Moozhikkalattappan Temple

Thirumoozhikkulam Temple
Thirumoozhikkulam Temple Location within Kerala
Coordinates:	9°58′N 76°16′E / 9.967°N 76.267°E / 9.967; 76.267Coordinates: 9°58′N 76°16′E / 9.967°N 76.267°E / 9.967; 76.267
Name
Proper name:	Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumaal Temple
Location
Country:	India
State:	Kerala
District:	Ernakulam
Location:	Thirumoozhikkulam
Temple Details
Primary Deity:	Lakshmana Swamy
Temple Tank:	Poorna Nadi
Architecture and culture
Architectural styles:	Dravidian architecture (Kerala style)

Moozhikkalattappan Temple is located in Tirumoozhikalam in Ernakulam district of Kerala. The temple finds mention in many of the Bhajans sung by the staunchly Vaishnavite Alwars, particularly Nammalvar of the 7th-9th century CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams.^[1][2]

The Temple

The temple complex enclosed in a large area with picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lakshmana Perumal. The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses the idol of Maha Vishnu. The festivities of the temple arise twice a year, in February - March and in March – April. The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Legend

This shrine is associated with legends from the Ramayana. Bharata, the brother of Rama and Lakshmana, came to invite Rama, then in exile, to take over the reins of the kingdom, an angry Lakshmana suspecting Bharata's intentions intended to kill him; however, Bharata's innocence was very soon revealed, and then the two of them offered worship together at Tirumoozhikkalam. The name Tirumoozhikalam is said to have originated from the phrase tiru mozhi kalam the site where sweet words were uttered.

Gallery

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  Kapila Theertham(Temple tank)

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  Temple Entrance

References

1. ^ "Nammalvar : Poems and Biography". Poetry-chaikhana.com. http://www.poetry-chaikhana.com/N/Nammalvar/index.htm. Retrieved 2011-07-04. 
2. ^ Elayavalli, Venkatesh K.. "108 Divya Desam: A Virtual Tour". http://www.srivaishnava.org/ddesam/ddesam.htm.