I thought a short break from Tamil Nadu would be good though I have lined up a few temples to post about. My recent trip to Kerala was an unforgettable one, especially as I landed there on a festival day .Temples in Kerala are simple unlike Tamil Nadu temples which is famous for its carvings and sculptures. In Kerala The dwaja sthambha and deepa sthambha are given lot of importance. The height of the dwaja or flag post also depends on how powerful the deity is. The idols in Kerala temples are smaller in size compared to the ones in Tamil Nadu. Sanctity of the temples are maintained well and most of the temples do follow a dress code.
This time I am taking you to Lord Ayyapa's temple situated at Tamarakulangara in Tripunithura which is just an extension of Kochi town itself . I have already written a post on Poornathrayesa temple belonging to the same place. Lord Ayappa, is the son of Siva and Vishnu when the latter assumed the form of Mohini to retrieve the Amrita Kumbha from Asuras.
November-April is the festival season and I thought I would take you through one which I have seen recently. Elephants are indispensable for festivals here and the deity is carried atop the caparisoned elephants with the accompaniments of colorful parasols, Peacock feather fans, called Aalvattom and Venchamaram made of fur from yak tails. Pandi Melam is an orchestra of percussion instruments, trumpet and Cymbals which adds the necessary rhythm and charm to the elephant procession. This procession is called Seeveli. It is really a fantastic spectacle. People sway to the rhythm of the percussion instruments and the Seeveli lasts about 2-3 hours. The festival ends with colourful display of fireworks and a feast subsequently to all the devotees. Kadina is a traditional fire cracker which is used during the worship. A series of Kadinas are used during the worship during the festival. See the photos of Kadina . Para Nirakkal is another custom followed in the temples. The devotees offer paddy, sugar, jaggery, or flaked rice to the deity and for this a special vessel resembling a measure known as Para is kept in front of the deity and the devotees fill it with their offerings.
Enjoy the festival.
Picture 1, 2, 3 The temple decorations 4 &5 Seeveli, 6 deity atop the elephant,7,8,9 Paddy and puffed padyy and para nirakkal 10 seeveli, 11 flags,indicating festival, 12. Kadina, 13 dwajasthambham, flag hoisted.
43 comments:
hey chithra
Really nice of you describe the traditional culture and festivals of Kerala bringing it to the notice of the world :) Nice photos too.
Well thripunithura is one of my favorite places and u know y, because of the people there. All the residents of Tripunithura whom I have come across are really good human beings !!!
Subu,
I thought for a change I would write one on Kerala temple.
Yes.. Tripunithura, I love that place too and I have stayed there for 7 years!.
good one,chitra... temple festivals are always great, and i wish i could travel all through the year so that i could attend these things!
Another great visit, it's good to see the sun. I love the way you have presented the photos. I particulary like photo number 6 which is stunning in its simplicity.
Anu,
Nice to see you.If you want to see any Kerala festival the ideal time would be November-April. I am sure your son would love it. Seeveli is a real hit with kids.
Thanks PW
nice to see you back , The whole festival was interesting I just kept clicking so that my friends would also enjoy it.
Wow! Just wow!
Nice change..Never knew Ayyappa was son of Siva & Vishnu avatar! Very nice analysis & comparison of temples. Also the pictures are great. Do you generally remember all the colloqial names or you record them whenever you visit? I'm amazed with your precision.
That is a wonderful collection of images!
@ Susie- Thanks dear!
@lostworld- remembering names comes easily to me. Having born and brought up in Kerala I know all the stuff very well. I read a lot about temples, legends related to it etc. I make note of certain things if I feel they are quite tough.
@ Thank you Mridula. I really had a wonderful time enjoying the festival.
Thanks for taking us to this temple in Kerala. Super. Nice pictures. Previously we had been to Guruvayoor only. Your post makes me go to other temples also in Kerala. Thanks.
