Thiruvangad Sri Ramaswami Temple – Kerala

Address

Thiruvangad Sri Ramaswami Temple Thiruvangad, Thalassery Kerala – 670103.

Deity

Rama

Introduction

• Location: Thiruvangad Sri Ramaswami Temple is situated in the eastern part of Thalassery.
• Common Name: Known as the “Brass Pagoda” due to its copper-sheeted roof.
• Historical Damage: Partly damaged by Tipu Sultan’s troops in the 18th century but saved from complete destruction.
• Historical Importance: Served as an outpost of the Thalassery fort in the 18th century.
• Art and Architecture: Known for its wood carvings, terracotta artwork, and mural paintings. The temple tank, called Chira, covers one hectare.

Puranic Significance

• Historical References: Mentions in Keralolpathi and Malabar Manual. An inscription on the Balikkallu indicates the temple’s reconstruction in AD 826.
• Historical Events: Played a role during the conflicts involving Kolathu Nadu, Kadathanadu, and Kottayam Raja against British Chief Dorin in 1750. Served as a refuge for the Kolathiri Royal Family during Hyder Ali’s invasion in 1766.
• Seven-Storeyed Gopuram: Destroyed during Tipu Sultan’s invasion, with the remains still visible.
• Origins: According to Kerala Mahatmyam, consecrated by Lord Parashurama. A local legend attributes the consecration of the Shiva and Vishnu temples to sages Neelarshi and Swetharshi.

Special Features

• Main Deity: Four-armed Lord Vishnu in the form of Sri Rama, carved from Krishna Shila. He holds a Shankha, Chakra, Mace, and shows the Abhaya Mudra.
• Idol Height: 6 feet tall and facing east.
• Sri Hanuman: Metal idol of Sri Hanuman is placed slightly to the left of Sri Rama.
• Other Sub-Deities: Includes Sri Porkali Devi, Sri Subramanyan, Sri Ganapathy, Sri Dakshinamoorthy, Sri Vanasasthavu, Sri Guruvayurappan, and Thevara Moorthies.

Festivals

• Vishu Mahotsavam: The main annual festival, starting on Vishu, lasts for seven days with elephant processions, special poojas, and cultural performances such as Kathakali and Chakyar Koothu.
• Chakyar Koothu: Ritual performance traditionally held by the Mani Chakyar family, with legendary Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar having performed here for decades.
• Pattathanam: Celebrated on Thiruvonam day in the Malayalam month of Makaram.
• Popular Offerings: Kalabham Charthal, Valiavattala Payasam, and Avil Nivedyam.

Century/Period/Age

2000 years old

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Thiruvalangadu

Nearest Railway Station

Thalassery

Nearest Airport

Kannur

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