Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple

Thirumoozhikulam Sree Lakshmanaperumal Temple
Thirumoozhikulam Sree Lakshmanaperumal Temple Location within Kerala
Name
Proper name	Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumaal Temple
Geography
Coordinates	10°11′16″N 76°19′40″E / 10.18778°N 76.32778°ECoordinates: 10°11′16″N 76°19′40″E / 10.18778°N 76.32778°E
Country	India
State	Kerala
District	Ernkulam
Location	Thirumoozhikkulam (Near Aluva)
Culture
Primary deity	Lakshmana Swamy
Temple tank	Poorna Nadi
Architecture
Architectural styles	Dravidian architecture (Kerala style)

Thirumoozhikulam Sree Lakshmanaperumal Temple is located in Thirumoozhikalam (Moozhikkulam) in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The temple finds mention in many of the Bhajans sung by the staunchly Vaishnavite Alwars, particularly Nammalvar of 5000 years back. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams.^[1][2]

History

The mythology behind the name of this place is Hareetha Maharishi did penance and meditation on the banks of river Poorna(Chalakudy River). Lord Mahavishnu got impressed by the dedication of the Maharishi and appeared before him on the beginning of the Kali yuga. Lord Vishnu gave some advice to Hareetha Maharshi to overcome the difficulties in Kali yuga. These pieces of advice are called "Thiru Mozhi" meaning 'Sacred Words'. And thereafter this place got its name as "Thirumozhi kalam" – kalam means place. Later Thirumozhikkalam became Thirumoozhikkulam.

The Temple

The temple complex enclosed in a large area with picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lakshmana Perumal. The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses the idol of Maha Vishnu. The main annual festival for ten days each year in the month of Medam (April/May). The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Legend

This shrine is associated with legends from the Ramayana. Bharata, the brother of Rama and Lakshmana, came to invite Rama, then in exile, to take over the reins of the kingdom, an angry Lakshmana suspecting Bharata's intentions intended to kill him; however, Bharata's innocence was very soon revealed, and then the two of them offered worship together at Tirumoozhikkalam. The name Tirumoozhikalam is said to have originated from the phrase tiru mozhi kalam the site where sweet words were uttered.

Another belief is that at the end of the Dvapara Yuga, Dvaraka was swallowed by the sea and four idols of Sreerama, Bharatha, Lakshmana and Shathrukhna which Lord Sree Krishna worshipped, were also washed into the sea. Some fishermen subsequently caught these four idols near Thriprayar and they were given to Vakkay Kaimal, Naduvazhi. Vakkay Kaimal, had a dream one night in which some mysterious person appeared before him and told him that four idols have been washed ashore and that these idols are to be consecrated at such and such places. They were duly installed in four temples as directed in the dream. Rama at Thriprayar. Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam and Sathrughna at Payammal. It is believed that worship at all these four temples on the same day is especially meritorious. In the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July 15 to August 15) - the Ramayana Masam, thousands of devotees do this special pilgrimge, which is popularly known as "Nalambalam Yatra" - a pilgrimage to the four temples (Nalambalam).

Location and Transport

The temple is located about 40 km from Ernakulam town. The nearest railway stations are Aluva and Angamaly. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, at Nedumbassery. The temple is located less than 12 km from Nedumbassery airport.

Gallery

• 
  Kapila Theertham (Temple tank)
• 
  Chuttambalam South side view
• 
  Route Map of Nalambalam Yathra

References

1. "Nammalvar : Poems and Biography". Poetry-chaikhana.com. Retrieved 2011-07-04.
2. Elayavalli, Venkatesh K. "108 Divya Desam: A Virtual Tour".