1.
Kollam
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Kollam or Quilon, formerly Desinganadu, is an old seaport and city on the Laccadive Sea coast of Kerala, India. The city is on the banks Ashtamudi Lake, Kollam has had a strong commercial reputation since the days of the Phoenicians and Romans. Fed by the Chinese trade, it was mentioned by Ibn Battuta in the 14th century as one of the five Indian ports he had seen during the course of his twenty-four year travels, desinganadus rajas exchanged embassies with Chinese rulers while there was a flourishing Chinese settlement at Kollam. In the 9th Century, on his way to Canton, China, Marco Polo, the great Venetian traveller, who was in Chinese service under Kublai Khan in 1275, visited Kollam and other towns on the west coast, in his capacity as a Chinese mandarin. V. Nagam Aiya in his Travancore State Manual records that in 822 AD two East Syrian bishops Mar Sabor and Mar Proth, settled in Quilon with their followers. Two years later the Malabar Era began and Quilon became the city of the Malabar region ahead of Travancore. Kollam is a city on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake that took the title Gods Own Country without much demur. The braids of Ashtamudi Lake lie about 71 kilometres north of the state capital, the city hosts the administrative offices of Kollam district and is a prominent trading city for the state. The proportion of females to males in Kollam city is second highest among the 500 most populous cities in India, Kollam is the least polluted city in India. Four major trading centers/towns around Kollam are Kottarakara, Punalur, Paravur, There was also internal trade through the Punalur Pass connecting the ancient town to Tamil Nadu. The rail links later established to Tamil Nadu supported still stronger trade links, the factories processing marine exports and the processing and packaging of cashewnuts extended its trade across the globe. Kollam is the fourth most populous city in Kerala and the fifth largest in incorporated area and it is known for cashew processing and coir manufacturing. Ashtamudi Lake is considered the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is a prominent tourist destination at Kollam. The Kollam urban area includes towns such as Paravur in the south, Kundara in the east. Other important towns in the city suburbs are Eravipuram, Kottiyam, Kannanallur, Kollam appeared as Palombe in Mandevilles Travels, where he claimed it contained a Fountain of Youth. During the later stages of the rule of the Chera monarchy in Kerala, Kollam emerged as the point of trade. Kollam continues to be a business and commercial centre in the Southern Kerala. In 825 CE, the Malayalam calendar, or Kollavarsham, was created in Kollam at meetings held in the city, the present Malayalam calendar is said to have begun with the re-founding of the town, which was rebuilt after its destruction by a fire
2.
Geographic coordinate system
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A geographic coordinate system is a coordinate system used in geography that enables every location on Earth to be specified by a set of numbers, letters or symbols. The coordinates are chosen such that one of the numbers represents a vertical position. A common choice of coordinates is latitude, longitude and elevation, to specify a location on a two-dimensional map requires a map projection. The invention of a coordinate system is generally credited to Eratosthenes of Cyrene. Ptolemy credited him with the adoption of longitude and latitude. Ptolemys 2nd-century Geography used the prime meridian but measured latitude from the equator instead. Mathematical cartography resumed in Europe following Maximus Planudes recovery of Ptolemys text a little before 1300, in 1884, the United States hosted the International Meridian Conference, attended by representatives from twenty-five nations. Twenty-two of them agreed to adopt the longitude of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the Dominican Republic voted against the motion, while France and Brazil abstained. France adopted Greenwich Mean Time in place of local determinations by the Paris Observatory in 1911, the latitude of a point on Earths surface is the angle between the equatorial plane and the straight line that passes through that point and through the center of the Earth. Lines joining points of the same latitude trace circles on the surface of Earth called parallels, as they are parallel to the equator, the north pole is 90° N, the south pole is 90° S. The 0° parallel of latitude is designated the equator, the plane of all geographic coordinate systems. The equator divides the globe into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, the longitude of a point on Earths surface is the angle east or west of a reference meridian to another meridian that passes through that point. All meridians are halves of great ellipses, which converge at the north and south poles, the prime meridian determines the proper Eastern and Western Hemispheres, although maps often divide these hemispheres further west in order to keep the Old World on a single side. The antipodal meridian of Greenwich is both 180°W and 180°E, the combination of these two components specifies the position of any location on the surface of Earth, without consideration of altitude or depth. The grid formed by lines of latitude and longitude is known as a graticule, the origin/zero point of this system is located in the Gulf of Guinea about 625 km south of Tema, Ghana. To completely specify a location of a feature on, in, or above Earth. Earth is not a sphere, but a shape approximating a biaxial ellipsoid. It is nearly spherical, but has an equatorial bulge making the radius at the equator about 0. 3% larger than the radius measured through the poles, the shorter axis approximately coincides with the axis of rotation
3.
Deity
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A deity is a concept conceived in diverse ways in various cultures, typically as a natural or supernatural being considered divine or sacred. A male deity is a god, while a female deity is a goddess, the Oxford reference defines deity as a god or goddess, or anything revered as divine. Various cultures have conceptualized a deity differently than a monotheistic God, a plain deity need not be omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, omnibenevolent, or eternal, however an almighty monotheistic God generally does have these attributes. Monotheistic religions typically refer to God in masculine terms, while other religions refer to their deities in a variety of ways – masculine, feminine, androgynous, some Avestan and Vedic deities were viewed as ethical concepts. In Indian religions, deities have been envisioned as manifesting within the temple of every living beings body, as sensory organs, but in Indian religions, all deities are also subject to death when their merit runs out. The English language word deity derives from Old French deité, the Latin deitatem or divine nature, deus is related through a common Proto-Indo-European language origin to *deiwos. Deva is masculine, and the feminine equivalent is devi. Etymologically, the cognates of Devi are Latin dea and Greek thea, in Old Persian, daiva- means demon, evil god, while in Sanskrit it means the opposite, referring to the heavenly, divine, terrestrial things of high excellence, exalted, shining ones. The closely linked term god refers to supreme being, deity, which states Douglas Harper, is derived from Proto-Germanic *guthan, from PIE *ghut-, guth in the Irish language means voice. The term *ghut- is also the source of Old Church Slavonic zovo, Sanskrit huta-, from the root *gheu- An alternate etymology for the term god traces it to the PIE root *ghu-to-, the term *gheu- is also the source of the Greek khein to pour. Originally the German root was a noun, but the gender of the monotheistic God shifted to masculine under the influence of Christianity. In contrast, all ancient Indo-European cultures and mythologies recognized both masculine and feminine deities, the term deity often connotes the concept of sacred or divine, as a god or goddess, in a polytheistic religion. However, there is no accepted consensus concept of deity across religions and cultures. Huw Owen states that the deity or god or its equivalent in other languages has a bewildering range of meanings. Some engravings or sketches show animals, hunters or rituals, the Venus of Willendorf, a female figurine found in Europe and dated to about 25,000 BCE has been interpreted as an exemplar of a prehistoric divine feminine. In Buddhist mythology, devas are beings inhabiting certain happily placed worlds of Buddhist cosmology and these beings are mortal and numerous. It is also common for iṣṭadevatās to be called deities, although the nature of Yidams is distinct from what is meant by the term. Buddhism does not believe in a creator deity, however, deities are an essential part of Buddhist cosmology, rebirth and Saṃsāra doctrines
4.
