Pilgrim Rhapsody Of Kerala

K K Shanmukhan

Kerala has a synonym - Parasuramakshetra. The legend says that this saint with an axe, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, subdued this splendid piece of land from the Arabian Sea.

Kerala has many unique advantages too. One is her temples and pilgrim centres that attract the tourists in large numbers, foreign and indigenous alike. The temples of Kerala are a class apart because of their architectural marvel, aesthetic customs and rituals and the meticulous cleanliness.

Sabarimala

This is a hill shrine on the bank of the Pampa, surrounded by many hills of the western ghats. Saint Sabari of Ramayana fame was said to have been doing penance here. It is in this vicinity that Rama and his brother came across the Vanara race. Ayyappa, the son born to Shiva from Vishnu is consecrated here. Ayyappa is also known as Dharma Sastha. Seasonal entry, restricted to those who undergo a rigorous austerity of 41 days. Ladies with monthly cycle are forbidden. People from all walks of life from all parts of the world throng here in lakh.

This shrine is situated in the district of Pathanamthitta. Although this is the most important pilgrim centre, there are numerous others like Aranmula Parthsarathi temple. Aranmula is also famous for its antique mirror acclaimed the world over as Aranmula Kannadi. Niranam Church near here is the oldest church in India established by Saint Thomas, the apostle. Marammon convention which is the biggest ever congregation of philosophers in Asia takes place here. Sri Padmanabha Swamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala was a family temple of the erstwhile rulers of Travancore. A Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu sleeping on Anantanag. The temple is a rare blend of Dravidian architecture and the Kerala vaastu sastra. It is also famous for its murals and stone carvings. Only Hindus are allowed.

Varkala near Kollam is a world famous tourist spot of pilgrim importance. It is said that one is liberated of all his or her sins after taking a dip in the sea at Papanasam here. Adjacent is a hill, Sivagiri where the samadhi of Sri Narayana Guru, the philosopher, spiritual leader and the greatest social reformer of Kerala exist. Kollam is a major cashew centre too.

The adjoining district of Alappuzha has several pilgrim places. One of them is Ambalapuzha, the abode of Sri Krishna Swamy temple where he lived for a long time. He was the author of Thullal, a classical art of Kerala origin. Mannarasala is famous for the temple of Nagaraja.

Guruvayur

Guru, the preceptor of the Devas and Vayu, the wind god, were aviating over the deluge when they saw an opulent idol of Vishnu afloat. With the intent to ameliorate mankind they consecrated him on the Arabian beach here, near Thrissur. Many stories about the temple and the deity are in circulation. The devout poet, Sri Narayana Bhatt, was cured of his rheumatic ailments, the moment he finished his magnum opus Narayaneeyam, an erudite Sanskrit epic based on Bhagawathapurana. Saint Viluamangalam made the lord manifest before him after the saint's hard worship. Kuroor Amma, a devotee with a hunch back was elevated to Swarga physically when the god was pleased with her devotion. There are fetish and fabulous stories about everything associated with Guruvayur temple. Even an elephant, Guruvayur Kesavan, who used to lead the procession, is a hero in novels and movies. Only Hindus are allowed entry into the temple. Parassinikadavu, in Kannur on the banks of the serene and tranquil river Valapattanampuzha is a famous Shiva temple. Other Shiva temples in Kerala are Vadakkunnatha temple in Thrissur. Ettumannur and Vaikom in Kottayam, Ernakulathappan in Ernakulam. There are also many Durga temples in Kerala like Chottanikkara, Kodungallur. Thiruvilamala and Thriprayar are leading temples dedicated to Rama while Koodalmanikkam is dedicated to Bharata his younger brother.

Apart from the umpteen number of temples with great importance, there are also churches, mosques and synagogues of pilgrim importance in Kerala. Cheraman Palli is one of the most ancient and important mosques in the world situated at Kodungallur. Malayattur Palli atop the Malayattur hill was built by St. Thomas the apostle.

All these pilgrim centers are unique with their own entity while their milieu are beautiful and attractive. Each has a story to tell.