Sacred Journeys : Sri Subramanya Temple at Peralassery

Stepwell at Peralassery Sri Subramanya Temple

I  travelled to Kannur district to visit three main temples, for reasons best known to me. Situated 14 km away from Kannur,  in the Indian state of Kerala,  the snake temple - Sri Subramanya Temple in Peralassery is unique for its architecture and associated legends

DIVINE EXPERIENCE AT THE TEMPLE

According to legend, Sri Subramanya had visited the area in the form of a snake. The story goes that, Prince of Ayodhya, Sri Ram, during his course of wanderings in the forests of South India in search of his kidnapped spouse Sita, visited this particular site in Peralassery. Sri Ram sensed the presence of Sri Subramanya and decided to install an idol of Lord Subramanya. This is as far as legends go. Other deities in the temple include Ayyappa, Ganapathi, Naga and Bhagawathi.

Offering of hen’s eggs to snake gods is a key feature at Peralassery Sri Subramanya temple. The prasadam is delicious payasam, made out of rice, milk and jaggery pudding.

MARVEL AT THE ARCHITECTURE OF STEPWELL

The stepwell at Peralassery Sri Subramanya Temple is the largest of its kind in Kerala. The well itself is geometrical star-shaped, and has steps leading to it. 

The steps leading to the water is the first thing that attracts you. The stepwell resembles the many baoris (stepwells) found in parts of North and West India such as Delhi, Rajasthan and Gujarat. There are many stories, which make these structures interesting. As per the local belief, the waters of Cauvery River mysteriously make their way to the stepwell on Thula Sankramam (Tula Sankranti–Libra Solstice). The pond is full of fish. The beauty, architecture and legend associated with this place will give you a different kind of experience.


TEMPLES IN AND AROUND

Parassinikadavu Sri Muthappan temple is just 29 km away from Peralassery temple. There are many features to make this temple unique.  The deity worshiped in this temple is Sree Muthappan, a personification of two Gods – Thiruvappana (Lord Vishnu) and Vellatom (Lord Shiva). His life is best portrayed through a traditional dance known as Muthappan Theyyam.  One of the interesting fact is that, here dogs are considered to be sacred as it’s the vehicle of Lord Muthappan. The temple is a private one belonging to a family. The temple provides free meals to all visitors.

Sri Rajarajeswara temple is a Shiva temple located in Taliparambu and  is just 37 kms from Peralassery Temple. Taliparambu is one among 108 Shiva Temples in Kerala created by Lord Parasurama and is regarded as one of the ancient Shakti Peethams. This temple is also popularly known as Rajarajeswari Temple.  As per the custom, only men enter the Naalambalam during  daytime, while women stand outside. Women can enter the Naalambalm all days after the Athazha pooja is over in the evening.

There are plenty of other places to visit when traveling to Kannur.  I have been a huge fan of Theyyam - the ancient ritual in Northern Kerala.  This time my purpose is not sight seeing. I bid adiue to Kannur only to  return again to watch the Theyyam , a few months later !