Kerala - God's Own Country
Kerala is enchantingly beautiful well known as God's Own Country, emerald green land, flanked by the Western Ghats on One side and The Arabian Sea on the
other and strewn with rivers, lagoons, backwaters and rich vegetation. For tourist, Kerala offers Nature on platter, Sandy beaches, Hills , Greenland plantations in
High ranges, wild life,picturesque valleys,magnificent forts and intricately decorated temples –Whatever one can ask for.
Kodungallur
Kodungallur (anglicised name: Cranganore ) and known in ancient times as Shinkli, Muchiri (anglicised to Muziris), Muyirikkodu, Muchiripattinam was a
famous and prosperous sea-port at the mouth of the Periyar (also known as Choorni Nadi) river in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is located about 38
km from the present day city of Kochi at 10°13′N 76°13′E. Famous places include:
The Bhagawati temple at Kodungallur is of great renown throughout the state of Kerala. Kodungallur situated on the west coast, was
once a great port of the Chera rulers of Tamilnadu, It was known by the Greek as as the musris.
Legends: This image is believed to be a personification of Kali, who had killed the demon Daaruka. Daaruka is said to have worshipped Bhrama, and harassed
the devas. The goddesses created Bhramani, Vaishnavi, Maheswari, Kaumari, Varahi and Indrani from Bhrama,vishnu, Mahadeva, Kumara, Yama and Indra,
and they were defeated by Daaruka, however Shiva created Kaali and she killed Daaruka.
The Temple: The image of Kali faces east. There is a crimson cloth hung on the western wall of the sanctum and worship is offered here. There is also a secret
chamber east of the Kali image, with an underground passage. Also is a shrine to Kshetrapala, the guardian deity and Vasurimala associated with small pox.
The Bharani festival at the Kodungallur Bhagawati temple is one of the grandest in Kerala. It is a month of festivities from the Bharani asterism in the month
of Aquarius to 7 days after the Bharani asterism in the month of Pisces. Traditionally the temple (especially during the Bharani festival) has been associated with
a lot of animal sacrifices. These customs have been done away with in the 20th century. The blood of the sacrificed used to be spilled over two stones in the
prakaram, and as mentioned above, this practice is now stopped.The Bharani festival also witnesses the offering of worship to the deity in the innermost sanctum
by those belonging to castes other than the priestly class. One day before the final Bharani, the chandanapodi Chartal or the smearing of the image with sandal
paste is carried out. There are further festivities on this day and the following day.Thousands from all over Kerala congregate to celebrate this festival amidst
great paegentry.
Thalapoli on January 15 is with caparisoned elephants, Panchavadyam, Paandi Melam etc. performed daily twice for 4 days and the cultural programs and fire
works etc. are other highlights.
Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple :This is the only Shiva temple in Kerala with the idols of Shaivite Naayanmars. In this temple, Lord Shiva is
worshipped as Uma Maheswara, in contrast to other temples where the Lord's consort has a separate sanctum.
Dampathi pooja (pooja for divine couple) and Pallikuruppu (divine slumber) are the main offerings in this temple. The shrikovil walls bear murals portraying Lord
Ram and other mythological characters in five panels. The exterior of Palliyara walls also have mural paintings. Out of 274 Shaivite Thiruppathies in India, this
is the only one in Kerala.
The annual festival is celebrated for 8 days in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March), which ends with the Arattu in the sea on the new moon
day. Aanayottam is also conducted as part of the festival. Shivratri is celebrated in a grand manner.
CHERAMAN JUMA MASJID (3.5 km):The Cheraman Juma Masjid constructed in AD 629 is famous as the first mosque erected in India and also the first in
India and second in the world where the Juma Prayers were started. People from far and near irrespective of caste and creed visit this holy place and pay their
homage. Id-ul-Fitr (Ramsan) and Idul-Asha (Bakrid) is celebrated here on a grand scale.A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought
from Mecca.
ST. THOMAS CHURCH (1 km):The St. Thomas Church is the first Christian Church in India constructed in the year 52 AD.St. Thomas is portrayed in the
gospels as a courageous and challenging personality. He had preached the gospel from Ethiopia to China. Many a church in West Asia considers him as the
father of its faith. At Kodungalloor, he established the first Christian church in India and is the architect behind other Churches in Kerala: Kodungallur,
Kottakkavu, Palayur, Kollam, Kokkamangalam, Niranam and Nilackal.
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