Lakshmana Perumal Temple, Thirumoozhikkulam, Ernakulam – The Temple

Lakshmana Perumal Temple, Thirumoozhikkulam, Ernakulam – The Temple

The temple complex enclosed in a large area with picturesque surroundings. Presiding Deity is called as Lakshmana Perumal / Thirumoozhikkalathaan / Sukthinathapperumal. He is gracing the devotees in standing posture. The life-sized idol of Lakshmana Perumal is installed in the inner sanctum. Lord Perumal graces facing east with discus and conch in his upper two hands, a club in the right lower hand and a lotus in the left resting on his hip.  This idol is similar to the idols found in Triprayar and Koodal Manikkyam temples.

The image of the presiding deity is in a damage state due to vandalism effected by conquerors. A silver Kavacham or armour was made as a covering for the image; however soon after installation of the Kavacham an attempt was made to steal it, after which it has never been in use. A vritta (circular) Vimanam crowns this temple whose base is of stone, and the rest of the superstructure being laterite, stucco and timber. Vimanam over the sanctum is called as Soundarya Vimaanam. 

Legend has it that four images of the heroic brothers Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna were washed ashore and were discovered by a local chieftain Vakkey Kaimal and were installed at the sites mentioned above. All of these four images are those of Vishnu, but are referred to as Rama, Lakshmana Perumal, Bharata and Shatrughna.  Offering worship at each of these four shrines on a given day, is considered auspicious.

To the left of the sanctum is a door with no images inside. Worship is offered to Rama, Sita and Hanuman at this spot acknowledging their presence. Mother is called as Madhuraveni Nachiyar. There is no separate Shrine for Goddess Lakshmi.  But Nalayira Divya Prabhandham confirms the presence of Mother Shrine in the Temple. The Shrine was lost subsequently. Only Bhagavathy Amman Shrine is found.

There are idols of Shiva as Dakshinamoorthy (south side) Ganapati, Rama, Seetha, Hanuman, Ayyappa, Krishna (as Goshala Krishnan) and Bhagavathy in this temple. There is an order in visiting the deities of this temple. Devotees should enter through the eastern gate and first visit and pray to the main deity Lakshmana, after praying there then visit Ganapathy, Shiva and other deities then come back to Lakshmana to offer a second prayer after the Pradikshina visit Ayyappa and Bhagavathy and then Krishna, and final visit to Lakshmana’s steps to offer prayers before returning.

There is also a shrine for Lord Shiva showing harmony between Saivite and Vaishanavite faiths. Theerthams associated with this Temple are Shanga Theertham and Chittaru. Inscriptions from the 11^th century CE (Bhaskara Ravivarma) are seen in this temple. Vattezhuthu inscriptions can be found on the northern side and below the pranalam and also on the western side of the Vallyambalam, confirming the age of the temple. No music is played during worship services here, unlike other temples.