1

Kerala History Part 4 Thalappalli Taluk in Thrissur District

Chinthamani Journal of Dr Suvarna Nalapat Trust (Dec

Jan Issue 2014 )
1 General information from pages 1-21 ( 1-21 )
2. Temples of Thrissur District : Mooshakavansa and Thalappalli Taluk general History 22-27
3 Paleolithic Cupmarkings from Muthalamada in Palghat district 27-38
4 Thalappalli megaliths 38-47
5.Temples of Thalappalli Taluk (ancient and very ancient) 47-

General information

Krithayuga

FishsignofDravidianPandhyaKingdomandofKamadeva,sonofVishnu.Sathyavrathamanuof
Dravidadesatimespan.Dravidiansonseashorewereadeptsinseatravelsandtrades.Vishnulivesin
Oceans,floatsonoceansandisweddedtodaughteroftheoceans.
, ( )

TortoiseofKachappa,kasyapathefirstofthesaptharshi,whoisfatherofalllivingbeingsstartsland
traveltodistantplaces.BothseaandlandroutesofDravidiansestablished.BothfishandKachapaare
signsusedbythem.ThisperiodwastheSaraswathicivilization.Vedicknowledgebloomedinwest
coastofIndia.Maithravaruni(Agastya,Vasishta,)Bhrighu,Athrihadashramsonwestcoast.When
GangawasformedandSaraswathidriedupmigrationofpeopleunderKapilatoeasternshores(mouth
ofGanga)happened.PeoplemigratedtomoreNorthernsitesoftheSindhutributaries.Lopamudras
Loshu(Mathematical)wasinthisperiod.

, () ,, . (, )

,() , , ,
. ( )
Varaha(Pig)isaPhani,PhaneesaandisasignofPulkkasaChalukya.Pulaintamilisacave.Caveswere
madehomesbySaaleyasandthesewerecalledthepulkkasachaalookya.TheKarunaagaofthe5
artisansdevelopedfromthemonebyone.Thefirstwasthepeoplewhousedstoneimplements.These
aretheChalukyaViswakarmaSilpilineagewhosurvivestilldate.Fromtheseteachersthe
MudgalabrahmanaofViswakarma,Mayatraditiongrewup.Panchalasweredescendentsofthis.
( ) ( ) ,
, , ,

Allthistimehumanbeingswereforestdwellersandwerehunters,akirathatribe.TheLionisthekingof
forestanimals.LikethatkingoftheforestpeopletookuplionastheirsignandPallavasarehavingthe

signofSimha.

2
VamanarepresentstheMundaracewithshortstatureandtheirTumulisperiod.Mooshaka,Mahabali,
MahishmathitraditionsofDravidia/westcoastofIndiaisfromthoseearlydays.Mahishaisthewater
buffaloseenonlyinwaterloggedareasandisthevehicleofDharmadevaoftheDakshinapatha.
Mahishmathi,fromMaharashtradownwardstoKanyakumariwastheabodeofDharmadeva. (
) ,, . ()

Parasuramarepresentsthewoodcutterandmakerofdarusilpafromit.Heisafiercewarriorandagreat
asceticGurucombined.HeistheancestorofallKeralites.
( )
Whenthewoodcuttermadebowsandarrowsfromwood,anewclasscalledVillavar(expertsinbows
)grewupandamongthemSreeRamaisconsideredasthegreatest,thoughhewasnotthefirsttouseit.
KeralaancientpeoplewerecalledVillavasandthesignofCherawastheBow.
.
. . .
3 Dwaparayuga
TheploughofBalaramasignifydevelopmentoftheagrariandependenteconomyofIndiaduringIndus
valleyHarappanperod.Krishnarepresentsprotectionofcattleanddevelopmentofmusicandarts.
BothofthemlivedduringtheSindhuHarappanperiod.

, ,
4 .Kaliyuga
Kalkiholdsasword.Theonewhodestroysbykillinganythingandeverything.AfterBudha,when
AlexandercameandforeigninfluencesdamagedIndianeconomyandsystemofadministrationtheera
ofKalkiwasslowlyusheringin.WhenPerumalallowedManichaandVikramatokillwiththeirswordand
takewhateverpossibletheprocesswasaccentuated.After13thcenturyIndianeverhadbeenfreefrom
interventionsofexternalforcesandinfluences.Kaliyugaisprogressing.
. . . ,
, .

. .

. . 5
.
Kshethravasthu of Kerala is old Dravida style .Panchapraakaara style is followed generally. That means there will be
5 Praakaaraaas.

1 () Inner Balivattam is the Srikovil proper

2.() Anthahaaram is the Chuttambalam around it.
3 () Madhyahaaram is the lampholding surrounding wall of chuttambalam .

4 ( , ) Bahyaharam is the Sreebalippura or outer

circumambulatory path
5 ( ) Maryada is the outermost wall with the Gopura or tower.
, ,,,,, .
. , .
(.) .
.
, . ,
( ) . , , ,.
,,,,,,,,,,,,.
. ,
. , , . 4
. , 3 .
.
. () . 4 .
Shape is either square,rectangular,circular,spherical,octagon, apsidal. Very rarely ellipse also is seen. Adjoining
srikovil is a open or closed Mukhamandapa. (with pillars). In some temples a pathway is seen to the sanctum
sanctorum and such temples are Saandhaara and those without is Nirandhaara style. In sandhaara , sanctum is
square with special walls. In Nirandhara only imaginary square in middle or behind the square depending on deitys
nature the idol is seen.Adhishtanam,Upapeetham , on upapeetham from above downwards padukam and jagathi;
On adhishtanam from below upwards
padmapadukam,padukam,jagathi,kumudam,kumudappati,kambam,galappadi,kapotham,vaajanam,valaru,utharam,pati.
Sopana is with vyali figure and silpa. Pranala is either simple or decorated. Sometimes with bhoothagana supporting
it is seen. Jaalapanjara,(windows with openings) ghanadwara,praasaadadwara (functional door)are seen. If doors
are on 4 sides it is sarvathobhadra. Kovil can be ekathala (one story) dwithala (two storey) or thrithala (three

storeyed).The silpa in greeva and murals on walls are for beautification,aesthetics and for telling stories of
scriptures. Sreemukham or sukanaasa will show a form of the Lord inside . Sthupika may or may not be there. If it is
present, it will have 4 parts.

1 . ( 8 ) Mahapadmam with 8 petals

2. Kumbham
3. () The lotus stem with a slender opening throughout its length
4. ( ) The kudamaala or lotus bud.
, , (,,, ,,
,,) ( )
. , .
.(,
). . 4 , 2 16
. .
. . ,,
,
. ,,,
. ,, . ( ).
, ,
. ( ). ,
.
. ,,, .
, .
. ,,,, .
. ( ).
For dwarapalaka ,ashtadikpaala balipeetha ; single peeta for sapthamathruka(
brahmi,maheswari,koumari,vaishnavi,varahi,indrani,chamundi ) and Veerabhadra ,Ganapathi; are seen in almost all
temples.Sapthamathruka were worshipped in India from Indus valley times. Bhadrakali,sastha and Vettekkara have
same nature and for them instead of a namaskaramandapa , a paattupura ( elongated hall for singing and drawing
Kalam) is seen. Special places are marked for Thidappalli,well .If Upadeva is installed parallel to Deva , or if it is
behind Deva , the direction of Deva and Upadeva will be same. (except Parvathy who is sitting in opposite direction
to siva).If upadeva is in front, he/she faces the Deva and is in opposite direction of the Deva. Naga are generally
installed facing east but exceptions are seen. Valiyambalam is used for Homa, for
kalampatt,chakyarkooth,ottamthullal. In thidapalli nivedya,Mulayidal for ulsavabali are done. Agrasala and oottupura
are for annadaana . Kokkarini,kulam,chira,theertham,kinar are the water sources. For reducing the power of ugra
idols Jaladrishti ( water in front of the deity as a river/lake etc) is provided. For example at Thriprayar Srirama
temple.

. Below , the tables show the census of temples from the Monographs series (Census of Kerala Temples )

1Table1
AntiquityofTemplesofThrissoor,Palghat,Malappuram,Ernakulam
Districts:
DistrictThrissoor

Total1573

ThalappalliTaluk
439
ThrissoorTaluk
401
ChowghatTaluk
183
Kodungalloor
Taluk103
Mukundapuram
Taluk387

DistrictPalghat
1962
OttappalamTaluk
616
MannarkkatTaluk
188
PalakkadTaluk385
ChittoorTaluk476
AalathoorTaluk
297
Malappuram

Very
Ancient
Before
2000yrs
63
22

Ancient
2000yrs
9thcentury
200

1013th
century

290

1416th
century

412

1719
century

418

20th117
andNot
reported
antiquity13

39

83

130

138

19&8

21

56

64

90

117

48&5

20

33

69

48

6&nil

15

32

39

9&35

10

80

95

91

76

35&nil

48

93

184

341

868

344&84

23

48

86

166

244

41&8

15

33

26

61

45&3

10
4
6

14
11
5

37
17
11

58
44
47

172
262
129

61&33
126&12
71&28

District1121
Thiroorangadi134 6
Eranad228
14
Nilambor96
1
Perinthalamanna
3
215
Thiroor278
9

5
Ponnani170

32
Ernakulam
District
1285
Kunnathu
9
Nad228
Aluva203
8
Paravoor177 4
Kocchi134
Nil
Kanayannur
8
320
Muvattupuzha 1
145
Kotamangalam 2
78

26
48
13
48

10
19
7
24

30
44
7
46

39
65
31
81

19&4
31&7
30&7
11&2

36

32

94

85

18&4

28

13

30

76

14&4

85

93

316

493

266Nil

19

17

74

72

37

19
5
2
18

12
6
3
18

47
30
29
68

82
96
56
110

35
36
44
98

12

27

48

49

10

10

20

28

2 Classificationoftemples:
Thrissoordistrict
1513
Mahakshethra18
Valiyakshethra
12
Pradhanakshethra
241
Cheriyakshethra
223
Kochukshethra
1019
PalghatDist
1962
Mahakshethra8
Valiyakshethra
13
Pradhanakshethra
242

Thalappilli439 Thrissoor401
5
5

6
2

Chowghat
183
3
Nil

Kodungalloor
103
2
1

Mukundapuram
387
2
4

89

66

27

16

43

31

41

25

21

105

309

286

128

63

233

Ottappalam
Taluk616
3
6

Mannarkkat
Taluk188
Nil
Nil

PalghatTaluk
385
4
2

ChittoorTaluk
476
1
3

AlathoorTaluk
297
Nil
2

98

25

53

33

33

Cheriya
kshethream159
Kochukshethram
1540
Malappuramdist
1121

48

27

20

32

16

461

136

290

407

246

Thirurangadi
134

Nilambur
86

Pe.manna
215

Thirur278
ponnani,170

Thirur4
Tirur3
Ponani1
34&
19
30,
11
208&
139

Mhakshethram4
Valiyaks.4

Ernat
Thirur
228

Pradhanaks171

17

36

13

52

Cheriyaks.139
Kochuks803

17
100

37
155

11
72

33
129

ErnakulamDist1285

Maha

Valiya
Pradhana
Cheriya
Kochu

Kotamangalam Kunnathunad Aluva203 Paravur

78
228
177
1
1
1

Kochi134
3

Kanayannur Muvattupuzha
320
145
7

5
10
62

1
17
46
67

7
44
66
196

1
42
35
149

2
29
29
142

2
21
50
104

20
24
101

3 Basedonstructure:
Thrissurdistrict
total1513

Thalappilli
439

Thrissoor
401

Chowgha
t183

Kodungalloo
r103

Mukundpura
m387

A. Square
1163
1Ekathala
976
2Dwithala
157
3.Thrithala4
4.Noroof
(kav)26

320

261

43

NIL

16

301

268

28

NIL

142

112

26

95

77

15

NIL

305

258

45

NIL

10

B.Rectangle85
Ekathala81
Dwithala2
Thrithala1
Kaav1

22
20
1
Nil
1

27
26
Nil
1
Nil

CVrithamCircle
229
Ekathala195
Dwithala34

81

64
17

68

61
7

DApsidal7
Ekathala6
Dwithala1

3
2
1

3
3
Nil

E.Octagon8
Ekathala7
Dwithala1

Nil

Fonly
Thara/sankalpa
many
(innumerable)
Malappuram
District1121

1
1
Nil

19
18
1
Nil
Nil

19

19
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil

15
15
Nil
Nil
Nil

58

48
10

1
1
Nil

6
5
1

Tirur278

Ponnani
170

143
122
12
Nil
8
9
9
Nil
Nil
Nil
58
46
12

199
155
36
1
8
38
35
1
Nil
2
32
25
7

135
113
20
Nil
2
10
10
Nil
Nil

2
2
Nil

5
2
3

1
1
1

Nil

Nil

2
2
Nil
Nil
Nil

3
Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil

1
1
Nil

Ernat228

Nlambur Per.manna
96
215

Squaretotal808
Eka693
Dwithala95
Thrithala1
Kaav19
Rectangular98
Eka95
Dwithala1
Thrithala
Kaav2
Vrutha184
Ekathala152
Dwithala32

Thirooranga
di
134
98
87
11
Nil
Nil
16
16
Nil
Nil
Nil
16
11
5

159
145
13
Nil
1
18
18
Nil
Nil
Nil
45
39
6

74
71
3
Nil

Apsidal12
Eka8
Dwithala4

2
1
1.

2
2
Nil

Octagon2
Ekathala1

Nil

Nil

Nil
Nil
Nil

1
1

10
10
Nil
Nil
Nil
10
10
Nil

23
21
2

11

Dwithala1
Others17
Palghatdist1962

2
Ottappalam
616
3
6

Mahakshethram8
Valiyakshethram
13
Pradhanakshethra 98
m242
Cheriyakshethram 48
159
Kochukshethram
461
1540

ErnakulamDistrict

ErnakulamDist
Kunathuna
1285
d
228

192
Square1070
178
Eka939
12
Dwi107
Nil
Thri2
2
Kaav22
8
Rectangular79
7
Eka74
1
Dwi3
Thrinil
Kav2
23
Circular98
19
Eka80
2
Dwi14
Nil
Trithala1
2
Kav3
Nil
Octagon15
Eka14
Dwi1
Others23
5

4
Mannarkha
t188
Nil
Nil

1
1
Palghat
386
4
2

25

3
6
Chittoor476 Alathoor297

1
3

Nil
2

53

33

33

27

20

32

16

136

290

407

246

Kotama
n
Galam
78
65
54
5
Nil
6
6
6

Aluva
203

Paravur
177

Kochi
134

171
152
14
Nil
5
13
11

2
14
11
3

146
116
26
2
2
14
13
1

112
92
18
Nil
2
13
12
1

263
235
24
Nil
4
16
16

Muvatu
Puza
145

121
112
8
Nil
1
9
9

12
9
3

7
5
1
1

24
22
2

13
10
3

5
4

3
2
1
2

1
1

8
8

1
1

nil

2
2
3

Kanaya
Nnur
320

4 ListofveryancientandancienttemplesinCentralKerala(Thrissoor,
Malappuram,Palghat,Ernakulam):

12

Thrissur
ThalappalliTaluk:

ThrissoorTaluk

VeryAncient
1.kattakampal
2.kadavalloor
3vedakkadporkkalam
4Chammanthatta
5.Thalakkottukarabhagavathi
6.ManaliPulachikkatSiva
7Iyyalkarthyayani
8PannithadamMathur
9.ArangottukaraKarthyayani
10.ThiruvanchikkuzhiPainkulam
11PalunkilKillimangalam
12NayarkulangaraAyyappan
13.PanjalLakshminarayana
14.AttoorKarhtyayani
15.Irunilamkod
16NelluvayDhanwanthari
17.ChittandaKarthyayani
18.VeranimangalamNarasimhaEnkakkat
19.KotaliniKarthyayaniEnkakkat
20.PampadiAivarMatam
21.SomeswaramPampati
22Thiruvilwamala

1.Muntalloorsiva
2.VelappayaPisharikkalBhagavathi
3.PuzhakkalMuthuvaraKrishna
4.AtattVishnu,siva
5AyyantholaKarthyayani
6ViyyoorSiva
7.Nettisserisastha
8kayattukaraashtamangalasiva(thuruthi)
9.Vatakkunnathan
10.Edakkunnisubramanyan
11.ThaikkattusseriBhagavathi
12.SathramUrumbinThevarManaloor
13.Kallattupuzhasivaanthikkad
14choorakkadbhagavathi
15Anthikkadkarthyayani
16Pazhuvamsubramanya
17.hiruvullakkavcherpp
18.CherpBhagavathi
19Peruvanam
20Arattupuzha

Ancient
1.KorattikkaraVishnu
2.KarikkadVishnu
3.KakkadGanapathi
4.HarikanyayurHarikanya
5.VeloorKarthyayani
6.VellarakkadRaman
7.ThirumathaliyappanThali
8.Keezhthali
9.Desamangalam
Anchumurthy
10.Netumpra
KulasekharapuramThali
11.Mangalam
Vishnu,AyyappanKav
12.Venganelloor
Thiruvembilappan
13.KontazhiThrithamThali

1Velappaya
2.PuzhakkalChoorakkat
Bhagavathi
3.PoonkunnamSivan
4.Paramekkav
5.LaloorKarthyayani
6.PookkottukavDurga
7.Kanimangalamsasthaa
8.cherpthiruvullakkav
sastha
9Oorakathamma

13

ChowghatTaluk

Kodungalloor

Mukundapuram

Palghat
Ottappalam

1
2
3
4
5
6
7

GovindapuramPunnayurkulam
2padmanabhapuram
Vatakkekad
VatakkekkadMahavishnu
Mammiyurmahadeva
GuruvayurKrishna
ParambuThali
ThirunelloorSiva

1.Kurumbakkav
2MoolasthanamofKurumba
3MethalaKeezhthali

1KootalManikyam
2.Avittathoor
3.PerurkavDurga(annalloor)
4.kuzhoorsubramanyan
5AiranikkulamMahadevan
6.KeezhattoorDurga
7ChalakkudiPisharikkalBhagavathi
8.KodakaraPoonilarkkavBhagavathi
9.KurumaliBhagavathi
10ThrikkoorMahadeva

1.KotalilMahavishnu
2.PanniyurVaraham
3.MalamalkkavAyyappa
4.KurinjiDurgaKootalloor
5.KallatathoorSiva,Vishnu,Bhagavathi
6.ThirumittakkodAnchumurthi&nrisimha
7.NjanghattiriDurga

1.Vatakkekad
Manikanteswaram
2.GuruvayurParthasarathi
3.Perunthattasivan
4.Brahmakkulamsivan
5.VenmenattVishnu
6Annakara
thrukkulasekharapuram
Vishnu,annapoorneswari
7.Venkitang
sankaranarayana
8.ThrithalloorSiva
9ThriprayarRama

1.EdathuruthiAyyappan
2.KaipamangalamVishnu
3.Mathilakam
ThrippekulamSiva
4.Thiruvanchikkulam
5.Thrikkulasekharapuram
Krishna

