Thattayil Orippurathu Bhagavathi Temple
| Orippurathu Bhagavathy Temple | |
|---|---|
  Orippurathu Bhagavathy Temple Location in Kerala | |
| Name | |
| Proper name | Orippurathu Bhagavathy Kshetram |
| Malayalam | ഒരിപ്പുറത്തു ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം |
| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 9°12′35″N 76°44′08″E / 9.2098241°N 76.7354572°ECoordinates: 9°12′35″N 76°44′08″E / 9.2098241°N 76.7354572°E |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| Location | Thattayil, Pathanamthitta |
| Culture | |
| Primary deity | Devi |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | Traditional Kerala style |
Orippurathu Bhagavathy Temple (Malayalam: ഒരിപ്പുറത്തു ഭഗവതി ക്ഷേത്രം) is an ancient Hindu temple in Thattayil, Pathanamthitta District of Kerala.The Origin of the temple is dated back to more than 1000 years. The "BHADRAKAALI"is the presiding deity.
Around seven km from Pandalam, the birthplace of Lord Ayyappan, this temple (kshetram in Malayalam) also has the deities of Lord Ganesha,Lord Krishna, Yakshi, Yogiswaran,Madaswami ,Nagarajavu and Nagayekshi among others. A popular folklore states that Orippurathu Bhagavathy is the sister of Ezhamkulam Bhagavathy.
Festivals and celebrations
"Meena Bharani", the main festival of this temple, is the birthday of the Bhagavathy and falls in the Malayalam month of Meenam (around March–April). The festival lasts three days of the Meenam month with Bharani marking the beginning, Karthika the second and Thiruvathira the third day.
- On that day, Devi is adorned with valuable jewels,sacred ornaments and precious silks.Prior to the kettukazcha the devi’s palanquin(pallakk) which is put on the shoulders of melshanthi and keezhshanthi and will be taken out from the sanctum sanctorum in a procession to watch the kettukazcha offered by her devotees. The most amazing thing about this JEEVATHA is that it will not go outside temple courtyard. On this day the 'karakkar' of seven Karas(regions) carry out the famous “Kettukaazhcha” processions consisting of the colorful Theru(wooden chariots) and Kaala (huge bullocks) in the temple grounds. All the Karas engage in a healthy festive spirit to compete against each other to make the event a grand success. The Theru and Kaala’s take turn to circle the Kshetram. Devotees from all walks of life in and around Pathanamthitta throng the temple to seek Orippurathu Bhagavathy’s blessings and to witness the famous and one-of-a-kind colorful Kettukaazhuchha. During evening, devotees attend the art forms of Kathakali, Ottamthullal, Velakali arranged by the temple committee.
- "Karthika", the second day of the festival, is famous for its Thookkam ritual. The day starts with Garudan Thookkam and continues with Kettukazhchha and Nercha Thookkam which is an auspicious offering to the presiding deity.
- On "Thiruvathira", the final day of the festival, devotees carry out procession with lighted lamps (Thalapoli and Chamaya vilakku) and "Appindi" in the temple grounds. Jubiliant Fire Works(Karimarinnu Prayogam) marks the end of the three-day festival.
On all the festive days, the temple ground hosts a large number of variety stalls to keep the visitors engaged.
"Holy Parakkezhunnallathu" starts two months before Meena Bharani as and when the General body of the Temple decided to do so. Ezhunnalath will take around 30–35 days to complete. Devotees welcome the Parakkezhunnallathu with great fervour and offer Nelpara, Aripara and Anpoli (an offering of Rice, Banana, Paddy, Beaten rice and Puffed rice. During this procession(ezhunnallath ) “VELICHAPAAD” who is the representative of DEvi carries a “Sword” and a “Thrisula” in his hands. On each day, at the end of Parakkezhunnallippu, devotees of the households whom the Bhagawathy visits,accompanies Bhagavathy in the form of a procession to the temple.Vellichapadu always be a member of Ayikkara family which is the origin family of Orippurathu Bhagavathi Temple.It is also the prominent major Nair family in Thattayil.
"Saptaham" comprising 7 days Bhagavatha parayanam,poojas and “kanji veezthal”(gruel) for all devotees reaching the temple which is conducted by 7 Karas (1 Kara each day) during Malayalam month of Vrischikam.On each day before Dusk, the auspicious DEEPARADHANA is conducted which is sponsored by the KARAS itself offering sapthaham on that particular day…
"Navarathri" – Legends has it that Devi is very fond of music related activities.Hence 9 days special programs by known musicians and Ballet troupes across India is conducting which includes carnatic vocals,Devotional song recitals,classical dance performances including kuchipudi,mohiniyattom,kathakali,kadhak finds a place in the fray.
The temple is a popular choice for conducting auspicious occasions including marriages, Choroonu (feeding grain to the babies for the first time), Ezhuthinnu irippu (introducing letters of Malayalam language to children for the first time where they write “Hari Shree Ganapataaye Namaha” in bowls filled with rice). The temple has a Kalyana mandapam (marriage hall), an auditorium and two Sadyalayams.The newly built auditorium of the temple is the one of the largest auditourims in central Travancore and it was inaugurated by Malayalam superstar Bharat Suresh Gopi in 2004.
Orippurathu temple is famous for its festival which includes World's biggest chariots and built Bullocks.Also with Garudan Thooksm & Nercha Thookam.The temple has 2 historic ancient Kalathattu & Chumaduthangi.
The Kshetram was recently renovated and the roof of the temple has been covered with copper sheets which adds its beauty and glory.
Orippuram Devi Temple is a source of inspiration and prosperity for each and every people of thatta. To a native of Thatta, Orippurath Bhagavathy is his/her mother who guides throughout the entire life .Orippurath Bhagavathy is blessing the entire area of thatta with her divine blessings whose very holy thoughts fills our hearts with joy and divinity which will surely take us to the sublime worlds of spirituality.
See also
References
"The Hindu News - Thookam held at Orippurathu temple". Chennai, India. 2011-04-08. Retrieved 2011-07-24.
"Facebook Community Page - Orippurathu temple". Retrieved 2011-07-24.
External links
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