Panniyur Sri Varahamurthy Temple

Last updated

Panniyur Sri Varahamurthy Temple
Religion
Affiliation Hinduism
District Palakkad
Deity Varaha
Festivals Varaha Jayanti
Governing bodyPanniyur Devaswom under Raja Zamorin of Calicut
Location
Location Kumbidi, Pattambi
State Kerala
Country India
India Kerala location map.svg
Om symbol.svg
Location in Kerala
Geographic coordinates 10°49′35″N76°03′16″E / 10.82639°N 76.05444°E / 10.82639; 76.05444
Architecture
TypeTraditional Kerala style
CompletedThe Temple's legends and traditions claim that it was the first temple built in Kerala by Parasurama nearly 4000 years ago. [1]
Specifications
Temple(s)12
Monument(s)2
Elevation10 m (33 ft)
Website
panniyoortemple.org

The Panniyur Sri Varahamurthy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple complex situated at Kumbidi, Pattambi taluk, Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The temple is believed to be the first temple in Kerala consecrated by Parasurama. The temple is dedicated to Varaha, the third avatar of Vishnu, who is positioned with Goddess Bhumi. The temple is included among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams in Vaishnavate tradition.

Contents

Panniyoor varaha moorthy and bhoomedevi Panniyoor varaha moorthy taken on namaskara mandapam.png
Panniyoor varaha moorthy and bhoomedevi

Very Early history

Following his victory over the Kshatriyas, Parashuram had donated all that he had won to Kashyap. He had then sought a piece of land to carry out his meditation, and so he had pulled out a small fragment of land from the sea for the purpose. History claims that this small fragment of land form parts of what is now known as Kerala. Eventually Parashuram's piece of land had begun rising and expanding. Disturbed, Parashuram had sought Narada’s help. Narada had advised him to pray to Lord Vishnu. And so Parashuram had begun his meditation in order to propitiate Lord Vishnu. Finally Vishnu had appeared before him and had said, "Once I had assumed the form of Varahamurthy to save the world. Worship that form of mine and this place will have the blessings of ‘Thri Murthy’." The temple of Sri Varaha Murthy was built by Parashurama about 4000 years into the past. For around 3000 years since its inception this temple was considered as one of the prime temples of Kerala.

Recorded History

Front Side Panniyur Varahamoorthy Temple1.JPG
Front Side

It is also said that for an approximate period of 1300 years ranging from 800BC (when the Brahmanas ruled Kerala) to 600 AD (around the end of Perumakkal rule), Sri Varaha Murthy, the reigning God of Kerala's renowned village Panniyur, was worshipped as the supreme god of Kerala. Some recently found stone engravings at Panniyur reveal that 1200 years ago there was an active organisation by the name ‘Panniyuraayiram’, which as its name suggests had 1000 members who were devoted towards carrying out the various cultural and religious activities of the temple. This again stands to emphasise the prominence that this temple enjoyed in those days. [2]

Story of Perumthachan

The scenic temple view Panniyur Varahamoorthy temple, Kumbidi Kerala 20210707.jpg
The scenic temple view

Following the demise of his beloved son, for which he held himself responsible, a mentally disturbed Perumthachan, the great carpenter, through the course of his wanderings had reached Panniyur. Weighed down by fatigue, hunger and thirst he had sought relief from the carpenters who had been then carrying out rejuvenation work at the Mahakshetram. Having failed to identify the ‘Master’ of their profession, the workers quite conspicuously neglected him and afterwards broke for lunch without uttering even a single word to him. Quite shocked and angry by such behaviour from their side, the ‘Master’ decided to teach them a lesson. He went inside the sanctum sanctorum where the carpenters had kept blocks of wood ready to be converted into columns. The ‘Master’ made some marks on those wood blocks before resuming his journey. When the workers returned, they quite unwarily sawed along the marks made by the ‘Master’; all the columns just fell short of their appropriate lengths. Their careers and professions at stake, they suddenly realised that the ill-dressed man they had so criminally neglected at lunchtime was the master carpenter Perumthachan himself, and that it was he who caused all this turmoil. Repenting for their behaviour, they decided to seek him the following day and beg for his forgiveness; and so decided they had settled down for the night. They were woken up in the middle of the night by the sound of hammering and chiselling from inside the Sree Kovil. They rushed inside to find that the old man had come back and that he had just finished adding the final touches to their pending work. Amazed and thrilled, they sought his forgiveness. They said, "Oh Master! So many of us have been deriving our livelihoods out of the work we used to do here. Now that you have completed the work we’ll be rendered jobless."

