Jai Shree Ram!
When I visited the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple, the air itself seemed to resonate with centuries-old prayers. The gentle sound of leaves whispered the tales of pilgrims who had walked the grounds before me. In that tranquil moment, I felt a connection to something greater—a blissful union, I would say!
Introduction – Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple
The History of Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple
Triprayarappan, or Triprayar Thevar, is the colloquial name for the deity Lord Rama in the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple. Lord Krishna used to worship the idol of Lord Rama in Dwarka. After Lord Krishna’s ascension to heaven, the idol was submerged in the ocean. Later, a group of fishermen removed the idol from the water close to the Chettuva region of Kerala, and Vakkayil Kaimal, the then king of the region, built a temple in Triprayar and placed the idol within. Shri Rama (Triprayar Thevar) holds a conch (Panchajanya) in one arm, a disc (Sudarsana) in another, a bow (Kodanda) in a third, and a garland in the fourth. There is a striking resemblance to Chaturbhuja Vishnu.
Sri Rama acquired both the Shaiva and Vaishnava characteristics after slaying the asura Khara. Triprayar Thevar is therefore also known as Khara Samhara Moorthy. According to legend, Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar stopped at this location while traveling to Thrikkakkara. However, he could not find any water to wash his legs as the entire area was dry. He washed his legs with the water he had in the Kamandalu/kamandalam (water pot). The water source continued to flow from there without drying up. Thus the name Thriprayar, also known as “Thiru Purayar”, was adopted.
Quick Information
| Nearest Airport | Cochin – (COK) Approximately 25 Kms |
| Travel Time from Cochin airport | Approximately 45 mins |
| Travel Option from Cochin Airport | Uber cab or Private taxi services are available from Nedumbassery Airport to the Temple |
| Nearest Railway Station | Irinjalakkuda (Station Code – IJK), Approximately 25 Kms |
| Travel Time from Railway Station | Approximately 45 Minutes |
| Travel Options | Taxi, Bus |
| Nearest Bus Station | Thriprayar Bus Station is well connected with major towns |
| Dress Code | Traditional Indian dress is mandatory. Men in Dhoti and women in Churidar or Saree |
| Temple Timings | 03:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 05:00 PM to 05:00 PM |
Architecture Beauty – Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple
The Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple has many wood carvings. The circular sreekovil has a conical roof coated in copper and a gilded Thazhikakkudam at the top of it. The circular shrine features several sculptures depicting Ramayana scenes that have a vibrant, dynamic design that adds opulent adornment and is an essential component of the temple’s architectural structure. Beautiful mural murals adorn its walls. The copper-plated Namaskara mandapa showcases 24 panels of wood carvings depicting navagrahas, featuring rich sculptures.. Beautiful murals cover the walls of the temple.
Cultural Impact
Triprayar Ekadashi and Arattupuzha Pooram
The Triprayar Ekadashi celebration takes place during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November–December). Dasami Day, which falls on the day before Ekadashi, is when the festivities begin with the procession of Ayyappa. Up to 21 elephants participate in the procession of Sree Rama on the day of Ekadashi. Thousands of people visit the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple for Darshan and the festivities.
The Arattupuzha Pooram’s presiding deity is Thriprayar Thevar or Lord Rama. The seven-day Pooram festival falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). The Makayiram nakshatra in Meenam marks the start of the Pooram celebration, which concludes on the Pooram nakshatra. Triprayarappan travels to Arattupuzha pooram on that day in order to take part in the Pooram festival.
It is believed that all of the gods and goddesses, along with demi-gods, gather at Arattupuzha to witness the “Deva Mela.” Goddesses Oorakathamma and Cherppu Bhagavathy accompany Triprayar Thevar on each side of the famous Kootti ezhunnalliippu performance on Pooram Day. The entire stretch of 12 kilometres from Triprayar to Arattupuzha, devotees, wait in excitement to get a glance of their deity as he passes by. Devotees also celebrates the Pooram with fireworks at Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple.
Upadevathas
Lord Hanuman, Lord Dakshinamoorti, Lord Ganapati, Lord Ayyappan, and Goshala Krishnan are the Upadevathas in Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple.
There is no separate idol for Lord Hanuman in the temple as it is believed that he is present in the Namaskara Mandapam of Thriprayar temple. Devotees bow before the mandapa believing Lord Hanuman’s presence before they proceed to worship Lord Rama. He is also offered flattened rice or avil/Poha (made of dried paddy).
Lord Dakshinamoorti, who is another form of Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Garbhagriha/Sreekovil of Lord Rama near the south door.
Within the Nalambalam of Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple are two Ganapathy Pratishtha. A Ganapathi Pratishtha (looking south) can be seen by devotees in the garbhagriha (near the south door) of Sree Rama’s Sreekovil. A small Sreekovil with another Ganapathy Pratishtha (looking east) is situated at the southwest corner of Nalambalam.
An Ayyappa (Shastha) shrine is located in the southern portion of the courtyard, outside the Nalambalam. The Shastha shrine is believed to be older than the Rama Temple. Near the Ayyappa shrine, a new temple was built with the arrival of the Sree Rama idol. One of the major celebrations in central Kerala is Arattupuzha Pooram, which is presided over by Thriprayar Thevar. Before Lord Rama was installed, Lord Ayyappa of this temple took part in this pooram. All the other participants in this pooram, with the exception of Triprayar Thevar, are Sasthas and Bhagavathi from other temples. This indicates the importance of the Shastha shrine as well at Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple.
Goshala Krishna’s shrine is located on the courtyard’s north side, next to the main temple. The deity of Lord Krishna is facing east. The Goshala Krishna Temple is mentioned in the older Sandesa Kavyas.
Nalambala Yatra (Char Dhaam Yatra):
On the way from Guruvayur to Kochi, the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple is situated about a kilometer away from the Mumbai Kanyakumari National Highway. The Thiru Purayar or Triprayar name came from the temple’s location on the banks of the Theevra or Purayar, which enhances the area’s natural beauty. One of the four temples to see all at once (the Malayalam equivalent of the Uttarakhand Chaar Dham Yatra is called Naal Ambalama Yatra). The three other temples are the Shatrughna temple at Payammal (21 km from Triprayar), the Kudalmanikyam Bharata temple at Irinjalakkuda (19 km from Triprayar), and the Muzhikulam Lakshmana temple (45 km from this temple).
Offerings:
Meenuttu – Feeding the fish
Exploring the Surrounding Beauty
Beach: Arabian Sea is within 5 kilometres from the Thriprayar Shree Ramaswami Temple. The breathtaking Thalikulam Snehatheeram Beach is well-liked for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking views of the coastline. It is one among well maintained beaches in Kerala. Best time to visit is during sunset. Kids flock to the park nearby, and there are musical performances sometimes at the adjoining stage. It is a very well-liked tourist destination in the neighbourhood and always exudes a friendly mood.
Accomodation Options
* Above are a few good accommodation options at Thrissur which is the nearest town.