided, an official visits thisfamily at keloth and informs them about it. On the festival day a member from that family brings the sugar in abrand new pot to the temple. In return he will be given rice, coconut, bananasetc as a compliment from the temple. Another important festival is the Navaratri festival, which is celebrated for nine daysduring the month of Asvina. Other important festivals celebrated at the temple includethe Skandashashti festival,the Mahashivaratrifestival, and the Vishufestival. In most of the Kerala temples the festival begins with thehoisting of the sacred flag. But here there is no suchcustom of "kodiyettam” (flag hoisting) and even the flag mast is notpresent here. The “Ilanji” tree in the front-yard of the temple remains asurprise to all devotees since this tree always flowers but never fruits. The major festival of this temple, the “Aradhana Mahotsavam” iscelebrated from the 1st of Vrishchikam to 14th of the same month of theMalyalam Era. Aradhana Festival isconsidered as the festival of the whole Payyanur. The Aradhana festival ofPayyanur temple marks the beginning of the festival season of Payyanur andneighbouring places. The "tidampuezhunnellathu"(procession of the deity) accompanied by thetraditional musical instruments and other sacred formalities are the mainceremony of the festival. A number ofcultural events are also held along with the 14-day long Aradhana festival. Payyannur AradhanaMahotsavam The Aradhana Mahotsavam is 14 day celebration with theThitambu Ezhunnellath or the ceremonial procession as the main ritual. Duringthis ritual, the idol is carried in hand by the temple priest instead of usingcaparisoned elephants and other paraphernalia. Variety cultural events is another highlight. A large numberof people turn up for prayer and to enjoy the melam, orchestra, kathaprasangam,dance and drama programs associated with the Aradhana Mahotsavam Festival. Some important offerings Appanivedhyam₹50 Karthika Pooja₹250 Chuttuvilakku4500 Kalabham₹85000 Kavadi₹100 Muttarukkal₹10 Nei Payasam₹75Neyyamruthu₹300 Niramala₹2500Niramala (Akath)₹1500 Offering Swarnavel₹701 Offering of Thottil and Child₹701 Oru Divasathe Pooja₹2501 Oru nerathe Pooja₹1000 Panchamrutham₹100 Udayaasthamana Pooja₹10000 Pavitra mothiram. Pavithram is the particular ring worn during performing Vedicor holy rituals or during the "Pithrubali" in the Hindu tradition.The traditional Pavithram is usually made of "dharba" grass. Usually,Payyanur Pavithram is being made of Gold and Silver. Payyanur Pavithra Mothiramis a uniquely crafted ring shaped like a knot and considered being a sacredornament. The Pavithram is to be worn onthe right ring finger. Itis believed that this ring will bring luck and grace to anyone who wears itwith the deep devotion. It is believedthat the Pavithram brings the "Trimoorthi Chaithanyam" ( the vigor orthe effect due to the presence of the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).Theperson who wear Pavithram as well as the Goldsmith who makes it has to have toimpose some sort of self-control or discipline over themselves. They should be pure vegetarian and shouldn't take alcohol andshould keep way from immoral activities. After making the 'Pavithram', performspecial pooja at Payyanur SreeSubrahmanya Swami Temple before handing over to customer. Apart from Subramanya or the Lord Muruga, many other subdeities including Ganapati, Sasthavu and Bhagavathy are also present. How to Reach theTemple The Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple is located in the town of Payyanur inKannur district, Kerala. The nearest railway station is Payyanur railway station, which is about 2km from the temple. The nearest airport is Kannur International Airport, which is about 60 km from thetemple. Plenty of buses ply to Kannur from different parts of Kerala viaPayyannur or to Payyannur. Temple Dress Code The Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple has a strict dress code.Devotees are required to wear traditional Indian clothing. Men are required towear dhotis or kurtas, and women are required to wear saris or chudidars. Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, andshort-length T-shirts are not allowed. Temple Timings The Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple is open from 5:00 AM to12:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Tips for Visitors It is advisable to visit the temple early in the morning orlate in the evening to avoid the crowds. The temple dress code is strictly enforced, so be sure todress appropriately. The temple is a holy place, so be respectful of the otherdevotees. There is a shoe rack outside the temple where you can leaveyour shoes before entering. Photography is not allowed inside the temple. The temple has a prasadam counter where you can purchase foodofferings. There are a number of donation boxes inside the temple whereyou can donate money to the temple. Salt satyagrahamovement Payyanur is primarily known for its rich cultural heritage,including the renowned Payyanur Subramanya Swami Temple and its associationwith the Salt Satyagraha movement. Payyanur was the main venue for the SaltSatyagraha in Kerala in 1930, a pivotal moment in the Indian independencemovement. Theyyam: Payyanur is home to various Theyyam performances, atraditional art form that combines dance, music, and theatrical elements. Address of the temple Payyanur Subrahmanya Swami Temple Payyanur, Kannur District- Kerala PIN 670307 Phone: 04985 205116 Darsha Timings: 04.00 AM - 12.00 PM & 05.00 PM 0 09.00 PM Administration The temple is under the HR and CE of Malabar Devaswam Board. The Executive Officer appointed by the Boardis the Administrator. -- 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/1405019674.459019.1749971451472%40mail.yahoo.com.
