Iranikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple

Overview

Iranikulam Sree Mahadeva Temple is located at Iranikulam, in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. The temple is a popular shrine that is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva.

About The Temple

The deity here is believed to be consecrated by Parashurama, who had meditated here in the Treta Yuga. The place was called "Iraniswaram" in ancient times but later was known as Iranikulam. This temple is well known for the "Pancha aiswaryam" (five kinds of prosperities) namely Turmeric on leaves, flower in flower, pond in pond, well in well and three idols of Siva - Parvathi – Subramanian. The appearance of lord Shiva, Goddess Parvathi and Lord Subramanian on a single pedestal makes this temple special. The temple claims the presence of 33 crore (330,000,000) Hindu Gods.

The temple houses few amazing wooden carvings which reflect its splendor. The twin sanctum sanctorum of this temple is a two storied structure with a circular design. Master architects "Perumthachan” had unified 64 wooden bars on a single pedal to construct the main roof, which is undoubtedly a perfect masterpiece. The "Mirugamala" depicts images of more than 500 dragon faced animals. Lord Shiva’s Boothaganas (group of devil) are believed to have carved all these faces overnight. The huge Ballikalpura (sacrificial stone) and the idol of Nandhi Deva here are protected by the Archeological Department. The shrine also houses charming sculptures of the "Dwarapalakars" which is another prominent feature.

About The Deity

Thekkedathappan

Lord Siva graces here as Lord Sadasiva. The Shiva Linga here is believed to be consecrated by Lord Parasurama, originally in Tretha yuga.

Nandikeswaran

The idol of Sri Nandi Deva is a single stoned statue installed in the middle of the mandapam. Sapthamathrukkal with Ganesa are found in front of the southern Dwara (door) of the Sanctum.

Maha Ganapathy

The deity graces from a small sanctum at the south west corner (Kanni Moola) of the main shrine.

Sree Dharma Sastha

The vigraha of Lord Ayyappa (Sri Sastha) is made up of granite and is installed in a small sanctum at the south west corner, just outside the thekkedathu chuttambalam.

Serpent Gods

The Nagas are installed on an open pedestal at the outermost and south western corner of this temple.

Karottamma

Karottamma is the guardian goddess of the area, and is worshipped as Goddess ‘Bhuvaneswari’, ‘Nanadurga’ and ‘Bhadrakali’. The idol of this deity is made of granite and is installed on a roofless sanctum, situated at the North West corner, along the outer precinct of the complex.

SkandomaaParameswara

It is a rarity to find Siva- Sakthi together in a single shrine along with Lord Subramaniya. The life sized icons of these deities are made of Panchaloha and appears on a single pedestal, within the double storied square sanctum known as the vadakkedathu temple.

Sundara Yakshi

Devi Parvathy graces here as Goddess Soundarya (goddess of beauty and youthfulness) whose shrine is found at the intersection of the mugha mandapam (front hall) and the eastern wall of the sanctum.

Keezhthrikkovil Mahavishnu

Lord Vishnu graces from a square sanctum found in the north of the temple complex.

Legend and Stories

According to Hindu legends, Lord Parasurama is believed to have installed 108 ‘Siva Lingas’ in this region, while this deity is one among them. The temple is located in the northern banks of River Chalakudy, near the shrine of a native goddess deity. The place was a prominent center of the advisory board of the ancient Keralam which was then ruled by a King named Keralaputhran. In those days, the Chalakudy river stood as a main business route from the hills to the ‘Musirus’(now Kodungallur) port. This area which was then called ‘Iraneeswaram’(Iranivattom), thus became a main business and administrative center of the region. Then the local chieftains constructed another temple close to the main shrine and installed the idols of Lord Siva, Sree Parvathy and Bala Muruga on a single pedestal, which is quite rare to find elsewhere. Thus this temple and the village flourished for centuries until the river got diverted through another channel. This resulted in the split of the large kingdom into much smaller states (‘Swaroopams’). As time passed, the temple gradually lost all its glory. The local chiefs had constant feuds, eventually deserting the place. The invaluable ‘panchaloha’ idol of Sree Parvathy was later robbed. Then came the barbaric attack of the neighboring kingdom which destroyed most of the temple structures. The left over temple came under government the control Cochin Devaswom Board.

In olden days, the annual temple festival was in fact celebrated for a period spanning a month and was a grand affair. People from the latter generation who tried to study the temple’s history luckily came across a 6 century old Palm leaf scripture (Thaliyola). This Thaliyola gave them a picture of ancient rituals that showcases the bond between the mother deity ‘Sree Parvathy and the locals here. Thus they decided to reinstall the three idols in ‘Vadakkedathu’ sanctum; thereby reinstating the temple’s lost glory.

The annual temple festival was once again started, but was confined to 8 days. The ritual of this festival includes ‘Athira neerattu’, ‘Thiruvathirakkali”.

