Sree Chamravattam Ayyappa Temple

http://www.chamravattamayyappatemple.in/

Believed to have been constructed by Perumthachan, a master craftsman and a legendary sculptor, this temple is a famous Sastha temple which is about 12-15 km from Tirur on the shores of Bharatha Puzha(Nila river) The temple can also be reached by a ferry from Ponnani village . What makes this temple so beautiful is the river Bharathapuzha that flows behind this shrine and the vast expanses of paddy fields indicating the rich agrarian culture. 

In Chamravattom temple the God is consecrated at the level of the river though the temple is in slightly higher grounds. During rainy season , the flood water enters the temple and sub merges the idol. There are several stories and folk lores which describe the power of this God, popularly called as "Chamravattathappan". It is assumed that the Thamarakulangara Sastha temple near Tripunithura is an extension of this temple.



Actual year of construction of the temple is unknown. Historians are of opinion that there was a Jain temple situated somewhere near this place. We can see some clay models of animals like dogs, lions etc. scattered on the underground of the river and banks as evidences.

The main puja of the temple is performed by Ooralan. There is no dhoopam, deepam and use of bell during the pujas of the temple. There is no yearly festival (Utsavam)here but Aarattu (holi bath of diet) is there. In other temples at the end of utsavam, idol of the deity is carried to a water body. But here the water level of the river rises in rainy seasons and water rush to the shrine. When the Prathishta immerses in water then it is considered Aarattu here. 

Festivals

• The main festivals of the temple is during the season of Mandalam. Especially the last 11 days. ( 1st to 11th of Malayalam month dhanu ). There will be a chuttuvilakku during the ezhunnallippu but elephants are not used here. 
• Other important day is PRATHISHADINAM. It is celebrated on anizham of the malayam month makaram. On that day, there will be Navakam - Offering done with nine pots of dravyam(liquids) with extensive pujas

Pujas and specialities

• People believe that worshipping God Sastha in Chamravattom on Saturdays would help them get rid of the evil effects of the bad times caused by the planet Saturn.
• Nherippetta Tharppanam:  Devotees offer this to cure skin diseases 
• Another special offering conducted from pooyam of Malayalam month makaram to visakham of the month idavam. It is believed that chamravattathayyappan has a power to control rains. People drop coconut in bharathappuzha as their offering to this deity during this rainy season. 
• Chathushatham ( porridge of four materials coconut, rice, jaggery, & kadalipazham)
• Panapayasam  
• Chuttuvilakku (lighting of the Sanctum)

Alathiyoor Perumthrikovil - the Rama temple where devotees come to pray to Hanuman

The Alathiyoor Perumthrikovil temple is special to its devotees for many reasons. Sri Rama is the Presiding deity here. The daily puja-rituals, offerings by devotees, and the spectacular annual temple festival – all are held in honour of the presiding deity, Sri Rama.  However, the devotees popularly refer to this temple, the ‘Hanuman Kavu’ temple. And, in a way, it symbolizes the triumph of the supreme strength of Bhakti of Sri Hanuman as an ideal, which overshadows the presiding deity, Lord sri Rama.

Here, Sri Rama is visualized as the Maryada-Purushothaman- he is separated from his beloved consort, Sita, by the mighty Ravana who has abducted her to Lanka. Sri Rama is seen entrusting Hanuman the possible task of locating the whereabouts of Sita.  Sri Rama confides to Hanuman about how to look out  for Sita in Lanka. Hanuman, had  to cross the vast and formidable sea,  that separates Lanka from the main land. Thirty three crore Gods  gathered to witness this significant act. It is an act in which the Avatara-purush Sri Rama seeks the assistance of his bhakta, Hanuman.  All the Gods bestowed Hanuman with their enormous strength, so that he succeeded in his mission.  For Hanuman, this is a very significant moment, and hence, his pre-eminence at Alathiyoor.

The unique posture of Hanuman in the temple

The temple of Sri Hanuman is adjacent to the main temple of Sri Rama. Sri Hanuman stands leaning a little towards the left, to hear his master’s words.  Sri Rama is confiding in Hanuman the cue-word ( Abhignana Vaakyam ) that would enable him to gain the confidence of Sita. Hanuman has a mace in his hand. The numerous Gods bestowed their enormous power on Sri Hanuman.  He is all set to accomplish his mission, which is seeking the whereabouts of Sita. Here he is the personification of divine strength, confidence, concentration of purpose, Bhakti, and above all humility.  He is the symbol of supreme self-sacrifice.  He seems to be assuring Sri Rama: “Your wish is my command”.  Devotees of Hanuman throng to this temple to make their wishes and be heard by the mighty Hanuman.

There is a platform to commemorate Sri Hanuman’s mighty leap to Lanka over the sea. There is a long granite stone at one end of this platform and it symbolizes the sea. Devotees com running and leap over this long stone. By doing this, auspicious impact is expected especially for the better health and life of children.
The Anjaneya temple was established by sage Vasishta in Alathiyur, Kerala. The temple's  history is based on the epic of the Ramayana. In the sanctum sanctorum, Sri Rama appears alone  without  Mother Sita. Sri Hanuman graces in the other shrine  as listening to the Sri Rama telling him how to identify the mother Sita,  to help him to spot her without any doubt. Devas contributed all their might to Hanuman to enable him to succeed in his mission.  The idol of the Sri Lakshmana is established a little far away, that he would not disturb the privacy between Rama and Hanuman when the former was narrating  some past incidents to Hanuman to identify mother Sita.
Sri Hanuman is a staunch follower of the Sri Rama who dedicated his service to Rama only. He expected nothing in return for his services in searching Mother Sita.  He was the abode of all the noblest divine qualities coupled with an unparallel physical and mental prowess to conquer any situation of any gravity.  But he himself was not aware of his extraordinary capabilities.  He never spoke to anybody about his powers but simply felt and said that he was born for the service of Sri Rama.  He was only saying that he was the last servant of the lord. The interesting thing to be noted,  is that,  Sugriva got back his kingdom for the service he rendered to the Lord.  Angatha was nominated as the heir-apparent of Kishkinda.  Vibishana was crowned as the king of Lanka. Hanuman expected nothing. He respectfully declined to accept the pearl chain offered to him by Mother Sita.  Sri Rama could not find anything that would be a fitting reward to him.  Rama finally asked him to embrace him and blessed him eternity. Hanuman was born on the new moon day. Worshipping him on this day brings immense benefits to the devotees.

Popular pujas here

Panchasara payasam
Kadalipazham
Thiruvona puja
Thiruvona Oottu
Neivilakku

Avil (rice flakes with jaggery and other ingredients) is the most important present here. The belief is that if one pray for a wish then upon the fulfilment the devotee is supposed to offer this to the temple. This is the most popular puja here and that shows experience and belief of devotees in this temple.

Temple authorities have transformed he temple to use the latest technologies to  help devotees pray and do their offerings from anywhere in the world through their website http://www.alathiyoorhanumankavu.in  and more and more devotees are using it everyday

- Article contributed by Alathiyoor Perumthrikkovil temple