Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple

Nedumbassery, Dist. Ernakulam

Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple is situated at Nedumbassery in Ernakulam district, close to Cochin International Airport. The temple is regarded as one of the 108 Durga temples traditionally believed to have been consecrated by Parasurama and is also considered one of Kerala’s important centres for Vidyarambham, the traditional initiation of children into learning. The presence of Goddess Saraswathi, Guru Dakshinamoorthy and Lord Ganapathi, the three revered deities closely associated with knowledge and learning, gives Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple a unique significance as a sacred centre of learning. It is this special association that is believed to make the temple particularly auspicious for Vidyarambham, which can be performed here throughout the year.

Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple is believed to be more than 1,200 years old and has a long association with Kerala’s tradition of learning and scholarship. According to tradition, Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya began his journey into the world of knowledge at this temple. As a young boy, he is believed to have visited the temple with his mother, Aryamba, from nearby Kalady and written the sacred first letters, “Harishree Ganapathaye Namaha” and “Saraswathi Namasthubhyam”, on rice grains as part of his initiation into learning. It is said that, as Adi Shankaracharya’s father had passed away when he was very young, his formal initiation into learning had not been performed in the customary manner at the appropriate time. According to local tradition, Aryamba later brought him to Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple and initiated him into learning before the Goddess. He is also believed to have visited the temple again during his later travels across India.

The principal consecration of Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple is believed to be Swayambhu, or self-manifested. According to temple legend, a woman was once cutting grass when her sickle accidentally struck a stone, from which blood is said to have emerged. The incident revealed the divine presence at the spot. It is believed that Parasurama subsequently identified the divine presence of Goddess Saraswathi in the self-manifested stone and consecrated the deity in the Saraswathi Sankalpa, thereby establishing the temple. This tradition is also associated with the belief that Avanamkode is one of the 108 Durga temples consecrated by Parasurama. A light is traditionally maintained above a small mantap, or sacred spot within the temple, which is believed to mark the place where Parasurama sat in meditation. According to local belief, the Goddess of Avanamkode has six sisters associated with the temples at Vengoor, Manickamangalam, Chengal, Edatt, Ezhipram and Avanamkode, while the Sankaranarayana deity at Nayathode Temple is regarded as her brother.

Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple is built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala, characterised by its simple, low-profile structures, sloping tiled roofs and harmonious setting amidst lush greenery. Approaching from the roadside, devotees enter the temple through the main gateway, decorated with ornamental motifs and lotus-shaped sculptures at its base, which marks the entrance to the sacred precinct. Beyond the gateway lies the spacious temple compound, where a traditional Deepastambham stands prominently along the approach to the main shrine. Serving as an important ritual and visual focal point, the lamp pillar leads the devotee further into the sacred precinct. Proceeding ahead, one enters the covered temple structure, supported by substantial square pillars. The spacious interior retains a simple and austere character, with dark stone flooring, massive pillars and an exposed timber roof. Traditional hanging bells and oil lamps further enhance the devotional atmosphere. At the heart of the temple complex is the Sreekovil, housing the principal deity, Goddess Saraswathi. The principal consecration is particularly distinctive, as the Goddess is believed to be Swayambhu, or self-manifested. The deity is represented by a sacred stone, only a portion of which is visible above the ground, while the remaining part is believed to extend beneath the earth. On special occasions, a golden sphere is placed above the consecration, while a silver sphere is customarily used on ordinary days.

Within a small cave-like shrine beneath the Mandapam, situated beside the Simha Vahana, are Guru Dakshinamoorthy and Lord Ganapathi, both facing Goddess Saraswathi. The Simha Vahana itself holds a distinctive place in the temple’s ritual tradition, as regular poojas are performed for it—an unusual feature that is considered unique to Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple. Adjacent to Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple stands the Ramanchira Temple, a sub-shrine where Sree Dharma Shastha and Sree Bhadrakali are worshipped. According to local tradition, there was once an ancient temple and a sacred pond known as Ramanchira in this region, in an area believed to have been located within or near the present Cochin International Airport complex. Over the centuries, the temple is said to have been destroyed, while the pond gradually became filled with earth and disappeared from view. Centuries later, the remains of the ancient Ramanchira pond were reportedly discovered, along with the images of Bhadrakali and Dharma Shastha. A new temple was subsequently constructed and the two deities were consecrated there.