1.NellayiVailoorsiva
2.PayammalSathrughnan
3.NatavarambThrippayya
thrimoorthi
4.Puthanchira
Thrichakrapuram
Sudarsanam
5.Thazhekkadmahadevan
6.AnnamanadaMahadevan
7Amballoor
Methamkulangarasasthaa
8.KorattyKonarmahadeva
9ChirangaraBhagavathi
1Siva20kmswpattambi
edappalkuttippuramroad
2.Muthuvilayumkunnusiva
14kmwestofpattambi
3PoovilasseriGarudarooda
Vishnukmnorthofalloor
stoppattambiponnaniroad
4.Mulayamparambathkav

14

8.EdappattavanadurgaKannaatth
9.PallippuramKrishna
10.Sankaranarayana,siva,vishnuThiruvegappura
11.RayiranalloorDurga
12IhapureswariPerumutiyur
13.NetunganadMuthassiyarkotumunda
14.KaithaliNethrimangalam
15.ChenganamkunnuDurgakollapparambu
16.OngalloorThali
17.Thrikkateerimoonnumurthi
18.Vayilamkunnilappan
19ParuthipparaMahadevamangalamShornur
20Panamannasankaranarayana
21.KillikkurissimangalamDakshinamurthilakkiti

durgachalisserijn
5.komangalamsiva9kmsw
pattambiatkoottanad,via
elavattikkal
6.panayanneerirama3km
seofkoottanadatperingot
7kuntaraayyappaperingod
roadkoottanad
8narayana(Krishna)3km
southofkoottupaatha
9MaankulamVishnu
thrithaala
10siva8kmswofpattambi
atthrithalaonponnani
road
11yajneswaramsiva
thrithalaschooljn
12paakkanarKrishna
eeraattingal
13sivakannattkmeast
ofpaalathara
14kotikkunnathbhagavathi
pallippuram
15pazhayangadithalisiva1
kmsouthpfkotikkunnath
onpattambipallippuram
road
16.bhranhanpara
vanadurga
17.vilangotthubhagavati
karinnanathkunnu
18rayiranalloormalayil
bhagavathi
19perumutiyursiva3km
westofpattambiatnew
railwaygatethence5kmN
onAalikkapparambroad
20katapparambath
bhagavathisofongalloor
onshornurroad
21maruthoorthalisivaon
cherpulasseriroad
22thrikkanaapuram
nrisimha300metersof
ongalloormanalingaljn
23thaliyilganapathi10
meternofongalloorjn
pattambipalghatroad

15

24mahadevapandal.2km
nwofyaaramjnon
vallappuzhacherulotroad
25moorkkothVishnu
kaaralmanna
26thirumullappallysiva
kaaralmanna
27.kaakkurissisiva1kmsof
mattottattrikkaakkeriroad
27maattottkaav
bhadrakaali
28pisharikavilvanadurga
maatthott
29pariyanampatta
mookambika
mangalamkunnu
30pulinkavsastha
31mamballiVishnu2km
eastofmangalamkunnuat
punchappadam.
32srikrishnapuram
srikrishna
33perumaathottvaamana
21kmeastofottappalam
onmannarghatroad
34ramasreekrishnapuram
bankofkarimpuzha
35puthoorsiva500meter
seofpombrajn
36vettekkarasiva
kadambazhippuramjn
37vayilakkunnilbhagavathi
38.ganapathivayilamkunnu
jn
39Aravakkatsiva
40netungotsiva
41trichammalthrikkovil
siva
42paathirikkunnath
naagaraaja
43muntamukhaayyappa5
kmswofshornurat
muntaaya
44sivanearpvtbusstand
shornur
45pallaarmangalam
mahavishnu
46kaippayilmahadeva

16

Mannarghat

Palghat

1.BheemanaatVishnu
2.PayyanetamEnanimangalam
3.ChemmannoorMalleswaram
4.MalleswaranmutiMaateswaran
5PallikkurippMahavishnu

1.VatavarkkottkurissiSivanMannoor
2.ThiruvanchisivanThenoor
3.EmoorHemambika
4Chandranathaswami
5.Attallooragasthyeswarasiva
6.KotumbChemmathiyabhagavathi
7ThiruvalathoorBhagavathi
8.Peruvamboottukulangarabhagavathi
9.PPalathullipaloorsiva
10Elappullivaaranapurisiva

47akaloorbhagavathi

1chethalloorkrishna
towardssreekrishnapuram
road
2.Kontoorkunnusiva1/2km
frommullakkalsiva
3Kotakkatsivaat
bheemanatstop
4Melthrikkovilsubramanya
alanalloorHospjn
5.NjeralathRamanwof
kottopadamjnon
melaatoorroad
6ValluvanpuzhaKrishna
nrisimha3kmsof
mannarghatthrough
njettarkadavroad
7.Vattambalamvanadurga
5kmwofmannarghat
8Thonippuramsastha
vattambalam
9Arakkurisiudayankav
bhadrakalimannarghatjn
10.Peranchat
ardhanareeswarasiva
mannarghat
11.KesavapuramVishnu
400meterfrom
viyyakkurissi.mannarghat
palakadroad
12thrikkalloorsubramanya
chooriyote
13.Bhattiyilsiva
kirathamurthy
Ponumkoteayyappankav
14chullisserirama

1KallappaadiVishnuand
sivakeralasseristop
2.chirakkikkavbhadrakaali
3koothambakkasiva
mankarapanchayath
4kaalikavdevimankara
koothupaathastop

17

Chittoor

Alathoor

1.lankeswaramsivan
2.Pallavur
3.Akhileswaram
4.Kachamkurichi

1ThrippaloorVishnu,Siva
2.Vantazhimathoorthanthalod
3.ThiruvaraMahadeva
4.Anchumoorthimangalamsudarsana
5Rishinaradamangalam
6PuthukkodBhagavathiannapoorneswari

5Mankurissibhadrakali
samejn
6.Punnakkurissisiva
Ayyarmalastop
7thrippamkunnusiva
8.kothakulangara
mookambika
9chemminikkavbhadrakali
10natuvasserisiva
11paalakkeezhdurga
12ramatheertham
rama,lakshmanatenariroad
(palghatpollachi)

1siva200meterfrom
peetikottemariyamman
2varadarajaperumalVishnu
ottarajnvatavannoor
panchayath
3kotamannu
madurameenakshi
cheraakkoot
4ayyappacherakkot
5kootalloorkarthyayani
6kootalloorsubramanyaon
kumaramputhoorroad
7krishnaclosetopallavoor
temple
8pothundisivapothundijn
9sreemannarayanawith
bhoodevisredeviayiloor
10peringottukavbhagavati
elavancheri
11somankurissisiva
vattekkadongayathri
bank.dilapidated

1MauthoorKrishna
pulpoormandamjnon
kulavanmukkutalannurjn
Bharathapurambharatha
mandamjn
2Thrippannoorsiva
3itukkavbhagavathi
4paandikkulangara

18

Malappuram
Thirooranghadi

Eranat

Nilambur

1.KeranalloorDurga,Peruvalloor
2.Paappanoorsiva
3.ThrikkulamsivaThiroorangadi
4.Venniyursiva
5.Vaalakkulamsiva
6.Klariambalavattomsubramanyan

1.ChevayursubramanyaswamiPulikkal
2.ThaliAZhinjilam
3.KottakurumbabhagavathiPuthukkod
4.ValiyakuttisseriVishnuolavannappara
5.DurgaMuthuvalloor
6.NeeramgatVilayilnarasimham
7.salagramanarasimhaputhilam
8.Bhakthapriyamsiva,Vishnu,bhadrakaliManjeri
9.Karikkatsubramanya
10.ParthasarathiCheruvannoor
11.sankaranarayanakulanelloor
12ooranatathsivamanjeri
13Melakamkaalikavbhagavathimanjeri
14perumthrikkovilThrippanachisiva

1kailasa,Thiruvaali

sankaranarayana

1.Niramkaithakkotta
bhagavathi
2.Kuntucholasivavaliyora
3.Subramanyakotuvayur
4.cherukunu
annapoorneswari
othukkungal

1.AriyilsivaAzhinjilam
2cheriyakuttisseri
Mahavishnuvazhakkat
3.NatuvathSivakarikkat
4thirumanikkara
guruvayurappan
thrikkalangot
5.Vellekkatbaladurga
valluvnat
6Mukhathammannasiva
Mancheri
7DurgaPanthaloor
8DurgaAvinnoor
9Durga,Ayyappa
paappinippara
10Sivapulpatta
11MahadevaMorayur
12Poyilikarinkali
nediyirupp
13Mahasivnediyirupp
14Thripuranthaka
kunnummal
15Chennaathsiva
kunnummal

1Mannathibhagavathi
kaippinikkadav
2.Banapuram

19

Perinthalamanna

1ayoorsivaedappatta
2.Thirumandhamkunnuangadippuram
3.Thaliangadippuram

thripurasundari
Vaaniyambalam
3.sivawantoorporur
4Neelamkurichisastha
karuvarakkuntu

1putharmannasiva
melattoor
2muthukurussisastha
keezhattoor
3.Akhileswarinenmini
4kailothsiva
thachinganadam
5.VellilaManjerikav
6.Arangotsiva
makkarapparamb
7.Mutappulaappillivishnu
patinjattumuri
8.pisharikkalbhagavati
paangu
9.sivapuzhakkaattiri
10.Aalikkalmana
dhanwanthariEeranthod
11sivaperinthalmanna
12vellaatputhoorsiva
perinthalmanna
13.eravimangalm
subramanya
perinthamamanna
14thalialipparamba
15kunnummalbhagavathi
aanamangat
16mattayikunnu
bhagavathipaalathol
17rudradhanwanthari
pulamanthol
18.sivakuruvambalam
19,sivamangalamvengad
20.cheruthrikkovilsiva
kolathuur

1Mahavishnu
rayiramangalam
2krishna
keraladheeswaram

20

Thiroor

Ponnani

1.Venkitathevarkottakkal
2.ponmalasiva
3.ThekkuthmahadevaIrumbiliyam
4.VanadurgaThozhuvannoor
5.Mahadevavaikkathoor
6.Painkannoorsiva
7.Navaamukundan
8.PerumthrikkovilRamaandHanuman
aalathiyur
9.Thrupranghotmahasiva

1ThrikkavDurga
2.BrahmaThavanoor
3.CheruthirunavaThavanoor
4.DakshinamurthySukapuram
5.MookuthalaBhagavathi

Ekm

1.CheranelloorSiva
2.ThottuvaDhanwanthariKoovappadi
3.VengoorDurgaKeezhillam
4.KallilDurgaRockcutMethala

3.ThrikkandiyurMahadeva
4.KanmanamMahasiva
5.PaandamangalamKrishna
kottakkal
6.Kaatampuzha
7.Hrishiputhoorsivaetayur
8.Pisharikkaldurga
perassannoor
9.Kaithrukkovilsiva
kolathool
10.chamravattomayyappa
11.sivamangalam
12Vallamaruthoordurga
mangalam

1Kantamkurumba
Ezhuvathuruthi
2AnthimahakalanAnaloor
3.SivaMalloor
4.ThirumaaniyurSivaKaladi
Edappaal
5.sivakavapra
6.PuramundekkatSiva
Vattamkulam
7KotalilVishnuVamana
Ayilakkat
8.Perumudisseri
vettakkorumakan
eramangalam
9.KoyappallySiva
Perumpadapp
10MookkuthalaBhagavathi

1.ChelamattamKrishna
2.Okkalmahavishnu
3.Kuzhappillikavbhagvathi
perumbavoor
4.Muriyamangalam
nrisimha

21

Aluva

Paravoor

kanayannur

5.KeezhillamMahadeva
6.IringolBhagavathiPerumbavoor
7.AirapuramBhagavathi
8.thrikkalathurRama
9thiruvaniyurKrishnaswami

1LakshmanaMoozhikkalam
2.VengoorDurgaAngamali
3.ChengamanadaMahadeva
4.Trupurayarsivachovvara
5.MahadevaThottakkattukara
6.KrishnaChovvara
7.DurgaEtanat
8.KarthyayaniManikyamangalam

1TiruvalurMahadevaAalangat
2MatathilappanUliyannoor
3ThirumuppamMahadeva
4PeruvaramMahadevaParavur
1EdappallyMahadeva
2VitaakkuzhaKrishnaThayikkattukara
3.ThrikkakkaraVamana
4.ChottanikkaraBhagavathi
5.Ametasapthamathrunagakanyaudayamperur
6NettoorThrikkamahadeva
7PoornathrayeesaThrippoonithura

Muvattupuzha

1KoothattukulamMahadeva

Kothamangalam

1MahadevaThrikkariyur
2.ThiruvaarappettyMahadevaVaarappetty

Kochi

5chemmanatGaruda

1kothakulangarabhagavati
2thirunayathod
sankaranarayana
3Cheriyathnrisimha
4Airanikulammahadeva
5kaladiKrishna
6.kaarpallikavmahadeva

1.NaaraanamKrishna
2.Kunnaaththali
Ardhanareeswara
1Vaittilasivasubramanya
2.Edappalliganapathi
3.pavakkulammahadeva
4.Perantoorbhagavathi
5cheranalloorkarthyayani
6KureekkatKrishna
7Udayamperur
perumthrikkovilmahadeva
8Kumbalamkalathil
bhagavathi
9Chakkamkulangarasiva
10Thripponithura
kumbalamkalathil
bhagavathi
1Anikkatthiruvaamplavil
mahadeva
2.OOramanadharmasastha
andnrisimha
3.Pazhoorperumthrikkovil
mahadeva

1Ayyampillimahadeva
2.Thrikkatakappilli
bhagavathi

Deity

Pushpam

Nivedyam

SpecialVazhipad

22

1.ForallDeities

2.Dakshinamurthi

3.Siva

4.Mahavishnu

5.Sankaranarayana

6Malsyamurthy

7.Koormamurthy
8Varahamurthy
9.Nrisimha
10vamana

11.Parasuraman
12.Raman
13Krishnan

14Balaraman

15Lakshmi
Parvathi
Saraswathi

16.Bhadrakali
Chamundi

17Ganapati

18Subramanyan

Thulasi,thechi,
mandara,thamara,
plas(brahmasakha)
pichaka,arali(karaveera)

bilwa,eruk,white
flowers

Thulasi

Bilwa,
Thulasi

Sudarsanahomam
Palpayasam
Thrimadhuram

Neypayasam,
Kadalippazham
Thrimadhuram
Sarkkarappayasam
Panakam
Kadalippazham,
Palppayasam
Avil
Avil,Palppayasam
Venna,Palppayasam
,Avil

Idichupizhinja
paayasam

Palppayasam,
Panchamritham,
Neypayasam,
Bhagavathiseva

Katumpayasam
Ponkala

Appam,modakam
Ata,sarkara,
Nalikeram
Arippoti

Paalabhishekam
Panchamritham
Appam,

Rudrabhishekam,
Bhasmabhishekam.
Elaneerabhishekam
Rudrahomam
Mrithyunjayam
Karukahomam
Vellanedyam

kalamezhuthupatt

ganapthiseva/Homam

Sasthampaatt,
Kalamezhuth

23

19.Sasthaa

20Vettekkaran

21Adityan

22Hanuman

23Nagam

Aravana

appam

Avil
uzhunnuvda

Chathussatham
Thengayeru
Kalampatt
Ponkala

Thamboolamaala

Noorumpalum
Pulluvanpatt
Nagaroot
Kalam

1 Chapter 1
555 . 120 . .
, , , .
(,,) , ,
, . ()
. .
() . ,()
.
Length of kerala 555 km. Breadth maximum 120 KM . Malabar has the maximum length and breadth . Those who
rule over the area between the Mountain and the sea are the people of Malavaara/Malabaar. In Tamil it is Malai Aali.
(Alluka =To rule). Maavaar or Maabaar was another older name for the place and Maabhaaratha Pattar
(Mahabharatha Bhattar) were scholarly Brahmins of Malabar from ancient times. The name of Bhaarathi,
Mahabharathi or Brahmi is thus from the Malabar between Bharathappuzha and Sahya . The language has
ascending and descending wavy patterns like a Phaneeswara,wavy configuration of a Naaga , and thus it got the
name Naagari and Devanaagari .
( )
. , ()
. . ( --)
( --)
. () .
.(
) . .
, 2 . ,,() .
( ) .
. .

24

.
(,,,, .
. ,, ,,
. .
() .
From Mahishmathi in Maharashtra ( banks of Narmada) to Kalkarainad (Thrikkaakkara) in the south was under the
rule of Mooshaka Dynasty .Mooshaka Haihaya dynasty belongs to Chandravansa (Lunar race).Upto Karnataka was
the upper division, from Gokarna to Kanyakumari was lower division. The lower division (Kerala) was again divided
into Netumpurainad (the bigger hill country) and the Kurumpurainad (The smaller hill country) but both were under
one administrative unit. Together this was called Golaadri (Koladri/Kolatthiri). Southern Koladri Netumpranaad was
again Thalappalli Melvattam,keezhvattam (between Periyar and Perar ) and Vaalvattam in Valppaara upto Kongu
country in Tamil Nad.All these belonged to Chera dynasty .In the Northern Kolathiri , Karnataka,Thulu and
Maharashtra are also included and they are generally called the Kantharava (Gandharva) race of kings. In the
Kanthirava kula of southern Kolathiri there are Peruvanam and Cheruvanam ( big and small forests) The emperor
for both these is Valluva (Vallabha/Vallava) konathiri who has a capital in Thalappalli melvattam . His Vaalnambi
(protectors ) are Thalappalli Cheraalayam (Chiralayam) Chittanjoor,Manakkulam,Kumarapuram and Eliyanghat
Mooshakavanam . Chirakkal is their seat of commanders and yuvarajas. Aarangot is the cheruvanam (smaller
forest) cherukaad. The position of Valluvakkonathiri, Vellaalappaad,Thachaarppaad,Erolppaad,Kulathoor was
decided depending upon the oldest members of their male progeny.All of them were protectors of Panniyur
Varahamoorthy Kazhakam .All of them had Ramakhatamooshaka , son of Parasurama , as their first ancestor .
.
.
. ,,,, 5 .
.
.
, .
,,,,,, .
.
The word meaning of Valluvakkonathiri is the emperor of entire Valluvanad . Aadivalluvanad extended from
Sahyamountains in west,Goodalur Panthaloor upto the place where River Nila joins the ocean in the west, and
therefore was called Kunnalakkonaathiri . This word has 5 words in it .(Kunnu= Hill; Ala= wavy oceans;
Kon=Emperor;Adi=The first ; Iri= The place or Capital where the king sits.)In Mooshakavansakavya , the first king
Ramaghatamooshaka first explores these geographic parts , and his son Nandana , the first Kerala Emperor , a
Kaatava king, ruled with his capital in the Hill country in and around Palghat pass . During Zamorins rule ,Valluvanad
is only parts of the present Mannarghat,Perinthalmanna Taluks.During British times
,Palghat,Ottappaalam,Perinthamamanna,Ponnani,Mancheri ,Mannarghat Taluks were in the Valluvanad. Thalappalli
Keezhvattom and parts of Thalappalli melvattam remained with independent rulers. When we study the history of
ancient Kerala , we have to include entire Adivalluvanad .

25

(, )
( . ,
). ,
() . ,
. ,
.
.
, 2
.
, . .
( )
. .,
,,, .
. .
() ,
.
. .