Shiva
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Shiva is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. He is the supreme God within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in contemporary Hinduism, Shiva is the transformer within the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu. In Shaivism tradition, Shiva is the Supreme being who creates, protects, in the goddess tradition of Hinduism called Shaktism, the goddess is described as supreme, yet Shiva is revered along with Vishnu and Brahma. A goddess is stated to be the energy and creative power of each and he is one of the five equivalent deities in Panchayatana puja of the Smarta tradition of Hinduism. At the highest level, Shiva is regarded as formless, limitless, transcendent and unchanging absolute Brahman, Shiva has many benevolent and fearsome depictions. In benevolent aspects, he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives a life on Mount Kailash as well as a householder with wife Parvati. In his fierce aspects, he is depicted slaying demons. Shiva is also known as Adiyogi Shiva, regarded as the god of yoga, meditation. Shiva is usually worshipped in the form of Lingam. Shiva is a deity, revered widely by Hindus, in India, Nepal. The Sanskrit word Śiva means, states Monier Williams, auspicious, propitious, gracious, benign, kind, benevolent, the roots of Śiva in folk etymology is śī which means in whom all things lie, pervasiveness and va which means embodiment of grace. The word Shiva is used as an adjective in the Rig Veda, as an epithet for several Rigvedic deities, the term Shiva also connotes liberation, final emancipation and the auspicious one, this adjective sense of usage is addressed to many deities in Vedic layers of literature. The term evolved from the Vedic Rudra-Shiva to the noun Shiva in the Epics, Sharma presents another etymology with the Sanskrit root śarv-, which means to injure or to kill, interprets the name to connote one who can kill the forces of darkness. The Sanskrit word śaiva means relating to the god Shiva, and it is used as an adjective to characterize certain beliefs and practices, such as Shaivism. Some authors associate the name with the Tamil word śivappu meaning red, noting that Shiva is linked to the Sun, the Vishnu sahasranama interprets Shiva to have multiple meanings, The Pure One, and the One who is not affected by three Guṇas of Prakṛti. Shiva is known by names such Viswanathan, Mahadeva, Mahesha, Maheshvara, Shankara, Shambhu, Rudra, Hara, Trilochana, Devendra, Neelakanta, Subhankara, Trilokinatha. The highest reverence for Shiva in Shaivism is reflected in his epithets Mahādeva, Maheśvara, Sahasranama are medieval Indian texts that list a thousand names derived from aspects and epithets of a deity. There are at least eight different versions of the Shiva Sahasranama, the version appearing in Book 13 of the Mahabharata provides one such list
5.
Maha Shivaratri
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Maha Shivaratri is a Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of the god Shiva. It is a festival in Hinduism, but one that is solemn and marks a remembrance of overcoming darkness and ignorance in life. The ardent devotees keep awake all night, others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on pilgrimage to Jyotirlingams. This is an ancient Hindu festival whose origin date is unknown, in Kashmir Shaivism, the festival is called Har-ratri or phonetically simpler Haerath or Herath by Shiva faithfuls of the Kashmir region. Maha Shivaratri is a festival dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, the Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night, the celebration includes maintaining a jaagaran, an all-night vigil and prayers, because Shaiva Hindus mark this night as overcoming darkness and ignorance in ones life and the world through Shiva. Offerings of fruits, leaves, sweets and milk to Shiva are made, some perform all-day fasting with vedic or tantrik worship of Shiva, in Shiva temples, Om Namah Shivaya, the sacred mantra of Shiva, is chanted through the day. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated over three or ten days based on the Hindu luni-solar calendar, every lunar month, there is a Shivaratri. The main festival is called Maha Shivaratri, or great Shivaratri, according to the Gregorian calendar, the day falls in either February or March. According to Jones and Ryan, the festival may have originated around the 5th century CE, the Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several Puranas, particularly the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana and Padma Purana. These medieval era Shaiva texts present different mythologies associated with this festival, different legends describe the significance of Maha Shivaratri. According to one legend in the Shaivism tradition, this is the night when Shiva performs the dance of creation, preservation and destruction. The chanting of hymns, the reading of Shiva scriptures and the chorus of devotees joins this cosmic dance, according to another legend, this is the night when Shiva and Parvati got married. The significance of dance tradition to this festival has historical roots, the Maha Shivaratri has served as a historic confluence of artists for annual dance festivals at major Hindu temples such as at Konark, Khajuraho, Pattadakal, Modhera and Chidambaram. The major Jyotirlinga Shiva temples of India, such as in Varanasi and they serve also as sites for fairs and special events. The Mandi fair is famous as a venue for Maha Shivaratri celebrations. It is believed that all gods and goddesses of the area, said to more than 200. Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival in Kashmir Shaivism, found in north Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent and it is celebrated as the anniversary of the marriage of Shiva and Parvati
6.
Kollam district
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Kollam district is one of 14 districts of the state of Kerala, India. The district has a cross-section of Keralas natural attributes, it is endowed with a coastline, a major Arabian Sea seaport. The district has many source of waterbodies, Kallada river is one among it and the east side land of river is EastKallada and the west side land is WestKallada. Kallada Boat race is one among the festival events of district. Even though it is a competition between two sides of river many boat clubs from various places even beyond the district use to participate in the event. Kollam is the capital of Keralas cashew industry, plains, mountains, lakes, lagoons and backwaters, forests, farmland and rivers make up the topography of the district. The area had trading relationships with Phoenicia and Ancient Rome and it covers 2,492 square kilometres, is the seventh-largest district in Kerala and is densely populated. It has the shortest coastal line among districts in Kerala, five major urban centres are, Kollam, Paravur, Punalur, Karunagapally, and Kottarakara. Sasthamkotta Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Kerala, is located in Kollam, two major rivers drain the district. Ashtamudi Lake and Paravur Lake are two important lakes in the district, Ashtamudi Lake covers 30 percent of total area of the district. Kollam is located on Ashtamudi Lake, Neendakara, a major fishing port in southern Kerala, is also located on this scenic lake. Edava and Nadayara Lakes are also located in Kollam district. The place is popular as Thangasseri. The lighthouse built at Quilon by the British in the year 1902 is visible as far as 13 miles in the sea, the lighthouse stands to an amazing height of 144 feet. The picturesque view of the sea from the place where the stands is breathtaking. In the vicinity lies the Portuguese Fort, the fort was built in the year 1517 and at present only a wall of the fort has escaped the assaults made by Time. Kollams temperature is almost steady throughout the year, the average temperature ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Summer usually runs from March until May, the monsoon begins by June, Kollam receives an annual average rainfall of around 2,700 millimetres
7.
Kerala
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Kerala historically known as Keralam, is an Indian state in South India on the Malabar Coast. It was formed on 1 November 1956 following the States Reorganisation Act by combining Malayalam-speaking regions, spread over 38,863 km2, it is bordered by Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Lakshadweep Sea to the west. With 33,387,677 inhabitants as per the 2011 Census, Malayalam is the most widely spoken language and is also the official language of the state. The region has been a prominent spice exporter since 3000 BCE, the Chera Dynasty was the first prominent kingdom based in Kerala, though it frequently struggled against attacks by the neighbouring Cholas and Pandyas. In the 15th century, the spice trade attracted Portuguese traders to Kerala, after independence, Travancore and Cochin joined the Republic of India and Travancore-Cochin was given the status of a state in 1949. In 1956, Kerala state was formed by merging Malabar district, Travancore-Cochin, Hinduism is practised by more than half of the population, followed by Islam and Christianity. The culture is a synthesis of Aryan and Dravidian cultures, developed over millennia, under influences from other parts of India, the production of pepper and natural rubber contributes significantly to the total national output. In the agricultural sector, coconut, tea, coffee, cashew, the states coastline extends for 595 kilometres, and around 1.1 million people in the state are dependent on the fishery industry which contributes 3% to the states income. The state has the highest media exposure in India with newspapers publishing in nine languages, mainly English, Kerala is one of the prominent tourist destinations of India, with backwaters, beaches, Ayurvedic tourism and tropical greenery as its major attractions. The name Kerala has an uncertain etymology, One popular theory derives Kerala from Kera and alam is land, thus land of coconuts, this also happens to be a nickname for the state due to abundance of coconut trees and its use by the locals. The word Kerala is first recorded in a 3rd-century BCE rock inscription left by the Maurya emperor Ashoka, the inscription refers to the local ruler as Keralaputra, or son of Chera. This contradicts the theory that Kera is from coconut tree, at that time, one of three states in the region was called Cheralam in Classical Tamil, Chera and Kera are variants of the same word. The word Cheral refers to the oldest known dynasty of Kerala kings and is derived from the Proto-Tamil-Malayalam word for lake, the earliest Sanskrit text to mention Kerala is the Aitareya Aranyaka of the Rigveda. It is also mentioned in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the two Hindu epics, the Skanda Purana mentions the ecclesiastical office of the Thachudaya Kaimal who is referred to as Manikkam Keralar, synonymous with the deity of the Koodalmanikyam temple. Keralam may stem from the Classical Tamil cherive-alam or chera alam, the Greco-Roman trade map Periplus Maris Erythraei refers to Keralaputra as Celobotra. According to Hindu mythology, the lands of Kerala were recovered from the sea by the warrior sage Parasurama. Parasurama threw his axe across the sea, and the water receded as far as it reached, according to legend, this new area of land extended from Gokarna to Kanyakumari. The land which rose from sea was filled with salt and unsuitable for habitation, so Parasurama invoked the Snake King Vasuki, out of respect, Vasuki and all snakes were appointed as protectors and guardians of the land
8.