Perumthachan replied, "Do not worry, friends! Panniyur temple will never ever be short of work to offer members of our profession. Anyway I will never touch my chisel and measuring rod ever again."

So saying he had dropped down his chisel and rod, which have been ever carefully preserved by his followers at Panniyur Mahakshetram and are still available for everyone for see.

Destruction of the idol

Of the 32 Gramams of Namboothiris, Panniyur and Sukapuram were the most prominent. Azhvanchery Thamprakkal and Kalpakanchery Thamprakkal were the leaders of Sukapuram and Panniyur respectively. Every Malayali Brahmin owed allegiance either to Sukapuram or to Panniyur. There was unhealthy rivalry between the two Gramams. In order to defeat the scholastically superior Sukapuram, some of the Namboothiris of Panniyur went outside Kerala and brought their Guru to the Land of Varaha. It is also believed that they started worshipping Goddess Varthali and practising some of the secret rites of Tantric Buddhism violating the directions of Lord Varaha. Furthermore, they burned and destroyed the idol of Lord Varaha. So the status of these Namboothiris was lowered by the Zamorin.

Predictions of Adeeri

Mahapundit Appath Adeeri had written his autobiography on pieces of copper around 600 years back, in which he has made his predictions for the future. These pieces were found recently and the scriptures have been translated into Malayalam. The Mahapundit had predicted that the Panniyur Mahakshetram would definitely regain its lost glory and fame. The time that he had indicated in his writings is ripe now. He had foretold that when this blessed day arrives, everyone who believes in Shri Varahamurthy would be blessed with ‘Abhishta Karya Sidhdhi’ (i.e. the realisation of everything that one had prayed for). Devotees believe that when in peril, if one utters the words ‘Varahamurthy Rakshikane’ (save me, Varahamurthy) thrice, Shri Varahamurthy would rescue one from all impending perils and dangers.

The Devaprashnangal

The ‘Devaprashnangal’ held here since 1983 indicate that within the next two revolutionary periods of the Saturn, this temple shall enhance in prestige and prominence to be at par with great temples like Guruvayur and Shabarimala. It is clear that Shri Varahamurthy has reincarnated himself at this temple to bless one and everyone. Many a devotee has claimed that he/she has already felt the blessing and glorious presence of Shri Varahmurthy. It is said that all devotees of Shri Varahamurthy shall be blessed with ‘Abhishta Karya Sidhdhi’. And hence the number of devotees of Shri Varahamurthy is increasing day by day.

Today

Varaha Panniyur Sri Varahamoorthy Temple.JPG
Varaha
Banyan Tree Panniyur.JPG
Banyan Tree

There are only very few temples in Kerala that worship the ‘Varaha’ avatar of Shri Vishnu. This temple also houses and worships Updevtas like Sri Shiva (‘Vadakovil’), Sri Ayyappa, Sri Durgabhagavathy, Sri Ganapathy, Sri Subramanya and Sri Lakshmi Narayan. This temple is also said to have the blessings of Chitragupta and Yakshi. This temple also has a stage and a huge ground to accommodate spectators. The legendary ‘Panniyur thura’ is located just to the north of the Mahakshetra. It is believed that the fishpond constructed by Parashuram used to be located just a little south of the temple.

Among the different pujas conducted here the most important one happens to be the ‘Abhishta Sidhdhi Puja’. This puja is believed to pave the way for ‘Abhishta Karya Sidhdhi’.

‘SANDHYA DEEPARADHANA’ is considered as the most auspicious time to seek the blessings of Sri Varahamurthy. Covered in sandalwood paste and adorned in scintillating jewellery, the divine form of Sri Varahamurthy is for every mind to embrace and seek solace with.

Location

The Temple is situated in Kumbidi, a village in Palakkad district on the border of Malappuram district is just 4 km from the Keltron Junction, in between Kuttippuram and Edappal on SH-69 ( Kuttippuram - Thrissur Highway ). The famous Guruvayur temple is only 33 km away. By road, there are KSRTC and private buses available to Kumbidi from nearby towns. The nearest railway station is at Kuttippuram is only 7 km away. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (distance 70 km) and the Cochin International/Nedumbassery Airport (distance 100 km) away. All major International flight services are operated from these airports.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guruvayurappan</span> Form of the Hindu god Vishnu

Guruvayurappan also rendered as Guruvayoorappan, is a form of Vishnu worshipped mainly in Kerala, India. He is the presiding deity of the Guruvayur Temple, who is worshipped as Krishna in his child form, also known as Guruvayur Unnikkannan. The temple is located in the town of Guruvayur, Thrissur, Kerala, which is named after the deity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Guruvayur Temple</span> Hindu temple in Guruvayur, Kerala, India

The Guruvayur Temple (Gurupawanapuri) a famous Indian Hindu temple located in the town of Guruvayur in Thrissur district, Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Guruvayurappan) but popularly known as Krishna. It is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus in Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is often referred to as Bhuloka Vaikuntha. The temple is Classified one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition.

