Information of Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

The Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temples is one of the most ancient temples in all of India. This temple is worshipped by the people following the religion Hinduism and is dedicated to Subrahmanya Swamy who is also known as the Dakshina Palani or the Southern Palani. This temple is known to date back before the advent of the Hindu Kaliyuga making it an extremely revered place of worship. It is at Kodumthara about 2.5 Kilometres from Pathanamthitta district of Kerala.

Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Religious Significance

The principal deity of the temple is Lord Murugan who is the son of Shiva and the Hindu god of war. The temple is a highly revered one with its own set of ritual and festivals. There are many festivals celebrated here and all are according to the Malayalam calendar. Some of the most important festivals that are celebrated in this temple are Avani Utsavam, Markhazi Utsavam, Chitra Utsavam, Trikkarthika, Skanda Ashtami, Thaipooyam, Navarathri and Prathishta day. These festivals are celebrated with much grandeur and are well attended by the people from nearby as well as far off.

Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Mythology & History

Since the temple is said to predate the Kaliyuga however legends associated with aren't many. The idol that has been consecrated in the temple is believed to have been used by the great saint Parasurama for various religious worships. It is said that he left the idol in Kandanallor which is located in the Govindamuttom backwaters before he passed away. Legend has it that the landlords of Eakachakra had the same dream of the idol being recovered and when they searched the Kayamkulam Lake as per their dream they found the idol. The idol was then brought to Nelpurakadavu where it stayed for till it was instated in the temple.

The discovery of the idol brought about the Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam which is held till date on the banks of the river Payippad for a period of three days. After this it is also said that the idol was kept under a banyan tree for half an hour so that the public could see it. This banyan tree is said to belong to a Christian family and till date there is a small temple known as the "Ara Nazhika Ambalam" in memory of the public viewing that took place.

This temple was consecrated when the Pushya star appeared on Makara masa which is an auspicious time in the Malayalam calendar. It is believed that on this day lord Vishnu appeared as a saint to bless the temple.

Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Architectural Significance

The temple that stands today was actually rebuilt during the reign of King Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma as the actual temple was burnt down in the Malayalam year of 1096. The only things that could be saved from the fire were the Golden mast and Koothambalam which is a temple theatre. These two structures are still there in the new temple that was renovated and rebuilt.

The temple has four entrance gateways known as Gopurams which are ornately decorated. The golden mast that was saved is located on the eastern side of the temple. The sanctum sanctorum or the main prayer hall is circular in shape and hold the statute of the presiding deity. The statue of the deity has four arms out of which two hold a Vei and Vajrayudha each while one is touching his thigh and the other one in a symbolic blessing form.

In addition to the Kerala style architecture that this temple displays there is also a place where peacocks are kept. The peacocks are highly revered and protected because they are considered to be the chariot of the presiding deity Murugan.