India
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India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by area, the second-most populous country, and it is bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the southwest, and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast. It shares land borders with Pakistan to the west, China, Nepal, and Bhutan to the northeast, in the Indian Ocean, India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Indias Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a border with Thailand. The Indian subcontinent was home to the urban Indus Valley Civilisation of the 3rd millennium BCE, in the following millennium, the oldest scriptures associated with Hinduism began to be composed. Social stratification, based on caste, emerged in the first millennium BCE, early political consolidations took place under the Maurya and Gupta empires, the later peninsular Middle Kingdoms influenced cultures as far as southeast Asia. In the medieval era, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Islam arrived, much of the north fell to the Delhi sultanate, the south was united under the Vijayanagara Empire. The economy expanded in the 17th century in the Mughal empire, in the mid-18th century, the subcontinent came under British East India Company rule, and in the mid-19th under British crown rule. A nationalist movement emerged in the late 19th century, which later, under Mahatma Gandhi, was noted for nonviolent resistance, in 2015, the Indian economy was the worlds seventh largest by nominal GDP and third largest by purchasing power parity. Following market-based economic reforms in 1991, India became one of the major economies and is considered a newly industrialised country. However, it continues to face the challenges of poverty, corruption, malnutrition, a nuclear weapons state and regional power, it has the third largest standing army in the world and ranks sixth in military expenditure among nations. India is a constitutional republic governed under a parliamentary system. It is a pluralistic, multilingual and multi-ethnic society and is home to a diversity of wildlife in a variety of protected habitats. The name India is derived from Indus, which originates from the Old Persian word Hindu, the latter term stems from the Sanskrit word Sindhu, which was the historical local appellation for the Indus River. The ancient Greeks referred to the Indians as Indoi, which translates as The people of the Indus, the geographical term Bharat, which is recognised by the Constitution of India as an official name for the country, is used by many Indian languages in its variations. Scholars believe it to be named after the Vedic tribe of Bharatas in the second millennium B. C. E and it is also traditionally associated with the rule of the legendary emperor Bharata. Gaṇarājya is the Sanskrit/Hindi term for republic dating back to the ancient times, hindustan is a Persian name for India dating back to the 3rd century B. C. E. It was introduced into India by the Mughals and widely used since then and its meaning varied, referring to a region that encompassed northern India and Pakistan or India in its entirety
9.
Hindu temple
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A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual rituals and activities such as prayer and sacrifice. It is typically used for such buildings belonging to all faiths where a specific term such as church. These include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism among religions with many modern followers, the form and function of temples is thus very variable, though they are often considered by believers to be in some sense the house of one or more deities. Typically offerings of some sort are made to the deity, and other rituals enacted, the degree to which the whole population of believers can access the building varies significantly, often parts or even the whole main building can only be accessed by the clergy. Temples typically have a building and a larger precinct, which may contain many other buildings. The word comes from Ancient Rome, where a templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest and it has the same root as the word template, a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out on the ground by the augur. Templa also became associated with the places of a god or gods. Hindu temples are large and magnificent with a rich history, there is evidence of use of sacred ground as far back as the Bronze Age and later the Indus Valley Civilization. Hindu temples have been built in countries around the world, including Cambodia, Nepal, Mauritius, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Great Britain. They include the structures called stupa, wat and pagoda in different regions, Temples in Buddhism represent the pure land or pure environment of a Buddha. Traditional Buddhist temples are designed to inspire inner and outer peace, a Jain temple is the place of worship for Jains, the followers of Jainism. Some famous Jain temples are Shikharji, Palitana Jain Temples, Ranakpur Jain Temple, Shravan Belgola, Dilwara Temples, Jain temples are built with various architectural designs. Jain temples in North India are completely different from the Jain temples in South India, additionally, a Manastambha is a pillar that is often constructed in front of Jain temples. The temple of Mesopotamia derived from the cult of gods and deities in the Mesopotamian religion and it spanned several civilizations, from Sumerian, Akkadian, Assyrian, and Babylonian. Ancient Egyptian temples were meant as places for the deities to reside on earth, indeed, the term the Egyptians most commonly used to describe the temple building, ḥwt-nṯr, means mansion of a god. A gods presence in the temple linked the human and divine realms and these rituals, it was believed, sustained the god and allowed it to continue to play its proper role in nature. They were therefore a key part of the maintenance of maat, maintaining maat was the entire purpose of Egyptian religion, and thus it was the purpose of a temple as well. Ancient Egyptian temples were also of significance to Egyptian society
10.
Krishna
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Krishna is a major Hindu deity. He is one of the most widely revered and popular Indian divinities, worshipped as the incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Krishnas birthday is celebrated every year by Hindus on Janmashtami according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar, Krishna is also known by numerous names, such as Govinda, Mukunda, Madhusudhana, Vasudeva and Makhan chor in affection. The anecdotes and narratives of Krishnas life are generally titled as Krishna Leela and he is a central character in the Bhagavata Purana, the Bhagavad Gita, and is mentioned in many Hindu philosophical, theological and mythological texts. They portray him in various perspectives, a god-child, a prankster, a lover, a divine hero. The synonyms of Krishna have been traced to 1st millennium BCE literature, worship of Krishna as Svayam Bhagavan, sometimes referred to as Krishnaism, arose in the Middle Ages in the context of the Bhakti movement. Krishna-related literature has inspired performance arts such as Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi. Since the 1960s, the worship of Krishna has also spread to the Western world, the name originates from the Sanskrit word Kṛṣṇa, which is primarily an adjective meaning black, dark or dark blue. The waning moon is called Krishna Paksha, relating to the adjective meaning darkening, the name is also interpreted sometimes as all attractive. As a name of Vishnu, Krishna is listed as the 57th name in the Vishnu Sahasranama, based on his name, Krishna is often depicted in idols as black or blue-skinned. Krishna is also known by other names, epithets and titles. Among the most common names are Mohan enchanter, Govinda meaning chief herdsman, Gopala, some of the distinct names may be regionally important—for instance, Jagannatha, a popular incarnation of Puri, Odisha in eastern India. Krishna is represented in the Indian traditions in many ways, with common features. His iconography typically depicts him as black or dark reflecting his name, however ancient and medieval reliefs and stone-based arts depict him in the natural color of the material he is made from, both in India and in southeast Asia. In some texts, his skin is described as the color of Jambul. Krishna is often depicted wearing a peacock feather wreathe or crown, in this form, he usually stands with one leg bent in front of the other in the Tribhanga posture. He is sometimes accompanied by cows or a calf, symbolism for the divine herdsman Govinda, alternatively, he is shown as an amorous man with the gopis, often making music or playing pranks. In other icons, he is a part of the scene on the battlefield of the epic Mahabharata
11.
Lakshmi
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Lakshmi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity. She is the wife and shakti of Vishnu, a god in Hinduism. Lakshmi is also an important deity in Jainism and found in Jain temples, Lakshmi was also a goddess of abundance and fortune for Buddhists, and was represented on the oldest surviving stupas and cave temples of Buddhism. In Buddhist sects of Tibet, Nepal and southeast Asia, goddess Vasudhara mirrors the characteristics, Lakshmi is also called Sri or Thirumagal because she is endowed with six auspicious and divine qualities, or gunas, and is the divine strength of Vishnu. In Hindu religion, she was born from the churning of the primordial ocean, when Vishnu descended on the Earth as the avatars Rama and Krishna, Lakshmi descended as his respective consort Sita and Rukmini. In the ancient scriptures of India, all women are declared to be embodiments of Lakshmi, the marriage and relationship between Lakshmi and Vishnu as wife and husband is the paradigm for rituals and ceremonies for the bride and groom in Hindu weddings. Lakshmi is considered another aspect of the supreme goddess principle in the Shaktism tradition of Hinduism. She typically stands or sits like a yogin on a pedestal and holds lotus in her hand. Her iconography shows her with four hands, which represent the four goals of life considered important to the Hindu way of life, dharma, kāma, artha. Archaeological discoveries and ancient coins suggest the recognition and reverence for Lakshmi by the 1st millennium BCE, Lakshmis iconography and statues have also been found in Hindu temples throughout southeast Asia, estimated to be from the second half of the 1st millennium CE. The festivals of Diwali and Sharad Purnima are celebrated in her honor, Lakshmi is one of many Hindu deities whose meaning and significance evolved in ancient Sanskrit texts. Lakshmi is mentioned once in Rigveda, but the context suggests that the word does not mean goddess of wealth and fortune, the good are welcomed, while the bad urged to leave. In some chapters of Atharva Veda, Lakshmi connotes the good, later, Lakshmi is referred to as the goddess of fortune, identified with Sri and regarded as wife of Viṣṇu. For example, in Shatapatha Brahmana, variously estimated to be composed between 800 BCE and 300 BCE, Sri is part of one of many theories, in ancient India, about the creation of universe. In Book 9 of Shatapatha Brahmana, Sri emerges from Prajapati, after his meditation on creation of life. Sri is described as beautiful, resplendent and trembling woman at her birth with immense energy, the gods were bewitched, desire her and immediately become covetous of her. The gods approach Prajapati and request permission to kill her and then take her powers, Prajapati refuses, tells the gods that males should not kill females and that they can seek her gifts without violence. The hymns of Shatapatha Brahmana thus describe Sri as a goddess born with and personifying a diverse range of talents, in the Epics of Hinduism, such as in Mahabharata, Lakshmi personifies wealth, riches, beauty, happiness, loveliness, grace, charm and splendour
12.