Perumthachan (പെരുന്തച്ചന്‍), also spelled as "Perunthchan", meaning the master carpenter or the master craftsman, is an honorific title that is used to refer to an ancient legendary carpenter, architect, woodcarver and sculptor (stone/wood) from Kerala, India. However Perumthachan is an important figure in the folklore of Kerala and many a wondrous structure and architecture that still stand are attributed to him.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vadakkunnathan Temple</span> Ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva

The Vadakkumnathan Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Thrissur, in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. The temple is a classical example of the architectural style of Kerala and has one monumental tower on each of the four sides in addition to a koothambalam. Mural paintings depicting various scenes from the Mahabharata can be seen inside the temple. The shrines and the Kuttambalam display vignettes carved in wood. The temple, along with the mural paintings, has been declared as a National Monument by India under the AMASR Act. According to popular local lore, this is the first temple built by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu. Thekkinkadu Maidan, encircling the Vadakkumnathan Temple, is the main venue of the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bhadrakali</span> Hindu deity

Bhadrakali is a Hindu goddess. She is considered to be the auspicious and fortunate form of Adi Shakti who protects the good, known as bhadra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Renuka</span> Hindu goddess

Renuka, also known as Yellamma, is a Hindu mother Goddess worshipped predominantly in the South Indian states of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and the western state of Maharashtra. She is the mother of Parashurama, the sixth avatar of god Vishnu. She was given the name "Renuka" and acquired the status of a mother goddess before eventually being associated with the legend of Parashurama.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Badrinath Temple</span> Hindu temple of Vishnu in Uttarakhand, India

Badarinath or Badarinarayana Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu. It is situated in the town of Badrinath in Uttarakhand, India. The temple is also one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu—holy shrines for Vaishnavas—who is worshipped as Badrinath. It is open for six months every year, because of extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region. The temple is located in Garhwal hill tracks in Chamoli district along the banks of Alaknanda River. It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India, having recorded 2.8 million visits in just 2 months in 2022. It is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaikhanasa</span> Tradition of Hinduism

Vaikhanasa or Vaikhanasagama is a tradition of Hinduism that primarily worships Vishnu as the Supreme God. The tradition draws its name from the philosophy propounded by its founder, Sage Vikhanasa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vaikom Sree Mahadeva Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kerala

The Sree Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in Vaikom, Kerala, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hinduism in Kerala</span> Overview of Hinduism n Kerala

Hinduism is the largest religion in Kerala and Hindu lineages together make up 54.8% of the population of the state according to the 2011 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sreevallabha Temple</span> Hindu temple in India

The Sreevallabha Temple is a highly orthodox Hindu temple dedicated to Sreevallabha, a form of Vishnu. It is located in the city of Thiruvalla, in India.

Naduvil Madhom is one of the ancient South Indian madhoms that propagate Advaita or Non dualism. It is located at Thrissur in Kerala. The history of the Madhom can be traced to 9th century AD. So the four disciples of Sankara founded four madhoms nearby. Sureśvara founded Naduvil Madhom, Padmapada Thekke Madhom, Hastamalaka Idayil Madhom, and Totakacharya Vadakke Madhom. Sri Suresvaracharya appointed Vilvamangalathu Swamiyar as the first Mooppil Swamiyar (head) of Naduvil Madhom.

