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)