Kollam City Police
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In the pre-independence era, Kerala was divided into princely states of Travancore and Cochin and the Malabar region for the smooth administration. There were no Commissionerates in Kollam and Thrissur till 2011, the whole district police was administered by DySP of Kollam, Karunagappally, Kottarakkara and Punalur. As per the Government Order no 32/2011/Home dated 5 February 2011, Kollam district police was divided into Kollam Urban Police District, the City Police is headed by a City Police Commissioner, with its headquarters at Kollam. The rural police is headed by the District Police Chief, with its headquarters at Kottarakkara, both heads report to the Inspector General of Police, Thiruvananthapuram Range. The Kollam City Police came into existence on 1 March 2011 following the division of the Kollam District Police force into the Kollam City Police, the office of the Kollams City Police Commissioner is situated near the Armed Reserve Police Force camp in Kollam Cantonment. Departments such as administration, the District Crime Records Bureau, Crime Detachment, the facility cost ₹7 lakh and can accommodate four dogs. The dog squad currently consists of three dogs, on 3 November 2016, a 10 member team of anti-goonda squad has been formed in Kollam city police. The team will supposedly be headed by a sub inspector
13.
Panchaloha
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Panchaloha (also called Panchaloham or Panchadhatu a term for traditional five-metal alloys of sacred significance used for making Hindu temple idols. Making Panchaloha images was a well kept secret for a long time, the composition is laid down in the Shilpa shastras, an ancient Sanskrit text on idol making. It is traditionally described as an alloy of gold, silver, copper, Brass, instead of lead, some use tin or zinc. It is widely believed that wearing jewellery made of Panchaloha / Panchdhatu brings balance in life, self-confidence, good health, fortune, prosperity, and peace of mind. In some traditions, particularly Tibetan, it was considered auspicious to use either as a component of the alloy in general or for a specific object or purpose. The amount used could vary, depending upon the availability and suitability. A small, largely symbolic quantity of sky-iron might be added, practical compositions are Cu, Au, Ag, Pb and Zn, Cu, Ag, Pb, Fe and Sn, and Sn, Cu, Fe, Pb, and brass. Because of the cost, gold and silver are now omitted from the manufacture of icons, where copper, brass. Media related to Panchaloha at Wikimedia Commons The Lost-Wax Casting of Icons, Utensils, Bells, pillai, and A. D. Damodaran, October 2002, JOM
14.
Police commissioner
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Police commissioner is a senior rank in many police forces. The holder is usually a police officer, though some are politically appointed. In such a case, there is usually a chief of police in charge of day-to-day operations. In either event, the commissioner is the head of the organization. In police services of the UK, Commonwealth and USA, the title of commissioner typically designates the head of a police force. A police commissioner should not be confused with a police commissary, in France, Spain and some Latin American countries commissary denotes the head of a single police station. However titles such as commissaire in French and comisario in Spanish can mean either commissioner or commissary in English, the Australian Federal Police and the autonomous Australian state and territory police forces are each presided over by a commissioner, who is accountable to constituents through a minister of state. The state of Victoria at one time appointed commissioners for both the area and the goldfields. Outranking both was a chief commissioner—a title which has survived the disappearance of the earlier junior commissioners, in Victoria, as elsewhere, the second-highest rank is deputy commissioner. In all other forces, the insignia is a crown over crossed and wreathed tipstaves. In Canada, the officer of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In the province of Alberta, the Police Act requires the municipality to appoint police commissioners that are required to provide oversight of the police. The commissioners appoint and oversee a chief of police, to whom is delegated the management of the force. The head of the Hong Kong Police force has used this title since 1938, in reference to the police of France and other French-speaking countries, the word commissioner might be used to translate commissaire, which also translates as commissary. It is a rank equating approximately to the British police rank of chief superintendent, the rank above is called divisional commissary. A former intermediate rank of principal commissary was abolished in 2006, the second-highest career bracket in German law enforcement leads to the rank of police commissioner or Kommissar. Training encompasses 3 years in a police academy, the highest possible rank within this career bracket is that of Erster Polizeihauptkommissar or Erster Kriminalhauptkommissar. The work of a Kommissar, in general, centers on investigation of felonies, depending on the branch of police, roughly equivalent to a British commissioner would be Polizeipräsident or Inspekteur der Polizei, titles that differ between police forces in Germany
15.
Thiruvananthapuram
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Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum, is the capital and the largest city of the Indian state of Kerala. It is located on the west coast of India near the south of the mainland. Referred to by Mahatma Gandhi as the Evergreen city of India, Thiruvananthapuram was a trading post for spices, sandalwood and ivory. The city was ruled by the Ays and was captured by the rulers of Venad in tenth century A. D, in 1729, Marthanda Varma founded the princely state of Thiruvithamkoor and made Thiruvananthapuram the capital in 1745. It remained as a state ruled by Travancore under the loose governance of the British before joining the Indian Union in 1948. With nearly 80% of the software exports, Thiruvananthapuram is a major IT hub with the Technopark. Indias first and only magic academy, Magic Academy Research Centre run by Merlin award-winning magician Gopinath Muthukad is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, the city is home to animation companies like Toonz India Ltd and Tata Elxsi Ltd. The Kinfra Film and Video Park is one of the most advanced film and it is consistently ranked among the best cities to live in Kerala as well as India. The city was referred to as Trivandrum until 1991, when the government decided to reinstate the citys original name Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram is an ancient region with trading traditions dating back to 1000 BCE, the city was a trading post for spices, sandalwood and ivory. The early rulers of the city were the Ays and after their fall in the 10th century, in 1729, Marthanda Varma founded the princely state of Thiruvithamkoor and Thiruvananthapuram was made the capital in 1745 after shifting the capital from Padmanabhapuram in Tamil Nadu. In the mid-19th century, the city was under the reign of Swathi Thirunal, an observatory was established in 1837 with the Oriental Research Institute & Manuscripts Library and the University College established in 1873. Several colleges were established by Moolam Thirunal, sree Moolam Assembly, established in 1904, was the first democratically elected legislative council in any Indian state. After Indian Independence in 1947, Travancore chose to join the Indian union, in 1949, Thiruvananthapuram became the capital of Travancore-Cochin, the state formed by the integration of Travancore with the Kingdom of Cochin. The king of Travancore, Chitra Thirunal Bala Rama Varma, became the Rajpramukh of the Travancore-Cochin Union from 1 July 1949 until 31 October 1956, when the state of Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956, Thiruvananthapuram became its capital. The city has a population of 752,490 according to the 2011 census, the sex ratio is 1,032 females for every 1,000 males. In October 2010, the number of wards was increased from 86 to 100 post expansion of city limits by adding Sreekaryam, Vattiyoorkavu, Kudappanakunnu, hindus comprise 68. 5% of the population, Christians about 16. 7% and Muslims form 13. 7%. The major languages spoken are Malayalam and English, in Palayam in the city centre, there is a mosque, a temple and a Christian church next to each other as neighbours, establishing the communal harmony of Keralites
16.