26

()

() .
() .
, (). ,
. .
. 11 ,
.
2
. 9 . 100
() .
5 .. .
()11 24 . . 11
, . .
.
() ,
.
. ,
. 2
. .
(). . (
). ()
. () ().
.
.
.
, , . (
) ( ) ,
.
1762 . ( ).
. ,
. 1400 .
. .
.
, .
() .(40000-50000 ).
.
Genetics of Melathol Agnihothri and his Ashtagriha ( 8 homes) are interesting. All Andhraka sathakarnis and
Bharatha race has their father in Viswamithra and mother in the Apsara/Gaandharvi Menakas daughter
Sakunthala. Paathaayikkara,one among the Ashtagriha of Agnihothri, is Viswamithragothra. His oldest abode is in

27

Kadavalloor Panchayath , near Kunnamkulam upto AD 1792. The western Kuruvayur Moos family had a seat in
Venkatakkotta , the end of Sethagiri from central India. Pathayikkara from Kadavalloor , Karuvayur Moos from
Venkatakkotta were expelled from their ancestral places by Zamorins. Vemancheri mana ( successors of
Agnihothri) is 1400 years old .If a home is 1400 years old, the genes of the people who occupied it must be older
than that. Similarly , the Petroglyphs and megaliths must be younger than the genes of those who made it. Perumal
kallar ( the stonesmiths of the Perumaal) are an ancient race which gives us the ancestry of Yadu and Pooruvansa.
Those who made the first megaliths,the first petroglyphs were the first to make the idol of Perumal (Vishnu) and the
first to make cave dwellings and Vaasthu possible. The genetic age of Perumal kallar is 40000-50000 years
according to Madurai Kamaraj University studies. These smiths are called Naagavansa,Oviyar ,Kaaru etc in South
India and Srilanka .What are their trails in Kerala ?
, 50000 ,
.
. , 50000
. . ( ,
). . ,. 50000
,
. 2000
.
Late Acheulian ,Lower and Middle Paleolithic old stone tools were unearthed from Malampuzha,Kaanjirappuzha
valleys. Both these are tributaries of Bharathappuzha,alias Nila. The tool manufacturing factory of Palghat is 50000
BC old. The genes of those who made it possible must be older than that. First human race, then their manmade
tools is the natural order . Since both the tools and the human gene is minimum 50000 years old , their creations too
would have started to emerge in the same time.
, .
( ) . (4000
) ( )
.
(, ,).
()
. .( ..) .
() () .
. ,
,, .
,.
( ) .
.
.
. . .

28

. ,
, .

.
Microlithic tools factory is seen in Chevayur , and near Malampuzha dam. Quartz Rock crystal Industry is the name
used for these factories. But , how can the historians say that it is only 4000 years old ? They made the guess,
simply by the similarity to fossilized sanddune industry (Thery) of Thirunelveli district. Microlithic Industry is noticed in
Ponnani valley between Palghat and Shornur ( Quartz,Rock crystal,Dune).The largest menhir (Nadukal) of South
India is between Perinthalamanna and Mannarghat in Valluvanad and the placename is Natukal.(M R
Raghavawarier). Chalcedony (chert) industry is seen in Marayur (Idukki)Rock shelters. The wallpictures there are
possibly the earliest examples for chumarchithra of Kerala temples. All these were created by wandering
tribes,forest dwellers, hilltribes. We are successors of these ancient people , though evolved in several ways. Using
microlithic instruments man learned to make cupshaped depression, to drill into hills making cave homes, and from
that early age there had been continuous inhabitation in our land and thus a mixture of different periods are seen in
caves like Thovary,Edakkal etc. The movable articles like coins,utensils and beads are not the correct things to be
taken into account for determining the age and culture, since they do travel from place of origin to other areas. But
the microlithic Industrial sites, the cupmarkings on Rocks remain where they were first created.

DiscoveryofPaleolithicCupmarkingsonRocksurfacesin
Kerala

KeralaoccupiesaveryimportantplaceinthehistoryofIndia,becauseofitsvastseacoast,presenceof
SahyaMountainswhichbringslotofseasonalrainfallsandbiodiversity,forestgoods,andthe
monsoonswhichhaveaclockworkprecisionasMalabarManualofWilliamLoganhaspraised.TheAsian
MonsoonsstartedlinkedtotheupliftofTibetanplateau,aftercollisionofIndiansubcontinentwith
restofAsia,around50millionyearsago,accordingtoGeologists.Theybecameverystrongaround8
millionyearsago,andbetween158millionyears,thewestcoastofIndiaduetocontinuousrhythmic
monsoonsdevelopedanunprecedentedbiodiversity,whichisseennowhereelseinthesubcontinent.
ThefirstBritishIndianrecordscallthistheNairyuthyamaaruth(WindsfromtheSouthwest/South
WestMonsoon)inSanskritlanguage.
. ,
() ,
,,, ,
. .

29

50
. 8 . 15 8

. ,,
.
TheprimitivePaleolithicpeopleofthesubcontinent,livinginthewestcoastwatchedthetimely
monsoons,itseffectsonthemandtheirfood,ontheirprosperity,tradeandcommerce.Theregular
observationofcyclicalseasonsandrains,ofthelunisolarmovementsaroundastellarclock,andits
observationatnightwhichwasmandatoryfortheseagoingtribesofcoastalareasdevelopedstar
gazingandastronomy,andadvancedMathematicsinKerala.ThetradeandcommerceofIndiabasedon
spices,forestgoodsetcismultifactorial,andwasdevelopedbythePaleolithicperiodonwardsbythe
people.1Observationofearthanditsenvironment,andmakinguseofitforonessurvivalispartof
humanbeingsnature.Therefore,thepeopleoftheWestcoastmusthavebeentherefromearly
Paleolithictimes,watchingthestellarmaps,makingitsdiagrammaticrepresentationsonrocks,caves
andlateronintemples.AdetailedstudyofthehistoryofKeralabasedontemplesandrockartsis
undertakenbyourTrust(DrSuvarnaNalapatTrustforEducationandResearch)withpermissionfrom
theDevasomBoards,ArcheologicalSocityofIndia,ZamorinsandconcernedTemplecommitteesand
Authorities.Someofthesewerepublishedonline.2,3,4.
, ,
,,.
. .
, ,
.
. ,,
.
.,
, , ,
,
.

WhendidPaleolithicartstartinKerala?ManyArcheologistsandhistoriansbeginthejourneyfrom
EdakkalThovarycaves.Myjourneyalsostartedthere,inthe1980s.5Butthereareseveralgapsinthe
historyoftheearliestinhabitationinKeralaandtheearliestavailablecaveandrockdrawings.Inmy
sojourn,Ihavecollectedafewrelics,hithertounnoticedandunreportedandhenceimportantforthe
studentsofhistory.
.
. 1980
. .

30

.
.

HistoryofPaleolithicRockArt:

RockorCaveartcanhelpusunderstandmoreaboutthewaysofourearlyancestors,howtheyhunted
,lived,ate,howtheyviewedandunderstoodtheworldaroundthem.
,
,,,,
. 3 .
3typesofRockArt:
1. Petroglyphsarecarvingsintostonesurfaces,onpartoftherockitself.TheReliefsevolvedout
ofthisstyle.Petroglyphs are generally made by removing the surface of the rock, by
carving, scratching, drilling, or sculpting. The markings can be dyed or painted, or
enhanced through polishing. Petroglyphs have been discovered all over the
populated world. Some of these images have a special cultural and/or religious
significance for the societies that created them. The most important, but mysterious,
type of petroglyph is the cupule- a non-functional cup-shaped hole created by
percussion in the horizontal or vertical surface of a rock. By far the oldest art,
discovered on every continent except Antarctica, and continued to be created
throughout all three eras of the Stone Age. Cupules have also been referred to as
"pits", "hollows", "cups", "cup marks" - even "pot-holes". Relief sculpture also
appeared at a relatively early stage(23000 BCE)

.
. ,
.
.
. .
.
.
. 3
.
23000 . .
2. Pictographs(rockandcavepainting)Paintingsandcarvingsonrocksurfaceandwallofcaves.

Couldbesubterraneanoronsurfaceofground.Creation of monochrome or polychrome

images through the application of pigments, like carbon, manganese and various
oxides. As pictographs are far less weather resistant than engravings, most surviving
pictography is in the form of underground cave paintings, or outdoor markings under
overhanging rock. Prehistoric artists began by painting with their fingers. Later, they

31

used lumpy pigment crayons, or brushes constructed from animal hair or vegetable
fibre. The most advanced pictographic techniques included spray painting, using
reeds or specially hollowed bones.Colours were mineral, animal or vegetable sources
(eg. clay ochres, charcoal, manganese dioxide, calcium phosphate from crushed
animal bone, carrot juice and berries, animal blood and urine). The most popular
subjects were hunting scenes, which typically included pictures of bison, horses,
reindeer, cattle and aurochs. Other creatures portrayed, included: lions, mammoths,
wolves, foxes, hares, hyenas, fish, reptiles, and birds. By comparison, images of
humans appear less frequently. Prehistoric painters also produced a significant
amount of abstract art incorporating dots, lines, and other geometric motifs. cave
paintings throughout the world include numerous symbols, ideograms,
anthropomorphs and zoomorphs. Regarding these pictographical symbols, it is worth
remembering that pictographs were the basis of cuneiform and hieroglyphic writing,
as well as the writing systems used in Ancient India, China, Sumeria, and Egypt.They
are still used in Tribal Art .

.,,
.
.
. .,,
. .(
.
.( ).
.
.
.
.

3. Petroforms or Megaliths (art made by aligning or piling natural stones). (All the three
were found in Kerala. ) Megalithic rock art is best exemplified by the complex spiral
engravings at the entrance of the Newgrange Neolithic passage Tomb , in
Ireland.Megaliths are numerous in Kerala .

.
.3
.
The most obvious characteristic of rock art (whether petroglyph or pictograph) is its
"artistic" quality, but this is sometimes the most difficult attribute to establish. Take
cupules, for instance. These cup-like hollows are the most ubiquitous and varied type of
prehistoric human markings, yet archeologists and anthropologists remain baffled as to their
meaning or significance. Many think that they are non-utilitarian , but it is not so. Cupules
have cultural significance of some kind, After all, Rock art traditionally includes a wide
variety of man-made markings, such as those created to mark/map territory

32

(geocontourglyphs), pictorialize the stars, record events, or illustrate myths and other
rituals.
.
. () .
.
.
.
. ().
, ,
.
Experts believe that the earliest recorded rock art is the Bimbektha petroglyph art in
Central India, a series of 10 cupules and an engraving, which were uncovered during
the 1990s in a quartzite rock shelter at Bhimbetka. These markings date from at
least 290,000 BCE but are likely to be much older (c.700,000 BCE or earlier).The
present series of Cupules in Palghat District, Kerala state ,discovered by me, in 2013
, contains more than 50 cupoles forming a huge Reptile figure. This must be as old
as that of Bimbektha .
, .
1990 10
. 2,90000 700000 . 2013
51 . ( ,
,) ., .
, .

Pre-Historic Art Timeline:

1.

1 Paleolithic (2,500,000 - 3,000- BCE)

Lower Paleolithic (2,500,000 - 200,000 BCE) Lower Paleolithic Rock Art associated with
very primitive petroglyphs, like cupules and crude engravings Major works include:
. .
Auditorium Cave Petroglyphs, Bhimbetka (290,000-700,000 BCE) Auditorium Rock
Shelter, Madhya Pradesh, Central India ()

Daraki-Chattan Cave Petroglyphs (290,000-700,000 BCE)

Indragarh Hill, Madhya Pradesh, Central India. It is to this group my collection from Kerala
is being added. Old Stone Age - 2.5 million to 15,000 years ago - a time period that spans 95%

of human history) - the age in which stone tools were made by chipping or flaking.
.
. . (2.5
15000 ) .

33

Lower Paleolithic (2.5 million 200,000 years ago). The main hominins who existed during
this period were:
Homo habilis from 2.2 to 1.6 million years ago (earliest tool-maker and possible speaker),
Homo erectus from 2.0 to 0.4 million years ago (the species thought to have moved out of
Africa - tool maker, speaker, weapon-user, fire-user and eater of cooked food) &
Homo sapiens archaic from 400 to 200 thousand years ago;
That means, the earliest inhabitant of west coast of India (Kerala) belonged to these early archaic
Homosapiens , judging from the Cupola (cupmarks) made on rock surface.
TheStoneAgeinaparticularregionendedwithevidenceoftheearliestknownmetalimplements,and
generallyendsbetween6,000and4,000BCE..6
http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/prehistoricsites/dawn.htm
(2.5 -200000 )
( , 2.2 1.6 ,
(2 -0.4 ).
,,, ,
() . .(
.
400000-200000 .
. ,
. 6000-4000
.
, .

Middle Paleolithic (200,000 - 40,000 BCE)

Upper Paleolithic (40,000-10,000 BCE)

MESOLITHIC ERA (Europe: c.10,000 - 4,000 BCE)

In India
Bhimbetka Rock Paintings and Stencilled Images (c.9,000-7,000 BCE)
Madhya Pradesh, India
Pachmari Hills Rock Paintings (c.9,0003,000 BCE)
Satpura Range of Central India
Similar paintings exist in South India.One of the earliest paintings of a Black man (Krishna)
with a flute , painted on the belly of a Vessel with handle, and a spout with a goats face
(Aja/Brahman) depicting a Krishnamesha was discovered in my study on rock surface of
Parouli in Thrissur District where lot of polished cupmarkings and stylized art form also co-

34

exist .This shows a continuity of Lower Paleolithic to Mesolithic habitation of the geographic
area by early people.

. .
. .
, . (). .

3. NEOLITHIC ERA (Europe: c.4,000 - 2,000 BCE) .

Cupmarks (Cupules) the oldest art form

At the beginning of the Upper Paleolithic era of prehistory (from 40,000 BCE onwards), fine arts
appeared in caves and Rock surfaces in many parts of the world. Drawn or carved on the walls
and ceilings of caves /rock surfaces (parietal art) became more integrated into settlements and
daily life and later portable sculptures (mobiliary art), often of small female "venus figurines",
animals, or pictures and symbols started to appear. Since one cannot move the fixed art on rock
and cave walls , they are more reliable than the mobiliary art , which travels from place to place.
Theoldestknownrockartisthecupmarking.Found on every continent except Antarctica,these
earliest form of art,iscalledthe"cupule",by archeologist Robert G. Bednarikto.Descriptionofa
cupuleis:simple, round hemispheric cavities that used to be known as "pits", "hollows", "cups",

"cupels", "cup stones", "pitmarks", "cup marks" - even "pot-holes". The oldest known art dating
from at least 290,000 BCE is the series of Cupules discovered an ancient quartzite cave called
Auditorium Cave, Bhimbetka, Madhya Pradesh (north central India). The cave is a 25m long
horizontal cave and in the centre stands an enormous boulder called Chief's Rock (2.5m high and
3.4m wide). http://www.ancientcraft.co.uk/reenactment/prehistoric_art.html
In 1990, nine cupules with evidence of a red pigment were found on Chief's Rock and in 1991a
further cupule was found with meandering line next to it. These were covered by deposits from
the Acheulian and later periods, so allowing dating. However later research by other dating
methods (micro-erosion analysis) suggested that these cupules were made 700,000 years ago.
(40000 )
.
.
( ).
.1990 9 , 1991 - 10 .
700,000 .

35

Fig 1 Kuppikkivi Hartola cupmarks called Sacrificial stones .Finland.for comparison with Cup
marks at Muthalamada,Palghat ( shown in Figures 3 and 4).
.
, , ( 3, 4)
.

A study by Genevieve von Petzinger (University of Victoria) has identified 26 symbols 7

repeatedly appear as prehistoric art over 25,000 years over four continents.
26 Repetitive symbols used in Rock Art according to Genevieve von Petzinger ( These are seen
in IVC Harappan artefacts as well as in Kerala Temple sites which I have reported earlier ) ..
26 25000

36

Aviform

Circle.t

36
60

Clayform
m on

Cordiform
m
,

Crosshatcch n

Cruciform
m

Cupule pk

Dot n
n

Finger-Fllute
,

Flabellifoorm

Half circlle ad
t

,,

37

Line

Negative hand

Positive hand
h

Open anggle
3

Oval a

Pectiform
m 5, 8

o
(a

Penniform
m

Quadranggle

Reniform t

Scalariforrm k

Serpent

Spiral

38

Tectiform
m am

Triangle

Zigzag

D
DiscoveryinK
Kerala:

1..Muthalamad
daPanjayath
h,PalghatDisstrict:Therea
areaseriesof
f Cupmarkingssfairlybigan
ndof
m
moreorlessun
niformsize,a
andthemanm
madenaturea
anditssignificcanceasasteellarmapis
evvident.Theolldeststellarm
mapofIndiaiisaSimsumaa
ara(ADolphiin/ormoreco
orrectlya
CrrocodileorM
Muthala.TheC
Cupolastaken
ntogethergivvesashapeoffaReptileressemblinga
Crrocodileandtheverynam
meofthevillag
gebeingMutthalamada,a
anditslocatio
oninthevicinityof
an
ncientGovind
dapuraandK
Kaachaamkuriichi(VishnuteempleofKasyyapa)showstthepictographof
th
heMuthalaissdenotingtheeoldeststella
armapofSim
msumara.Figu
ures3and4..Figure3and
d4
frromMuthalam
madashowseriesofcupollasmadeinto
oananimalfiigure(Combin
nationof
Peectroglyphan
ndaPictograp
ph.)Figures5
5and6fromP
Paroulialsosshowcombina
ationofPetro
ogliph
cu
upolaandpicctograph,and
dismorepoliishedwithadefiniteformandacrystallineglobulea
as
th
heeyeoftheSimsumarap
pictographind
dicatingalateerevolutiontthantheMuth
halamadaone.

.


(,
,)

.

. 5, 6

.


.

.
,

,,
,

39

2.Parouli.ThrissurDistrict

.( 6)
. ,,,
. ,
.
Herealsothelargestcupola,believedtobeBheemasfeetbylocalpeople,onclosescrutinyhas
shapeofaReptile,andthemouthiscarved,theeyeismadeofasparklingradiantmaterial
resemblingaLens.(Figure6).TheartisticsymbolismofSimsumaraasthestellarmapisevident.
ThesiteissaidtowherePanchaliandherfiveconsortsspentafewdaysduringtheirexile.There
areseparatebathingghatswithperennialwaterbodiesforall6ofthem,andseveralcupolas,
notinaseriesbutsingly,oneofthemsaidtobethefeetofBheema.(Pictures5and6.Fig7and
8showstheearliestpaintingofKrishnaonvesselonsamerocksurfacecoexistingwithCupules
demonstratingcontinuityofLowerPaleolithicandMesolithicinhabitationatsamesite.)
I.

