Information of Ammathiruvadi Temple, Urakam, Thrissur, Kerala

Ammathiruvadi Temple is a magnificent ancient Hindu goddess temple built for Durga Devi in gods own country. It is an important Devi temple for the Hindus which are well known for its history, architecture and festival. This is a very clean and quiet temple in the suburb area of Urakam village. The Kochi Devosam Boards is sole authority for its temple administration. Previously this temple was built and owned by the Poomulli Namboothiri and later handed over to the Kochi rulers. It is divinely located at Urakam Village, Thrissur District of Kerala State in India.

Ammathiruvadi Temple Religious Significance

Ammathiruvadi Temple houses the deity of Durga who is an incarnation of Parvathi Devi. She is very powerful and kills all evils in the world and does well for its devotees. It is believed that peoples coming here with pure devotion will get their wishes come true very soon after visiting this temple. Here she is called as Ammathiruvadi, which is the other name in Malayalam language to call for Durga, Devi or Maa. The Ammathiruvadi Ammai is the wording used to praise here in prayers by her devotees. This goddess is worshiped by all sects of Hinduism. It is a women hood temple since the main deity is a Mother Goddesses. The women hood keeps penance before visiting this temple as a customs. This temple is equivalent to the temple city of Kanchipuram since the goddesses is known from the Kamachi Amman temple from Kanchipuram is what the Hindus belief. This temple is open throughout the year. The daily rituals start from early morning from 3:00AM to the 8:00PM in the evening. There are 18 rituals performed here daily. The special offering is also available here.

Ammathiruvadi Temple Mythology & History

Ammathiruvadi Temple was built by the Poomulli Namboothiri, who was an eminent Namboothripadu in his time and well known in the court of Zamori kingdom and the Kochi rulers. Once he started his pilgrimage to the temple city of Kanchivaram nearly 1000 years ago. He came back with great devotion of Kamachi Amman. He reached home and placed his palm umbrella in front of his house. He later came to take this umbrella but it was unable to lift. When consulted with a priest and astrologer, it was known to be the Kamachi Amman has come along with him in his umbrella. The same day the Amman came in his dream and asked him to build a temple here where the umbrella is kept. She also mentioned of the idol to be placed for here, which is available from a far away well. Later the idol was brought by him and placed under the umbrella. The umbrella was relieved and the goddess took abode in the idol. That's how this temple came into existence. It is proudly said that the Poomulli Namboothiri gave his entire wealth to this temple construction.

Ammathiruvadi Temple Architectural Significance

Ammathiruvadi Temple is known to be built around 1000 years ago. The creator of this temple is Poomulli Namboothiri, who was a rich land lord in Thrissure. This temple is built of the Kerala temple architectural form. This is a vast temple built out of granite stone, laterite stone, lime stones and woods. It is seen in a great rectangular shape. The shrine cell is a separate structure in the center of this temple complex. It has remarkable stone carving activities and there are two sloped terracotta roofs attached to this structure giving it a Kerala traditional temple looks. The other structure found here are the porch, vast verandah with wooden grills and many triangular domes made out of wood and tiles. This is one of the classic temples valued for its craftsmanship on stone carving and wooden works.

Ammathiruvadi Temple Festival Significance

Ammathiruvadi Temple conducts five famous festivals annually. These are the Navaratri, Thrikkarthika, Pooram, Illam Nira and Vavarat. The Navarathri is a nine day festival which is celebrated very grandly. This temple is decorated with lights, sounds and by flowers. The Thrikkarthika festival is celebrated as the birthday of Ammathiruvadi. On this occasion the goddess is dressed in silk cloths and adorns the temple jewels. The temple elephants are also decorated and take them for procession. The important feature of this festival is the grand feast given o more than 15,000 people's very year whoever comes on this festival occasion. It is said that, no one should go out of this temple with an empty stomach. The Pooram is an important event for cultural programs. This is a 13 day festival grandly celebrated with temple elephants and percussions. The festival is worth to enjoy as one can see the art and culture truly with the religious sentiments of the locals.