Alappuzha district
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Alappuzha is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala in India. It was formed as Alleppey District on August 17,1957, the name of the district was officially changed to Alappuzha in 1990. The district is a known tourist destination and is well known for its Coir factories. Most of Keralas coir industries are situated in and around Alappuzha, the district is also known for its communist traditions. It is home to the Punnapra-Vayalar uprising against the British and also the revolt against the Feudal raj, Alappuzha is strongly connected by waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom. The present town owes its existence to Raja Kesavadas in the half of the 18th century. Kuttanad, the bowl of Kerala, was well known from early in the Sangam period. History says Alappuzha had trade relations with ancient Greece and Rome in B. C. early members of the Chera dynasty had their home in Kuttanad and were called Kuttuvans. There is archaeological evidence of the period of the district, such as stone inscriptions and monuments, in temples and caves. The famous literary work of this period was Ascharya Choodamani a Sanskrit drama written by Sakthibhadra who was a scholar of Chengannur grammar and it is said that Sreekrishna Swami temple, at Ambalappuzha was constructed and the idol of Lord Krishna installed during that time. It is believed that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri, Neelakanta Deekshithar, in the 17th century the Portuguese power declined and the Dutch had a predominant position in the principalities of this district. The church located at Kokkamangalam or Kokkothamangalam was one of the seven churches founded by St. Thomas the Apostle, the picturesque CSI Christ Church in Alappuzha town was built in 1818 by the first CMS missionary to India, Rev. Thomas Norton. It was the first Anglican Church to be established in the state of Travancore. It was at that time Maharaja Marthandavarma, the ‘Maker of modern Travancore’ interfered in the affairs of those principalities. Marthandavarma Maharaja had a role in the internal progress of the district. The Krishnapuram Palace, which is now a monument of the State Archaeology Department, was constructed during that period. It was at time that the great and talented poet Kunjan Nambiar was installed in the court. He was known as the ‘Maker of modern Alleppey’ and played a key role in making Alappuzha a premier port town of Travancore, during the reign of Balaramavarma Maharaja, Velu Thampi Dalava took keen interest in the development of the town and port
17.
Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple
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Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is a Hindu temple in Ambalappuzha, Alapuzha district of Kerala, in south India. The Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple is believed to have built during 15th – 17th AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran. The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi with a whip in the right hand and this temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple. During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping, the payasam served in the Ambalappuzha Temple is famous among Hindu devotees. This sweet pudding made of rice and milk has an interesting mythological legend behind it. It is believed that Guruvayoorappan reaches here daily at the time of Palpayasa Nedyam to have it. According to the legend, God Krishna once appeared in the form of a sage in the court of the king who ruled the region, the king being a chess enthusiast himself gladly accepted the invitation. The prize had to be decided before the game and the king asked the sage to choose his prize in case he won. The sage told the king that he had a very modest claim and being a man of few material needs, the amount of rice itself shall be determined using the chess-board in the following manner. One grain of rice shall be placed in the first square, two grains in the square, four in the third square, eight in the fourth square, sixteen in 5th square. Every square will have double of its predecessor, upon hearing the demand, the king was unhappy since the sage requested only a few grains of rice instead of other riches from the kingdom which the king would have been happy to donate. He requested the sage to add items to his prize. So the game of chess started and needless to say the king lost the game and it was time to pay the sage his agreed-upon prize. As he started adding grains of rice to the chess board, by the 20th square, the number had reached one million grains of rice and by the 40th square, it became one million million. The royal granary soon ran out of grains of rice, the king realised that even if he provides all the rice in his kingdom and his adjacent kingdoms, he will never be able to fulfill the promised reward. Upon seeing the dilemma, the sage appeared to the king in his true-form and he told the King that he did not have to pay the debt immediately but could pay him over time. The king would serve paal-payasam in the temple freely to the every day until the debt was paid off. The Amabalapuzha Temple Festival was established during the fifteenth century A. D, at this time, a part of the Travancore, was ruled by the Chembakassery Devanarayana Dynasty. The rulers of this dynasty were highly religious and decided that an idol of Lord Krishna was to be brought to the Amabalapuzha Sree Krishna Swamy Temple from the Karinkulam temple
18.
Manakkattu Devi Temple
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Manakkattu Devi Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Kerala. The temple is located at Pallippad in Karthikappalli taluk of Alappuzha district in the south Indian state Kerala, the temple is situated about 4 km east of Harippad on Nangiarkulangara Mavelikkara road. Thekkummuri, Kottakkakam, Naduvattom and Thekkekkara kizhakku There are many Upadevathas adjacent to the temple, the main Upadevathas in the temple premises are, Yakshi Nagarajav Muhurthi Rekshas Vallyachan The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are In the numerous temples of Onattukara, the Parayeduppu period is the festival season and it all begins when the deity of Manakkattu Devi temple is taken out in procession for Parayeduppu on the Bharani star of the Malayalam month Makaram. The main part of Parayeduppu is the Jeevathaconstructed in the model of the structure itself. The rhythms used during Jeevatha Ezunnallathu are quite noteworthy, starting with very slow beats, it builds up a crescendo and ends in fast beats. The ensemble consists of Veekkan chenda, Uruttu chenda, Elathaalam, Kombu, Temple Website Facebook Page YouTube Videos
19.
Chettikulangara Devi Temple
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Chettikulangara Sree Bhagavathi temple is one of the most renowned Hindu temples in Kerala. Main deity Sree Bhadrakali, The temple is located at Chettikulangara in Mavelikkara taluk of Alappuzha district in the south Indian state of Kerala, the temple is situated about 4 kilometres west of Mavelikkara,7 kilometres north of Kayamkulam on SH6. Bhadrakali, is an incarnation of supreme mother Shakthi devi, born from the eye of Lord Shiva. Bhadra means good and Kali means goddess of time, so Bhadrakali is worshipped for prosperity and salvation. Devi is considered as the creator, protector, destructor, nature, power, Chettikulangara devi is the supreme mother goddess, Shakthi devi in Hinduism. The temple has 13 Karas, or territories, the temple is at the centre of the oldest four Karas and the rest of the Karas surround the temple, which is believed to be 1,200 years old. The Thantric rights of the temple belongs to Plackudy Illom, With its Tharavadu in Ambalapuzha, Plackudy is one among the ancient Thantric families of Kerala. Recently UNESCO collected details about the temple and its customs in order to examine whether the temple is eligible for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List and this is the second largest temple in terms of income under the control of Travancore Devaswom Board, second only next to Sabarimala. It is estimated that the temple has earnings worth many crores per year, in 2009 it earned around 1.7 crore Rupees from a single type of offering called Chanthattam. A major part of the Nellu offered to the Bhagavathi is also used to make Appam, the income from the temple is also helpful to run the daily rituals and Poojas at various temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board. There are Similar Kettukazhcha at various temples in this onattukara Area, there are many popular beliefs related to the origin of Chettikulangara temple. The most popular one is as follows, many centuries ago, some local chieftains went to witness the annual festivities at the Koypallikarazhma Bhagavathi temple situated a few kilometers from Chettikulangara. The visitors were humiliated and ridiculed by the Koypallikarazhma temple authorities, perturbed by the humiliation, and out of retribution, they decided to construct a Bhagavathi temple at Chettikulangara. They embarked on a pilgrimage visiting various temples en route and reached Kodungallur and it is said that the Devi came in their dreams to say that she would soon come to Chettikulangara. The next day, they returned to Chettikulangara with a sacred sword given by the Velichappadu of Kodungallur temple. A few days later, while the kadathukaran of the nearby Karippuzha rivulet was winding up his work on a late evening, he heard an old woman requesting his help to ferry her to the other shore. He felt it was his duty to help this lonely lady, and decided to accompany her to Chettikulangara, on the way, they took rest beneath a wayside tree, and the Kadathukaran brought food for them from a nearby house. Soon he fell asleep, and when he woke up by early daybreak, aappindi will be embellished with crackers, pookkula, and will be covered with tender banana stems and Thalapppoli
20.
