Description
Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple at Haripad is one of the oldest Hindu temples of Kerala. Haripad Sree Subrmanya Swami temple, which is known as the South Palani (Thekkan Palani) is enriched with the existence of the almighty Velayudha Swami who is merciful and a protector. It is believed that the idol has been used by Parasurama for Poojas and was left in Kandanalloor in Govindamuttom Backwaters from which it was recovered. It is said that all the landlords of Eakachakra (the then Haripad) had vision regarding the idol in the sametime which led them to find the idol in Kayamkulam lake.The idol was brought ashore at Nelpurakadavu. In commemoration of retrieval of the idol Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam is conducted in Payippad River for three days, after Thiruvonam. Legend has it that the idol was kept for public viewing for Ara Nazhika (half an hour) under a banyan tree that belonged to a Christian family,Tharakanmar. There still exists a small temple where the idol was kept known as “Ara Nazhika Kshetram”.
The temple was consecrated on the Pushya star of Makara Masa. This day is celebrated as the founding day of the temple every year. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as a saint to consecrate the temple. In Malayalam year 1096 the temple caught fire but the golden flag mast and the Koothambalam was saved from the fire. The temple was rebuilt during the reign of King Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma. And the golden flag mast was re-installed.
The presiding deity of the temple is Murugan in four armed form with Vel in one hand, Vajrayudha in another hand one hand bestowing blessing and the other toughing its thighs. The idol is about eight feet in height. The idol is believed to have presence of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma. The idol faces east. Beside the main deity there are many other deities which include Dakshina Moorthy, Lord Ganesh, Thiruvambadi Kannan, Naga, Shasta, Keezhtyar Kovil Subrahmanyan.
The Avani Utsavam in Chingom, Markazhi Utsavam in Dhanu, Chitra Utsavam in Medom form the Utsava Trayam.Trikkarthika in Vrischikam, Prathishta day in Idavam, Skanda Ashthami in Thulam, Navarathri in Kanni and Thaipooyam in Makaram are some of the other important festivals of the Haripad Temple.