Avanamkode Pooram is generally celebrated during the Malayalam month of Meenam, usually falling in March or April. The ten-day festival includes special Tantric rituals conducted under the guidance of the Chief Tantri, along with other special poojas, Kodiyettu (ceremonial flag-hoisting), Arattu, Pooram, Manakkal Pooram and various cultural programmes. The celebrations commence with the ceremonial Kodiyettu. Following the special Tantric rituals performed by the Chief Tantri, the sacred flag is hoisted, marking the commencement of the ten-day Pooram festival. The traditional ritual art form of Mudiyettu is performed annually during the Pooram festival in front of the Ramanchira Bhadrakali Temple, a sub-shrine associated with Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple. The ritual performance is presented by the renowned traditional artiste Varanattu Sankaranarayana Kurup. Devotees may also sponsor the performance as a vazhipadu, or ritual offering, in their own name.

Vasantha Panchami is celebrated annually on the fifth day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu lunar month of Magha. The festival is dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi, the deity of knowledge, learning, music and the arts. On this auspicious occasion, devotees visit the temple, observe fasting during the day and perform Vasantha Panchami Pooja for the prosperity and well-being of their families and for the removal of difficulties. Saraswathi mantras and hymns are recited, while books, musical instruments, anklets and other objects associated with learning and the arts are placed before the Goddess for worship. It is believed that Goddess Saraswathi blesses devotees with knowledge, wisdom, health and prosperity, making the occasion particularly significant for students, professionals and artistes.

After Vijayadashami, Vasantha Panchami is considered one of the most auspicious occasions for initiating children into learning at Avanamkode Saraswathi Temple. The day is marked by special Saraswathi Poojas, including Mahasaraswathi Pooja, accompanied by Vedic chanting, recitations from the Puranas and Sangeetharchana. Devotees may also perform Vasantha Panchami Pooja, either individually or on behalf of their families. In the evening, a Veena recital, dedicated to the instrument closely associated with Goddess Saraswathi, is held, followed by programmes of classical music and dance. Annadanam, the sacred offering of food, may also be sponsored by devotees as a vazhipadu on this auspicious occasion.

Mahabhishekam is a highly auspicious offering performed every morning to seek the grace of the Goddess and is traditionally believed to promote concentration and bring success in one’s endeavours. Janma Nakshatra Pooja is performed on the day of the devotee’s birth star each month, seeking the blessings of the Goddess. Vidyavagheeshwari Pooja, performed daily in honour of Goddess Saraswathi, the deity of knowledge and learning, is offered by devotees seeking success in education and may also be booked for a year to be conducted each month on the devotee’s birth-star day. Navu–Mani–Narayam, involving the offering of a symbolic tongue, bell and traditional writing stylus, is considered especially beneficial for children who experience difficulty in speaking clearly. Thulabharam is an offering in which items such as bananas, jaggery and sugar are presented to the deity in a quantity equivalent to the devotee’s weight, symbolising complete surrender and devotion. As Sharkkara Payasam, or jaggery payasam, is considered especially dear to the Goddess of Avanamkode, Sharkkara Thulabharam, in which jaggery equivalent to the devotee’s weight is offered, holds special importance at the temple and is traditionally believed to bring fulfilment of cherished wishes and divine blessings. Sangeetharchana, a musical offering before the Goddess, may be performed by devotees seeking success in music and other performing arts, while Passport Pooja is conducted for those seeking divine blessings for overseas travel and success in their endeavours abroad.

The temple opens daily at 5:15 AM and remains open until 10:00 AM, with rituals such as Nirmalyam and Ucha Pooja concluding during the morning hours. It reopens at 5:15 PM for evening darshan, followed by Deeparadhana and closes at 7:15 PM. Vidyarambham (Aksharabhyasam) is conducted daily between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. During major festivals such as Basant Panchami, the darshan timings are usually extended, with the temple remaining open from 5:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the evening.

Key Highlights:

• Located 9 km from Aluva town.
• About 9 km from Aluva Railway Station.
• Local bus services are available.
• Dedicated parking is available for private vehicles.
• Accommodation and dining facilities are available nearby.