Evoor Major Sri krishnaswamy temple
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Evoor Major Srikrishnaswamy temple is a Krishna temple in Evoor near Kayamkulam, Alappuzha, Kerala. It is said to have originated five millennium ago following Khandava Dahanam, temple in its current form is built by Moolam Thirunal. Agni, after devouring clarified butter uninterrupted for twelve years from Swetakis Yagja, Lord Brahma advised him to consume the Khandava forest. The forest was abode to Takshaka, the Naga leader and friend of Indra, whenever Agni tried to consume the forest Indra, with his thundershowers, stopped him. Agni turned to Arjuna and Krishna for assistance, Agni armed Arjuna with the mighty bow Gandiva which rivalled Pinaka, the bow of Lord Shiva himself. When Arjuna and Krishna arrived at Khandava forest Kanva Maharishi approached them with a request to spare his Arca moorthy Krishna granted the request, Arjuna constructed a Sarakoodam to shelter Agni. Under the Sarakoodam Agni consumed the forest and was cured of the ailment, grateful, Agni, expressed his wish to install Arca moorthy in a new temple there to facilitate worship. As instructed by Sri Krishna, Arjuna fired an arrow to determine a location for the proposed temple. The place where the arrow landed was used to construct the new temple, Evoor is a corrupt form of Eythoor. Krishna performed Prana-Pratishta and Arjuna performed the first pooja, bhoothanathaswamy and Yakshi Amma were consecrated as the Sub Deities. The remains of burned trees in the locality and names of places, Karippuzha, Pathiyoor, Pandavarkavu, Mannarasala. About one and a century ago the temple burnt when the sanctum santorum caught fire. The idol was recovered from the burning temple, the then King Moolam Thirunal who was visiting Kashi had a vision in his dream asking him to reconstruct the temple. He returned right away and constructed a new temple, Evoor Bhagavan’s Deity is the unique Prayoga Chakra Prathishta. The idol of Sri Krishna is in the four armed Vishu form with Panchajanya Shankha, Sudarshana Chakra, the deity is furious form and Raktha-pushpanjali is a special offering here which is unavailable in Vishnu temples elsewhere. Ulsava in Evoor temple starts on first day of makara and continues for ten days, the Ultsava begins with the hosting of Garuda printed flag. The ulsava of days 6,7,8 are sponsored by three karas on at a time, on the ninth day there is Kala-kettu. The ulsava culminates with Aaraattu after that the flag is lowered and the deity proceeds to Pallikkuruppu
21.
Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple
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The Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple in Haripad is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. This temple dedicated to Subrahmanya Swamy is known as Dakshina Palani and it is believed that the temple was established even before the advent of Kaliyuga. It is believed that the idol has been used by Parasurama for Poojas and was left in Kandanalloor in Govindamuttom Backwaters from which it was recovered. It is said all the landlords of Eakachakra had vision regarding the idol in the sametime which led them to find the idol in Kayamkulam lake. The idol was brought ashore at Nelpurakadavu. In commemoration of retrieval of the idol Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam is conducted in Payippad river for three days, after Thiruvonam, legend has it that the idol was kept for public viewing for Ara Nazhika under a banyan tree that belonged to a Christian family, Tharakanmar. There still exist a small temple where the idol was kept known as “Ara Nazhika Ambalam”, the temple was consecrated on the Pushya star of Makara Masa. This day is celebrated as the day of the temple every year. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as a saint to consecrate the temple, in Malayalam year 1096 the temple caught fire but the golden flag mast and the Koothambalam was saved from the fire. The temple was rebuilt during the reign of King Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma. the presiding deity of the temple is Murugan in four armed form with Vel in one hand, Vajrayudha in another hand one hand bestowing blessing and the other toughing its thighs. The idol is about eight feet in height, the idol is believed to have presence of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. The idol faces East Beside the main deity there are other deities which include Dakshina Moorthy, Lord Ganesh, Thiruvambadi Kannan, Nāga, Shasta. It has golden flag mast on eastern side, the temples Sanctum sanctorum is round in shape. The temple compound also hosts a Koothambalam, peacocks, Murugans vahana, are protected and housed in the temple premises. Kerala with Lakshadweep Outlook traveller getaways
22.
Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple
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Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple is an ancient Shiva temple situated in Kandiyoor near Mavelikara on the banks of Achankovil River. Kandiyoor was once the capital of the Odanadu kingdom and it is one among the 108 great Shiva temples of ancient Kerala consecrated by Lord Parashurama himself. The temple is 1 kilometre west of Mavelikar town north of State Highway 6 and it is spread across an area of 7.5 acres. There are many associated with the temple. One such legend concerning the origin of the temple is related to Rishi Mrikandu father of Rishi Markandeya, according to the legend Marikandu got an idol of Lord Shiva in Kirathamoorthy form while bathing in Ganga. He heard an oracle that the idol be place in a holy, the Rishi searching for the apt location came to Kerala and ended up in the bank of Achankovil and established the temple in Kandiyoor. The name Kandiyoor is a corruption of Kandathil nalla uru, according to another legend the temple is located at the site where Lord Shiva cut off Lord Brahmas head. The name Kandiyoor comes from name of Shiva Sri Kantan and it is believed that Lord Parasurama renovated the temple and gave tanthrik rights to Tharananallur family. Kandiyoor and the temple has great significance in Keralss history, the Kandiyoor temple is the earliest temple about which there is an epigraph about its origin in A. D823 during the reign of Rajasekhara Varman. There was an era name Kandiyoorabdam from the formation of the temple that was in use until the introduction of Kollavarsham. It is also believed that the temple was once Hinayana Buddhist temple and King of Mavelikara ordered the removal of Buddha and it is also believed that it is this unseated Buddha that was retrieved from the paddy fields nearby and placed near the Mavelikara temple recently. Kandiyoor was annexed to Kayamkulam by Kayamkulam Rajah and later to Travancore by Marthanda Varma, the temple is mentioned in Unnuneeli Sandesam written around the 14th century. Kandiyur Mahadeva Shastrikal - a Sanskrit Scholar who wrote many Bhashyams for - Lalitha Sahasranamam, the primary deity of the temple is Lord Shiva known as Kandiyoorappan. The sanctum santorum is two tiered and there is a platform in the front for devotees, a feature that is of the Hoysala style, the bottom tier is oval in shape while the top tier is rectangular. The 10 feet Gajaprishta style wall is believed to be constructed by Shivas Bhothaganas, there are puranic legend stone scriptures in the temple. The primary deity, Kandiyoorappan, is believed to be in kirathamoorthy form, the deity worshipped as Dakshinamoorthy in the morning, Umamaheshwaran in the noon, Kirathamoorthy in the evening. Deity is worshipped as Panchmukha from South-West corner of Pradakshina Vazhy by viewing five Thazikakudams of Shiva temples, there are six Shivalinga Prathishtas in this temple
23.
Kuttikattu Sree Bhadra Kali Devi Temple
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Kuttikattu Sree Bhadra Kali Devi Temple is one of the Bhadrakali temples in Cherthala, Alappuzha district, Kerala. It is about 1 kilometer west of the Arthungal bypass of NH47 at Cherthala, Kunguma Khalasam is conducted on the first Sunday of every month, as per Malayalam calendar. This special Vazipadu is for people who wish to have children, wealth and prosperity, rahukala Naranga Vilakku is another major offering for settling marriage. It has been conducted every Friday, providing food for temple attendees on special days is regarded as quite benevolent. Prasadam Oottu is available on Prathishta days, day of Kunguma Kalasam, Bhagavatha Sapthaham days and these are sponsored by the Devaswom. Devotees can contribute through remittance at the temple counter, now there is a Prasadam Oottu on all Fridays. The temple is a centre of pilgrimage for devotees of serpent gods, the Sarpam Pattu is most pleasing of all poojas to the serpents. This holy ceremony has been conducted every year. Sarppam Pattu requires huge spending and manpower for many months, separate poojas are offered to the nine Nagas, Nagaraja, Sarppa Yakshi, Naga Yakshi, Naga Chamundi, Angu Thala Mani Nagam, Kuzhi Nagam, Kari Nagam, Mani Nagam and Para Nagam during these days. On the eastern side of the temple, songs are recited to please the serpents, the Pulluvan song is accompanied by the sounds from the little Veenas and the music of the Pulluva women playing on Kudam are a familiar sight at Kutti kkattu Devi Temple. Pulluva is a community of the Hindu religion, and they follow this form as their vocation. People with expertise in handling these instruments are even among the Pulluva community
24.