Thalappalli Megaliths
Megaliths as we have seen are the newest among the three types of stone age remnants and their existence in
Kerala show a prolonged continuity of human inhabitation form lower Paleolithic to new stone age and beyond. In
South IIndia the megalithic sites are called Paandukkooli (Paandukkuzhi or underworlds of the ancestors of

40

Pandu/Pandava lineage)In some of them bone pieces and household utensils were found while others do not show
such things. In Kerala 6 types of megaliths are identified. To these, historians ascribe BC 300- AD 300 timespan.
The unscientific way of determining the continuity of human inhabitation in Kerala from such a late period , as late
sangham period, I have earlier pointed out. We can only understand that from prehistoric lower Paleolithic times , to
Neolithic and to late sangham periods these parts had continuous human habitation. Just by looking at the age of
the household utensils which are movable and migratory , one cannot fix the date of the megalith.
() ,
. 6 . 3 3
.
,

.

1. Rockcut tombs

,,, ( ) . ,
.(). . .
. ( ) . ,
. , , , .
. .
. ,, (
) ,, .
.
.
Trissur,Malappuram ,Kozhikod,Kannur (both North and South Malabar) show rockcut tombs. Circular,Oval, as
Dravidian style with one or more rooms , a small rectangular door , two or more stone benches for sitting and
sleeping , an open courtyard, and the main entrance facing East , according to the Vasthu rule shows these were
not tombs, but meant for living quarters by people. These are called Munimada (the home of Sages) in local
language which ascertains the use of them as living quarters of sages. Only very few of them show an entrance to
North, showing that they were built for doing Prayopavesa Samadhi .For the main room of the cave, a central pillar is
provided .In such rooms mudpots,other utensils including iron implements, tripods,stone beads and pearls,brass
vessels have been identified .All these are evidence for the caves being used for living. In Vedaranya (Porkkalam)
near Kunnamkulam one can see many of such remains. Kandanasseri also is a site where we have several
megaliths concentrated.

2.& 3

41

. 4 4
. 4
4 . . .
, . ,
. .

. ,.
. ,,, , , , (
) ,. ,
. . Underneath the
granite umbrella will be usually seen a pot. For hatstones 4 pieces of granites as 4 pillars will be eructed. The 4
pillars are slightly inclined according to a geodesic so that they represent the 4 directions. In such structures bone is
not seen. In some a small opening , for keeping a lamp will be seen. One is a Pithru or ancestor stone (with bone)
and the other is a Daivappura (primitive temple) .One is that of Sthaani Chera as Mandladhipathi who has a royal
umbrella.The other is that of an emperor who has done Hiranyagarbha and sarvaswadaana and become akin to a
Brahmin (Brahmakshathra).There is a saying in Valluvanad To eruct an umbrella upon an umbrella. This saying
originated among Valluvanat Sthanis due to the continuous culture of Megalithic Umbrellas. History of Vallabhas is
also history of Mooshakavansa and it begins with Parasurama and Karthaveeryarjuna story. Karthaveerya belongs
to Hehaya,Yadava clan and to lineage of Soma,Budha,pururavas, Yayathi, Pooru,Yadu ,and to Athri,Dathathreya
family of Gurus. River Nila alias Ponnani puzha originates at the sacrificial and meditative seat of Kasyapa, Athri and
Dathathreya. We will see these places again when we consider each of the temple sites.

4 Dolmanoid cyst
4 4 . . .
() .
, , .
On 4 sides 4 stones as walls and a fifth as roof. Such a room is a ARA or a room. Around it a circle of stones will
be arranged. Sometimes within a circle more than one dolmen will be seen. In them a square is created with granite ,
and the roof is covered with another granite piece.These are the predecessors of earliest temples.

5. () pots called Nannangadi (Burial urns)

. .
A pot is kept inside a pit and after cremation of the dead body, the bone pieces collected during sanjayana
is put in it. Above ground a stone piece is eructed to mark the site of burial. Sometimes a stone circle is created
outside.

42

6., Menhirs
. .
.
. . ()
, ( , ) .
, () .

. . (2000
). . 24
,( ) ,,,,
. ()
. ,,, .
.
.
Menhirs are called Pulachikkal in local dialect. A single stone is eructed and this is known as Naattukal (the stone of
the village/territory) if it is fairly big . Very rarely above the stone piece (vertical) a horizontal piece with a human
form is seen as in Thirunelli and Thirunakkara temple premises. Pula in Tamil means a cave. The early inhabitants
who lived in Pula(Guha) or caves were Aranyakas (who made Aranyaka part of Veda) and were Pulavar (scholars
and bards in Tamil) and Pulachikkal are memoirs of such sages and scholars and cavedwelling Aranyakas , either
eructed by themselves or by their immeadite successors. For several centuries they remain forgotten and then
surface again, usually related to a history of an Adivasi (Pulachi) seeing blood on stone (oxides of iron) when a
metal instrument is sharpened on it. Such stories are numerous related to temples of Kerala.

The fact that Megaliths are prominent in Kunnamkulam in Thalappalli Taluk is not an accidental event. According to
Census of Kerala Temples, the number of Very ancient temples are more in Thalappalli Taluk (More than 2000
years old). One of the oldest branches of Mooshakavansa lived there. 24 KMs Northwest of Thrissur Aiyyaal
,Chovvannur,Kakkaad,Porkkalam,Kaattakampaal,Kandaanasseri and Agathiyur abound in megaliths. In Porkkalam
umbrella stones ,Dolmens,pots,cavedwellings are numerous.Within one Hecatre of land, such abundance of megaliths
is not reported anywhere else in the world. This indicates antiquity of Thalappalli .

43

, , .
.( ). . ,

. .
, .
. ,. ,
, .(
) 5 .
. . 5 .
.
.
Following Thalappalli Melvattam, Edappalli melvattam begins geographically. Vaalppally is Vaalppara area upto
Karuvoor near Thiruchirappally. Administration being centralized around temples , temples were
spiritual,intellectual,and emotional centers of a people and were solutions also to physical day to day problems.
Therefore the chiefton in charge of the temple had to be selfless, compassionate,intelligent and wise, and scholarly in
all scriptures and judiciary and economical aspects .Such people had to follow Dharmma of protecting all impartially.
Therefore such qualities were cultivated early in life. The oldest and the greatest among the 5 branches become
Kovil Adhikarikal ( Protectors of temples).The second become scholarly in law and order ,defense and administration
and is the king who rules the country. The third in age is the commander in Chief, the Vaal nimbi or Nambidi. The 4th
and 5th become the mahamanthri (advisor) and Nidhi kaappavar (Treasurer) and their roles are depicted in the

44

Panchapaandava story . During late sangham period there were 5 prominent Kurunilamannar in Thalappalli Taluk of
Malabar. All the 5 belong to Kaadava vansa and are brothers and are having the agewise roles described above.
Once the status is bestowed , they have to occupy specific seats .Sometimes according to change in capital ,
these places also change.But the system does not.

1. . (). .
() .
Paari Vallal in Sangham literature lived in Parambimala, which is present Parambikkulam. Paari or Paali is a great
compassionate king who gave wealth to the needy and encouraged all scholars,bards and poets. Kapila (Paaranar)
sings the sad story of how Paari was killed and how his daughters were left without protection.
2. ( ) Veliyan Vel Aavi Komaan is the Velluvanaat
Valluvakkonaathiri, the emperor of Valluvanad.
3. () . Kaari of Kuthiramala is called
Kaariswaroopam .Kuthiramala is at present called Kuthiraan. Kaari was the Vaal nambi and brother in law of Chera
dynasty.
4.
. . . Nanda was
the son of Ramaghata Mooshaka, first king of Kerala during Parasurama times. He is a Kaadava king (Forest king)
or Girivarga king and is a Kaantharava (Gandharva kula) lineage and protects the upper boundaries of kerala. The
present Palghat Kollangot and Mysore kings and Thalappalli kings have the names Kantha,Kantharava etc and for
bringing somalatha, a forest good, for Yajna even now Kollanghot Raja is sought after.
5. . ()
. .(
, ,.)
, , ,
.
. .
(13 ) .
.

. . 108
. , .
.
Mullurmala Ori of Sangham period belongs to Mullai thinai and is equated with Vishnu/Mayon/Azhvaar. Mullurmala is
now called Mullrkkara and Ori is now Oli or Olappamanna . The lineage of Vaighanasa vedic Rishis and the
Naiyayikas belonged to this. Azhvancheri Thambrakkal belong to Vaishnava,Nithyavichareswara,Nethranarayana

45

and had his first seat at Mullasseri Parambu Thali, which shifted to Tharur,Marancheri and finally to Athavanad.
(Depending upon change in capital of emperor).Since Perumpadapu Vanneri Emperors ( of Valluvanad) were
consecrated by Azhvancheri Thambrakkal , and when Vannery Bhoopan (Kochi) left Perumpadapp, Azhvanchery
also had to shift to Athavanad , with Zamorins rule. Nethranarayana Nithyavichareswara Azhvaar represent
Mullaithinai and its protector ,Vishnu. In history of Mooshakavansa ,Perumpadappu swaroopa had right to conduct
Mamanka at Vaakayur Perumthurai (Thirunaavaa) and to be seated in Nilapad Thara. The first Adiperuvanam
Pooram , related to this event originated in Kadavalloor Rama temple. There also Vannery Perumpadapp used to
conduct festival and rule Nilapad Thara.

.
1345610 27 3684 . 580 . ( 3684- 3104). 4183
1775 . ,
4183 1775 2308 . 580
. 13
. 1790- 1805 , .
.
.
The timespan is calculated according to a sloka . Aayaathu sivalokam gives Kali days. 1345610 month of Meenam
27. This is BC 580.This pooram festival is said to have existed for 4183 years and that without any obstruction
Vannery Perumpadapp Kochin king was conducting it all these years. That means the beginning of Adiperuvanam
Pooram of Kadavalloor started in BC 2308. The present Peruvanam Pooram started in BC 580. In 13th century
Perumpadapp lost rights to conduct mamankam at Thirunava and also to conduct Kaadavalloor Pooram and Vedic
Anyonyam. Later on , from 1790-1805 , during Sakthan Thamburan time, the second Peruvanam pooram festival lost
its prominence and Thrissur pooram became more famous. With this in mind, we can also see the change in position
of Azhvanchery Thambrakkal.

1.

, , , ,
2308 580 .
2 . ()
, () . 580
, ..
.
Mooshakavansa branch rules Thirunava,Vakayur Perumthurai,Kadavalloor Srirama temple and also

46

Parambuthali ,Thriprayar from Ponnani river to Periyar river ( from BC 2308-BC 580). In Thalappalli
Melvattam and Keezhvattam king and Azhvanchery Thambrakkal have 2 capitals each. Eramangalam
thali and Maaranchery at Thalappalli Melvattam, and Parambu Thali at Keezhvattam. When in BC 580,
the branch at Makkoathapuram (Kodungalloor) Thamburan got a Mooppusthanam as King,
Parambuthali became the first capital and Marancheri and Eramangalam thali the second (but original )
places of King and Thambrakkal. In continuation with this the branch at Kodungalloor become
prominent leading to mahodayapuram formation .This becomes the trade and commerce center and
the original seat , the cultural center.
2 ,
. 780- 780. 2
. When Pallavas rule, Palghat Tharur branch becoming the eldest members seat the 3rd
capital of Azhvancheri becomes prominent there.This happened between BC 780-AD 780.Even at this time,
the other 2 seats of Azhvanchery are strong.
3

. In 8th century ,2nd Kulasekhara period,Perumpadapp
Mooppil sthanam comes back to VanneryChera branch and Maranchery become strong again as seat of
Azhvanchery.
.
. .
. Finaly when Kochin Perumpadapp shift place from Perumpadapp due to interference
from Zamorin and his foreign forces, Azhvanchery had to shift place from Maranchery to Athavanad .Both
Kalppakanchery and Athavanad are in Thirur
. ,
. ?
( )
.
. , .
, .
() . Azhvar means
Vaishnava.Cheri means followers. Mooshaka Yadava ,Somavansins being Azhvars, or Vaishnavites , this
name is most suited for their spirituall preceptor and eldest brother. From Bharathappuzha to Periyar he
was the spiritual head (Thalappalli means the head part) and he has no other job other than meditating
(Nityavichareswar).Though there is administrative change in kings, the role of spiritual preceptor is not lost.
Koviladhikari is a spiritual head of entire Nation. Athreyas were Gurus of Mooshaka vansa. Among them the
Yadus had Dathathreya as Guru and Thurvasu had Durvasa as Guru. Thrimurthy form of Dathathreya and
temples belonging to these chandravansi preceptor are seen in plenty in Kerala. Datha is a name for
Vaisya in North India .But in South India this name is seen very commonly among Brahmins
(Brahmadatha,Agnidatha,etc)

47

Boundaries:-

. 1792
. 1946
9.,,,,,,.,
. 1956-57 . .
,,,, , ,,,, 5
. . 1969
()
.
, . ( ) The boundaries of kerala
was not the same as we see now. Until the Malabar division on 1792 ( following Tipus invasion) North and South
Malabar was unified. In 1946 Madras Presidency had 9 Taluks in Malabar District
.Chirakkal,Kottayam,Wynad,Kurumbranad,Kozhikod,Eranad,Valluvanad ,Ponnani and Palakkad.In 1956-57 Valluvanad
was divided. The division of Ponnani Taluk was as follows:Thanur,Thirur,Kuttippuram,Nattika,Chowghat
Firkkas,Pookkod,Perakam,Iringapuram,Kadapuram,Manathala ( 5 villages) were separated from Palakkad District
(The rest remaining in Palakkad District) .In 1969 when Malappuram was formed ,Thrithala Firkka of Ponnani went to
Ottappalam Taluk , and Andathode Firkka to Chowghat (Thrissur)Taluk and remaining parts of Ponnani Taluk joined
Malappuram. When we learn history of very ancient and ancient temples , this early history has to be born in mind.
The division of Thalappalli melvattam and Keezhvattam is shown in picture below.

. .,

.
.
, .
, , 120
, 500 ,
, .,
.(). . (
, ) Thrissur is considered as the cultural
capital of Kerala. It is also the middle (Omphalos/Nabhi) of Kerala. Old Sanskrit names call it
Rishabhachalam,Rishabhadripuram.Nandi or Rishabha was the vehicle of Shiva and sign of agriculture and
it is the old name attributed to scholars belonging to the Mooshakavansa . Thrissur had two scholars of
Mooshakavansa Bhavanandi and Sivanandi who started a branch for Valabhi University in the Eastern part
of India nad named it Naalanda. Before Kulasekharapuram, Thrikkanamathilakam, Thiruvanchikkulama nd

48

Mahodayapuram were built (before BC 120) and before Peruvana pooram started in BC 500 , the
Adiperuvanam Kaadavalloor of Vannery perumpadapp had a vedic examination center and a pooram
festival.We are travelling to this place first in this sojourn. Since it was the temple of Paaramana Panniyur ,
it is as old as Varahakalpa (Maithravaruni period of Veda).From that early period Perumpadapp was under
Kaadava king Perumpadapp. Old Thrikkanaamukk,Old Thiruvanchaikkalam are still located (placenames) in
Vannery.

Temples of Thalappalli Taluk (Very ancient and ancient only)

.
.
.
. ( 8000-9000 ). ,
,
. ,
. . ( 3000
). , ()
.
. ,

.
. . ()
,. .
( ) .
.
.
. ,

(. ). Kadavalloor

Srirama temple is famous all over Kerala from ancient times. The idol consecrated here is the
Mahavishnu idol worshipped by Dasaratha,father of Sri Rama at Ayodhya. When Vibheeshana
was returning from Ayodhya , after Sriramas coronation, Rama presented it to him. He brought it
to Lanka and worshipped there as Sankalpa of Sri Rama. (Threthayuga BC 8000-9000 Mehrgarh
period )In dwaparayuga , during Rajasooya of Yudhishtira, Ghatothkacha, son of Bhima and
Hidimbhi , a Rakshasa Kaadava princess went to Lanka and collected revenues. At that time
Vibheeshana , the eternal presented the idol to him. Srikrishna advised him to consecrate it at
Kadavalloor. (this is about BC 3500-3400 Harappan Sindhu period). In this place several great

49

sages including Agasthya had done meditation and vedic discussions. With blessings of all of them
Ghatothkacha did consecration. Kaadavalloor is the country of Kaada (forest tribe)Ghatothkacha
.For the sake of Sandhyavandana ,Subrahmanya himself had made a tank .Ghata means a pot.
(Kudam) . Agasthya,Vasishta (Maithravarunis) and Ghatothkacha have names meaning people
who were born in a pot, or a ghatam/kudam.So is the name of the first Mooshaka king Ramar
kuda mooshaka. Krishna showed this place, because the idol was given originally to Dasaratha ,
by Vasishta, one of the Maithravrunis , from this place. TThus the idol returned to original place
after travelling to North India (Ayodhya) and Lanka. The first Veda school of Maithravruni was
located here. Even now the examination of proficiency in Veda is being held here. In vedic hymns
we will find the name of a Rishi as Irimbidi. This is none other than the Brahmin tribe belonging to
Pulasthya gothra and their successors were Hidimbi and Ghatothkacha. The birthplace of Rishi
Irimbidi and of Hidimbi and Ghatothkacha is nearby Kaadavalloor and is named Irimbiliyam at
present.(Malappuram District)
3 . , ,
, ().
. 10472
. ,,,,,,
. , ,
. . 16 (, )
. 4 . 64 . 8
. .
, 28 . , (
) . 29 ()
.
, .
, . 15 .12
. 29 . ,
.30 . .
,
. 200-300 .
. Rama of Kadavalloor has 3 sankalpa.In morning he is a sage
in the forest , a yogin. At noon he is fierce and is sending Agneyasthra to Varuna who refused to allow Ramasethu
to be built. In the evening he is Pattabhisheka Rama , about to be crowned. Kadavlloor is a vedic school of highest
grade. The 10472 suktha of Rgveda used to be tested among candidates in olden days. There are different stages
I nthis test.
1 Palaka kittal (getting a seat).2. Vaaram irikkal .3. Jada,4 Ratha. 5.Mumpirikkal 6.Kadannirikkal 7 valiya
kadannirikkal are the stages. Whichever portion is given for test has to be recited without any faults in correct
pronounciation,intonation and correct Mudra .Previously in month of Vrischika 16 days excluding Ekadasi and

50

Amavasi were test days. In one day 4 people are tested. That means in an year only 64 people are tested. Ifthere
are more candidates ,an extension of 8 days more was permissible.Nowadays Thrissur Brahmaswam Madam and
Thirunava Brahaswam madam participate in this. The course of travel for Thrissur madam is , start on Thulam 28
after worshipping Vatakkunnathan, and take lunch at Mundoor temple, and reach Brahmanthitta (Now called
Chemmanthitta) Siva temple and stay there. On 29th reach Bhattimuri Thekkedath Illamtemple and take prasadam at
noon there. Go to Alanghot Athera temple, Sukapuram temple and return to Alanghat Athera and from there to
Kadavalloor and stay there at night. Thirunava madam should reach chamravattam temple on Thulam 15th. 12 days
stay there with vratha. On 29th reach illam of Polppaakkara and take lunch. Go to Uthiyannoor mana and stay for
the night there. On 30th reach Sukapuram temple , take prasadam and go to Kadavalloor. Thrissur team stay at
home of Achuthath Moothath on the North of Kadavalloor temple. Thirunavaya stay at south in house of Pakshiyam
Mooss. From each side 200-300 people will be there. One day is specially devoted for honouring those who had
won in previous tests.

