SREE SUBRAHMANYA SWAMI TEMPLE

Sree Subrahmanya Swami Temple of Payyanur  is believed to be constructed by Lord Parasurama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu.  There are references in Hindu Puranas about this temple and the temple town Payyanur. In Brahmanda Purana the temple and its town is being mentioned while Muni Garga explains about Kerala to the Pandavas during their exile (vanavasa).  

Subrahmanya Swami Temple is closely related with the Payyanur.  Even the name of the town is originated due to the existence of the temple.  This temple was destroyed two times. Once due to a fire and then during the attack of Tipu Sultan of Mysore The temple was reconstructed in the present form in Malayalam era 967 (AD 1792)

Deities

Apart from the main deity, Subrahmanya, there are other deities also being worshipped here. They are Lord Ganapathi, Bhootathar, Kanya Bhagavathi, Sasthavu and Parasurama.  Kshetrapalan and Vairajathan are also being worshipped.   
          

Features  

There are many unique features about this temple in the rituals performed, the architecture etc.  First of all the 12ft tall compound wall constructed in a unique style is very rare kind in the temple architecture of Kara. The total area of this temple compound is above 3 acres. The two-storied sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) is in the shape of “Gajaprishta”(back of an elephant). The 6-ft tall idol of the main deity Lord Subrahmanya is another attraction. In most of the kerala temples the festival begins with the hoisting of the sacred flag.  But here there is no such custom of "kodiyettam” (flag hoisting) and even the flag mast is not present here. The “Ilanji” tree in the front-yard of the temple remains a surprise to all devotees since this tree always flowers but never fruits.

People belonging to the "kshatriya" community are not allowed to enter into the inside of the temple. Entry to the 'naalambalam" is denied to the monks who wears saffron and the members of 'kalakattu' 'kattumadam','kalloor'etc who are believed to perform black magic,'antarjanams"(females of the brahmin community), the "mootha poduval" (who are traditional custodians of the temple) etc also.  

Timings

The "palliyunarthal"(the waking up of the deity by blowing the sacred bells and chanting hymns) is held at 3:30 in the early morning  The routine functions starts with the poojas at 4:00 am and by 12:00 noon the temple is getting closed.  Again at 5:00 in the evening it will be opened and around 9:00 PM get closed.  There are a total of 5 "poojas" and 3 "seevelees" held per day.  

Festivals

The major festival of this temple, the “Aradhana Mahotsavam” is celebrated from the 1^st of Vrishchikam to 14^th of the same month of the Malyalam Era. Aradhana Festival is considered as the festival of the whole Payyanur. The Aradhana festival of Payyanur temple marks the beginning of the festival season of Payyanur and neighboring places. The "tidampu ezhunnellathu"(procession of the deity) accompanied by the traditional musical instruments and other sacred formalities are the main ceremony of the festival.   A number of cultural events are also held along with the 14-day long Aradhana festival.

The " Kalabha Charthu" which is on the day of Atham in the month of Medam is celebrated as the "punaprathishta dinam" (the reinstallation day of the temple).  

Triputhari, the harvest festival is also one of the functions celebrated here. During triputhari, the newly harvested rice is cooked and offered to the deity. This festival  is a good example of communal harmony and co-existence.  The sugar used for the 'payasam'(the traditional pudding) is brought by a Muslim family of Payyanur.  When the date for the festival is decided, an official visits this family at keloth and informs them about it.  On the festival day a member from that family brings the sugar in a brand new pot to the temple. In return he will be given rice, coconut, bananas etc as a compliment from the temple.

[Photo: Fishes in  Temple Pond]