Vasudevapuram Tavanur

Sri Vasudevapuram Temple is one of three ancient temples (Maha Kshetram) on the Southern bank of holy river Bharathapuzha. It sits east of the other two, Maha Siva Temple and Brahma temple. These temples along with the famous Thirunavaya Maha Vishnu temple across the river form the trilogy in Sanatana Dharma).[1] Tavanur is called Muvaankara (മൂവ്വാങ്കര). Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the presiding deities, so it was initially known as Muvalankara, and then Muvaankara.

This temple is situated in the middle of a wooded area resembling that of Sabarimala. The temple belonged to Maravanchery Mana and was later handed to a registered trust of devotees.

The beautiful and unique Sri Krishna idol made of jet black stone is in the form of the youthful Sri Krishna with butter in both hands. It is believed to have been the idol worshiped by Vilwamangalam Swamiyar.

Sri Vasudevapuram temple was built for Vilwamangalam Swamiyar's mother for offering prayer during her old age. Vilwamangalam Swamiyar was so great a devotee of Sri Krishna that he was said to possess the ability to "see" him. He was instrumental in setting up temples in Kerala such as Thiruvananthapuram, Thiruvaarppu, and Cherthala Kaarthiaayani.[2][3]

Vsudevapuram-Panoramic view

Legends

As a child Sri Krishna appeared to a mahatma who was a devout Brahmin and a yathi varyan (Vilwamangalam Swamiyar). He worshiped Sri Krishna in child form. After the disappearance of his mortal body, that divine idol was installed in a temple. The village was dedicated to Lord Krishna. This temple was renamed Vasudevapuram. Later a devotee of Lord Shiva brought a Shiva lingam and installed it in the temple for his worship. Ganapathi and Sastha idols were also installed.[4]

Festivals
  • Ashtami Rohini:is the birthday of Lord Krishna, celebrated in Chingam (August–September) .[5] It is celebrated every year with cultural programs, procession, and special poojas including Guru pooja (Yatheeswara pooja). The devotees are given a special feast.
  • Niraputhari: This takes place in the month of Chingam. Puthari means "new rice". It is the formal beginning of the use of rice after the new harvest season. It is a tradition in Sanatana Dharma that any food, item or work is offered (dedicated) to Lord before it is used. Puthari payasam is offered to Lord.

Kuchela Dinam: The first Wednesday of the month of Dhanu (December) is celebrated. It is based on the belief that on this day Kuchela, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, offered Avil (parched rice) to him and in return attained eternal bliss and material prosperity. Avil offering is considered auspicious on this day.

Vasudevapuram temple

See also

References
  1. Sri Vasudevapuram Kshetram (Malayalam), Published by Sri Vasudevapuram Kshetrasamrakshana Samiti, Tavanur-679573. Ph:9895694935
  2. "Vilwamangalam Swaamiyaar".
  3. "Aithihyamaala" Kottarathil Sankunni. 1909; Latest edition: Oct. 1985; Published by Kottarathil Sankunny Memorial Committee, Kottayam - 686 001.
  4. Proceedings of the Deva Prasnam by Jyothisha Panditha Sri. Mezhathur A. P. Kuttikrishnan Nair, 17 May 1985
  5. "Guruvayur Devaswom". www.guruvayurdevaswom.org. Archived from the original on 10 April 2005.

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