Mannarasala Temple
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Mannarasala Sree Nagaraja Temple is a very ancient and internationally known centre of pilgrimage for the devotees of serpent gods. The famous Nagaraja temple Mannarasala is nestled in a forest glade, the Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple in Kerala. The temple is located three kilometers to the north-east of the bus station in N. H.47 at Haripad. This history of Mannarasala has been mentioned in the Mandara Salodyam, Narayanan Namboodiri of the sacred family based on the accounts and legends handed down and old scriptures and books available with the temple. Lord Parashurama in order to release himself from the sin of killing Kshatriyas approached the holy Rishis and they suggested that he should make a gift of a land of his own to the Brahmins. Parashurama, the son of Bhrigu, propitiated Varuna to get land for himself. He threw into sea the Axe which Lord Shiva had given him with his blessings, thus he reclaimed the land from the sea and gave it as a gift to the Brahmins according to the rites. This land came to be known as Kerala and this piece of land, however was not habitable because of the salinity of the soil and as a result people began to leave the place. Parashurama set out with his disciples in search of a jungle in order to please Nagaraja. He found a place near the seashore in the southern part of Kerala. Satisfied with having found a place for the realization of his cherished dream. A pleased Nagaraja, appeared before Parashurama, willing to grant him his desire, according to the poem by Mannarasala M. G. Narayanan Namboodiri, the Nagaraja made his appearance as if, The unspeakable splendor of millions of moons. The bright magnificence of emeralds stuck to the hoods, golden jewels made attractive by miraculous embroidery. Lotus feet worshipped by crowds of Gods, brilliant beauty of form, full of youthfulness. Parasurama prostrated at the feet of Nagaraja and prayed to realize his objective. Nagaraja granted his request with great pleasure, ferocious serpents arrived at the spot at once to spread the flaming Kalakuda poison. Because of the percolation of poison, the land of Kerala was desalinated, parasurama then requested the Lord to bless the land forever with his eternal presence which was also accepted by the kindly-disposed Nagaraja. Parashurama installed, according to Vedic rites, Nagaraja, who is Brahma, Vishnu and Siva in one in the Thirthasthala filled with Mandara trees, (The installed deity here represents Anantha and Vasuki
25.
Mullakkal Temple
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Mullakkal Temple, Alleppey Mullakkal Temple in the south Indian city of Alappuzha, Kerala is a multi-faith place of worship. The temple is known as Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple, and Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple. The temple is accessible for devotes from all castes and religions, positioned on one of the main streets of Alleppey, “Mullakkal theruvu”, Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple is structured in old Kerala architectural style. Being surrounded by well-maintained wall and a pond inside, the premises has plenty of trees. There are several related to the origin of the temple. The idol placed on the shrine is of Durga Maa with four arms, the temple is run by Travancore Devaswom boards in Kerala. The shrine of the temple is called “Sanctum sanctorum” and it is an open roof shrine, at the entrance point of the temple, around 20 feet area is kept under roofing. According to convention and old custom this roofed place is used for keeping large elephants that bring the “thidambu” of the goddess on special occasions. There are other deities in the temple, they are Hanuman Swami, Lord Ganesha, Subramanya Swami, Nagaraja, Navagraha, Sree Krishna, there is banyan tree inside the premises where the lingam of Lord Shiva is also placed for darshana. The temple is estimated as almost 500 years old, plenty of stories are found allied to the origin of the temple. According to one story the idol of Mullakkal Devi” was brought here by a group of exiled soldiers from Thekkumkur territory, primarily they placed the idol in a jasmine garden. Later a temple was constructed in the garden by the patronage of King Devanarayana of Chembagasery. There is another story popularly known related to the foundation of the temple, later on the temple was established. Prior to 1961, the placed on the main shrine was of Mata Annapurneswari. As her temple was placed in a Jasmine Garden she was given the name Mullakkal Bhagawthy, the idol of Maa was found in the standing pose facing West digestion in the temple. In 1961 some incredible events took place, believers have reported that a mentally unbalanced person entered the sanctum sanctorum and all on a sudden embraced the idol. Afterward it was observed that some cracks had settled on the idol’s body, an astrologer predicted that the Goddess had instructed to create a fresh idol to be placed on the shrine instead of the old one. Accordingly, on 16 July 1962 a 4-feet tall Rajarajeswari idol was placed on the shrine replacing the old, later on the idol of Lord Krishna and serpent gods were included and placed on different shrines
26.
Padanilam Parabrahma Temple
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Padanilam Parabrahma Temple is situated at Padanilam in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India. It is one of the temples in erstwhile Travancore state. The temple is situated 17 km east of Kayamkulam and 7 km south west of Pandalam, the temple is dedicated to Lord Parabrahma, also known as omkaram. Padanilam Temple is believed to be swayambhu and its actual history and the facts about how worship started there are unknown. Padanilam has been the centre of Nooranad and it has the history of intense conflict between various karakal around the temple. This was for gaining control over the administration and thereby controlling the entire village. Due to this pada, the place is said to have got its name and it is believed that the army troops of Kayamkulam Kingdom was camped near the temple for protecting the kingdom from the attack of neighbouring kings. During this period, the village had some chieftains and their supporters and they include Noorukodi Unnithans, Kadackal Kuruppans, Vettathasaans and Vettadickal Kuruppans. Kayamkulam Raja withdrawed his troop about four centuries ago and this initiated tensions between the chieftains for control of the village. Thus they divided into south and north, starting battle, the south side consisted of Noorukodi Karuppans and Kadackal Kuruppans. The other side had Vettathasans and Vettadickal Kuruppans with them, twenty-two karakal supported their respective sides. During the battle, many soldiers of both the sides died in large numbers and they were buried in the chira near the temple. Even from very earliest of times, this temple was a blessing for the people in the surrounding areas and it is also believed that the battle was between Marthanda varma King on one side and Kayamkulam King on the other. The twenty-two karakals of Nooranad took side with the two kings, the common people started worrying about the devastation of the war and approached the Pazhoor Panamana Thampuran to find a solution to end the war. He tried to intervene but the parties were not in a position to stop and he made a tent in the eastern part of the temple and started fasting unto death. But that also did not deter the warring parties, but when he was on the verge of death due to the fast, they fearing the Brahmanasaapam, agreed to stop war. They demarcated the boundary in the direction and stopped the war in the name of Parabrahma. Sivarathri is the festival in the temple
27.