Goddess Parvathy here bestows her divine blessings on the devotees who come here seeking relief from various problems like delayed marriage, disrupted married life, lack of offspring, etc. Lord Shiva appears in an elated mood and is known to have bestowed ‘Rathi devi’ with the re-embodiment of her punished consort ‘Kamadeva’ here. The Lord provides his divine grace on those showing completely faith and devotion towards him.

The Iranikulam Temple is situated on the Southern border of the Mukundapuram Taluk, adjoining the backwaters. The temple was destroyed during the Mysore Invasions in 1789 AD and has only been partly repaired. The two beautiful bronze DVARAPALAS kept in the State Museum is said to have originally belonged to this temple. The temple houses bronze images of Lord Siva, Devi Parvati and Lord Subramanian. It is absolutely rare to find Bronze images of Lord Shiva, who usually graces in the Linga form.

Iranikulam is one of the 64 GRAMAMS (Sub divisions) into which ancient Kerala is traditionally believed to have been originally divided, and the temple was probably the Gramakshethra.

The two inscriptions published below, are neatly incised on two dressed granite slabs about 30” x 16” and 45” x 18” respectively. They have created a lot of local interest, and many speculations have been made as to their probable contents. They are deciphered and published now for the first time. Both of them are undated, nor do they contain any reference to any ruler or to any important historical incident. On the other hand they relate to lands, dedicated to the temple, and to the management thereof.

The script of the first inscription belongs to the 9th century. The letter – po – is characteristic. This inscription records a land settlement and the instance of Cuvakara Narayanan of Nenmani Mangalam. Kantan Tayan, belonging to the same family figures as a witness in the Avathiputhur inscription of Kotai Iravi, already published in this series.

Festivals

Thiruvathira Mahotsavam

This is the annual temple festival which ends on the morning of ‘Thiruvathira Nakshthra (star) , falling in the Malayalam month of Dhanu. This is also considered as the birth day of ‘Lord Siva’. This is a rare twin festival believed to be celebrated by ‘Sree Parvathy’ along with all her devotees, relatives and friends to enhance the wellbeing of all women folk and the prosperity of their consorts. Every day ‘Athira neerattu’ (rejuvenating morning bath) and ‘Thiruvathirakkali’ and other usual temple ceremonies such as the ‘Siveli’, ‘Sreebhoothabali’, ‘Utsavabali etc. happen as usual.

The festival of ‘Karthika’ is celebrated here with the ‘Karthika deepens (lamps) adoring the temple. A number of devotees take part in this celebration and light thousands of lamps, which is a stunning sight to witness. The procession of ten selected ornamented elephants with the accompaniment of the best ‘Panchavadyam’ and ‘Chendamelam’ is an added attraction to this fest at this temple.

Pathamudayam

Celebrated on the 10th day after ‘Vishu’, the agricultural New Year day of Kerala. After usual rituals in the morning, there is ‘Kazcha Siveli’ towards the evening. Special ‘Chuttuvilakku’ and ‘Niramala’ is offered. Then a very special ritual is performed here. Goddess Sree Parvathy is ceremoniously taken in procession on an ornamented elephant, with ‘Thalappoli’ to the ‘Guruthi panthal’ near ‘Karottamma’s’ sanctum sanctorum. There Sree Parvathy adorns the seat of the Chief Guest and in her presence ‘Desaguruthi’ is performed at midnight to appease Karottamma for the welfare of all the locals. After this Sree Parvathy returns to her sanctum. This ritual is known to be performed here only.

Special Events

Vinayaka Chathurthi

On the revered occasion of Vinayaka Chathurthi, special offerings are made to Lord Ganesa. This festival falls in the 1st Malayalam month ‘Chingom’ (Chathurthi of Sukla pakshom).

Kanni Ayilyam

Special offerings to Nagaraja in the month ‘Kanni', the second one of Malayalam calendar.

Saraswathi Pooja- Vidyarambham

Special offerings are made to goddess ‘Saraswathi’ from ‘Durgashtami’ to ‘Vijayadasami’.

Mandala Pooja

Special offerings are made to ‘Sree Dharma Sastha’ for 41 days starting from 1st of ‘Vrischikam’, the 4th Malayalam month.

Shashti

This is an auspicious day for the worship of Lord ‘Bala Muruga’ which falls in the Malayalam month ‘Dhanu’ during when special offerings are made to the Lord.

Makarachovva

‘Guruthi’ to the mother goddess ‘Karottamma’ on the 1st Tuesday of the Malayalam month ‘Makarom’.

Maha Sivarathri

The highly venerated occasion of Shiva rathri which falls in the month of Khumbham is one of the prominent festivals of this shrine where tender coconuts are offered to the Lord as special offerings.

Vishukkani

The ritual of sighting the Vishukanni is done on the morning of ‘Vishu’, the malayalam new year which falls in the malayalam month of Medam (April).

Prathishta dinam of Sree Dharmasastha

The ‘Uthram’ star of the Malayalam month, ‘Medam’ is celebrated as the holy consecration day of Lord Sri Drama Sastha in this temple.