. 2 ( ) .
. .
. , . 1949 (
) . 1989 .( 20 ,
,2013 ). .
. On the stage of the north Valiyambalam the test
is arranged. At a time 2 people can sit on stage. The person from Thirunava has to face North and Thrissur face
west. For bathing Thrissur is given western ghat and Thirunava is given Eastern ghat. Until 1949 the Vedic test
continued without any break.In 1949 when Cochin Devaswam Board took over from the Madams the test stopped.
From 1989 the test started again , though at a smaller scale with not much regulations. It is interesting to note that
from Vedic Mithravaruni times upto 1949 there had been no break in this Vedic schools test process and for 20
years there had been a break and after that it again restarted. Only a few selected hymns are tested at present,
since scholarship is Vedic knowledge has been at an ebb with this 20 years of break in the system
,,,, . 2 ,
, . (
) . . .
. .2 .
. .169

51

...
, (
),
. . ,
. .
. 2308 1778 1949
( . )
. The structure of the temple
is dwithala,saandhaara,facing west Panchapraara. Two doors for chuttambalam, one to west and one to east. The
small Koothambalam with stage and a dressing room provides space for Anyonyam(vedic test). Siva and Ganapathi
are Upadevas. Valiya balikkal is in Nadappanthal. Maryada has shape of elephants belly. Of the 2 gopura, the west
one is dwithala. Ayyappa as Upadeva is outside the Maryada.During Tipus invasion idol was damaged.But did not
get destroyed. Height is 169 cms. Akathiyur ,the Samadhi of Agasthya called Kalasamala at Parembadam (temple
belonging to Paramana in ancient times ),and Vedaranyam where Vedavathy meditated on Narayana and where
Ravana was cursed by her are very near to Kadavalloor. The myths of local people, of Ithihasas and names of
villages are complementary and so are the numerous stone age remnants in the place. From BC 2308 to AD 1778
Vannery Perumpadapp and Cochin kings continued the vedic school at Kadavalloor and after that till AD 1949 it
continued with help of local kings and people .This has to be considered a cultural continuity cherished by a people .

52

1.

()-

(. (,, )
8, (32 4 ) 3 (24) ()()()
(). ()
, () .
Om.This is the country in the direction of the heart of Amba (Ambodhi is ocean).The country in the direction of the

53

heart of ocean (western ocean).Belonging to Kazhapallava (Kaadapallava) king , the treasury of the Iswara
containing different Uruppadi (objects and wealth) and this has to be utilized for the following purposes in the
following ratios. This is the order of Vallabha Raayaru. The entire wealth is divided into 32 parts and that is made
into 4 ( 8 X 4) .Of this 3 parts (24) is for the administration and development of Keralaalayam (Temple of Kerala)
which is the jurisdiction of Vallabha Raya .The rest (8 divisions) is for local administration for the Grama. That
means major share was for the entire Kerala , and a minor share for the local Grama expenses. This must have
been the oldest arrangement followed by ancient Emperors of India for smooth administration of entire country.

2. (. )
()

()
()
( . .
.)
This appears to be a piece of song because of the rhyming, aalaapana (Haa haa) and the word Rgveda, and
swara Sa,ri,ga,ma,pa,dha .The language is Prakritha and meaning is not very clear.But the recognizable words
(Veda,swara etc) show that this must have been a sloka or a hymn for worship of Vishnu,Nadabrahman with
hymns in Geetha/musical format.

3 ( 9 )

()

54

( (). () ,(), ,
, (7 ) . .
.
. ,
.
The 9 line short inscription seems to be associated with the local myth of the place. The story is that the very
ancient Palakkal Kaav Bhadrakaali is related to Kadavalloor Rama temple and to Kaatakaampaal Siva/Devi
temple.The Devi, after killing 21 Daarikaas is said to have jumped into the well in Kaatakaampaal temple. Therefore
the word Kaalinaar Koopa is related to that aithihya (myth). Chey is child /and Jaya(jayantha/chenna). The first
sentence say , Hail to the way of Kaalinaar koopa , the child Chennan (Beautiful Vishnu). Hail to Durga, the mother of
world. Keeping the cows,great bard/poet/sages,and the Bow, I speak this Truth. Everything in the Sapthasailam
(Ezhumalai) belongs to Kedaara Raama. A sign is seen between the words Ezhu and Durgam. (see below).This
seems to be a oath taken by warriors and other loyal people , touching a bow,book,cow,Yogadand etc ( as the
case may be) pledging their loyalty for life to the Emperor and the Nation belonging to KedaraRaama , of Ezhumalai
(Sapthakulaachala).The sign is a Saindhava /Saraswatha symbol showing the antiquity of the custom and the oath
and signs .If we read it combining each part , in Brahmi script, the sign can be read as Death ( The oath is until
death/lifetime ).

() .. (
, , , ,, ) ,
, . 7
.( ).
. ,,,

55

. . .

()
( . . . (
) (), (. ,
)) ( , ) () (
) () , ( ) (
), ( )
().
- ,
,
() .
We can read this in the opposite direction too. Then the meaning is, this is the Naazhika(Muhurtham) when
Chennaphakkoor (Chennamangalam), the scholar of Rgveda and devotee of Rama, belonging to Kaapeyagothra,
and son of Kandan Ko(tha), the greatest among the people of Saaketha ,ended the samsara of this earth ( which is
equal to death) and attained Moksha .Eem Dhara ( Eem is the Beejamanthra of Devi and Dhara is Bhoodevi,consort
of Vishnu) . This is eulogizing a great scholar , a Rgveda expert, who sacrificed his earthly duties and accepted the
position of Nithyavichareswaram ( Athmasamarpana as Daasa of God) and this person is a
Chenna(Jayantha.Belong to royal family.Son of Indra, who performed 100 yajna) or a Chennamangalam, and his
fathers name is given as Kandan Kotha, a name taken up by Thalappalli royal lineage and Mooshakavansa when
they assume positions.Thus, the inscription also gives a clue to the antiquity of Rgvedic tradition of temple, its

56

connection with Thalappilli and Paaliyam , and to Chennas (Thanthri family) who have history intricately connected to
Vannery and Thalappalli Melvattam.

4. () .
(,) . , .
An incomplete inscription .Om Swasthisri, Om,Sidham to Lava ( or Lapaaleeswara) .Lava can be son of
Rama.Or Lapaaleeswara can be some name related to Paaleeyam. Lavuleeswara /lagadha is Lord Siva
according to mythology , which I had described in Pookkattiyur inscriptions in detail).

57

58

(.) Chemmanthatta/Brahmanthatta

. -- 13
.108 . ,,
8 . .
. ,
. . 13
. 9 . (), ,,
, ,,,,. . 1905
. Old name is Brahmanthatta. In Pannithadam,Aiyyaal ,Thrissur Road

59

,13 kms southeast of Kunnamkulam , in the midst of green fields , this temple is seen. It is one of the 108 Sivalayas
of Parasurama. Until 8th century, this was administered by a branch of Mooshaka/Yaadava/Somavansi/Thalappalli
branch (Chiralayam alias Cheraalayam) and was a school of Vedic knowledge. When Panniyur and Sukapura
quarreled for vedic supremacy and foreign Brahmins reached Panniyur and started their ways of worship there,
many Brahmins from Panniyur left their village and came to Brahmanthitta. Of them 13 were prominent. At present
only nine names of them are known. 1. Chennaas (Jayanthamangalam),
Mattathil,Nenmanathoor,Kandanchaatha,Okki,Akazhi,Kalloor,Nedumbazhi, and Kuriyedath. Chemmanthatta was
attacked and damaged by Tipu Sultan, because of its prosperity. In 1905 the temple was again destroyed by fire
and Sreekovil had to be renovated.

. . 37 .. . (
) . 111 . ().
. .
.. . 16
. 4 . 2 . ,
, , . ,,, , .
. 15 .
. . . ,
. ,, ,, ,
, .
.The sreekovil is circular,ekathala. Faces East. Sivalinga is
Rudrakshasila, and has 37 cm height.Peetha also has same height.Including Brahmachathura ,total height is 111 cms.
As in Thrissileri, the sankalpa is that of Siva, angered by the news of demise of Sathi at Dakshayaga. The temple is
very ancient and the first Thanthri is obscure. At present it is for Elavally Puliyannoor Mana of Chaowghat Taluk .
There are beautiful mural paintings on the wall. Namaskaramandapa has 16 pillars .Chuttambalam has 4 doors from
4 sides. And in addition , 2 more entrances for Valiyambalam (total 6 doors). The lifestyle of ordinary people of the
village, their dress etc are depicted in the Murals , which is an original idea shown by the artist and this is historical.
The presence of a black woman teaching a white man, and dress of Muslim women as Devadasis deserve special
mention and the concept of real secularism of our ancestors.

60

61

62

63

64

65

.( )
108
.
.
. 8 , 12 8
, ,
,

.
. .
.

. ( ).
.

66

. .
.
. .

, .
. .
Harikanyakayur is one among the 108 Durga temples of Parasurama. In the sanctum sanctorum
Harikanyaka (Mohini) and her son Saastha are present , which is a special feature. In
Keralasahityacharithra of Ulloor this temple is mentioned. And Chandrolsavam Kavyam describes it.
Chandrolsavam was conducted with pomp and splendor here, and panels of chandrolsavam are seen on
Valiya Balikkal. In Srimad Bhagavathapuranam Skandam 8 and 12 describes Avathar of Vishnu as Mohini,
and how she took away the pot of nectar from Asuras,a nd how Siva desired to see that form of Vishnu
and how he lost control and in Kambaramayana describes how Siva produced a son-Sastha-in her. This
mother/father (Vishnu) and son are together installed in Garbhagriha. Harikanyaka is the virgin form Vishnu
took as Mohini, eulogized in the Brahmani songs of ancient Kerala. Whenever the Ulsava idol of Mohini is
taken out, it is mandatory that Sastha idol also accompanies her. Since Rajarajeswara Siva became
desirous of her and lost control, in this Devi temple Kings and Tuskers have no entry. (like women in
Sabarimala and Rajarajeswara Thalipparamb has some restrictions to women.).Thidamb of Devi is carried
by a female elephant. Virgins worship Devi for Mangalya and for puthrabhagya.

Inside the Naalambalam, on Northwest corner a stone idol is present.It is reported to be growing slowly.
The last renovation happened during Perumthachans time and his instruments (Uli and Muzhakkol) are
seen in the temple just as we see them at Panniyur and Thirunaavaa. When we walk in the northern part
of inner pradakshinavazhi, though the path is strewn with stones, we can hear a sound akin to the Devis
chilamb when she dances. Perumthachan had done this using special stones with sounds and using
acoustic principles . This I had reported earlier.

. 72 72 .
.
. ,
2 .
1945 2.15 .
. ,,, ( ) 3
, .
, . 23 . . ()
. . , 1935 .
1949 .15 .
. 8 . ,
. .( ) 5

67

. .
. . .
. .
. 5 . It was a Mahakshethra .There were 72 families like 72 Melakarthaa
Raaga administering the temple affairs and later on this became 7 families like sapthaswaras. When they
had difference of opinion, Thrissur Thekke Madam swamiyar took over. Later on , given to two traditional
old families Vatakkumpaat and Othaloor. Krishnasila idol of Devi is 2.15 Meter height and in 1945 this was
covered with a Panchaloha Golaka. Idol has chathurbhuja form. Sankha,Chakra, Abhayamudra and a Ball
(instead of Butter for Balakrishna) the Devi is Vishnumohini/Harikanyaka. (Vishnumaayaamohini).The temple
belongs to Thalappilli royal family. Therefore in 1935 Kochin Royal family took over . In 1949 Kochin
Devaswam Board took the administration. In Meenam 15 day festival is observed.Festival starts with
Ganapathi worship.Kodiyettam is on 8th day (flag raising).That day , during daytime, in the Mandapa,
Brahmanippaatt is a speciality.After Kodiyettam for 5 days there is no Ulsavabali. 6th day Ulsava Naavvor
paat is the right of Mannaan community. 7th day Naavorpaatt is right of Paana community.These shows
the antiquity of the temple and its Adivasi origins. Last day is Aaraatt. This is a very ancient temple and
who was the first Thanthri to consecrate is unknown. The moolasthana is a Naaga forest , east of the
Katchery and Vishnu temple in East Nada and the beautiful old tank associated with it.It is called the
temple of Kaaadaa ( the ancient lineage Kaadava of Thalappalli Rajavansa) .At present Thanthri is
Puliyannoor. 5 poojas daily is the rule
4
. (20 ).. .
. 10 .6
,16 ,,
, , ,
2, ,
-
.,
,,,, ,,, 2
- . In ancient times the temple complex
had landed properties extending upto Guruvayur (4 miles west of this temple) and 20 square Kilometers was its
jurisdiction (While Thalipparamb Rajarajeswara had 16 square KMs ,less than that of Harikanyaka).Panchaprakara
style eastfacing Dwithala Srikovil,Pranala in single stone,10 elephants carved on greeva and wall, Vyali on sopana
and 16 pillared namaskaramandapa ,mukhamandapa,growing Vanabhadrakaali sila ,well on northeast ,special custom
of giving Nithyabali within this well, 2 Nadappanthal in akathe balivattam, instruments of Perumthachan on southern
granite pillar,beautiful carvings and faded but excellent murals ,stone dwarapalikas in dhyanaleena
pause,ashtadikpaala in namaskaramandapa,dasavathara, krishnaleela,devasuragana, bhoothagana, yaksheeyaksh
figurines, , Bhoothagana with lamps on back wall, .. And a very ancient stone near the Valiya balikkal which shows a

68

prehistoric rock art of Sastha on tiger . Once we visit this temple , we will never forget the effect it gives on our
aesthetic sense and rasanubhava.

, 2 () . .

.
.
.
. ,
() . There are 2 places called
Moozhikkalam and Paayammal nearby this temple. Moozhikkalam is a Vishnu temple.It is possible that the
present Moozhikkalam (of nalambalam fame) was a later addition or construction of this
Moozhikkalam,judging from the antiquity of the temple complex extending over 20 sq kms (upto Guruvayur
temple) at its western boundary. Stones with IVC/Harappan scripts are also seen at Harikanyayur and
nearby we have numerous megalithic remnants all around Kandanasseri Panchayath.

69

70

71

72

. .

73

Kaattakampaal Siva temple

,
. . .108
.
. .
. .
. .
. .
. a Km northwest of Kunnamkulam ,via Parembatam junction,and Chirakkal
junction,one can reach Kaattakampaal .Main idol is Siva but Devi is more famous. Siva is one of the 108
Sivalaya of Parasurama. Siva gave darsan to Parasurama here during meditation. The idol was forgotten
for several millennia and once a Veda (Hunter) saw that his cow doesnt have milk after going inside a
jungle.He followed the cow and found that the cow is doing Milk abhisheka on a stone sivalinga. That is
how the king came to know of it and the temple was built around it.

, ,
. , .
. ,,
.
. .(
) .
, .
1001 .
. .
. .
. (
8 ) (). , ,
, ,, . 1955
. ( ) 21
.
,
.
. .In 8th century , a chieftan had several difficult situations and he didnt have
progeny to continuw the royal duties. To this devoted Bhaktha Siva came in dream and told to meditate
on Balambika of Kanyakumari .He did Mandalabhajana at Kanyakumari, and did avahan of devi within a

74

brass vessel and consecrated her in southern valiyambalam ,facing west.A daru idol (wood) was built and
a stone idol for daily pooja was also consecrated in front of it. (The brass kalasa is still in the temple and
on Ulsava days it is taken out ).The version that during Prathishta time instead of Balambika,Bhadrakali
sankalpa was done exists. But another version is that , Balambika was the first Prathishta,a nd later on
Bhadrakali from Palakkal kaav came running , after killing Darikas and jumped int o the well and Balambika
being very soumya advised Bhadrakali to come and sit near her with her in the Srikovil and to be
quiet.Later on when Bhadrakali became more powerful the temple authorities removed chaithanya of
Balambika into another place in the Nalambalam itself. Bhadrakaali prathishta was done in 8th century only
by Achuthat Moossad, kazhakam of Kadavalloor Ramaswami temple.Till then Balambika was the idol.
(Refer the inscription at Kadavalloor and the Achuthat Moossad as one of the kazhakams who lodge the
Rgveda scholars to be tested).

75

. 750 .
() .
.
. 5

76

. ,,
, , 5 .
.
.
.
. . 76 .
. ,,, () .
19 . .
.
. .
.
( )
. . .

Kakkaat Mahaganapathi . From Kunnamkulam Busstand 750 meter north .Thiruvalayanoor

Bhattathiri of Vadakkekkad ,Punnayurkulam , sacrificed all his properties to Oorakath Amma
Thiruvadi and walked towards Northern direction taking only a Ganapathi idol to which he did
Pooja every day. He presented the idol to the then Kakkaat Kaaranavappaad (eldest member of
Thalappilli kovilakam). Old branches of Thalappalli are Aanaaykkal, Chittanjoor,Cheralayam alias
Cheraalayam, KKumarapuram and Manakkulam .Aanayikkal, Eliyanghat (Mooshakavansa) and its
Punnathalappathi (Punnathoor ) belong to the same family . At present , punnathoor and
Eliyanghat are in the Thalappalli royal family but the name Aaanaaykkal is not used. This name is
pronounced as Aynikkoottil Nambidi and at present only Cheraalaya (Chiralaya) takes this oldest
branch name and write the initials as C.A (Cheralayam Aynikkoottil alias Aanaayikkal).This term
has its origin in Aan (Vishnu) Avinisseri and Aaankkal (where Parouli Vishnu temple of pandavas is
situated) and denotes the antiquity of this branch name which is dropped by others,retained by
Cheralayam. Karanavar installed Ganapathi near Paradevatha ,Vettekkaran Sivan .The first
Thanthri is not known.At present thanthram is Porkkalam Thekkedath Mana. Previously ,Thalappalli
kakkaat karanavar had his Crowning ceremony in Akathiyur Kalasamala , purified by the
Agashtyatheertham from Agasthyas kalasa. In sangham literature there is a story of Paari being
killed by kaari which is sung by Kapilar (Paaranar) , the Guru of Paari. After this incident , there

77

never had been crowning of Kakkat karanavar at Kalasmala. The observatory and yajnasala
were forgotten for millennia .Even now , it is not a protected site. Why did Thiruvalayanoor
Bhattathiri denounce his properties ? Why did the idol he gave became the center for
Ariyittuvazhcha of kakkat karanavar after that ? What is its relation to paris assassination and
story of Irukkuvel refusing Paris daughters as his brides ? Is Thiruvalayanad Bhattathiri the same
as Kapilar (Paaranar) of sangham age, who also is said to have denounced everything and
moved to North in sangham literature ? These are the questions I found very interesting .

