Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Legends

Rama Temple, Thriprayar – Legends

Nalambalam Yatra:

As per legend, the deities presently worshipped in the Nalambalams were worshipped Lord Krishna in Dwaraka during the Dvapara Yuga. When Dwaraka was submerged, the idol of Rama was immersed in the sea along with the idols of his brothers Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. Later, some fisherman went to the sea for fishing near Chettuva region of Kerala and found the idols of Rama and his brothers entangled in their fishing nets.

They brought the idols ashore and handed over to Vakkayil Kaimal who was the minister of Ayiroor Kovilagam. He consulted the astrologers and came to know about the previous history of these idols. It was decided after prasannam that the idol of Lord Rama was to be installed at Triprayar, Bharatha at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikulam and Shatrugna at Payammal.

All these four idols are those of Lord Vishnu but are referred to as Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna. It is believed that worship at all these four temples on a single day in  the Malayalam month of Karkkidakam (July 15 to August 15) is considered auspicious. Thousands of devotees do this special pilgrimage, which is popularly known as Nalambalam Yatra (a pilgrimage to the four temples).

Legend of Peacock:

As per legend, when the image of Lord Rama was discovered and was about to be consecrated by Vakkayil Kaimal at Thriprayar, a divine voice instructed that a peacock would appear and mark the exact spot on which the idol of Lord Rama to be installed. Kaimal and his men waited for a long time for the peacock to appear, but it did not appear. Then, the chief priest (Thantri) installed the idol when a devotee holding a bundle of peacock feathers appeared. Soon after the installation of the idol, a peacock appeared in front of the Sreekovil.

It is said that the priest and Kaimal regretted their decision later when a peacock actually appeared at another spot. To make up for this deficiency, the sacrificial altar (Valiya Balikallu) was installed at the spot marked by the peacock. Hence the Balikallu is said to have the same importance as the deity itself. It is believed that the sacrificial altar kept spinning on its axis until a yogi named Naranathu Bhranthan  stabilized it by hammering a nail through it amidst the chanting of mantras. A mark of a nail can still be seen gives credence to this belief.

Vilwamangalam Swamiyar:

As per legend, one day Vilvamangalam Swamiyar reached this temple and offered prayers to Lord Rama. During his pooja, he noticed that the goddesses Sridevi and Bhoodevi were entering the temple from the western gateway to offer prayers to Lord Vishnu. This flawed entry to the temple was due to the incorrect installation of the Lord. Hence, Vilvamangalam Swamiyar requested the goddesses to stay inside the sanctum. The goddesses agreed and later Swamiyar installed the images of Sridevi and Bhoodevi on either side of the Lord. He then closed the western doors and left the temple. The western doors of the temple remain shut even today.

Manifestation of the Trimurthis:

As per legend, it is believed that this deity possesses some aspects of Lord Shiva. When Lord Rama killed the asura named Khara, he got both the Vaishnava and Shiva aspects. Thus, deity came to be called as Khara Samhara Moorthy. It is also believed that the deity represents Brahma due to the portrayal of Lord Rama with a garland held in his hands. Hence, the deity is said to be a manifestation of the Trimurthis.

Ubiquitous form of Lord Hanuman:

It is believed that Lord Hanuman is ubiquitous (present everywhere) in this temple. Hence, there is no separate shrine for Hanuman in this temple. It is believed that Lord Hanuman is always present in the Namaskara Mandapam, located just opposite to the sanctum. It is also said that Lord Hanuman had given the message and news of Sita to Rama who was longing to know about her at Namaskara Mandapam. It is believed that Lord Hanuman is present in this temple chanting 'Drishta Sita, Drishta Sita'.

Thiru Purayar:

As per legend, Lord Mahavishnu during his Vamana incarnation visited this place while going to Thrikakkara. He found the region was so dry and could not be able to find water to wash his legs. Vamana took the water from his kamandalu (a small round vessel used by Hindu sages to carry water) and poured the water to wash his legs. From then on, the source of water never went dry but kept on flowing as the Thiru Purayar / Thriprayar (river of divine source). This river is currently called as Purayar / Sreepriya River / Nandiyar / Theevra.

Thriprayar:

As the place is surrounded by the river on three sides, the place came to be called as Thirupuraiyar (Tri means Three, Pura means Sides and Aaru means River). Later, the name got corrupted to Thriprayar.

Combination of Seven Rivers:

As per legend, the river Thirupuraiyar was sent by Lord Brahma as combination of seven rivers Ganga, Yamuna, Sindhu, Godavari, Saraswathi, Narmada and Kaveri.

Theevra River:

As per legend, when the devas washed the feet of Lord Vishnu, the water flowed as Theevra / Thirupuraiyar river in the land created by Parasurama.

Tipu Sultan gift of lands to this temple:

Tipu Sultan ravaged several temples in South India. This temple also suffered destruction at the hands of Tipu Sultan during his Malabar invasion. In order to check the divinity of the deity, he struck at the hand of the idol and soon blood started coming out. Terrified by this incident, Tipu Sultan repented for his misdeed and donated lands to this temple.