DivyaDesam– Lord Vishnu | One of the DivyaDesamVishnuSthalam |
Region | Malai Naadu |
Malai Naadu | 3rdVishnuSthalam |
HISTORY:
Located
10kms North East of Ernakulam, close to the Science and Technology University
near Edapalli is the 1200 year old Thiru Katkarai Appan Divya Desam where Lord
Vishnu displays his Vamana Avatar to the devotees. The story goes that Lord
Kaatkarai Appan came here as a Vamana Moorthy to end the troubles caused by
King Bali. To mark this event, it is believed that Lord Vishnu visits this
Divya Desam every year on the Thiruonam day in Aavani.
This
is known as a Vamana Kshetram. Katkarai Appan is seen with Conch, Chakra and
Padma Hastam. Bali is said to have invoked Lord Shiva every day. Hence, one can
see a Paramasivan Sannidhi to the right of the Perumal Sannidhi, with Bali seen
invoking the blessings of Sivan.
History
& Legend:
Kerala
is famous for Bananas and especially for a particular typed by named
"Nenthiram". This banana has a closer relationship with this sthala
perumal. Once, a bhaktar (devotee) of the perumal, had a big land where the
banana trees are planted. But, it doesn't give him any yield and doesn't give
him any bananas. The devotee at that felt, that it might be some wrong thing he
might have done and as a result of this only, the trees are not giving him the
proper yield. So, he decided, the sight of the perumal fell on banana trees and
from that time, it gave him lots of yield. Seen by the Kaatkarai appan's
Nethira eyes, the yield was very high and because of this, the bananas are
named as "Nethiram Pazham".
The
Golden bananas which are dedicated towards Kaatkarai appan lost one day and the
king on hearing this, blamed for the lost on a Yogi, who doesn't know anything
about it. He punished the yogi and treated him badly. But, the golden bananas
were found inside the Garbhagriham of Moolavar sannadhi. On knowing this, the
Yogi got angry and gave the sabham for the time, since he was caught as the
thief only because of the time and after giving the sabham, he suicided and
dead. But, his soul doesnt leave the world but it turned into a Brahma
Raatshasan and roamed in the world.
To
get out of the Sabham, as suggested by himself (the Yogi who is in the form of
the Raatshasan), constructed a bamboo roof and destroyed it using the fire in
this sthalam and thereby from the bright fire that comes out from the bamboo
would ride away the sabham of the Yogi. After this, they all did the same thing
suggested by the Yogi to rid away the curse known as sabham. As a result of
this, a small temple was constructed for the Yogi and daily poojas are done to
make him cool. This is one of the purana (older) history told about this
sthalam.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri Katkarai Appan |
|
Ambal |
Sri Perunchelva Naayaki |
|
Theertham |
Kapila Theertham |
Praying lord here
relieves all sins.
Onam festival is
observed in a grand manner in the month of Avani (September-October) for 10
days which in the past was celebrated for 28 days.
HOW
TO REACH:
This
Divyadesam is situated in a small village which is found next to Ernakulam in
Kerala state. It is close to Idappalli. when going in train, we have to get
down in Irugnalakkodi railway station, which is on the railway lane between
Aalvaai and Thirucchoor and if we get down in Angamaali railway station, we can
reach this sthalam by travelling about 9 miles through North east direction.
There is no lodging facility. So, bhaktas can stay in Ernakulam to get the seva
of the perumal.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Katkarai Appan
Perumal Temple,
ThiruKatkarai,
Kerala.
LOCATION:
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