Information of Alathiyur Hanuman Temple (Alathiyoor Sri Hanuman Swamy Temple), Malappuram, Kerala

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple or Alathiyoor Sri Hanuman Swamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple build by the Vasishta Rishi of the Ramayana Era. It is a great temple having the history and legends of Ramayana. The primary deity is Lord Rama but this temple is popularly known as the Alathiyur Hanuman Kavu locally. The Alathiyur is the place name where this temple is built. This temple has got one of the beautiful frescoes that have not lost its color and brightness. This is a marvelous temple having many wood craftsmanship and architectural values. This temple was erstwhile tutelary deity of the Zamorin Dynasty of Calicut. Presently it is maintained by Perumthri kovil Deveswam. This temple is located at Poilissery P.O, Tirur Taluk Malappuram District of Kerala State in India. PIN 676 102.

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple Religious Significance

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple's primary deity is Lord Rama, but this temple is called as the Hanuman temple since the first step to go to lanka by the Vyau Puthra hanuman was planned and he jumped from here to Lanka. Here Hanuman is worshiped as well wisher. Lord Rama and Lakshmana are worshiped as Maryada Purushothaman. Lord Rama's concert is not seen with him since this temple was the place when they came to search of her abduction. Children's and youths used to jump from the exact stone where Hanuman took his first step to launch on Lanka. This is believed to bring energize children's. This temple is open throughout the year. The daily rituals are conducted in this temple and there is also paid rituals for devotees to perform special rituals and ceremonies. This temple is worshiped by all sects of Hinduism.

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple Mythology & History

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple is believed to be built by the Ramayana Era Sage called Vasishta. As per the Vedic records this was the place where Lord Rama discussed with Hanuman for the plans to go to Lanka to find the where about of his beloved wife Sita. Lakshman was also with him and this plan was blessed by the heavenly gods and goddesses who were seeing this event from the heavens. It is believed that Hanuman took the first jump from here to reach Lanka. Till now the ancient granite stone is worshiped here where his feet left to Lanka. Saga Vasishta was the Prajapathi of that time knowing the importance of this incidence he built this temple for Lord Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman. This temple was maintained since the ancient times by its land lords and in the medieval times it was under the Zamorin Kingdom of Northern Kerala.

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple Architectural Significance

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple is built around 3000 BC by Sage Vasishta. Since then, this temple underwent many changes in the passage of time. The present temple is seen as typical Kerala temple style. It is a vast temple complex built out of laterite stone block covered with lime stone stucco's. It has remarkable wood works all over the interior and exterior side. The entire ceiling of this temple is covered by the terracotta tiles. It has many triangular and pyramid like domes built on its top. The overall upper portions are found in gabled type. You can find beautiful tower lamps and brass plated steps in side this temple. There are three central shrine built here. Lord Ramas is in the centre and Hanuman and Lakshman is kept adjacent to the Main shrine. All three shrine cells have beautiful carved wooden doors with metal ornate on it. Apart from the shrine cell there are many other complexes are seen here for conducting ceremonies and admin purposes. The remarkable feature of this temple is the murals of Hanuman drawn here. These are still seen as if painted now and are very colorful and breathe taking to view.

Festival at Alathiyur Hanuman Temple

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple conducts its annual festival very grandly in this village. It is plunged by many devotees across from Kerala. The special rituals are conducted in the festival time and many devotees participate in it. This temple is decorated with flowers and lights and its nearby areas too. Local vendors put their stall in the temple ground and are seen as great fair with cultural temple programs. Apart from this main festival the Rama Navami is also celebrated with huge numbers of devotees.