Kollam Oachira Parabrahma Temple- Kerala

Address

Kollam Oachira Parabrahma Temple- Oachira Rd, Oachira, Kollam District, Kerala 690525

Deity

Parabrahma (Shiva)

Introduction

• Name: Oachira Temple
• Location: Oachira, Kollam District, Kerala, India, near the border of Kollam and Alappuzha districts, adjacent to National Highway 47.
• Significance: Known as “Dakshina Kashi” (Southern Kashi), it is one of the famous sacred places in Kerala and India.
• Temple Focus: Dedicated to Para Brahman (or Param Brahman), representing the Universal Consciousness (Ohmkaram).
• Area: Covers approximately 36 acres of land.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context:
  • Oachirakkali was an annual war exercise performed by soldiers of Kayamkulam Raja.
  • Historically, around 108 Kalaries (martial arts schools) existed in 52 karas until the early 20th century.
  • Soldiers would gather at Oachira in the Malayalam month of Mithuna to perform war-like exercises.
• British Observations:
  • British officials Ward and Conner, during their survey of Travancore in the early 19th century, reported an old and damaged temple on the eastern side of Padanilam and a large reservoir (now known as Kallukettuchira) at the center of the temple grounds.
• Name Origin Theories:
  • The name “Oachira” may have originated from “Omkarachira,” “Oymanchira,” or “Uvachanchira,” all linked to local beliefs and myths.
  • The most plausible explanation suggests that “Oachira” evolved from “Onattuchira,” named after the Kayamkulam Raja (Odanattu Raja), who ruled near Krishnapuram, about 1 km away from Oachira.
• Unique Structure:
  • The temple lacks traditional covered structures; worship occurs under preserved trees, emphasizing its unique nature as a pilgrimage site.

Festivals

• Oachira Vrischikam Festival:
  • Celebrated annually during December and January.
• Oachirakali Ritual:
  • Performed in June, involving mock-fighting in muddy water by traditional martial art experts.
• Irupathattam Onam:
  • Celebrated 28 days after Onam, known as the festival of cattle.
  • Features gigantic idols of bulls made of cloth and hay, which are pulled on giant wheels to the temple.
  • Typically involves around 50 such structures and is the biggest festival in the “Onattu Kara” area, encompassing several square miles.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 Years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Oachira

Nearest Railway Station

Oachira

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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