Valiyakulangara Devi Temple
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Valiyakulangara Devi Temple is located about 5 km from Haripad and 4 km from Thrikkunnappuzha. It is located 3 km from the National Waterway-3 as well as from the National Highway-47, the major festival is the Aswathi festival in Feb-March, famous for the Fireworks show and the Kettukaazcha. Kettukazhcha displays deftly sculpted and decorated forms of six temple cars known as Kuthiras, five Therus and icons of Bhima and Hanuman
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Ernakulam district
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Ernakulam is a district of Kerala, India situated in the central part of that state. Spanning an area of about 3,068 km2, Ernakulam district is home to over 12% of Kerala’s population and its headquarters is located at Kakkanad, a suburb of Kochi city. Ernakulam is known as the capital of Kerala. The district is famous for its ancient temples, churches, the district includes the largest metropolitan region of the state, Greater Cochin. Ernakulam district is the highest revenue yielding district in the state and it is the third most populous district in Kerala, after Malappuram and Thiruvananthapuram. Ernakulam district also hosts the highest number of international and domestic tourists in Kerala state, the language spoken in Ernakulam is Malayalam which is the mother-tongue of Kerala. English is widely used, especially in business circles, Ernakulam became Indias first district having 100 percent banking or full meaningful financial inclusion in 2012. The name Ernakulam is derived from Erayanarkulam which means the abode of Lord Shiva, Ernakulam was also known as Rishinagakulam in ancient days. From ancient times Ernakulam district has played a part in the history of south India. The Jews, Syrians, Arabs, Chinese, Dutch, British and Portuguese seafarers followed the sea route to Kingdom of Cochin, in 1896, the Maharaja of Cochin initiated local administration by forming a town council in Ernakulam. Initially Ernakulam districts headquarters was at Ernakulam, which gave the district its name, according to the 2011 census Ernakulam district has a population of 3,282,388, roughly equal to the nation of Mauritania or the US state of Iowa. This gives it a ranking of 104th in India, the district has a population density of 1,069 inhabitants per square kilometre. Its population growth rate over the decade 2001–2011 was 5. 6%, Ernakulam has a sex ratio of 1028 females for every 1000 males, and a literacy rate of 95. 68%. This district is listed as the most advanced district in Kerala and it had a resident population of 3,105,798 as of 2001, excluding the huge commuter traffic from neighbouring districts. Hindus accounts for the largest community followed by Christians and Muslims, a small population of Jains, Jews and Sikhs are also residing in Kochi. Also, Ernakulam district has the highest number of Christian population in India, in addition to the major communities the Buddhists, the Jains, the Sikhs, and the Jews also form part of the cosmopolitan population. The ancestors of the Jews migrated from Jerusalem in 70 A. D. to India, now there are very few Jewish families in Cochin as most of them were converted to Syrian Christians, and the rest migrated to Israel in the 20th century. The 15. 7% of the population are Malayalam speaking Sunni Shafii Muslims, Ernakulam district covers an area of 3,068 km2 located on the Western Coastal Plains of India
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Dakshina Mookambika Temple, North Paravur
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The Dakshina Mookambika Temple is a famous Saraswati temple in the town of North Paravur in the Ernakulam district of Kerala. The presiding deity in temple is Saraswati and sub-deities are Ganapathy, Subrahmanyan, Mahavishnu, Yakshi. A shrine devoted to Yakshi is at the southwest corner, the sanctum sanctorum is in the midst of a lotus pool. According to legends, Thampuran of Paravur was a devotee of Goddess Mookambika. He used to visit the Kollur temple in Mangalore every year to pay homage to the goddess, when he became old, his health worsened and he could no longer undertake the long journey to Kollur. The goddess appeared to the sad devotee in a dream and ordered him to build her idol near his palace so that he can have darshan of her. Thampuran followed her instructions, built a temple at Paravur and installed the Goddess, the famous Navratri festival is celebrated here with great fervor. Thousands of people participate in the Navaratri music festival, thousands of little children are initiated into the world of letters by making them write the word harisree on rice, their tongues or sand with a golden ring. Apart from the Navratri festival, the annual festival is celebrated in the month of Makaram. The music festival and Vidyāraṃbhaṃ ceremony are the features of this festival
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Chottanikkara Temple
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The Chottanikkara Devi Temple is a famous temple of mother goddess Shakthi devi or Rajarajeshwari known as Sree Bhagavathi. Maha lakshmi is supposed to be residing in Chottanikkara along with Lord Vishnu, Sree Mahamaya Bhagawati, the goddess of power, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala and the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. Supreme lord Shiva, Ganesh & Lord Dharmasastha is also worshiped at the temple, people suffering from mental illnesses & commonly visit the temple, as Chottanikkara devi is thought to cure her devotees. One should not miss the Guruthi Pooja in the Keezhkkaavu temple at Chottanikkara, Goddess keezhkkaavu devi is believed to be Bhadrakali, in her fierce form or ugra form. Bhadrakali, is a form of mother Kali, supposed to be born from the eye of lord Shiva. Guruthi pooja is a ritual done at late evening to invoke goddess Mahakali, earlier Guruthi Pooja was done only on Fridays. But nowadays, it is performed every day, mental diseases are believed to be totally cured by Keezhkkaavu Kali. Chottanikara Makam thozhal is the religious festival temple. The area in which the temple is situated was once a dense forest that was believed to be infested by yakshis, a tribesman named Kannappan used to live in this forest. He was a worshipper of Kali, and would ritually sacrifice a cow to her every Friday. One day, he found a black calf near the forest. He kidnapped the calf and took her to his altar, just before he sacrificed the calf, tribesmans daughter Manimanga stepped in and pleaded to him to stop the sacrifice. The man loved his daughter and thus let her keep the calf as a pet, unfortunately, Manimanga died some days later, possibly due to a snake bite. Kannappan broke into tears and decided to cremate her body, to his surprise, his daughters corpse disappeared. A nearby priest told him the reason for such an occurrence, Kannappan used to take young calves from their mothers. As punishment, he met the same fate when his daughter died, however, when the tribes man looked for the calf, he found two divine stones in its place. Since Kannappans death, the stones were forgotten, one day, a grass-cutter came to the forest to cut some wild grass. Since her knife was blunt, she sharpened it on what she thought was a big stone, only it was a stone, but then it started bleeding
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Kurumbakkavu Bhagavathy Temple Edathala
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Edathalas Sree Kurumbakkavu Bhagavathy Temple is in a village that is 8 km from Aluva Railway station and 20 km from Cochin international Airport. The Divine Mother known as Kurumbakavilamma is worshiped here as the main deity, apart from the main deity, the temple complex consists of a temple for Sastha, peedam for Nagas, Khandakarnan, Rakshas and Kshetrapalakan. Meena Bharani, the birthday of Kurumbakavilamma, is the most important festival of the temple and is celebrated on Bharani Nakshatram in the month of Meenam, the exact place of the temple is Kunjattukara. Temples of Kerala Edathala Sree Kurumbakkavu Bhagavathy Temple
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Sree Bhavaneeswara Temple
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Sree Bhavaneeswara Temple in Palluruthy, Kochi established by the great saint, sage and social reformer of India, Sree Narayana Guru on 8 March 1916. The temple is managed by Sree Dharma Paripalana Yogam which was founded in 1903 with the guidance, the main celebration at the temple is the Mahotsavam, for 11 days during February–March, every year. Sri Narayana Jayanthi and Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi day are two important days at the temple, swarna Dwaja Pratista Day is being observed every year on the day immediately preceding the Mahotsavam celebrations. Nava Graha Homam is being performed on all Sundays, annadhanam and Sampoorna Niramala is being sponsored by devotees on all Saturdays. Sree Narayana Guru Sree Narayana Dharma Sangham Sivagiri, Kerala Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam Sree Dharma Paripalana Yogam Sree Dharma Paripalana Yogam Website
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Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
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Sree Poornathrayesa temple is situated in Tripunithura, Kochi, the capital of the former Kingdom of Cochin. The temple is considered among the greatest temples in Kerala and was first among 8 royal temples of erstwhile Kochi Kingdom, the deity was also considered as National deity of Cochin and protector guardian of the town of Tripunithura. The temple is famous for its yearly Utsavams or festivals, the main one is the Vrishchikoltsawam, which is conducted every year in the month of Vrishchikam, kicking off the Ulsava Season in Kerala. And this Vrishchikolsavam is the biggest temple festival of Ernakulam District, the deity in this temple is Lord Vishnu who is in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy. It is well believed that childless couples will be blessed with children on praying Poornathrayesan, the ten children and the sacred idol were taken by Arjuna in his chariot and he handed over the children to the Brahmin. In memory of this event, a temple was built with a sanctum-sanctorum in the form of a chariot, Lord Ganesh was sent by Arjuna to search a holy place for the installation of Lord Vishnu. Earlier, the idol was kept in a palace which is situated at the west of the main temple, Lord Ganesh, who was attracted by the holiness of the ancient Vedic Village, Poornavedapuram, tried to occupy the place for himself. However, Arjuna pushed him away to the side of the sanctum. This is different from the custom, where Lord Ganesh has a separate shrine at the south-western side of the inner prakaram. As the place was bounded by fields, Arjuna used some mustard seeds to get oil for lighting lamp. You can see a Valia Vilakku situated in front of the idol, folks say that the burnt oil of this traditional lamp contains medicinal value. Legends reveal that Sree Poornathrayeesa is the brother of the Goddesses of Chottanikkara. It is also believed that the Lord was married to a Namboothiri girl, Nangema, during the annual temple festival occasions, deities from Perumthrikovil and Pishari kovil visit here for a combined procession. This is locally called as Sankara Narayana Vilakku and Laksmi Narayana Vilakku, the Aarattu of Sree Poornathrayeesa takes place at the temple pond of Chakkamkulangara Shiva Temple, which is situated north-east of the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. The temple is designed in accordance of Kerala temple architecture, a major fire occurred in 1920, which destroyed much of the original structure particularly the sanctum sanctorium which was built extensively in wood. This led to redesigning the temple with concrete structure, for the first time in Kerala, the first floor of the two-storied gopuram consists of a mandapam, and eight beautifully carved wooden pillars support the Mandapam. This festival usually starts in the November–December time frame every year, the festival lasts for 8 days, with events running 24/7. Events feature traditional folk art such as Ottanthullal, Kathakali, Thayambaka, Chenda melam