Anakkara is a village and grama panchayat in Pattambi taluk, Palakkad district, Kerala, India. It is located on the southern bank of Bharathappuzha river. Anakkara is located about 8 km south of Kuttippuram town. It was a part of Ponnani taluk until 16 June 1969. The border Grama Panchayats of Anakkara are Kuttipuram and Irimbiliyam in Tirur Taluk, Thavanur, Kalady, and Vattamkulam in Ponnani taluk, and Parudur and Pattithara in Pattambi Taluk.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lakhmi Varaha Temple</span> Hindu temple in Odisha, India

Sri Lakshmi Varaha Swamy Temple is a 500-year-old Indian temple dedicated to Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thuravoor, Cherthala</span> Village in Kerala, India

Thuravoor is a gram panchayat in the Pattanakkad Block of Cherthala Taluk of the Alappuzha District, State of Kerala, India. It comes under Aroor Assembly constituency. Thuravoor lies under Kochi UA in future. A four lane(six lane is progressing) National Highway 66 passes through the village, which along with a railway station gives it excellent connectivity with the remainder of the state. Thuravoor is famous for the Narasimha Swamy temple which is dedicated to the fourth incarnation (avatara) of Vishnu, the Narasimha. The temple has two main deities, the Vadakkanappan and the Tekkanappan, which is rare among the temples of Kerala. The new 6 lane elevated highway is from Thuravoor to Aroor. Upon completion,it will become the longest elevated highway in the country. Thuravoor is a rapid developing town. It lies in Aroor Assembly constituency. Thuravoor Kumbalangi road is a main road parallel to NH 66. Thuravoor is the major entry to Kochi city.

Kumbidi is a village in Pattambi taluk of Palakkad district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the administrative headquarters and main commercial centre of Anakkara Panchayath. It is situated opposite to Kuttippuram town and adjacent to Thavanur and Tirunavaya towns. Kumbidi town area extends from town centre to the surrounding areas such as Ummathur, Thottazhiyam, Perumbalam, Panniyur, Puramathilssery, Maniyam Perumbalam and Melazhiyam. It is located on the southern bank of Bharathappuzha river. Kumbidi is located about 5 km south of Kuttippuram town. It was a part of Ponnani taluk until 16 June 1969.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tali Shiva Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kerala, India

Tali Shiva Temple or Tali Mahakshetram is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, situated in the heart of the Kozhikode city, Kerala. The temple was built in the 14th century by Zamorin of Calicut. Tali Kshetram is an ancient temple in the heart of Kozhikode town. Shiva is the presiding deity. The Jyothirlingam in the Sanctum Sanctorum is believed to have been installed by Parasuraman. The temple is one km to the east of Kozhikode railway station. It is surrounded by the Palayam market. This was the family temple of the Zamorins who had ruled Kozhikode. Although the temple is now under Malabar Devaswom, the Zamorin is the managing trustee. The temple is built in traditional Kerala architectural style. The two-storied sanctum-sanctorum is in the shape of a chariot. It is adorned with murals and granite sculptures of Shiva’s retinue. Inside Sree Kovil deities of Tali Ganapathy, Thevarathil Ganapathy and Thrumandhakunnu Bhagavathy are installed. Sree Krishna, Thevarathil Bhagavathy, Ayyappa, Sri Vishnu and Nagam are installed outside Shiva Temple. Sree Valayanad Bhagavati idol is installed inside Sree Krishna Temple. There is a small Narasimha Moorthy temple on the southern side of the Sri Vishnu Temple.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Avittathur Mahadeva Temple</span> Hindu temple in Kerala, India

Avittathur Mahadeva Temple, an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is situated at Avittathur village of Thrissur District in Kerala state in India. Avittathur gramam (village) is one of the 64 original Brahmin settlements in the ancient Kerala. The Avittathur temple as well as Avittathur Gramam is equally famous like Thaliparamb gramam, Sukapuram gramam, Irinjalakuda gramam and Peruvanam gramam. Avittathur Mahadeva Temple is more than 2000 years old and four old inscriptions have been discovered. According to folklore, sage Agastya has installed the idol of Lord Shiva. It is also believed that the temple's shiva lingam was installed by lord Parasurama the sixth incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu. The temple is a part of the famous 108 Shiva temples of Kerala.

Peruvanam is a historical area of Brahmin settlement in central Kerala. In Kerala Sanskrit literature, the name "Peruvanam" is often Sanskritized as Puruvana meaning the forest where a sage named Puru lived and meditated. The name "Perumanam" is also used instead of Peruvanam.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple</span> Bhadrakali shrine in Kerala, India

Sri Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple is a Bhadrakali shrine located in the town of Vairankode, Malappuram, Kerala The presiding deity is goddess Bhadra Kaali, a form of Lord Rama and Vishnu Deva. It's believed that the sister of Kodungallur Bhagavathy, Sree Vairankode Bhagavathy Temple is one of oldest Bhadrakaali temples in Kerala.

References

  1. "Varaha Temples in Kerala".
  2. "Varaha Temples in Kerala".