Prathishta dinam and Ashtabandha kalasa smaraka dinam

The installation day of ‘Vadakkedathu’ and the ‘Ashtabandha kalasa smaraka dinam’ of ‘Thekkedathu’ temples. The ‘Atham’ star of Malayalam month ‘Mithunam’. Special offerings and ‘Kalasabhishekam’.

Karkidakam Palpayasam

Special offerings to ‘Lord Siva’ is made on the first 7 days of the Malayalam last month of ‘Karkidakam’ (July- Aug)

Niraputhari

This is an auspicious day falling in the month of Karkidakam.
Daily rituals and its Time

Morning		Evening
4.30 am	Palliyunarthal	5.30 pm	Nadathurakkal
5.30 am	Nadathurakkal, Nirmalya Darsanam	6.30 pm	Deeparadhana
5.45 am	Abhishekom	7.30 pm	Athazhapooja
6.00 am	Malar Nivedyam		Nada adakkal
7.00 am	Usha Pooja
9.30 am	Ucha Pooja
	Nada adakkal

Prasad and Offering

At Thekkedathu Temple

Bhasmabhishekom: For perpetual prosperity

Vellanivedyam (simple rice)	To appease ‘Mahadeva’ to get rid of all bad omens.
Palpayasam (milk porridge)
Koottupayasam (jaggery porridge)
Neypayasam (the above with ghee)
Koovalamala
Pin vilakku
Niramala- chuttuvilakku

Mrithyunjaya Homam: For curing of diseases and peaceful death.
Mrithyunjaya Pushpanjali: To cure minor illness
Sathrusamhara Pushpanjali: To get rid of enmity
Aikamathya Pooja: To avoid or end quarrels
Sree Sooktham: For prosperity

Purusha Sooktham	To get rid of all evils
Rudra Pushpanjali
Ashtothara satha namarchana

Nalikeram (coconut) muttu: To avoid bad fate (Sani dosham)
Karikku (tender coconut) nivedyam: For peaceful day to day life
To Maha Ganapathi

Ottayappam	Prosperity and clearance of Obstacles.
Karukamala
Nalikeram(coconut)
Abhishekom with milk/coconut water

Enna (gingelly oil) vilakku: For prosperity
At Vadakkedathu Temple

Uma Maheswara Pooja	To get a suitable consort and immediate marriage
Sumangali Pooja
Thaliyum Pudavayum
Ina Pudava
Swayamvara Pushpanjali

Dampathi (Couples) Pooja: For a long and undisturbed married life

Mala (Garland with Special white flowers)	To please Mahadeva Family
Neypayasam
Appam
Panchamritham
Palpayasam

Enna vilakku: Prosperity of day to day life

Abhishekam with Milk/Tender coconut/Water	To evade all bad omens
Dhara for Mahadeva

Chuttuvilakku, Niramala: For prosperity of the whole family
Manjal (Turmeric) Para and Malar Para: For Prosperity
Brahmani Pattu (Special offering here): To appease Sree Parvathy

Special Offering	For clearing all obstacles of marriage and also to have an offspring
12 measures (Para) of Malar (Approximately 15 Kg Malar)

To Karottamma Temple
Guruthi (This can be performed at a maximum of one per week): To end enmity and all ill effects and all-round security.

Kadumpayasam	Peaceful daily life and happiness
Neypayasam

Red Garland	For a quiet mental state
Vilakku (Lamp)
Archana

Pattu (Red silk cloth) Charthal: For allround blessings from the mother goddess
Niramala, Chuttuvilakku: Prosperity
Brahmanipattu: To appease mother goddess
To Sree Dharma Sastha
Abhishekam (Ghee/Milk/Gingelly Oil): To compensate all sins – known or unknown

Elluthiri	To eliminate negative effect of ‘Sani’
Ellupayasam

Pushpanjali	For Prosperity
Vilakku
Mala (Garland)

Koottupayasam: To counter all bad effects
Replica’s of organs: To cure related dise
Niramala Chuttuvilakku: Allround prosperity
To Yakshi
Palpayasam (Milk Porridge): To preserve health and prosperity of women
Vettilayum Pakkum (Betel leaf and areca nut): For long youthful life of women

To Nagaraja (Serpant Gods)

Noorum Palum	To counter harms done to serpants, to cure skin diseases and over all protection
Turmeric Powder
Kadali pazham
Vilakku

To Nandikeswaran

Mala (Garland)	For protection of cultivation
Vella Nivedyam (Simple rice)

Railways

The closest railways are in Chennai.

Road

There are several share autos available to take the visitors to the temple.

How To Reach Thrissur

Airport

Thrissur does not have an airport. The nearest airport to the district of Thrissur is the Kochi Airport.

Railways

Regular trains are available to Thrissur from several major cities of the country.

Road

The district of Thrissur is well connected through regular buses from many important cities of the country.

Temple Address

Iranikkulam Sree Mahadeva Kshethra Upadesaka Samithy,
Iranikkulam.P.O, Kuzhur. Via,
Mala, Thrissur District,
Kerala State, Pincode – 680734.