Lord Ayyappa Temple

Lord Ayyappa is the main deity in the centuries-old temple complex of Melpazhur Mana. The idol of Lord Ayyappa is svayambhu (born on its own out of the earth).

Legend has it that one day a woman went to the thick forest backyard of the Mana to collect grass and spotted an unusual stone. When she used the stone to sharpen her sickle, she saw the stone bleeding. Frightened, she screamed, ran to the Mana and reported the incident. The elders of the Mana rushed to the scene and verified her account.

The story goes to say that a 'tampuratti' (elderly Nambuttiri lady) who was an ardent devotee of the Lord would walk 2 km to the Ayyappan-kudam temple at Vadayaparambu every day to worship the Lord. When she became old and was unable to walk she appealed to the Lord and begged for pardon. Astrological readings revealed that the same Lord manifested as svayambhu in the Mana premises in answer to the tampuratti's prayers. That svayambhu stone thus became the idol of Lord Ayyappa around which a temple was later built. Today it is known as Ayyappan Kudam temple of Melpazhur; the old temple at Vadayaparambu no longer exists.

Sri Rama Temple

A Sri Rama temple once existed in Ponmanadi, a nearby village under the Melpazhur Mana umbrella. 'Ponman' means 'golden deer' and 'adi' means 'dancing'. Ponman refers to Maricha, Ravana's uncle and Ponmanadi is where Maricha took the form of a deer and danced, thus becoming an accomplice in Mother Seeta's kidnapping.

As time passed, Sri Rama temple in Ponmadi lost its importance. The idol was brought to the Mana complex and a temple was built for Sri Rama of Ponmanadi.

Sri Krishna Temple

An age-old, dilapidated Sri Krishna temple was once situated on a hillock on the northern side of the Mana's temple complex. A broken Krishna idol was worshipped for years in its sanctum.

As desired by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, the temple on the hillock was eventually dismantled and a new idol was consecrated in the Mana's temple complex.

Vettakkoruvan Temple

Vettakkoruvan is a 'karanavar' - eldest counsel to the Mana-in addition to a temple deity. Since olden times, all important decisions regarding the Mana and its residents were based solely on Lord Vettakkoruvan's blessings.

The ancient idol was reconsecrated in the newly built temple within the Mana's temple complex. The previous temple has been converted into a Satsang Hall that features a most vivid and ornate mural of Adi Sankara, Swami Tapovan Maharaj and Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.

Devi Nagayakshi Temple

The Mana was host to several serpent kavus (small altars). Naga pujas were performed in these kavus, but in due course, it was difficult to protect the kavus. Thus, a Devi Nagayakshi temple was built in the Mana so that worship could continue. The idol of the goddess in the sanctum is unique for its exquisite carvings, which have deep symbolic meanings. A serpent puja is offered once a year to please Nagayakshi Devi and Nagaraja Deva. Lavish columns of turmeric powder and rice powder are drawn in the temple, and the puja is performed before these columns. The temple and its surroundings are decorated with coconut leaves and plantains in traditional Kerala style. Water and milk are offered to the serpent deities. The puja concludes late in the night with sarpa - bali, or sacrificial offerings.

Devi Bhagavati Temple

Directly opposite the Ayyappa temple is a Bhagavati-tara (small seat on the bare earth). In accordance with astrological readings, a separate temple was built in the complex for Devi Bhagavati.

It is indeed amazing to note that all the Gods chose the Mana premises to bless it with their divine presence.

Gurudev's Shrine

As a befitting tribute to the omnipresent guiding spirit of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda there is a holy shrine built in the vicinity of the temple complex. This is used as a meditation hall as well as venue for paduka puja and so on.

The pond adjacent to the temple compound adds immense beauty to the serene surroundings and artistic structures.

Gurudev's Jayanti Celebration

The jayanti (birthday) of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda falls on puyam nakshatra in the month of Mesha and is celebrated every year. A kalasha puja is offered using copper and earthern pots. A group of tantris, or priests, perform this traditional Vedic puja and thereafter pour the consecrated waters onto all the idols in the complex, amid conch calls, chanting of hymns, and the play of traditional musical instruments. The ceremonies are celebrated with great pomp, festivity and feasting.

Contact

Adi Sankara Nilayam
Veliyanad 682 319
Ernakulam District
Kerala, India
Ph: +91-484-274 7307
Director: +91-484-274 8194
Acharya: +91-484-274 9685
Fax: +91-484-274 9729
Email: chinfo@md2.vsnl.net.in
www.chinfo.org