Mandapatthil Pattu Puja--Chottanikara Rajarajeshwari Devi

[Guest guest]

Note: forwarded message attached.

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Dear Shakthi-anurakthis,

 

Iam thankful to Sree Shalagram Mahopasaka Guruji Pradeep Balakrishnan of USA To have narrated the significance of Mandapatthil Pattu puja. I had read in one book on temples of Kerala about this. But I did not appreciate the significance then and thought it was a routine puja done for Rajarajeshwari Devi.

 

But It seems to have a lot of power.

 

Hope I get a chance to do it once atleast depending on my finances. Hope Bhagavathy Rajarajeshwari who ultimately decides who should worship Her provides me a chance and the money to perform the puja for Her there.

 

Mandapathil Paattu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In this famous vazhipaadu(way of worship), there is a combination of other important vazhipaadus like Annadanam, Chuttuvilakku and Niramala, Appam, Ada, Payasam, Chathussadam, offering of paddy, Special Archana etc. This vazhipaadu at present costs from Rs.20000 to 22000 (approximate).Of the various offerings to Devi intended to win the divine grace the Mandapathil Paattu (ceremonial song in the portico of the temple) is as important as the dawn-to-dusk pooja in the celeberated Shree Krishna temple, Guruvayoor.

 

 

On the day of the Mandapathil Paattu the entire area of the mandapam will be beautifully decked in the traditional style with various types of burning bronze oil lamps, tender coconut leaves cut into size, silk and satin clothes and fineries, leaves of sacred trees, fragrant flowers and yellow spikes of coconut and arecanut trees, several Niraparas (huge wooden measuring units filled with raw rice, fried paddy, paddy) and other ceremonial materials associated with bringing good luck and prosperity. Burning camphor and incenses will fill the air with rapturous fragrance.

 

 

 

 

 

A suitable devotional song (Brahmini Amma Paatu) chanted in classical style with the accomplishment of a simple instrument made of bronze, in addition to the routine instrumental music of the temple will lend musical charm to the serenity and splendour of the occasion . Throbbing hearts will stand watching this rare scene sharing the unique satisfaction of self realization and devotion. All the poojas in the sanctorum will be performed in the Mandapam also. The Chathussatham ( a kind of loose sweet pudding) Nivedyam is very significant in this connection.).

 

Even though I have given a posting already on Chottanikara Rajarajeshwari Bhagavathy, Iam not tired of repeating in a different way(most of the material picked from the official site, which I felt would be better than the usual write up from me because I do not know some ways of temple worship specific to the temple and endemic to the area).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE HISTORY OF SREE CHOTTANIKKARA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The temple of Chottanikkara is a living legend shrowned in magnificent mythology and awe-inspiring truth. Its historical appeal and traditional influence on generations of people is tremendous. Legends say that the presence of Divinity here was worshipped by BHOGACHARYA. The deity which is swayambhoo in latrite called Rudraksha Sila was worshipped by divine souls like Adisankaracharya, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar, Kakkasseri Bhattathiri and Chemmangattu Bhattathiri. It is the cynosure of thousands of devotees swarming from all over the world on all auspicious and festive occations.The golden hued Idol bedecked with flowers, garlands, jewels and bathed in myrid of light shine splendidly.

 

 

It is a picturesque image bewitching everybodyand embodiment of peace dispelling fears from devotees who worship Her. The temple is situated in hilly region surrounded on all sides by undulating beauty, rich with its green turf, golden farms and provides deep spritiual solace to the entire devotees.

This is one of the most celebrated Hindu shrines of Kerala. Thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the Goddess visit here and make their reverential offerings to redeem them of their afflictions. A visit to the temple brings relief to them from the overburdening anguish and agonies of material life.

 

 

 

The sacred doors of the sanctum sanctorum open in the wee hours of the day, at 4.00 a.m. The blowing of the conch and playing of the temple musical instruments lend an enchanting ritualistic rhythm and peace to those who seek a sure answer to the patient prayers. Sree Mookambika Saraswathy is also believed as present in the temple in the morning.

