Kottayam Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple- Kerala

Address

Kottayam Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple- Neendoor Kottayam District, Kerala 686602 Phone: 0481 271 1110

Deity

Neendoorappan ( (Subrahmanyan)

Introduction

• Name: Neendoor Subrahmanya Swami Temple
• Location: Neendoor, Kottayam district, Kerala, India
• Significance: An ancient Lord Murugan temple, renowned for its historical and cultural importance.
• Historical Context: Myths suggest that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa worshipped at this temple. It is more than 1000 years old and is celebrated for its grandeur and rituals.
• Main Festival: The temple hosts the Arattu festival, celebrated on the Medashasti day in April-May, along with the important ritual of Ottanarangamala Samarppanam.

Puranic Significance

• Deity: Lord Murugan, also known as Subrahmanya Swamy in Kerala, Karthikeya in other regions. Other names include Mayil Vahanan, Murugan, Senthil, Velan, Kandan, Kadamban, Arumugam, Devasenapathi, and Shanmugam.
• Symbolism: Known as God’s army and a symbol of victory, with the peacock as his vehicle and the Vel as his weapon. Many devotees visit the temple to pray for success in new ventures.
• Unique Ritual: The Ottanarangamala Samarppanam is a special ritual unique to this temple, depicting Lord Subrahmanya Swamy as he defeats the demon Tharakasuran. All rituals are conducted with strict adherence to traditional rules and regulations.
• Architecture: The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style using laterite stone, terracotta tiles, and teak wood. It has a rectangular layout with a porch entrance, resembling a traditional royal house in Kerala. The main deity stands in the sanctum sanctorum with his Vel, against a backdrop of ornate gold. A carved Deepa Sthamba (light lamp) made of stone stands in front, and the temple features intricate wooden carvings throughout its structure.

Special Features

• Architectural Style: Reflects typical Kerala architecture with its use of local materials like laterite stone and teak wood.
• Deity Representation: The temple worships the fierce form of Murugan, depicted as Devasenapathi, the supreme general of the holy forces. He is shown in an angry and determined pose as he confronts Tharakasuran, known as the “Tharakasura Nigraha Bhavam.”
• Subordinate Deities: Alongside Murugan, the temple also hosts Mahaganapathi, Dhakshinamoorthi (Lord Shiva), Thooninmel Bhagavathi (Bhadrakali), Shathavu, Durga, Nagaraja, and Brahmarakshas.
• Significant Worship Day: Tuesday is particularly important for worshipping Murugan.

Festivals

• Aarattu Festival: Celebrated grandly with thousands of devotees gathering, typically in April or May. The temple is beautifully adorned with lights and colorful events during this time.
• Thaipoosam: Another significant festival for Subrahmanya Swamy, celebrated on the Medashasti day, attracting many devotees.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Neendoor

Nearest Railway Station

Ettumanoor Station

Nearest Airport

Kochi

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