Vedakkaad Porkkalam

3 , 1 ,
.
.
.
. ,
.
. .
, .
.
. . ,

. 3 kms north of Kunnamkulam, 1 km west of Parempadam,on Pazhanji road in Porkkalam Parasurama
meditated and did Thapas and this place was known as Vedaranyam from ancient times.This was the
place where Vedavathi meditated to marry Sri Narayana , and Ravana tried to molust her, and she did
Athmahuthi in her homakunda cursing him to die , if he attempts to molust women again.It is said that
Vedavathi was reborn as Sita,Ramas wife and became cause of Ravanas death. Parasurama saw
swayambhoo Mahishasuramardhini here, and he consecrated Mahishasuramardhini and on her southern
side Durga. Sages had done penance even before Threthayuga at this site. Since the forest was always
purified by their Vedic discussions , it became Vedaranya.Later on, Ravana and his forces took over the
land and wars between his forces and Devas made it Porkkalam. During Cheras of Sangham period and
8th century and during Zamorin Kochin royal fights, this place was the battleground of opposing forces
(Porkkalam).Zamorin made a mudfort on its south and after that it is also called Kottakkunnu. Several
Munimadas (meditation homes of sages) are seen all around Vedaranya .Numerous Megaliths also are
seen. During Parasurama times , the vedic wisdom of the place had been replaced by the warring
Kshathriya spirits of Rakshasa, and he destroyed the evil kshathriyas and brought very pious and pure
sathwik Brahmins to reintroduce vedic wisdom.

78

.
9 . .
. ,, 5
.( .
. 13 .
. .
() .
. 1963
. , .
. ,,,, ,
. . Vedaranya is associated with ancient Ooraalars
Payyoor Patteri. During zamorins time among 18 and poets of his durbar 9 belonged to Payyoor Bhattathiri illam.
The position of 181/2 Kavi is the scholarly position enjoyed by ancient Vannery Namboothiris .Payyoor patteri illam is
famous for its scholarship in Meemmaamsa. Apart from Payyoor , Chennaas 9Chennamangalam),Mullappalli ,5
people from thiruvegappura and Kakkasseri with Uddhandasasthri were zamorins poets. Zamorins overlordship
came only after 13th century . The poet is said to be poonthanam. According to Ulloor , sankarasmrithi of 14th
century is written by Payyoor patteri. Payyoor patteri got their scholarship by blessings of Porkkaali Bhagavathi
(Mahishasuramardhini) of Porkkalam.Traditionally,the temple authority is Thalappalli,Punnathoor Kovilakam (see
above). Till 1963 Land Reforms , they were looking after the affairs of the temple.
A square Ekathala,saandhaara Srikovil with Mahishasuramardhini and Durga,both facing west .Upadevas are
Ganapathi,sivan,Ayyappan,Bhadrakaali , and a Saasthaa with his wife and son . Brahmarakshas has only a
Peetaprathishta.

( ) 6
. . ().105
, .
( ,). .

Payyoor Pelakkat Subramanya of Payyoor in Choontal grama, is 6 kms SE of Guruvayur at Koonamoochi .Owned
by Avanasseri mana of Vadakkancheri.Ancient temple.Krishnasila idol of Subrahmanya in Katibandha pose (left
hand) and Abhayamudra (Right hand) is 105 cms height.Present thanthri Puliyannoor of Elavalli (Via
Paavaratti).Saanthikkaran is hereditary from Kallampilly Embranthiri.

, .
3 .
96 . 92 .
,,, .

79

. 92
. ( )
. .
. .
.
. 2 .1953
. . . 3
km west of Kunnamkulam on Althara road,near parkkadi jn.In ancient times 96 Manas administered the
temple. 92 have disappeared. Now Kongarappally,Poonghat,Pillanezhi and Thottappaaya remains. In the
ancient Siva temple, in 8th century , a subramanya temple was constructed. It is said that due to adoption
of Tamil pooja orders , the 92 illams were destroyed (by curse). In 15th century devaprasnam decided to
construct siva temple again. In sankalpa of Rama ,Mahavishnu was consecrated . Ancient Vettekkara Siva
idol was lost in the meantime.Only a Peetham exists. The idol was protected by Poonghat mana .In 18th
century there was a strong attack on the temple by Tipu sultan. Both the legs of Subramanya idol was
broken by him. At present Puliyannoor is Thanthri. There are several ancient scripts/pictographs in the
temple.

80

81

82

.

.
.
. 15 .
Parkkati bhagavathi is said to have come to the temple on her own. Once Kodungallooramma
came following Velichappaad, and reached Kottappaaya mana and asked to give place for living
and the local people think that is why the placename is Paarkka Idam (Paarkaadi).Only when
smallpox became prevalent in the area, the devi was worshipped as the Desadevatha by people.
15 cm mirror idol has Bhadrakaali sankalpa and is after the period of Kodungalloor devi temple.

. .
.
. ( ).

. .
. . ,,
. . Thalakkottukara Siva and
Devi .Temple is of 11th century but since Swayambhoolinga it is considered ancient. There is a
second temple within the temple cmplex which also lodges a siva, and it is this second siva
prathishta and the temple which are newer in 11th century. (not the swayambhoo original linga).
Swayambhu has a square dwithala srikovil and Mahadeva has ekathala. Nandi and
deepasthamba are for both.Upadeva of mahadeva are Ganapathi,Ayyappa and Bhagavathi. On
the southwest is a Narasimhamoorthi also.

Chovvalloor Siva;- 3 Kms east of Guruvayur in Kantanassery , near Harikanyakayur temple (Of
Mohini).Earlier owned by 28 Malayala Brahmins. Later it became under Mazhuvannoor mana and
when that also was extinct Thazhakkulam mana took over. It is one of the 108 Sivalayas on west
coast of India. Though the Siva is famous, the temple was originally that of Chovva (Muruka/Mars,
the warGod, son of Siva) as indicated by the name of the place .The subshrine of Chovva

83

(Rahu/Serpent/Subrahmanya) located in the temple complex is a beautiful small apsidal structure

with Reptiles(Lizards) carved on the walls.
It is said that , a pious devotee of Vatakkunnathan , when he became old, could not go to Thrissur
every day to have darsan and the Lord came in his sleep and showed him a small hill near his Illam
where a swayambhoo siva is present.That is how the Siva idol came into existence in the temple
complex of Chovva.. An inscription says that 2 Bronze stand lamps (Nilavilakk) was donated to
the temple (Ref: Census of Kerala page 126 Thrissur District). Thanthri Azhakkaat mana of
Kozhikkaattiri , of Pattambi. .
3 . 28 .
.
. .

.
. 28
. . .
. 108
. .
.
. 4
. 1993 .
. . .
. 1.5 . 2
. .
.(
). .,
.
. ()
.. ,
. .
.2 . ( ,
, , .
2 ().
. .
. 320 3
. 1145 3
. . , 2
( ) . 2
() , . (

84

85

86

87

88

. . 12
. .
. .
( ). (
). ()
() . . .

VENGILASSERI Cheramanghad Ayyappankav on Ayyappankunnu in Veloor panchayath is 12 km west from

Vatakkancheri .The story that the place got name because of blood oozing out of swayambhoo idol when a sickle
was sharpened on it exists.But more plausible is the origin from Cheraman mangaad ( Burial ground of the rulers of
erstwhile Chera kingdom of sangham era) .Chenghazhi Nambiyar is hereditary owner. (Chenga = Simha/Lion Azhi =
seashore port. Veloor =The land of Vel, the weapon of Muruka) Thanthri is Peramangalam Keezhundayur mana.
. () .
, .
Chera rulers of Thalappilli had a title
Kantha (synonym of Subrahmanya) and the occurrence of Kantankulangara Siva temple in Veloor panchayath
village, 13 km west of vadakkanchery near Vengilasseri Cherumanghat Ayyappankav is also a circumstantial
evidence for this. This temple also is datable to ancient period (Census of kerala temples) and here also the same
story of sickle and blood from swayambhoo exists.Puliyannoor thanthram.Very nearby is Veloor karthyayani ,ancient
temple, forming a temple complex of Siva Kudumba . Upto 9th century many Namboothiri illams existed here. A man
of Puntiyidam family saw blood on swayambhoo sila , and it became Karthyayani idol .Namboothiri families left the
place handing over the temple to Thekke Brahmaswam madam. Puliyannoor thanthri.

, ,,
.
, . 7
, , () 50
. .
, . .
.
.
.
. ,
. 1934
. 1934 . 18

89

. , ,
, ,, ,, , ,
. 1945 13
,71 , . 117 123

. There are several places in Kerala which are related to the
Panchajana,Paanchala and the panchapaandava . Aiyyaal (five people) became Iyyaal by corrupt
pronounciation. 7 kms southeast of Kunnamkulam , via pannithadam ( the land of Varaha) , reach
Ambalamaidan jn and the temple is just 50 meters away . Vadakkanchery river flows close by.
Karthyayani Durga faces west,Bhadrakali to North. More importance is at present to Bhadrakali ,
with a Siva and Kshethrapaala facing west. The Bhadrakaali has a Rurujith Vidhaana. In front is a
paala tree on which a chela tree has completely covered .Very ancient tree with several
Daivanaaga on it which does not harm the people. The 18th day festival of Bhadrakaali is
celebrated only by Girijana and Harijana. Until 1934 administration was done by Nair families
around. In 1934 it was given to Akazhi illam. Bhadrakali temple belonged to 18 families. Among
them Paathirakkot Patanair,Paalakkat patanair,Athiyath patanair,Theechikkot valiya panikkar,
Keezhuveettil melaaya, Mannaazhi, Ambakkaat,Raamaat,Kaamburath nairs were prominent. Very
near to the temple is a cave from which 13 Roam gold coins and 71 Roman dinars were obtained
in 1945. These coins belonged to BC 117-AD 123 which show that both the cave and the Temple
were very important in the trade with foreign places.

. 75 ... ,,,
. . , .
. .. 24
. .
. ..
. ()
. . .
, .

. , ,
. Temple is square dwithala and idol is of 75 cms height .It is Vaishnavi wearing conch,wheel,lotus
and mace. Bhadrakaali is ancient Mirror type. The main festival is in Medam Karthika asterisk. The
procession is to Paarayil Vishnu temple. 24 elephants accompany the Devi. But the elephants should not
go in front of Bhadrakali temple. For Bhadrakali Rohini asterisk is festival day. It is called Madhuvela or
Desa vellaat.This is done by Mannaan community. The rite of cutting a Dand ( Eructing a plantain stem
,covering it with cloth, doing worship and cutting it and throwing it to a small stream ) is done symbolically

90

by them , instead of the ancient Animal and human sacrifice which the community used to do earlier. It is
said that Rakshasa started such rites and during Viswamithra period this was prohibited , through
intervention of Srirama and Lakshmana .

.
.
.( .
. ) .
There was an inscription on valiya balikkal which is now invisible because it was covered with brass during
renovation.But the temple authorities showed me a photograph of it which they had preserved. They told
me that a Professor from Trichur has read it as : The construction is by Koymma (with a double M)
.Murals are lost during renovation. In my reading the double M is seen just as the Professor read. The first
thanthri is unknown. At present Pattambi Andallaat mana performs Thanthra .
The Reading : Saddupha pakhathadhamma .In Sanskrit it reads , This is the Dharmma of (Bhagavad
Dharmma) Saadupha .A saaadhupha King (The Tamil Koyma) has built the Balikkal as Vazhipad as his
dharma (Devakarya)

. .
.
. . (
). .

91

250 , ,
6 . .
.
. 108 .(
.) 2 .
. .
.
. .

. .
.56
. 1949
. . .
. , .
.
, ,
, , 4 .
. 67 .
. . ().6
. 12 .
.
.
. .
,
. 250 meter Northeast of Pannithadam Jn , on Kunnamkulam Vadakkanchery Road ,
6 km away from Kunnamkulam is the very ancient temple of Mathur. It is in Kadangot
Panjayath,Cheramaangat village. It is one wmong the 108 Sivalayas of Parasurama. (A temple in the
Mathur Thavanoor also exists).There are 2 inscriptions on the Adhishtana of valiya Balikkal and on a
stone in the Nalambalam. Entire temple is made of Granite , which is rare in Kerala. It is said that a Vaisya
chettiyar from Tamil Nad constructed the temple. He came to sell his cattle in Kunnamkulam market and
spent a night in the courtyard of the temple. Next day morning the oxen refused to get up and move. So,
he prayed to the deity that he would renovate and construct a temple for the Lord if the cattle are allowed
to move. Thus he constructed the temple which exists there. The ancient Kootam on which 56 beams
were fixed is still kept in the temple. Until 1949 the temple belonged to Vannery Perumpadapp Kochin
swaroopa. Maathoor means Mahavasthupura. There is a Brahmin Illam in the same name in Kerala and
Andhra. Mathur is famous for its Vasthu and Jyothisha and Vedic knowledge. Porkkulam Vadakkedath
mana is Thanthri.

92

Siva faces west,Parvathi faces east and in the southern Antharala is Ganapathi ,Dakshinamurthi,Ayyappan
and Nagayakshi facing south .Six idols in the same garbhagriha also is a very rare occurrence in Kerala
temples. In front of the 4 idols on the southern side, on the left side is a stone with a dancing woman
carved on it. Sivalinga is 67 cm and is Rudrakshasila. The sankalpa is Ardhanaareeswara . Parvathi is only
a sankalpa. In Namaskaramandapa with 12 pillars is a Nandi. Another peculiarity here is that a live Ox
(Nandi) is worshipped here as in Pasupathi Temple of Nepal. In the inner balivattam ,on southern side,near
the well is a small shrine for Agasthya . In front of it is a stone inscription. The Sivaparvathi were visualized
by the meditating sage Agashtya here. The nearby Agathiyur and Akathiyur Kalasamala have association
with Agasthya.The stream in Akathiyur kalasamala (Kallaayikkunnu) is said to be made by the water from
Agasthyas kalasa.Beneath the hill is a natural cave , which was the place of sages dwelling and above
is a astronomical observation point and a sacrificial place and a rock used as Balikkal for Pithrutharppana

In the ancient script , some parts are deepened to make letters. Telug,Kannada,Granthakshari ,Brahmi
Manipravala is used in script. There are a few star clusters of zodiac also .Especially the
Hunter/Vettekkaran figure of Taurus ,and the three stars (Thrimurthy) on his belt .
.
,,, . ,
. .

93

, .

. ( ).
Reading :() (. . .)
( )
( . )
( .
.. .)
( , )
( ,)
Ravivarga. Omnathappatheswaram.
Naraayanankale Thalappalli Kothanda Nilaathata (Or Kothanda Neelaanda/name of Siva)Paatyam(Fields
for paattam). King Kandan Kothas Raman Thali . Karthaar (Constructor) is Thavanur Adikal Dhaamam.

94

( ,
) , .
, ,
, .
. This indicates that the old name was the
Temple of Onathappa of Akathiyur. (Only after the construction of the Granite vasthu the name Mathur
came)The merchant Kannar , belonging to Konguchera with surname Kandan as their cousins of Kerala
had, belonging to Karur had come here (from Valppalli/Valppara to Thalappalli) and became instrumental in
constructing a Mahaavasthu here. Below kalasamala is a twin temple of Vishnu and Siva. Kallaayi or Kallar
(Perumal Kallar) were the people who built the vasthu as indicated by the term Kallaayikkunnu for
Kalasamala. In Malayalam Kallar are Kallaasaari , or stonesmiths. Kalam(Pot
,Kappal),Kolam(Golam)(Kolathiri/Golaadri) were derivatives of the Kallar or Kallaasaari/the first cavemen
who made rock engravings and rock art and later on became artist architects of Mahavasthu. The
kalasamala was under Parambumala Paari vallal and when Kaari defeated Paari (as in sangham
poetry/Kapilar songs) Kalasamala became the place for coronation of Kaari , until it was shifted at a later
date to Kakkaat Ganapathi temple. This was Paaris Kolaadri/Kolatthiri center.

95

96

.
4 , . 16
. . . .
. . 15 .
. .( 45 .). 90 .. .
.

97

.

.

(

, (
,)), ,
(
,)

(
))

.
,
.

98

99

100

101

102

. ( )Plan of
Observatory (Samrat yanthra) at Akathiyur Parempadam Kalasamala.

103

. 6
, .
. 16 .
. .
,, .
. . .
. .350 23 .
. . ,,
. Swayambhoo idol of Kunnampaattukav Cheramangad Bhagavathi of Kadangot
Grama is 6 kms east of Kunnamkulam at Pannithadam , 1 Km northeast of vadakkanchery
road.

7
( ).
.
. .
.
.
.
.
.
. , (), 3
. .
4 . , ,
,. . 3
. 1971
. . . .
, , , . 7 km Norteast
of Kunnamkulam at Vellarakkaat manappaat jn , 1 km north on Vadakkanchery Road is an ancient
temple associated with sage Agastya .The Vellaarakkaat Ramaswami temple. It is a place with
rare metals and golden serpents were seen here. All around was silent forests. Seeing the silent
peaceful atmosphere Agasthya sat within the cave on the western side of a small stream and
meditated. Once a flood came and water rushed into the cave obstructing his penance. Agasthya
thought of Rama who controlled Varuna and the floods were stopped. Rama asked the sage to
consecrate his idol which was immersed in the stream for several years. Agasthya got a Vishnu
idol from the river and he consecrated it in sankalpa of Rama subduing Varuna.Meaning of
Vellaarakkaad :

104

1 Vella +Ara+Forest ( water, cave,forest) 2.Forest with caves and white Melals 3. The abode of
Vella Namburi ( Vallaba vansa) where their Aram (Dharma) is protected . 4 ooraalars
were:koottanat,thekkedath,Manjappatta pazhiyot and Naduvilappat (the last one is
extinct).Thanthri Kakkaat mana.Kazhakam vellaarakkaat pisharam,meleppaat
variyam,keezheppaat variyam,Kandan Kaniyath poduval.

Cheruvarambath Muthasssikkaali (Aruvaayi)

Aruvaayi is Dharmanaaga . 6 kms NW from Kunnamkulam . An unknown sage had vision of Devi
Bhadrakaali here in prehistoric prevedic past. Mirror image (21 cm) of Durga sankalapa is seen.
The name is either because it is situated on the banks of a tank (Chira) or because it is dearest
to the Cheravar (Kings and people of Cheranad) . Cheravaranpan as Devaanaampiya and
Vaanavaranpan .It belonged to Payyazhi family of Pattithadam(Bhattithadam). Paa means
serpent,naaga. Faces west.There is a Brahmarakshas also .Rishiprathishta.Present thanthri
Porkkulam Karakkannoor Vadakkedath mana. Muthassikkaali is considered as the grandmother of
all people of Thalappalli Taluk , including its Gods and Goddesses. In the old tree at the
Moolasthanam , nature had made a beautiful image of Kirathi(Thwaritha) playing the yazh and my
camera was lucky enough to capture that beautiful vision.

CheruvarambathKavMuthassikkaali(GrandmotherKaali)issaidtobethegrandmotherofalltheDevi
templesofThalappalliTaluk.WhileIwasachildaPARAusedtocomehomefromCheruvarambathKav.
OnDec11.2013,Ivisitedthistempleandtwomorenearbytemples(Kattakambal,andPalakkalkav)
.Cheruvarambathkavislocatedinapicturesquebackgroundwithfieldsandforests.TheMoolasthanam
ofDeviistheheavilyforestedKaavnearby.ATharaandatreeexistsonMoolasthana.WhenIsawa
figureofDevionthetree,Iwassurprised.TheKirathi,playingalyre(lyreinlefthand,resemblinga
bow)andaJadamakutamisverystriking.Whenlookingatclosequartersfaceisthatof
Narasimhi/Vaaraahi.Thelonglimbs,thepelvicboneandeventheribsareimitatedbynatureonthis
figure.Maybethenaturalfiguremaygrowagainincomingyears.Oritmaybelostbyadifferentwayof
growthofthetree.Anyway,bychance,mycamerahaspreservedforposturityandforthosewholove
nature,thisverypreciousartpiece,madebyNatureforallofus.