 

 

 

 

That is why Mookambika Temple at kollur opens only after the Goddess Saraswathy returns to there late in the morning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

KIZHUKKAVU TEMPLE On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple.The idol facing westward is belived to be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar.

After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhukkavu to perform the famous and great pooja "ValiyaGuruthy" (great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about 8.45 p.m every night. Those who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is awe inspiring and prolonged ceremony, finds it an experience which is indescribable. Being present

 

 

 

here during Valiya guruthy on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia.

An ancient 'Pala' tree standing on the northeastern side of the sanctum sanctorum is covered with long iron nails hammered on by haunted victims with their foreheads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chingam

 

Thiruvonam is celebrated in the temple with Thiruvonam feast (annadanam) to all Pilgrims

 

Kanni

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Navarathri aghosham is a famous festival,which attracts large number of devotees. On Vijayadasami day of the Navarathri ulsavam, Vidyarambham is conducted. Babies of 3 to 6 age group are initiated to the three R's- Reading, Writing and Arithmetic in the presence of Devi SARASWATHY. Durgashtami, Mahanavami and Vijayadasami are very important. There is elephants procession. Annadanam and stage programmes are arranged on every day.

 

Vrishchika

 

 

The Vrishchicka Mandala mahotsavam (festival) is celebrated during the entire period of mandalam season.Daily annadanam, stage programmes, Naama japam etc are conducted. During this month,Thrikkarthika festival comes. It is the birthday of the Goddess and the festival runs for three days, Kaarthika, Rohini and Makayiram. On these days,there is ezhunnellippu, Kazhcha siveli, stage programme, deepaalankaaram, Kaarthika vilakku, fireworks etc.There is also lakshaarchana and Vedamura abishekam for 15 days starting from January 1. On the makaravilakku day there is lakshadeepam (lighting of one lakh lamps) and fire works.

 

Kumbam

 

 

The annual festival of the temple comes in Kumbham. It begins with Kodiyettu (Flag hoisting ceremony) on Rohini day, lasts for 7 days and ends on Uthram star. Daily Para ezhunnellippu over neighbouring areas (houses in the Thattakam) and then Aarattu is conducted on these days. During the ulsavam, comes the important day of Makom. Makom Thozhal (Devi darsan) between 2 pm and 8 pm is considered to be most effectual for Mangalyam (long married life) and for getting best marriage for girls. The Deity in full attire specially decorated with gold and diamonds shine in its entire splendor. There is Pooram ezhunnellippu with 7 Elephants in the morning and at night. The ulsavam ends with Uthram Aarattu and Valiya Guruthi (Atham Guruthy).

 

 

 

 

 

Medam

 

On the Vishu day, there will be Vishukani, Vishusadya and ezhunellippu on 3 elephants

 

Karkitakam

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ramayana masam (Ramayana Month) is celebrated during this period. Daily puranam reading (Ramayanam, Bhagavatham, etc.,) daily annadanam, devotional speeches and discourse etc., is conducted - there is also illam Nira, when fresh paddy of the year is offered to God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISTANCE TO CHOTTANIKKARA TEMPLE

FROM

 

 

 

 

 

Cochin Air Port - Kalamassery, Kakkanadu, Irimpanam, Karingachira, Chottanikkara

 

38.K.M.

 

Eranakulam South Railway Station - Vyttila, Tripunithura, Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara

 

18.K.M.

 

Eranakulam North Railway Station - Palarivattom, Vyttila,Tripunithura,Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara

 

20.K.M.

 

Eranakulam K.S.R.T.C.Bus Stand - Vyttila, Tripunithura, Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara

 

20.K.M.

 

Kaloor Private Bus Stand - Palarivattom, Vyttila,Tripunithura,Thiruvankulam, Chottanikkara

 

22.K.m.

 

 

 

 

Route from North startingAngamaly - Chottanikkara

 

Route from South starting Aroor - Chottanikkara

 

Angamaly

39km

Aroor Jn. (Through Aroor - Vyttila Byepass)

15km

 

HMT Jn.

