Information of Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple, Kottayam, Kerala

Neendoor Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is the only ancient Hindu worship place for Lord Subrahmanya in the gods own country. This is a historic temple having many legends for its origin in Kerala State. Since lord Subrahmanya's main abode was in and around Tamil Nadu and this is a very rear temple worshiped by the kerlaites of the Hindu origin. The Neendoor Village is popular since the ancient times for the presence of this temple. This temple conducts a yearly festival which pulls many devotees towards this temple. This is a traditional Hindu temple located at Neendoor Taluk, Kottayam District of Kerala State in South India.

Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple Religious Significance

Subrahmanya is also known as Karthikeya apart from Dravidian regions. In Kerala he is known as the Subrahmanya Swamy. His other names are Mail Vahanan, Murugan, Senthil, Velan, Kandan, Kadamban, Arumugam and Shanmugam. He is the God's army and a symbol of victory. His bird is the peacock and his weapon is called as Vel. Many devotees come here to get their new ventures to be successful by offering prayers and rituals to Lord Subrahmanya in this temple. He is also known as the Devasenapathi and many devotees do worship him by this name apart from naming him as Subrahmanya Swamy. This temple conducts a special ritual named as Ottanarangamala Samarppanam. This is a very rear ritual performed here and no other related temples of Lord Subrahmanya Swamy have such ritual in practice. Here Lord Subrahmanya Swamy is seen with a raging mood just as the lord has fought and came victorious defeating the demon named Tharakasuran. Every Tuesday is very significant day for Lord Subrahmanya Swamy for conducting special rituals by its temple priest who are from Brahmin society and all the rituals are done accordingly with strict rules and regulations. The yellow color clothing is the main color for devotees to wear and come to this temple. But this rule is seen by the Tamil devotees as a must and this temple doesn't see such strict color dressing to enter this temple.

Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple Mythology & History

It is believed as per the mythological stories that the Mahabharata legend namely the Pancha Pandavs visited this temple and worshiped the lord Subrahmanya Swamy in the Vedic Era. There are also many Tamil ancient inscription stating the travel of mail Vahanan towards the Western Ghats and this might be the place where he have landed and the villagers of Neendoor worshiped him later on. Many Murugan temples in Tamil Nadu have records of this temple, since the ancient times. This temple is also considered as the abode for lord Murugan in the gods own country apart from Tamil Nadu Aru Padi Vdeu.

Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple Architectural Significance

Neendoor Subrahmanya Swamy Temple is a typical Kerala temple. It is built out of Laterite stone, terracotta tiles and teak woods, which are available abundantly in this region. This is a vast temple having a rectangular shape and porch entrance all together looking like a royal traditional house of those seen in Kerala State. The main deity is Lord Subrahmanya Swamy and he is seen in the sanctum sanctorum in a standing position with his weapon named Vel. His background is filled with gold plated ornate and looks very beautiful along with the main idol. In front of this temple there is a monolith carved Deepa Sthamba or the light lamp made of stone. This temple has very good wooden carving works running throughout this temple structure.

Festival at Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple

Neendoor Subrahmanya Swamy Temple celebrates the Arattu festival very grandly with thousand of devotees gathering this temple on this special occasion. This festival is takes place in between April and may and this is celebrated as a great fair for a week long near the temple premises. During this festival time, the temple is beautifully adorned and illimunated with lights and colorful events, which marks the festival even more grandeur and special. The Thaipooyam is also an important day for Subrahmanya Swamy and this is celebrated on Medashasti day. Many devotees come to attend the festival and celebrate it in a grand way.