. , 6
.
. . . 21 .
, .
. ( ).. .
. . 30
,,,,. .
.. .
.

105

. ,
,
.

10 , 4 -
., .

106

. . ,
.
.(
) .
.
,

.
. . . . ,
,, . . 8
. (). Thichur sastha (10 km west of Vadakkanchery,4 km
from Nelluvay on Pattambi ponnani road ) is a swayambhoo idol seen by a woodcutter while sharpening his
axe. Manarkottachan constructed a temple around. The peculiarity is that the Sastha faces the Niryathi kon
(Southwest). It is said that the ruler of 22 desam came to conquer the place and sastha suddenly
changed his direction to protect the paddy fields and families belonging to his territory. Another peculiarity is
that only warriors going for wars visited and worshipped here. The famous Kavunkal kalari is on the east
side of the sastha temple. Therefore the stories have some verification points from the geographic location.
Manarkottachan was ooraalar until Paliyath achan took over. Apsidal Niranthaara sreekovil with no
pranalam, stone dwarapaalakas,wooden silpa of Narasimha,Naagas,sages and devas are
present.Upadeva is Sivalinga. Thanthri is Eekkaat mana of Thrissur.

. 15 ,
250 . .
. . ..
.
, ,, . 105
, .
2 , , . 45
. ,,,, .
. , . 15 km northwest of Vadakkanchery
,via Kundannoor,250 meter from varavoor Thali in the midst of a field is Viruttaanam Thichur Bhagavathi.
Bhadrakali and Veerabhadra are in same sanctum sanctorum.Siva and Kshethrapala are upadeva.
Poojarins are Adikal of Kodungalloor temple. Sathwik pooja of Rurujith Vidhana is done. In a pillar on
agramandapa Krishna with gopika,kaliyamardhana,Sivalinga and human figurines are carved. Idol is
Chamundi with 105 cm height .In right hands sword and chilamb, in left hands ead of darika and a pot
.Veerabhadran has 2 hands with churika in one and the left hand in Lolakarana (Nrythyakarana).He is 45
cms in height. Thanthri is Viruthaanam Madam Adikal .
.
Thirumathaliyappan siva temple in Thichur grama Varavur panchayath is 15 kms North of vadakkanchery at
Thali via Kuntannoor ,Chittanda.Also known as Nityavichareswaram Thali.One of the 108 Siva temples of
Chera Kings.It is said that Vilwamangalam swamiyar had consecrated the SriKrishna idol and temple there,

107

to reduce the power of Siva.The slightly tilted head of Nandikeswara is an astronomical phenomenon.The
belief is that when the head is completely tilted to North, the earth will have a deluge. Thichur
Nithyavichareswaram Thali was the capital of the 14 Naat of Kulasekhara empire. The 14 nat from north to
south were ,
Kolathunad,Puraikkizhanad,Kurumpurainad,Polanad,Eraalanad,Valluvanad,Netumbrayurnad,Kaalkara,Keezhm
alai,Venpoli,Munnaanaat,Nantuzhinad, Otanad and Venad.Thichur Thali is at Kulasekharanalloor in Netumpra
village , hence also called Netumbra Thali.It has 8 inscriptions of the 8th century Chera Kulasekhara kings.
Inscriptions are in vattezhuth on both sides of Vathilmadam.Historians have identified the m as epigraphs
dated in 17th regional year(934) of Kota Ravivarman (917-947) with decisions of Thaliyars and Adhikarar
(Thaliyathiri and Koyil adhikari)under Venpolinad Kota Ravi on transfer of Ugramandalam and
Isanamangalam for maintainance of Nityavichareswra,and the word Paattam (share of produce) is used in
this inscription.Indu Kotas (947-962) inscription distributes 298 kalam and 26 nahzi paddy to temple
servants,109 kalam and 2 nazhi to pooja and priests,806 nazhi to Nanghiyars and gandharvis (Devadasi)16
kalam and 50 nazhi to kaanans and oviyans (astrologer and architects)..
I could read one inscription in the temple which gives the rite of ancient Jayabali, performed in the nearby
Kulasekhara Thali .
It reads:1.Swasthisree. Padmathame hridi.Thath Chandra.Thatth seeghragaa rathi.(Rddhi)Paazhatha jayatham Om.
Rishabhavathpanaa(Rishabhapathmanaa)2.Vaappasi dasamavelapraapnuaharggana naazhigavyaapthahanyaamrithathanoodhyaathaa(yaa)3.hahnapamathupeetham praartheem thapannaarupathrishajajjethaapluthaje thate (re)phaprupha(pa)
4. -truma uggtharggale (Udayaarggale)uje (Udaye ?) Jyaavurunnagatha udurbha Rishabhena
Ru(ru)Urukaggeevaja thapathinathatheelaamasrura5.-thya. // tha tth rrnappathaadthana gr na thapalgRgthrithwithana Om (Nom)
6 Thrippeethamatheem raagam ailasa nalwala vataya jyaamir(yajaamir)Om
7.Sreegeernagarbhathade (Hiranyagarbhathate?) nrupamoovar vadalathamelam sadyapahaTaya
natheeppagah pallava8 Thapa(Dhapa)pasthaa(paschaa)naniNrululazhalahanagirapathathaya thavajaya valanaa9
stha(swatha)damapyayanudasaajulajnadapaladhanatharusapaantha(baandha)navavanasrithagavagula
10 thrinaathah varanruthya(nithya)valevathyavalamaathapajaavvithyavisaar rathanethrakh
gaaRryathi ( The 10 line inscription starts with UUsual Swasthisree and says that there should
be unity in the hearts which are similar to the Lotus .The Lotus heart is Chandra, the race of
Chandra(Soma) and that Chandra is fastmoving (Seeghragaami) and hence called sasi. Om
Jaya (Hail) Paazhatha (Prakrith term for Bhaaratha race of Lunar
dynasty).,Rishabhapadmanaabha or Rishabhavarma (which may be Nandivarman since
Rishabha is Nandi )the emperor. May be this is a jayabali done by a King belonging to
Bharathas Lunar race, and his name was Rishabha or Nandivarma Padmanaabha. On
arppasi month,Dasamavela has come .Ahargananaazhika has spread.Meditate on the nectar

108

form of Ahirbudhny (twin of Budha,son of Soma) .During sunrise, Udayaarggalam the

victorious assemble on the banks of the river of Prithanya (Prithany)Do tharppana and other
daily rites with Pranava Om. With love /dedication on the sacred Peetham (the emperors
throne) and with a mind full of praising songs we do yajana of the five Ay chiefs of the North
(Malabar) or on the Northern Jya (sine) of the cosmic horizon . Om. (Utharaayana )Your
Jayavalana ( victorious circumambulataion/Deflection) is after this, and it is glorious on horses
and around the Aswatha tree ,Oh Giripathe ( Lord of the Hills and Mountains) .This
Ayanavalana makes the Aasa (directions) enlightened (Ujjwala) ,wise (Jna) with wealth ,trees
and numerous relatives and travelers , new forests ,cattle and sweet sugars (Gula is
sarkkara) . The lord of the three cities,your daily dance of Valana (deflection) and its heat
(thapa is austerity too) makes you eternal scholar (Nithyavisaaratha) and the eye of this
cosmos , so sings the Rk .
Since Nithyavisaratha is used and the temple is called Nithyavichareswaram Thali , this is the
place where a Emperor after Hiranyagarbha lives as the sage and eldest respectable
member of the family and the Kulasekharapuram Thali nearby belongs to the next in position
(The king in charge of administration and defence.)
200 meter north of temple is an ancient fort on a hillock called Thachanpaara which was the
dwelling place of architects of the temple. A big tank (12 acres) called Aarakkulam 400 meter
east of the temple has 9 shrines around it .On top of a hill is the Keezhthali ruined totally .
The temple was managed by Desamangalam mana until 1977.Sivalinga is 75 cm height with a fierce
sankalpa.Krishna is 45 cms .The first thanthri who consecrated the idol is unknown.Present thanthri is
Kannampilli mana of Koottanad.
1. Keezhthali is 2 km northwest of varavoor at Thali,2 km sw of arangottukara jn .Huge sivalinga of height
2.44 meter above ground level (total height about 3.25 meter)and circumference 2.14 is a Mahalinga. More
than 108 Sivalingas were unearthed in and around this Shiva temple and Thali village was an important
center of Kulasekhara Chera kingdom.The linga on the hill acts as a telluric magnetic force for prevention of
earthquakes and also for astronomical observations.Installed by Parasurama for protection of Kerala, and
reconsecrated by a Rishi later, the Punaprathishta was done by Kannampalli mana .

109

110

111

112

113

SacredJourneytoMegalithicKerala
Temples.Keezhthali.Varavoor.EvidencefromAtharvavedaforinstallationofMegalithicStones
andSivalimga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po8G8qq2aa4&list=PL6eRaANxyeNLx4ECM7pr9E2nPKLDbv
MMD&index=3

Netumpra Thali Kulasekharanalloor Siva temple. 2 km sw of cheruthuruthi jn at Neumpra,one of

the 108 siva temples and mentioned as Netumpurayur in Thriprayar inscription.It is part of the great

114

Temple complex of Netumpurayur along with Nithyavichareswaram ,Keezhthali etc. From 9th to 12th
centuries these were the centers of culture and administration of the Vallabah kings of
Mooshaka/Chera empire.(Until Vallabhas were exterminated by Cholas).There is a Vishnu shrine
on the NW of the main shrine and it is considered older than the siva shrine. (cheraman perumal
shrine).The siva temple was built by Perumthachan,son of Vararuchi.(who lived in 4th century AD
.So, the Kulasekhara perumal/cheraman perumal shrine of Vishnu must be earlier than that period
as claimed by local people. Very ancient scripts which are faded on the stone floor of Vishnu
temple bear testimony to this claim. ) .Siva temple was Rennovated in 1913 AD , the carpenter
found it difficult to fix wooden beams as Perumthachan had done it. On Thiruvathira in Dhanu
month,Jayabali was performed here by Kulasekhara emperors.36 para raw rice is needed for this
pooja. Jayabali stopped only after Tipu Sultans attack. The temple was Othambalam and NonBrahmins had no entry earlier. Idol of Siva is swayambhoo.(story of blood from stone while
sharpening sickle is here also).But the size and shape of the present idol shows that it was
manmade, probably during Perumthachans time or before that .Now owned by 6 manasMaathoor,Karippaal,Mekkaat,Vailisseri,Kapilliynghat,and Thiruvallakkaat.
Archetecturally it is a gajaprishta sandhara kovil facing east and excellent artwork on
sreekovil.Namaskaramandapam (5.51 meter side) has 16 pillars.Siva idol is 60 cms above floor
level. Mahavishnu 90 cm,Ganapathi 90 cms,sastha 90 cms and Devi is only sankalpa
prathishta.Present thanthri eenchakkaat mana (muthuthala,near Pattambi)Kariyannoor mana
(Vatanamkurissi near Shoranur).

115

Kozhimamparamb 1 Km south of Cherthuruthi jn at Puthusseri .Cheerakkuzhi canal is 300 m south

of temple. Chera kings with tutelardeity Kozhi (Kottavai) established the temple.Earlier goats and
cocks were sacrificed here and Goddess was fierce . A subshrine dedicated to King Harischandra
as Lord Siva shows the Paraya lineage , as in the case of Harischandrakkootta at Puralimala of
North Malabar.Paavakoooth is staged and rituals resemble Tamil Nad , not that of Kerala. The
Kongu chera migration from Tamil Nad is an Aithihya associated with this temple.Belongs to
Mannazhi mana.Bhadrakali is 75 cm darusilpa ,right hnd abhayamudra and left Katibandha. Sila idol
of Goddess is only 15 cms.Harischandra is 15 cm sila linga.Parayas are having special privilege to
conduct annual festival.Araatt ezhunallath,Pavakkooth based on Kambaramayana,Panthalidal by
Thazhapra desam,Bhoothamkettal by Mannaars,Kaalavela by cherumars,Vellaatt by Paanar,giving
fresh cloth to Velichapad by Washermen of puthusseri desam,giving kaaramullu (thorn)for koothu
by Thandans make different rituals of the temple.Present thanthram Melazhikath mana of
Painkulam.Santhikkaran is hereditary Embranthiri.

116

11 km NW of cheruthuruthi at Arangottukara .Very ancient. Ashtavarga rishi did penance

here and made Bharathappuzha to change its course (That is why it is called Aar
angott River to the other side).There is no idol here.A huge hole is seen in
garbhagriha from which a creeper Madhaveelatha is grown. The creeper is now a
huge tree showing its antiquity.Madhavi was daugheter of King Yayathi and she had
to accompany Sage Galava on a mission of getting 100 horses for his Guru
Viswamithra and in this course she had given 4 children to 4 kings and one child to
Guru Viswamithra. Ashtavakra is Madhavis son. When Madhavi came back to
Yayathis palace ,the king decided to give her in marriage to a royal person, but
Madhavi dejected by the course of her life prayed that the earth should swallow
her.This hole where MadhaviLatha grows is said to be that hole made by earth to
swallow her and Ashtavarga , her son chose this place for his penance.The depth of
the hole is not ascertained.It seems like the omphalos of the earth is connected with
this. During monsoons water gush out of the hole, garbhagriha is flooded by water
about 15 to 25 cm depth. The Tree is worshipped as Mother Goddess here.
Valluvanaatt swaroopam Rajas carrying titles of Aarangot,Vallabhan,Raayiran
Chaathan ,Vellaattiri and Valluvakonathiri are devotees of the devi and the temple
belonged to them from very ancient times-From the time of King Yayathi and Madhavi
.Sankalpa is that of Vanadurga with special powers of Saraswathi.The sankalpa is
akin to Goddess Mookambika .Present thanthri is puliyannoor.

Manikkutty Anchumurthy at Desamangalam is an ancient temple 10 km sw of shoranur .Originally a

Vishnu temple, with upadevathas of Ganapathi and Ayyappa. On the banks of Bharathappuzha
existed a siva temple with shrines of vanadurga Ganapathi and Ayyappa. When monsoon floods
destroyed siva temple the idols were taken to Vishnu temple for safety.Thus there are 5 moorthy
(idols) in same complex. Vishnu,Siva,Vanadurga,Ganapathy and Ayyappa.Present thanthri
Antalaadi mana.

Kottappuram Ramaswamy is ancient ,500 meter north of Desamangalam jn .Two shrines for
Rama and Krishna exist here.Thanthri Antalaati mana.

2. 4 km East of cheruthuruthi at Painkulam reading room jn on Chelakkara road , on banks of

Bharathappuzha.It is a cave temple.Very ancient.Swayambhoo idol 23 cms.south and west side

are rocks, north and east walls built by granite. During monsoon floods enter srikovil .It is one of
the 5 famous shrines along Bharathappuzha Other four being
Thiruvilwamala,Thirumittakkkot,Thrithala and Thirunavaya .Owned by Kootal Aattupuram
mana.Swayambhu idol of Nagaraja is very ancient and so is swayambhu Ayyappa.The only
manmade idol is that of a Ganapathi.Present thanthri Thiyyannoor mana.Thiruvanchikkuzhicave

117

templeatPainkulam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ZFVTbCUao&list=PL6eRaANxyeNLx4ECM7pr9E2nPKLDbv
MMD&index=2

118

12 km se of shoranur at Killimangalam on Cheruthuruthi killimangalam chelakkara road .Very
ancient.3 siva shrines , 2 square and one circular are seen with a Vishnu shrine. . Circular Vishnu
shrine is most ancient, circular south siva shrine (Thekke thevar),central circular siva shrine ,
square siva shrine (Vatakkethevar with mukhamandapam following in antiquity in order.The
thekkethevar , southern siva shrine has a linga with mixture of ash,white and blue colour (Palunku)

119

and is crystal(Palunkilappan) and consecrated by sage Suka.Formerly this was Vishnu

shrine.Northernmost Siva (Parappatta siva) was worshipped at Cherunkonam desam of
Killimangalam and shifted here at close of 17th century only. Owned by Killimangalam mana.
Vishnu is in sankalpa of Narasimha , 90 cm height .Southern sivalinga (palunkilappan) is 20 cm,
central siva is 45 cm, and Northern one is 45 cm. Bhadrakali is called Ammaalumoorthi in this
temple. Mirror sila idol of Rakthachamundeswari (bhadrakali) also
exists.Nagaraja,Ganapathi,Ayyappa are other upadevas.

Nayarkulangara Ayyappankav Paanjaal panchayath .

3 km east of cheruthuruthi at paanjaal (Paanchaalagrama) on chelakkara road. Very ancient
center of Samavedi Brahmins .Swayambhoo idol. (story of sickle sharpening and blood from stone
).Owned by 7 manas.
Maathoor,Kaippanchery,Muthattukaad,Nellikkaat,Korattikkara,Vaikkaakkara,and Paathiraappalli.
Gajaprishta ekathala srikovil,face east. Undeciphered inscriptions in temple premises (Page 185
census of temples of Kerala) woodcarvings on Srimukham ,Mural paintings from Mahabharatha
and Ramayana. Thanthri Eenchakkaatt and Kozhikkaattiri.

Paanjaal Lakshminarayana
12 km se of shoranur ,very ancient temple of samavedins of Paanchaalagrama. On
January 22 nd of 1993 valuable palmyrah inscriptions were lost in a fire . Panniyur was
famous for Vedic knowledge of Yajurveda and Samaveda. When Panniyur was
defeated by Sukapuram in a scholarship rivalry of Vedas, they sought help of
Paradesi Brahmins and they demanded their pooja systems to be adopted by
Panniyur grama. Thus the traditional Thanthric system was ignored here. The power
of Panniyur grama and its deity diminished and many of the people left Panniyur.
These people went to Brahmanthitta (Chemmanthitta ) and Paanchalagramam and
continued their ancient thanthric tradition and samaveda lineage. 30 Namboothiri
families of Sukapuram Brahmins live in districts of Malappuram (21 families) Palakkad
(43 ) Thrissur (16) and they conducted 165 agnishtoma in last century , of which 25
were performed at Paanjaal by 7 families ( Korattikkara 3 times, Muttutakkaat
Maamunnu 5 times, Nellikkaat Maamunnu 6 times, Pathirappilli 3 times, Thottam 3
times, Vayakkara 3 times and Perumangattu 2 times. 105 cm sila idol of
Lakshminarayan is chathurbhuja .Present Thanthri is Eenchakkaat Mana.
Apart from the beautiful murals and carvings on wall, the ancient temple show the earliest
Kodunthirappalli system of script development in Samavedic chants on the granite stones of the
floor and also the closed canal /sewage system of water flow as seen in MohenjoDaro . The
samavedins of Malabar live in and around . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEpsO4WDyHk

120

IVCScriptsinKeralaAnewdiscovery.SamavedaKodunthirappallisystem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AT96DeqfCqU&list=PL6eRaANxyeNJeN3cK6qtPnXAOD546
D7zh&index=5

121

122

123

Aattoor Kaarthyayani of Mulloorkkara panchayath in Aattoor village is very ancient and is 8 km

east of vatakkanchery. One among 108 Durga temples of Kerala. Moolasthanam is at southeast
of present temple inside the Baahyahaara , known as Kuzhiyil Bhagavathi facing west. In 15th
century the temple was renovated by a Nayar Natuvazhi and Brahmin. Belonged to Kochin Raja
and Thekke madam of Thrissur. They appoint a Muthalppitikkaaran who administer the temple. In
1948 a fire happened and when land was dug for renovation, a treasure of gold ornaments and
gold coins unearthed , but was taken over by the Government . 90 cm sila idol of Karthyayani is
standing in position with 4 arms , upper hands holding conch and wheel lower right hand
abhayamudra and lower left hand katibandha. Kuzhiyil bhagavathi is swayambhu sila with 13 cm
height .Ganapathi,Bhadrakali ,Ayyappa are Upadevathas. A Samadhi exists at the western side
.This Samadhi is said to be that of Vishnu (The founder of Chandravansi and Suryavansi lineage of
India) and a standing sila idol of 30 cms is there. Present thanthri Vatakketath mana of Porkkulam

. , 11
. .
. . ,
9 .
. 11
. 18 .
.

