Thiruvarappetty Mahadeva Temple

Varappetty, Kothamangalam, Dist. Ernakulam.

Thiruvarappetty Mahadeva Temple is located in Varappetty village near Kothamangalam in Ernakulam district. Lord Shiva is the main deity of the temple. This ancient place of worship is built in the traditional Kerala architectural style. With features of Kerala temple architecture, it is one of the important Hindu places of worship in the area.

Based on the foundation and structure of the main Sreekovil and Chuttambalam, the temple is estimated to be at least around 800 years old. During the medieval period, the area covering Kothamangalam and Varappetty was under the rule of the local kingdom of Keezhmalanad and later the Vadakkumkoor dynasty, which took control of Keezhmalanad. The temple is therefore thought to have been established during the period of local rulers or chieftains of the region. Its historical importance is also linked to its local and geographical setting, as it was one of the important Shaiva places of worship in the Kothamangalam area, which was connected to old trade routes in central Kerala. The structure of the main Sreekovil and Chuttambalam, which has been preserved without major changes, reflects features of medieval Kerala temple architecture.

Although the temple has not been completely rebuilt, parts damaged by age, especially the wooden roofs, copper roofing and various parts of the Chuttambalam, have been repaired and restored in several stages. In recent years, necessary renovation work has also been carried out with the support of devotees and the Devaswom Board. In earlier times, the temple was managed by local Uranma families, including Brahmin Illams and prominent Nair families, with the Vadakkumkoor and later the Travancore royal administration having oversight. At present, the temple administration and daily affairs are under the Travancore Devaswom Board. A Temple Advisory Committee consisting of devotees also works to coordinate festivals and local development activities at the temple.

According to local tradition, Vedic learning and Varam, a feast for Brahmins, were held here on a large scale in the past. It is said that the temple once had a large wooden chest used to store food items and pooja materials needed for the Varam and that the place got its name ‘Varappetty’ from this chest. The Shiva deity here is also believed to be in the form of Vettakkorumakan or Kirathamurthy. Some elderly devotees connect this form of Shiva with the Kiratarjuneeya story from the Mahabharata, in which Shiva appeared in the form of a hunter to test Arjuna.

When viewed from the road, the temple stands on a raised granite platform above the surrounding level ground. A long flight of granite steps leads from the road to the main Padippura. The steps lead to a traditional Kerala-style Padippura with a tiled roof and wooden detailing. On entering through the Padippura, there is a spacious sand-covered temple courtyard, with an Aanapandal in front and the Kodimaram next to it. Behind the Kodimaram is the Balikkalpura, which houses the main Balikkallu, with an entrance to the Nalambalam through it. A wooden Vilakkumadam runs around the outer walls of the Nalambalam. Directly in front of the main Sreekovil is a tiled-roof Namaskara Mandapam supported by granite pillars. The idol of Nandikeshan, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, is installed in this mandapam.

The main Sreekovil is built in a traditional square shape. It has a foundation made entirely of granite, with walls built using stone and lime, and a wooden roof covered with clay tiles. A finial made of copper or bronze is placed at the top of the Sreekovil. Sculptures of Dwarapalakas are seen on either side of the doorway, while the granite steps leading to the Sreekovil have carvings of Vyali faces. The main deity here is believed to be a self-manifested Shiva Lingam that arose naturally from the earth. The Shiva Lingam is placed close to ground level, at a low height.

The temple’s sub-deities include Kannimoola Ganapathy, Dharmashastha, Bhagavathy, Yakshiyamma and Naga deities. The Ganapathy shrine is inside the Nalambalam at the south-western corner, known as Kannimoola. The Dharmashastha shrine is outside the Nalambalam on the southern side of the temple. The Bhagavathy shrine is also outside the Nalambalam in a separate Sreekovil. Yakshiyamma is worshipped on a separate platform within the temple compound. The Naga deities, including Naga-raja and Naga-yakshi, are worshipped at a sacred grove in the north-western part of the temple, on a specially built platform.

The main festival of the temple is held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March). The eight-day festival begins with the Kodiyettam and concludes with the Aarattu. Special poojas, Sreebhoothabali, Pallivetta and Kazhcha Sreebali are held during the festival, along with cultural programmes such as Kathakali, Chakyar Koothu and Thayambaka. Maha Shivaratri (February–March), observed on the Krishna Chaturdashi day of Kumbham, is another important occasion. On this day, Laksharchana, Ahas Pooja and Dhara are performed, followed by recitation of the Shiva Purana and prayers at night. The 41-day Mandala season (November–December), from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 11, is also observed here. During this period, special poojas, Mandala Vilakku and Neerajanam on Saturdays are performed for the sub-deity Dharmashastha. Dhanu Thiruvathira (December–January) is another important occasion, when devotees offer Koovalamala and other offerings. Special poojas and Vidyarambham are held at the Bhagavathy shrine during Navaratri. In the month of Karkidakam (July–August), Oushadha Seva is performed for the deity along with Ramayana recitation and other offerings.

The main offerings at the temple include Dhara, Ksheeradhara, Koovalamala, Shankhabhishekam, Pinvilakku and Umamaheshwara Pooja. Jala Dhara and Ksheeradhara are performed to calm the deity’s fierce form and are offered for relief from illness and difficulties. A garland made of Koovalam leaves, which are considered dear to Lord Shiva, is offered for relief from sins and fulfilment of wishes. Shankhabhishekam, in which holy water is poured over the deity using a conch and Pinvilakku, in which a lamp is lit behind the Sreekovil in the concept of Goddess Parvati, are also important offerings. Umamaheshwara Pooja is performed for marital well-being and harmony. Ganapathy Homam and Karukamala are offered to Ganapathy at Kannimoola for removal of obstacles. Neerajanam is offered to the sub-deity Dharmashastha on Saturdays and during the Mandala season for relief from the effects of Shani. Pattu Charthal and Lalitha Sahasranama Pushpanjali are offered to Bhagavathy for prosperity. Ayilya Pooja and Noorum Paalum are offered to the Naga deities for relief from Sarpa Dosha.

The daily pooja rituals at the temple begin at 04:30 AM with Palli Unarthal and the opening of the sanctum. Nirmalya Darshan takes place at 05:00 AM, followed by Vakacharth and abhishekam, including Jalabhishekam, at 05:30 AM. Ushapooja is held at 06:00 AM, followed by Ethirettu Pooja and Sreebali at 07:00 AM. Panthiradi Pooja is performed at 09:00 AM, followed by Uchappooja and Navakabhishekam at 10:30 AM, along with Sreebali. The morning darshan ends and the temple closes at 11:00 AM. The temple reopens at 05:00 PM for evening darshan. Deeparadhana is held at 06:30 PM, followed by Athazha Pooja at 07:15 PM. Night Sreebali is held at 07:30 PM and Thrippuka followed by the closing of the temple takes place at 07:45 PM, marking the end of the day’s pooja rituals.

Key highlight :-

• Located 6 km from Kothamangalam, 10 km from Muvattupuzha and 22 km from Perumbavoor.
• 40 km from Aluva railway station.
• 40 km from Cochin International Airport.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number +91 9539284111.