Really beautiful the way you describe the architecture, showing appropriate comparisons with other styles. Also, I like the pictures. They are nice.
SG
I switched to Kerala for a change and happy that you have all liked it. Do visit some Kerala temples, the customs, the poojas and the festivals are unique there.
Vittaldas,
Thank you so much. I am also feeling happy I could bring this to my friends.
Temples in Kerala are unique in their own way. Thanks for these trivia. they do have their unique ceremonies and customs, treat to watch :-)
Thank you for stopping by to make a comment on my post. I have always loved understanding other religions. I love your pictures and will enjoy reading about your different travels and temples.
Thanks for sharing ! I enjoyed the pictures very much..initially I thought that second one is the best, but then I saw remaining ones and all are very good.
Insignia,
Thanks for visiting. Kerala festivals are really unique and colourful.Do drop in when you find time.
hummer
thanks for visiting. I loved your blog for the simplicity.I shall be visiting yours and you are always welcome to my blog.
Thank you Antarman. I was happy I could bring the festival to all of you. It will add some varitey to my blog.
really nice :)
thanks for the writeup..
Sorcerer
thanks, I think this is the second time you are visiting my page,I welcome your appreciation.
I never thought I'd ever get this much information about places and things I'll never see for myself! Thanks for sharing.
Betty,
I am so happy about your comment. India has so many temples, and other places of worship with great heritage.I don't think one life is sufficient to have a look at all.
My dear friend,
I don't understand what you have said. If you like my posts please visit and enjoy.
Dear Chitra,
Good Evening!
First time here and enjoyed the post on festival of Ayyappa Temple.My cousin stays in Tripunithara.I had written many pots on festivals.
Your photos are amazing!each and every shot speaks volumes of the rituals.
For a change,I was in Chennai and I was watching the Ayyappa Temple in Anna Nagar while travelling.the looks are so colourful and grand.
I love visiting the oldest temples of Kerala.
keep writing.
Sasneham,
Anu
Anupama,
Swagatham.
Nice to know you too enjoy watching temples.A good part of my holidays I spent in visiting temples. I would like to read your posts. After all blogging is all about sharing information. See you .
yentha omanee( correct thane?) ... nice shift to kerala..intha temple festivals have seen only in movies...some how me not able to view the images.... send panringala?
HaRy
Hary,
Ente kutta ,
'Omanee' correct thanne,Just to break the monotony shifted to Kerala. Why you are unable to see the images. Ok shall send.
It is a discovery, your unique blog on the temples of India. What an idea sirji!Very nice.
Hi chitra,was nice reading abt the temples and festivals,lovely articles and very beautiful pictures too...thanks a lot for dropping by and leaving your lovely comments and for joining in as well...hope to c u again ,do keep in touch,.
Hi Chitra,
Though im not a regular reader i chanced upon this blog as i was looking through people in India who understand Architecture. I must say that your understanding of Indian Architecture and the ethos behind it is pretty fantastic. There are very few writers in India who cover it so extensively.
What i like is that you dont critique architecture. You enjoy it. And its surroundings...
Sallamreadres,
Welcome. Hardik swagath. Thanks for being here. Please do visit and leave your valuable comments here.
Sushma dear,
Thank you. shall be visiting your posts too.
HarilJk
Thanks for your comments. I think it has a lot to do with the environment I have grown up with. All my childhood right in front of a temple . Shall be posting soon on that .Do visit when you find time. Life is easy if we learn to accept and enjoy what others have created. Criticisms are easy but Creativity is difficult.
Such an interesting visit to the area and the festival. Great photos.
Welcome to my blog Sara Chapman
Happy to know you enjoyed it.
thanks for all the info!
Hope you enjoyed the post ,Simply life.
nice posting about temple festivals
kerala ofcourse is the land of festivals and temples and very rare rituals. hope to see more here..
pixelshots
Welcome.Thanks for the appreciation.
kerala photos,
Happy to see your comment.Thanks a lot.
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