Chengannur Bhagavathi Mahadeva Temple- Kerala

Address

Chengannur Bhagavathi Mahadeva Temple- Kerala Kizhakke Nada, Chengannur, Kerala 689121

Diety

Mahadeva; (Shiva) Amman: Bhagavathi; (Kannaki or Parvati)

Introduction

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple (also called Bhagavathy Temple) is a prominent temple, dedicated to Shiva and located in the town of Chengannur in the South Indian state of Kerala. The temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted along with the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple. There are shrines for Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Subramanya, Sastha, Krishna, Nilagriva, Sthalisha, Hanuman, Ganga and Serpent deities inside and outside the temple complex. It is one of the shrines of the Vaippu Sthalams sung by Tamil Saivite Nayanar Appar. The temple is popularly counted as one of the major Bhagavathy temples in Kerala. The temple is administered by Travancore Devaswom Board.

Puranic Significance

As per legend, Bhagavathy is considered as the god of Kerala and protector of masses. It is believed that Parvathi, the consort of Shiva, came here after marrying him in the Himalayas. Parvathi got her menstrual period for 28 days. Bhagavathy is thus considered a reincarnation of Sati, where her Kamakhya Temple fell in the North. Another variant of the same legend indicates that sage Agasthya, who could not witness the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvathi was visited by the pair after the marriage. Since Parvathi was in her menstrual period, she waited for 28 days to give darshan to the sage. In this temple, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati take the form of the half male-half female ‘Ardhanaareeswara’. There are various legends associated with the construction and commissioning of this temple. Some legends say that the temple is one of the 108 shrines commissioned by Parasurama. Some other legend has it that the temple was conceived and constructed by ‘Perumthachan’ at the command of his overlords. The temple was constructed centuries back in accordance with an architectural design evolved by the famous Perunthachan. In the 18th Century the temple complex was damaged by fire and renovated later by Vanghipuzha Thampuran except the KUTHAMBALAM (Performance Hall). This could not be restored to its original position as it had been designed and constructed by Perunthachan. The structure of the Kuthambalam originally constructed by Perunthachan was in such a manner that the shadow of the performer would not fall on the stage if all the lamps were lit on each of the post of the Kuthambalam. The mukhamandapam in front of the temple and other mandapams in this temple are full of exquisite woodwork. Compared to other temples, this temple has a peculiarity of its own, quiet distinct from other temples.

Beliefs

Thousands throng the temple during this festival known as ‘Thripputhu Aaraatt’ and seek the blessings from the goddess. It is believed that if you pray in earnest during this festival, all your desires will be fulfilled. During the festivities, ‘Haridra Pushpanjali’, a kind of floral offering over 12 days, believed to be the favourite of the Goddess is made by the devotees to propitiate her

Special Features

The interesting belief and festival of this Temple is TRIPUTHARATTU which is considered as a symbol of fertility. This festival is connected with a menstruation ceremony, which is observed periodically in the temple. It is a sprawling temple complex with a circular Sanctum. Lord Shiva and Parvathi Devi are the main investitures of this temple. Differing from other temples, there are two main Shrines in this temple. Lord Shiva facing East and Devi facing west. The main shrine is a conical copper plated one. Devi’s main Idol is made with an alloy of five metals (PANCHALOHAM). The Shivalingam, is covered with a gold plate bearing an image of Ardhanareeswara – or the Shiva-Shakti manifestation of Shiva. The other sub-investitures of the temple are Ganapathi, Shasta (Lord Ayyappan), Chandikeswaran, Neelagrivan, Ganga, and Naagar. There is also a shrine of SreeKrishna

Festivals

There are five daily poojas done in temple, three Sarabalies for Shiva and three for Bhagavathy. Tantric worship is done by Thazhaman. The temple celebrates a rare menstruation festival for Bhagavathy, called Thripputhu, during when the temple is closed for three days during the irregular menstruation of the deity. The appearance of stain in the white garment is considered an aspect of devotion The sreekoil is closed during three days and opened after performing purification ceremony during the fourth day. Thiruppooth Aratt is a festival celebrated in the temple at least thrice a year when the festival images of Mahadeva and Bhagavathy is taken in a procession on decorated elephants to the Pamba River The major festivals in the temple are flag hoisting on the Thiruvathirai month of Dhanu and Aaratu during the Thiruvathirai month of Makaram. The yearly festival is celebrated during the December–January which lasts 28 days