Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple

Introduction

Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple is a Vishnu shrine. This is a Malai Naatu Divya Desam. That is an especially sacred abode of Vishnu located in the mountainous region of the present state of Kerala that has been revered in the Tamil Divya Prabhandham hymns of the Azhwar saints. This is situated in the town of Thirumoozhikalam or Moozhukkulam, in Kerala's Ernakulam district. The presiding deity is Lakshmana Swamy, the brother of Lord Rama, and he is hailed as Thirumoozhi Kalathan in Tamil literature. The Goddess is Maduraveni Thayar. There is also a Lord Shiva shrine here, showcasing the Saiva- Vaishnava unity.

Temple Legends

The legend associates this temple with the famous Ramayana epic. Rama was in exile in the forest, when his brother Bharata came to request him to return to the kingdom as its ruler. But Lakshmana, another brother, suspected Bharata's intention and tried to engage in a fight with him. But soon, Bharata's innocence and noble intentions became clear, and Lakshmana's misgivings vanished. And it is said that together, both the brothers offered worship at Tirumoozhikkalam. 'Mozhi' can mean language or words, and 'Thiru Mozhi' is sweet words. Thus, the place where kind words were exchanged became Thiru Moozhi Kalam.

As per another story, when Dwapara Yuga ended, Dwaraka, the capital city of Krishna, was consumed by the sea. The idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shathrughna that Krishna was worshipping were washed away by the waters. Later they were fished out from the sea by some fishermen near Thriprayar in Kerala. Then it was told in a dream that each of the idols should be installed and consecrated at a particular place. Accordingly, the Lakshmana image was established at Moozhikalam, while that of Rama was installed at Thriprayar, Bharata at Irinjalakuda, and Shathrughna at Payammal. It is believed that Vishnu still lives in these idols and blesses his devotees, and worshipping all these 4 temples on the same day is regarded highly auspicious. Many people undertake this 'Nalambalam Yatra,' the visit to the 4 temples, especially in the Malayalam month Karkidakam (July-August), also hailed as Ramayana Masam.

According to another legend, Hareetha Maharishi did penance towards Lord Vishnu on the banks of river Poorna. The pleased Lord appeared before him and gave him some sound advice on how to overcome the difficult times of Kali Yuga. These wise words were called 'Thiru Mozhi,' and the place where they were given became Thiru Moozhi Kalam. This later turned into Thirumoozhikkulam.

The History and Architecture of Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple

This typical Kerala type temple is believed to have been designed by the legendary artisan, Perumthachan. The temple complex is well spread out and is set in picturesque surroundings. Lakshmana Perumal, the main deity is housed in the sanctum, and he is also worshipped as an embodiment of Vishnu. The image of the presiding deity, which was damaged in an invasion, was renovated later during the reigns of the Travancore kings. There are also separate shrines for Shiva as Dakshinamoorthi, Ganapati, Sree Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Ayyappa, Krishna, and Goddess Bhagavathy, here.

Temple Festivals

The 10-day annual festival observed during the Malayalam month Medam (April-May) is the most important celebration of this temple. Many cultural programs, including the famous Chakyar Koothu, are held during the occasion. The festival concludes on Thiruvonam star day when the deity is given a sacred bath in Poorna river. The festival of Onam, too, involves grand and enthusiastic celebrations.

Benefits of Worshipping Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal

It is believed that Lord Lakshmana Perumal is highly benevolent, and he cannot stand the sufferings of the people. Hence it is said that he grants the wishes of his devotees, and enables them to lead a happy life.