- Shiva
Sri Mahadevar Irattai Appan temple
- Peruvanam,Kerala
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Overview
Sri Mahadevar (Irattai Appan) temple is located in the city of Peruvanam, Trissur, Kerala and is about 2000-3000 years old.
About the temple
Lord Shiva presides in His Arthanareeswara form. There are 24 temples around this temple. They are Tiruparayar Ramar, Serpu Bhagawathi (Bhoomadevi), Ooragathamma Tiruvadi (Mahalakshmi), Aarattupuzha Sastha, Sathankudam Sastha, Thotipal Bhagawathi, Andhikadu Bhagawathi, Surakodu Bhagawathi, Neticherry Sastha, Matil Sastha, Ayakunnu Bhagavathi, Kadalaserry Pisarikkal, Kodanur Sastha, Nangulam Sastha, Edakunni Bhagawathi, Chackankulakarai Sastha, Thaikattucherry Bhagawathi, Chitti Chathukudam Sastha, Medankulankarai Sastha, Kalleri Sastha, Kodukari Punilarkavu Bhagawathi, Kaduppucherry Bhagawathi, Chalakudi Pisarikal Bhagawathi and Tiruvallakavu Sastha.
Also there are four Sastha temples namely Agamala Sastha in north, Vazhuthukavu Sastha in south, Kudiran mala Sastha in east and Edatiruthi Sastha in west covering all the four directions. Before starting any festival in the other 24 temples, the administrators of these temples obtain the permission from Lord Shiva at the Peruvanam temple and perform poojas here. Mother Parvathi has a separate shrine as do Lords Dakshinamurthy, Ganapathy and Kosala Krishnan.
About the Deity
As there are two (twin) Shivalingas in this single temple, this is called Irattai Appan (Twin Lords) temple. Also two Lingas are installed on a single Avudayar-Peeta. Lord Shiva graces in Arthanareeswara form (half male, half female) facing west. The temple is installed by Sage Parasurama.
Legend and stories
It is said that Sage Pooru performed intense worship here. Pleased, Lord Shiva appeared before the sage in His Arthanareeswara form along with Mother Parvathi. The Lord also gave the sage a Shiva Lingam and created a spring to be utilized for performing abhishekams to the Linga. The sage drew 3 lines with his fingers.
As he touched the earth and made a spring, it is called Thodukulam. Once, the sage kept the Linga in a banyan tree before going for a bath but could not take it back while returning. He took 24 steps, climbed and performed his worship. After this incident, 24 steps are made here to see and worship the presiding deity. The place which was called Pooru Vanam after the sage was later changed as Peruvanam.
Festivals
Brahmmotsavam celebrations begin on the Uthara Star day in Masi (February-March) with flag hoisting and ends on the Uthara star day in Panguni (March-April). Other important festivals of the temple are Tirukarthikai in November-December and Maha Shivrathri in February-March.
Accessibility
Road
Peruvanam temple is 12 km far from Trissur on the Tiruparayar road.
Rail
The Nearest railhead is at Trissur
Air
The Nearest air terminal is at kochi
Address
Sri Mahadevar-Irattai Appan Temple,
Peruvanam Devaswom,
Serbu Post,
Peruvanam-680 561,
Trissur district,
Kerala.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Reunion of couples
- Child boon
- Salvation of departed souls
- Removal of obstacles in wedding proposals
- Longevity
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
5 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.5 p.m. to 8 p.m.