124

Dakshinamurthy of Irunilamkod in Mulloorkkara village is a very ancient cave temple. 2 km west of

Mulloorrkkara Railway station on Thali Road it is a portion of a hilly rock of height 35 meters
extending over an area of 50 acres .Reliefs on inner wall of cave is considered swayambhoo .
They are still growing. Temple face south ,dakshinamurthy(137 cm) with sitting pose ,right leg over
left , body reclining back faces southeast (Agnikon) direction. It has 4 arms with
grantham,amrithakalasam in two right hands, akshamala in left upper hand and jnanamudra of left
lower hand. Other swayambhu idols are that of Vishnu (122 cm)and face of Parvathi (face east).
The 3 Thali temples ( Thirumathaliyappan,kulasekharapuram and Keezhthali) lie within a distance of
10 kms from this very ancient cave temple. This indicate historical and cultural significance . 2
acres of the 50 acres of rock constitute temple complex. The cave sanctum sanctorum is 1.5
meter long, 1 meter wide and 3 meters height. The relief idols are natural swayambhoo idols on
rock surface , and can be classed as ancient rock art of cavedwellers. On peetham of
dakshinamurthy supporting it is carved Bhoodevi and Lakshmidevi. Vishnu is chathurbhuja
.KantanKaali is the dwarapaalaka for this shrine and the name Kantan and Kaali are adopted by
Thalappalli dynasty males and females and represent the names of the vehicle Crocodiles of
Vettakkorumakan, tutelary deity of all kerala kings. Local products are offered by all local people
irrespective of caste and creed. Rice,yam,mango,raw milk,broomstick,fried pappads,wooden
motifs of tortoise,fish and scorpion ,centipedes etc are special here. No special thanthri here .

125

126

127

128

129

130

131

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wX1vgXI3Ls&feature=c4
overview&list=UUCQIVO4zAEwFK7o5K9N4RmQ

9 km NW of vadakkancheri at Nelluvaya (via Oottupara) ;vadakkanchery river flows 150 meters

west of temple. Very ancient temple, the idol of which was damaged . Another idol was made at
Muringateri, 1 km north of temple,and was being brought for bimbaparigraha and other rites. Two
handsome brahmacharins appeared and said that the idol they have brought is the one
worshipped by Vasudeva , father of Lord Krishna,and it has to be consecrated.They said they are
Aswinidevas the most ancient vedic vaidyas. Thus the idol brought by them was consecrated
.The newly made idol was consecrated at small shrine (cheruthevar paramb).Then this was shifted
to the nelluvay temple complex and cheruthevar was installed facing west atSE corner. The
Dhanwanthari at Nelluvay is tutelary deity of all ayurvedic physicians , especially of Kuttanchery
moos. Mukkuti nivedyam ( turmeric powder,pepper powder, and common salt in buttermilk) cures
all stomach ailments . Machat Ilayaths sthothrapanchasika was written when he was cured of a
incurable leg abscess by doing bhajana here.There were 3 ooralars earlier.

132

Manthanat,Aanaari,and Muriyamangalam.From 1979 it is under Kochin Devaswam Board. Subshrine

of Cheruthevar at se has two idols- Varahamurthy and cheruthevar .(Dhanwanthari)
Ganapathi,Ayyappa and Naaga are other upadevatas. Present thanthri kakkaat mana,aalankot.

133

4 km west of vadakkancheri at Kuntannoor chunkam jn and then 2 km north at chittanda
village,Erumappetty panchayah. VA temple. One of the 108 Durga temples. Parasurama,the first
thanthri who consecrated. When Tipus forces attacked they saw a halo of light on southeast
direction and moved in that direction and fell into a deep well and perished. The remaining forces
left in terror without attacking the temple. This well is called the Naaraayanakkinar . Vatuthala

134

family was in trouble and in poverty and they could not feed their children. One day night an old
lady knocked on their door and said one door is opened at pathayappura of temple and they can
take some paddy. The ladies of the house obeyed her and took a little bit of paddy.But, when
they went again due to greed they found a cluster of serpents , and not paddy there. The old lady
is believed to be the compassionate Goddess herself. She is powerful and cures madness and
epilepsy.If purity is not observed devotees loose eyesight . Earlier owned by Oorakkaat
mana,Muntanat and Natuvilppaat mana now it is under Devaswam board. This temple also has
got granite adhishtanam and granite walls as at Mathur siva temple a rare feature in kerala
temples.91 cm high Karthyayani idol is 4 armed wearing conch,wheel ,shield and Khatti (club)
.Ganapathi,ayyappa,bhadrakali,naga and brahmarakshas are upadevathas. Present thanthri
kakkaat mana . Erumappetty means the village of Eruma/buffalo/Mahisha and the placename
suggests a stronghold of Mahishmathi kings and of Yamadharma , one who travels on a mahisha.

2 km east of vadakkancheri at Enkakkat UP School jn. VA temple. 3 temples inside the temple
complex . Narasimha,(105 cm)Siva(45 cms) and Krishna (67 cms)all facing west. Siva temple
belonged to Nayar ooraalars and Vishnu temples to Brahmins , to reduce power of Siva. Earlier
managed by Valiya mana,Chemmangat mana,and Chendamangalath Mana .Now under cochin
devaswam board. A 37 cm Ganapathi also is an upadeva.Present thanthri Puliyannoor
Kotalani kaav karthyayani at Enkakkaat 2 km from vadakkancheri is older than the
veeranimangalam temple. The idol is swayambhu. 45 cm idol of karthyayani and 25 cm idol of
Ganapathi are in same garbhagriha. Sastha and Naaga are upadevathas.Thanthri is the same as
Veeranimangalam.

Mangalam Ayyappankaav Vishnu temple is an ancient temple. 1 se of Mangalam on

Punnampaamb road .Vishnu face west .Ayyappan face east. Ganapathi is Upadeva. First owned
by ooralars later became keezhedam of Vatakkunnathan temple.Now under cochin devaswam
board.

Panangattukara Karthyayani. Thekkumkara village. 3 km east of vadakkancheri at

punnamparamb. One of the 108 durga temples and had 12000 para paddy fields hence called
Pantheeraayiram prabhu.Owned by Avanapparamb mana. In 1968 it was handed over to Cochin
devaswam board. 67 cm rudrakshasila of standing pose with 4 arms having conch
,wheel,abhayavarada mudra.sankalpa is that of a young girlchild of soumya nature in blessing
mood. Upadeva Ganapathi (30 cm).Present Thanthri Naagarmanna mana of Irinjalakkuda

Thiruvembilappan at Venganalloor village,chelakkara panchayath is 13 km northeast of

vadakkancheri and 11 km southeast of shoranur .One of the 108 siva temples.Swayambu

135

idol.Famous for Dravida architecture of Kerala. Since many veem trees used to grow there called
Thiruveembilappan and the area was owned by Vembola mana.A devotee of Vatakkunnatha
(Vellinezhimana ) and Vembola mana together constructed the temple at a place where the
swayambu idol was found . Circular ekathala sandhara kovil face east.It is a sarvathobhadra
srikovil with makarathorana and Kudyasthambhas on walls. Within srikovil two rows of wooden
columns 20 pillars in outer row and 12 in inner making 32 pillars seen. Though there are 32 pillars ,
the circumambulatory path is quite spacious with a conical roof and copper sthupika over it. Three
deities on walls Dakshinamurthi and Ganapathi face south and Parvathi face west.5.52 square
meter namaskaramandapam with 16 pillars and pyramidal roof. 2 thidappalli within akathe
balivattam projecting from nalambalam one at SE and other NE .Chuttambalam has 3 entrances
(west,east and north) with sreemukham. East side has mahasala and a valiyambalam .Lord
manikantan shrine on North mahasals face west.Ayyappan at sw face east ,and Naga at nw face
east. Vilakkumatam has 9 rows of lamps. Vaiyabalikkal within enclosed agramandapam. 4 large
wooden granaries are present to store paddy.
Idols brought from elsewhere: Anthimahakalana nd Bhagavathi from chelakkara kottaram.
Subramanya from Perur duringTipus attack for protection. Elephant belly maryada is present .
Wood carvings at valiyambalam are siva and GarudanthikaVishnu . Very important for
mangalyabhagya this temple is famous. Present thanthri kaaladi patinjaredath mana.

Thritham thali of kontazhi panjayath village

Kirathamurthy siva is present in Thritham Thali an ancient temple. 16 km NE of chelakkara
at Kontazhi .Gayathri river (Cherakkuzhi river) flow 1 km east . One of the 18 thalis of
Kerala. Combats of zamorins and cochin affected its stature also. When Thalappilli , the
ancient Mooshaka family of Cochin kings had to accept suzerainty of zamorins , in 15th
century ,Zamorin set fire to this temple. After that the temple was managed by a local
devotee family. In 1907 taken over by Cochin circar and in 1950 transferred to Cochin
devaswam board. In 1990 Feb 28- March 12th renovations done. Kiratha (90 cm) kirathi
(90 cm) vishnu(90 cm)MahaGanapathi ( 120 cm) Hanuman (75 cm)Kannimoola ganapathi
(30 cm),sastha (45 cm)subrahmanya (90cm) Naga (20 cm) Bhadrakali mirror type (20
cm) Brahmarakshas linga (20 cm) are present. Reconsecration done by Panavur
Divakaran Nambuthiri of Killikkurissi mangalam .

Kalamkandathoor Narasimha of Mayannoor ,Kontazhi panjayath

22.5 km NE of chelakkara at Mayannoor. Bharathappuzha 1 km north of temple. Belonged
to 5 Manas. In 1990 handed over to Thekke madam ,Thrissur. 1.22 meter sila idol of
Nrisimha with upadevatha Ganapathi ,Ayyappa. Present thanthri Muntanat mana. Of
Cherottoor Ottappalam Taluk.

136

Thiruvilwamala panchayath ,pampadi village , 3 km NE of Thiruvilwamala ,2 KM SW of LakkitiKoottupata jn ,Bharathappuzha flowing north of the temple , it is famous for Pithrukarma. Very
ancient temple of Krishna with sankalpa of Parthasarathi consecrated by the 5 Pandavas before
they did pithrutharppana to all ancestors after Mahabharatha war. Hence called Aivar
madam.Owned hereditarily by Mannoor Nayar Tharavad. In 1969 Aivarmadam Varier family took
over administration.Krishna (90 cm) Ganapathi (37 cm)parvathi (15 cm panchaloha)ayyappa (linga
23 cm)Siva (salagram 8 cm)Naga(23 cm) are the idols worshipped. Installed by Pandavas
present thanthri is Panavoor mana .

3 km NE of Thiruvilwamala at Pampadi jn ,Bharathappuzha nearby. VA temple of Chandravansi
kings of Mooshakavansa and it is a swayambhu idol. Peetham of the idol was consecrated
byYudhishtira , the eldest Pandava. The ideal place for pithrutharpana is between this temple and
the Atikal madam at west on Bharathappuzha. Earlier owned by Mannoor Nayar Natuvazhi and
now byCochin Devaswam board. Circular ekathala facing east. Swayambu siva linga (60 cm)
Ganapathi (23 cm) Ayyappa (45 cm) Naga (30 cm) all made of stones. Present thanthri
patinjaredath mana. Santhikkaran is hereditary embranthiri.

48 km NE of Thrissur Via Mulloorkara,Chelakkara,Pazhayannoor and 20 km west of Palghat via
Alathur or 3 km south of Lakkkiti across Bharathapuzha , on a small hillock.Bharathapuzha one
km north of temple.2 shrines one facing west is Sri Rama (swayambhu) and the other installed by
Parasurama .After killing kshathriyas 21 times he did penance FOR GIVING MUKTHI TO ALL
THEIR SOULS AND Siva pleased with this gave an idol of Vishnu saying that anyone who worship
this will get immeadiate salvation.He installed Vishnu facing east.(in sankalpa of Lakshmana)There
were lot of Nelli 9amlaki)trees here and all pithrus came here for liberation (Bhoothamala 3 km
east of temple).Below the sanctum of Rama is a cave.And within it a golden Bilwa tree
.Villuvamala also means a hill with a hole (Villal) in it.Once Aamalaka,son of sage Kasyapa did
penance to propitiate Vishnu.Vishnu appeared with sreedevi,Bhoodevi and umbrella of Adisesha
Amalaka requested him to be there forever for sake of devotees .Three idols (swayambu) arose
at the place where Vishnu,Bhoo and Sridevi appeared.
Hole in front of western shrine in front of Rama had a spring called Theertha.Once a kadali
plantain fell into it.When poojari tried to take it out with a metal piece ezhuthani he heard a
crackling sound from the hole and the ezhuthani fell into the hole.The perennial water spring
suddenly stopped and at present no theertha is seen there.In 1861 AD when renovations are
planned by Cochin devaswam , on the night prior to purification rite a fire broke out .The eastern
idol was kept safe by immersing it in a tank.Swayambu idol could not be taken out.25 days were
needed to stop the fire completely.And when debris was removed swayambu idol of rama was
intact .After war with Ramana,Rama and Lakshmana came for pithrutharpana to Thiruvilwamala

137

where Parasurama had earlier done tharppana.Bhagavathi and Sastha were with them.Bhagavathi
took her seat at Palappuram across Bharathappuzha (Chinakkathoor bhagavathi).Sastha was
thrown into a ditch by Lakshman (Kuntil Saastha).
Rakshasappaara: when power of Vishnu became stronger , asuras sent a clever one among them
to reduce it.He came in disguise of a Brahmin.He lived with Brahmins of the temple during day and
killed cows at night to satiate hunger.The horns and skeletons were deposited at one place which
became the Moorikkunnu ,and when the asura tried to break idol of Rama at night ,Rama
appeared and killed Asura .Rakshasappaara is his remains.
There were two gopuras on east and west and when lamp is ligted on 7th story , it is visualized by
people at Aalthara of Thirunava temple , 40 km away as the crow flies. (98 km by road)When a
santhikkaran did this, the very next day the gopuras were destroyed by lightening .Now only the
platforms exist.
3 km sw is a cave (Punarjani).When Parasurama wanted to be free from sins and wanted
mukthi,he asked Viswakarma to build a cave so that if one pass through it that one will not have
rebirth.The cave is a curved one with a peculiar shape.At entrance height is 3.7 meters ,inside
vary from 1.2 to 1.8 meters .In one place less than 1.2 .Length is 200 meters.Take bath in
Papanasini theertha (2 km SE of temple on rock), then enter cave ,walk a few steps bending the
body .when cave takes a turn to nw one has to sit and move slowly.Again it turns east and this
stretch is very dark.After sometime some light is obtained and there, another cave joins this cave
After that one has to lie down and crawl.After this the stretch is most difficult and diameter is
hardly 60 cm and one can move with difficulty due to lack of oxygen.Then light is seen and height
increase and after coming out take a dip in Papanasini and in Paathaalatheertham (on west of
papanasini)both theertha made by Parasurama.Ritual end when one takes theerthas
Kombutheertham and ambutheertham .Only on Guruvayur Ekadasi day this ritual is done.
Earlier the Kovil sanketha was from Bharathapuzha in North to kovilkappara on south; to
Kozhisseri Paadam on west and Ganapathi theertham on east .Parasurama entrusted the temple
to 5 illams of Moosad,Changanaat,Vaavaat,Kantanaat,Erattaat and kantanghaat.Eraattaat is now
extinct.(He was sent out of temple for abuse of ooraallars and joined zamorins).Eldest of the 5
families has the title Parasu Utayaar and he has to follow ascetic life and live in temple premises
(as Koyil adhikari)He represents ooraanma and samudayam is kaaraanma.Parasu utayar has
rights to order capital punishment.Kaaraymas come from 5 families
Moottat,Annatt,Ikkaraatt,Pollaatt,and Naalonnil.The first 3 are extinct.The 3 rajas
PERUMPADAPP,Thiruvithamkore and Zamorins had special rights in the temple.Ultimate authority
was Perumpadapp swaroopam kovil adhikarikal .In 1789 Tipu took away all gold,money and
copper sheets and damaged temple and it was renovated in 1861 and 1883.1903 temple was
taken over by kochin devaswamdepartment and in 1950 by devaswam board.At the eastern side
of the Lakshmana shrine (consecrated by Parasurama) is a peepul tree and a cave and the cave
is connected with Thirunelli cave , underground. This path is now closed. At southern side is the

138

Saraswathi Kundu. At SE outside Maryada is Kundil sasthaa (with sastha,parvathi and siva
).Dasavathara and Tapas of Narayana Rishi and other darusilpas adorn srikovil walls.
Oldest idol of eastern shrine is 135 cms (Lakshmana) swayambhu with sridevi bhoodevi are on
same peetham is 165 cms (Rama).Mahalakshmi (65 cm) with padma in hand in Lola position
.Ganapathi (105 cm)Sastha linga (37 cm).Hanuman (160 cms) .First thanthri of West idol is
Aamalaki Maharshi and of east idol is Parasurama. Present thanthri kunnaath mana of
Perumanam. Poojari is hereditary from Kunnaath illam ,kuntakkal,edasseri and Marutheri.

. 12
300 ..
. .
. (
) . .
. . .
. 30 .

1 ,( 13 ) .
. () ,
. .
. .
. , . .

13 . 9
.

. 30 . .
. ,,
. .

. 14
, . 500 .
. , ,,
, .
.(). .
,, . .
. .
.

139

. .
. .
. 13 .

WehavestartedfromKadavalloorSreeraamaandendedwithThiruvilwamalaSreeraama(onwest
andEastofThalappallyThaluk)andhaveseensomeoftheimportanttemplescategorizedasVery
ancientandancientinthecensusofKeralatemples.Thejourneydoesntendhere.Itisonlyabeginning.
WehavetofindthetrigonometricrelationsandVaasthuofcityplanningbasedonTemplesandforthat
wewillnextseethetemplesofKannoordistrict(ThalipparambandKannoorTalukmainly)andexplore
theirantiquityandtrigonometry.Because,itisherethePerunchelloorGraamaofMooshakadynasty
flourishedinitsmostgloriousdays.