Ochanthuruth Sree Karthikeya Kshethram

Ochanthuruth, Vypin, Dist. Ernakulam.

Ochanthuruth Sree Karthikeya Kshethram (Subrahmanya Bhajana Matham) is a well-known Hindu place of worship at Ochanthuruth on Vypin Island in Ernakulam district. Lord Subrahmanya (Murugan / Karthikeya), the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, is the main deity. One of the important temples in the Vypin area, it continues to follow its old traditions and local forms of worship.

The temple was started in the early 20th century by ordinary Hindu families and local residents of Ochanthuruth. Its early form was a small Bhajana Matham where local people gathered for prayers and chanting in the evenings. The name ‘Subrahmanya Bhajana Matham’ continues as part of this tradition. Later, a committee formed by local devotees developed the place into a temple, using local donations and the work of residents to build the Sreekovil, chuttambalam and other structures. After it was developed as a temple, an idol of Karthikeya was installed under the main tantri priesthood in the mid-20th century, after the 1950s.

Bhajana Mathams in the Vypin area developed in the early 20th century during a period of social change against the caste system in Kerala. Subrahmanya Bhajana Matham grew as a common place where ordinary people who did not have access to worship in major temples could gather, pray and worship without caste differences. Started and supported collectively by local residents, it was later developed into a temple, while its community-based management continued. The temple is not under the Cochin Devaswom Board or any family trust. Its administration is carried out by a local devotees’ committee elected democratically by the residents of Ochanthuruth. The main sources of income are offerings from devotees, monthly contributions from local residents and special donations during festivals. Although the temple is managed by the committee, daily poojas and festival rituals are carried out under the guidance of the main tantris and shanthikkars appointed by the committee.

The temple is located beside the main road. The first structure visible from the road is a large elephant pandal with a tiled roof and iron pillars, providing shade and protection from rain. A tall golden flagstaff stands in the centre of the pandal and is clearly visible from the road. The front walls of the temple are painted in light violet, pink and yellow, with steel grills and a security gate at the entrance. The padippura has sculptural work depicting Subrahmanya and other deities. Inside, there is a large balikkallu and a walkway where devotees can stand and pray. The nalambalam surrounds the main Sreekovil and its floor is laid with black-and-white chequered tiles. A large vilakkumadam with brass lamps is placed around the Sreekovil for deeparadhana.

The temple has a relatively small square Sreekovil built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. The Sreekovil follows the nirandhara design and has a sloping, pyramid-shaped tiled roof with a stupa at the top. Granite steps lead to the Sreekovil, with sculptures of dvarapalakas on either side of the doorway. Lord Murugan (Karthikeya) is the main deity. The idol is made of black stone and represents Subrahmanya in the Dandayudhapani form. The peacock, the traditional mount of the deity, is also associated with the main shrine.

The shrine of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is located at the Kannimoola, to the south-west of the main Sreekovil. Naga worship also has an important place in the temple’s traditions, as is common in Subrahmanya temples. The shrines of Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are located at a small, wooded Nagathara outside the temple wall, to the north-west of the main Sreekovil.

The main annual festival of the temple is Thaipooyam, celebrated on the Pooyam star in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January–February). On this day, devotees take part in kavadi, mayil kavadi and paal kavadi offerings dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya. Special poojas, thalappoli and an evening procession accompanied by Panchari Melam or Pandi Melam are also held. Karthikeya Jayanthi, observed as the birthday of Karthikeya, is marked with special abhishekams and Laksharchana. Skanda Shashti is observed every month on the sixth day of the Shukla Paksha, with special importance given to Skanda Shashti in the month of Thulam (October–November). Special poojas are also held on Karthika, the birth star of the deity and Karthika Sadya is organised on some occasions. Ganapathi Homam is performed every morning at the shrine of Lord Ganesha, while Ayilyam observances at the Nagathara include Noorum Palum, Sarppam Paattu or Nagaroot.

The main offerings to Lord Subrahmanya include Panchamritabhishekam, Palabhishekam, Bhasmabhishekam, Shashti Pooja, Pushpanjali and kavadi offerings. Panchamritabhishekam is performed using banana, honey, ghee, kalkandam and jaggery. Palabhishekam and Bhasmabhishekam are also offered as special rituals. On the monthly Shashti, special poojas and Pushpanjali are performed for the well-being of children and for those seeking children. On special days such as Thaipooyam, paal kavadi and mayil kavadi are important offerings. Ganapathi Homam is performed at the shrine of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles, while karuka mala is offered for improved intelligence. At the Nagathara, Noorum Palum and turmeric powder offerings are made to the Naga deities for family welfare and relief from sarpa dosha.

The daily pooja begins at 05:30 AM with the opening of the temple after the Palliyunarthal ritual. At 06:00 AM, Nirmalya Darshan and abhishekam with oil and water are performed. Ushah Pooja is held at 06:30 AM, followed by Ganapathi Homam at the shrine of Lord Ganesha at 07:00 AM. The Uchha Pooja and main offering are performed at 10:00 AM, after which the temple closes at 10:30 AM. In the evening, the temple reopens at 05:30 PM. Deeparadhana is held at 06:30 PM by lighting the lamps in the vilakkumadam and performing camphor aarati. The Athazha Pooja is held at 07:30 PM, followed by Harivarasanam / Thrippuka, after which the temple closes at 08:00 PM. On special days such as Thaipooyam and Skanda Shashti, the closing time may change due to special processions and abhishekams.

Key highlight :-

• Located 12 km from Ernakulam city and 18 km from Cherai.
• 11 km from Ernakulam Town (ERN) railway station and 13 km from Ernakulam Junction (ERS) railway station.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked near the temple.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number +91 8848864684.