19km

Kundannoor (Through Kundannoor-Maradu Road)

9km

 

Kakkanad

10km

Maradu

8km

 

Karingachira

5km

Poonithura

7km

 

Thiruvankulam

3km

Tripunithura

6km

 

 

 

Thiruvankulam

3km

 

 

 

 

 

PLACE

 

K.M

 

PLACE

 

K.M

 

 

Kanjiramattom(S)

 

 

12 Km

Kasargod

 

 

438 Km

 

 

Vaikom(S)

 

23 Km

Mangalapuram

 

 

496 Km

 

 

Kaduthuruthy

 

32 Km

Udupi

 

556 Km

 

 

Ettumanur

 

43 Km

Idukky

 

 

110 Km

 

 

Kottayam

 

57 Km

Attapadi

 

 

249 Km

 

 

Thiruvalla

 

 

85 Km

Bangalore

 

 

528 Km

 

 

Pathanamthitta

 

 

123 Km

Kodaikanal

 

 

327 Km

 

 

Pamba

 

173 Km

Madras

 

 

712 Km

 

 

Sannidhanam

 

177 Km

Madurai

 

336 Km

 

 

Thiruvananthapuram

 

 

205 Km

Malampuzha

 

 

176 Km

 

 

Kovalam

 

 

240 Km

Mysore

 

 

436 Km

 

 

Kanyakumari

 

 

298 Km

Ooty

 

 

311 Km

 

 

Shenkottah

 

 

257 Km

Palani

 

251 Km

 

 

Thekkady

 

 

172 Km

Parambikulam

 

203 Km

 

 

Kalady(W)

 

36 Km

Pollachi

 

 

187 Km

 

 

Tripunithura

 

8 Km

Pondicherry

 

 

628 Km

 

 

Vyttila

 

 

12 Km

Rameswaram

 

509 Km

 

 

Eranakulam

 

17 Km

Thanjavur

 

459 Km

 

 

Alwaye

 

38 Km

Trichy

 

 

404 Km

 

 

Kodungallur

 

68 Km

Thirupathi

 

749 Km

 

 

Thrissur

 

92 Km

Velamkanni

 

 

562 Km

 

 

Guruvayoor

 

122 Km

Chitra Durga

 

 

698 Km

 

 

Palakkad

 

 

157 Km

Hampi

 

 

880 Km

 

 

Coimbatore

 

205 Km

Panaji

 

 

833 Km

 

 

Malappuram

 

 

188 Km

Raichur

 

 

938 Km

 

 

Calicut

 

 

236 Km

Kollam

 

 

162 Km

 

 

Nilamboor

 

 

206 Km

Alappuzha

 

 

79 Km

 

 

Tellichery

 

 

318 Km

Varkala

 

 

187 Km

 

 

Kannur

 

 

326 KmValiya Guruthy Pooja

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Saraswathy puja..subodha)

 

 

 

On the eastern side of the temple pond stands the Kizhukkavu temple.The idol facing westward is belived to be installed by Villwamangalam Swamiyaar. After the Athazha pooja (main pooja in the evening), the chief priest of the principal deity comes to Kizhukkavu to perform the famous and great pooja "ValiyaGuruthy" (great Sacrifice). The Guruthy is prepared in 12 cauldrons (huge vessel) and is performed at about 8.45 p.m every night.

 

 

Those who witness the guruthy performance, which itself is awe inspiring and prolonged ceremony, finds it an experience which is indescribable. Being present here during Valiya guruthy on Fridays permanently cures women suffering from mental abnormalities like schizophrenia.

 

(Laksha Deepam in the temple..subodha)

 

 

(Annadanam photo..subodha)

 

 

(Bhagavatha Sapthaha Vayana)

 

(Thiruvona Pookalam..subodha)

Amba Rajarajeshwari Devi

 

Ma, I have but one desire ...to be born as your worthy son from your flesh and blood...grant this unworthy person this desire Ma in some Yuga or Kalpa!

Kuputro Jayathe Kwachidapi,

Kumatha Na Bhavathi!

(A bad son is born sometimes but there can never be a Bad mother!)

Bless me Ma,

Harihara Vallbhe,

Ammae Narayani Namo,

Yours yogically,

Subodha

 

 

 

 

 

Purity, Powers, Parabrahmam...

 

 

 

 

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