Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple is among the oldest temples of Kerala. It is said that the temple was constructed even before the Kali Yuga. In fact the temple is most important of all Subrahmanya temples in Kerala. The image of the deity with four arms is also the biggest of the kind. It is believed to have been originally worshipped by Parasurama. The popular name of the temple is Dakshina Palani and it attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year.

Legends of Sree Subrmaniya Swami Temple, also known as South Palani or the Thekkan Palani, have it that the temple has Velayudha Swami who is considered to be the protector of all the devotees of the temple.

Legend says that the four-handed deity of Lord Subrmaniya was found in the back waters of Kayal. This is because all the four landlords of Haripada at the same time had dreamt about the existence of the idol. And they found the idol in the back waters. The place where the idol was found a whirlwind had formed and a place where flowers were found. After finding the idol the landlord had ferried the deity. The idol was kept under a banyan tree which belonged to a Christian family. The place came to be known as Aranazhika ferry. Presently the place has a Muruka Temple.

The idol which has been installed in Haripada was brought through waterways. As a result the carrying of the lord through the waterways is celebrated as Jalolsavam. During the ceremony many people gather in groups to offer their homage to the backwaters of Aaru.

History says that in the month of Kartika at a time before noon Lord Subramaniya Idol was installed in the temple along with Eakchakra. It is said that a saint had installed the idol in the temple. People had a belief that the saint who had installed Lord Subramaniya in the temple was no other than Lord Sree Hari.

The fire had completely destroyed the temple in the year 1096 but the golden flagstaff of the temple had been kept safe from fire by the people.

The architectural style that is followed in the temple is one of old Kerala styles of architecture. The deity of the temple that is Lord Subrahmanya has four hands and is one of the best examples of sculptural excellence after the Buddhist era. The temple has a gold covered flagstaff.

The temple Sree Subrahmanya Swamy has unique legends and rituals associated with it as a result of which large number of devotees is attracted towards the temple throughout the year.

The most important festival of the temple is Aatta Vishesham. Three other important festivals of the temple are Aavani festival in Chingam, Margazhi festival in Dhanu and Chithira festival in Medam.

The monthly festivals of the temple are Karthika star in every month and Shashthi of Velutha Paksha in every month.

On the other hand in Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays are considered very important.