Balussery Kotta Vettakkorumakan Temple – Kerala

Address

Balussery Kotta Vettakkorumakan Temple, Balussery, Kozhikode district Kerala 673612

Deity

Vettakkorumakan

Introduction

• Location: Approximately 25 km from Calicut, North Kerala, situated within the ruins of Balussery Kotta (Fort).
• Historical Background: This site was once the fort of the Rajas of Kurumbranad. The local community holds this temple of Lord Shiva’s son in high regard, as he is believed to have been born during Lord Shiva’s Kirata (tribal) avatar.
• Deity Significance: The presiding deity, known as Vettakkorumakan, is referred to as Kiratha-Sunu (son of Kirata) in Sanskrit. He is revered as a hunter god, with significant worship in North Kerala and North-Western Tamil Nadu. Vettakkorumakan is considered the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati and is particularly venerated in various villages of northern Kerala.

Puranic Significance

• Deity’s Origins: Vettakkorumakan, the son of Shiva and Parvati, embodies the essence of hunting, as denoted by the name “vetta” (meaning hunting in Malayalam and Tamil). In ancient Kerala, it was customary, particularly in the northern region, to invoke Vettakkorumakan before embarking on hunting expeditions. This practice was followed by royals and other hunters to seek divine guidance in navigating dark and treacherous terrains while hunting dangerous animals.
• Mythological Narrative: According to tradition, when Shiva appeared before Arjuna in his Kirata Avatar, he granted him the powerful Pasupata Astra (weapon) in the presence of Parvati, who took on the role of a huntress. After bestowing this weapon, the divine couple enjoyed the tranquility of the forest, during which their son, Vettakkorumakan, was born. As he grew, he became a skilled archer and engaged in various exploits, sometimes causing trouble for the Devas and Rishis.
• Divine Intervention: The Devas, troubled by the boy’s mischief, sought assistance from Brahma, who declined due to Vettakkorumakan being Shiva’s son. Eventually, Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a hunter and lured the boy with a golden churika (dagger-cum-sword), persuading him to protect the Rishis and Devas instead of troubling them. The boy accepted the offer, left his celestial abode, and settled in Kerala near Balussery, thus establishing the significance of this temple dedicated to Vettakkorumakan, the family deity of the Kurumbranad Rajas.

Special Features

• Artistic Decorations: The temple’s ceiling and walls are adorned with exquisite mural paintings, with the depiction of Ananthashayanam (Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose) being one of the most notable.
• Ancient Heritage: Believed to be over 1000 years old, the temple showcases a unique ritual during its annual festival known as Pantheerayiram Thengayeru, which involves the rhythmic breaking of 12,000 coconuts.
• Temple Structure: Despite its significance, the temple is relatively small and lacks traditional features like a flagstaff or altar. A key offering at this temple is the distribution of meals to visitors from afar.

Festivals

• Nilambur Pattu Utsavam: This prominent six-day festival occurs annually in the Malayalam month of Dhanu (January) at the Vettaikorumakan Temple in Nilambur, Malappuram. Organized by the Nilambur Kovilakam, the festival includes the singing of hymns in praise of the Lord, referred to as Pattu atiyanthiram. These devotional songs are primarily performed by the Kurup community or Kuruppanmar, highlighting the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance. The term “Pattu” refers specifically to the songs sung in honor of the deity.

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Department of Archaeology – Kerala

Nearest Bus Station

Balussery

Nearest Railway Station

Kozhikode

Nearest Airport

Calicut, Kozhikode

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