Kottekkunnu Temple, also known as Kottekunnu Subrahmanya Swami Temple, is a revered Hindu temple located in Nedungolam, Kollam, Kerala. The Kottekkunnu Subramanyan Temple, located in the Kollam district of Kerala, is dedicated to Lord Subramanyan, also known as Murugan. The temple is renowned for its vibrant Thaipooyam Festival, celebrated in January or February, which features the traditional Kavadiyattom dance. During this festival, around 5000 kavadis (decorated structures carried by devotees) are brought to the temple from various nearby temples.
The temple offers several main offerings, including Bhasma Abishekam, Panchamridham Abhishekam, and Paal Abhishekam. The temple is managed by the Kottekkunnu Muruga Temple Trust, ensuring its upkeep and the continuation of its traditions and is located in Nedungolam, South Paravur, Kollam.
The Kottekkunnu Subramanyan Temple has a rich history with several key events that have shaped its significance:
- Birth of Lord Subramanyan: According to Hindu mythology, Lord Subramanya (also known as Kartikeya or Murugan) was created when six sparks of divine energy emerged from Shiva’s third eye, which were then nurtured by the Krittika stars (a group of six celestial mothers) and finally merged by Parvati into one being with six faces, forming the powerful war deity Lord Subramanya; essentially making Shiva and Parvati his parents.
- Thaipooyam Festival: The temple is renowned for its vibrant Thaipooyam Festival, celebrated in January or February. This festival features the traditional Kavadiyattom dance, where around 5000 kavadis (decorated structures carried by devotees) are brought to the temple from various nearby temples.
Thaippooyam Festival (Thaipusam in Tamil)
The Thaipooyam Festival, celebrated at the Kottekkunnu Subramanyan Temple and other temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, is one of the most vibrant and significant festivals in Kerala.
- Devotion to Lord Murugan: The festival is dedicated to Lord Subramanyan, also known as Murugan, the god of war and victory. Devotees offer prayers and perform rituals to seek his blessings and protection.
- Kavadiyattom Dance: The most distinctive feature of Thaipooyam is the Kavadiyattom dance. Devotees carry kavadis, which are decorated structures often adorned with flowers and peacock feathers, on their shoulders. The dance is a form of penance and is performed with fervent devotion.
- Vibrant Processions: The festival includes grand processions where devotees walk in a trance-like state, carrying kavadis and other offerings. The processions are accompanied by traditional music and chants, creating a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
- Penance and Sacrifice: Many devotees observe penance by carrying the heavy kavadis on their shoulders, piercing their bodies with sharp objects, or walking on fire. These acts of sacrifice are believed to demonstrate their devotion and earn the blessings of Lord Murugan.
- Community Participation: The Thaipooyam Festival is a community event that brings people together. Families and friends gather to participate in the rituals and celebrations, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith.
- Spiritual Cleansing: The festival is seen as a time for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Devotees believe that participating in the rituals and observing penance helps purify their minds and bodies, allowing them to start afresh with renewed faith.
Rituals performed during Thaipooyam:
Kavadiyattom
- Kavadiyattom Dance: Devotees carry kavadis, which are intricately decorated structures, on their shoulders and perform a ritualistic dance. This dance is a form of penance and symbolizes the devotees’ devotion and submission to Lord Murugan.
Piercing Rituals
- Body Piercings: Some devotees undergo body piercings as an act of penance. They pierce their cheeks, tongues, and other parts of their bodies with sharp objects like skewers and spears. This act is believed to demonstrate their faith and earn blessings from the deity.
Milk Pots (Paal Kavadi)
- Carrying Milk Pots: Devotees carry pots filled with milk, known as Paal Kavadi, on their heads to the temple. The milk is offered to the deity as a symbol of purity and devotion. It is then used for abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the idol.
Abhishekam
- Ritual Bathing of the Deity: Abhishekam is the ritual bathing of the idol of Lord Murugan with various offerings such as milk, honey, coconut water, and sandalwood paste. This ritual is believed to purify the deity and the devotees.
Vel Kavadi
- Carrying Vel Kavadi: Some devotees carry Vel Kavadi, which are heavy wooden structures adorned with peacock feathers and images of Lord Murugan. The devotees often walk long distances barefoot to the temple while carrying these structures.
Offering Flowers and Fruits
- Offerings of Flowers and Fruits: Devotees bring flowers and fruits as offerings to the deity. These offerings are placed in the temple as a sign of reverence and gratitude.
Processions
- Temple Processions: The festival includes grand processions where devotees, carrying kavadis and other offerings, walk to the temple accompanied by traditional music and chants. The processions create a festive and spiritual atmosphere.
Vibhuti (Holy Ash)
- Application of Holy Ash: Devotees apply vibhuti (holy ash) on their foreheads and bodies. This ash is considered sacred and is believed to have purifying properties.
Prayers and Bhajans
- Devotional Songs and Prayers: Devotees gather in the temple to sing bhajans (devotional songs) and chant prayers in praise of Lord Murugan. These songs and prayers are an essential part of the festival, enhancing the spiritual ambiance.
These rituals, steeped in devotion and tradition, make the Thaipooyam Festival a deeply spiritual and communal experience for the devotees.
Presiding Deity and Sub Deities of Kottekunnu Subrahmanya Swami Temple:
Presiding Deity: Lord Subramanyan (Murugan)
Sub Deities: Various other deities associated with Lord Murugan.
Kottekunnu Subrahmanya Swami Temple Pooja Timings:
The temple is open daily for worship and rituals.
Architectural style of Kottekkunnu Temple
The Kottekkunnu Subramanyan Temple showcases the traditional architectural style of Kerala, which is distinct and influenced by the region’s geography, climate, and cultural history.
- Wooden Structures: The temple architecture prominently features wooden structures, which are intricately carved and joined without the use of nails. This technique, known as Thachu Shastra, ensures durability and ease of dismantling and reassembling.
- Sloping Roofs: The roofs are steep and sloping, designed to withstand heavy monsoon rains. They are often covered with copper sheets to protect the wooden structures from the elements.
- Gopuram (Entrance Gateway): The temple entrance, known as the gopuram, is a significant architectural element. It is usually adorned with intricate carvings and serves as a grand gateway to the temple complex.
- Sanctum (Garbhagriha): The sanctum, or garbhagriha, is the innermost chamber where the main deity resides. It is typically a small, cubical structure with a single entrance, designed to house the idol and facilitate worship.
- Mandapa (Hall): The mandapa is a colonnaded hall that serves as the entrance to the temple. It provides space for devotees to gather and participate in rituals and ceremonies.
- Pradakshina Patha (Circumambulatory Path): Around the sanctum, there is a circumambulatory path called the pradakshina patha, allowing devotees to walk around the deity as part of their worship.
The architectural style of the Kottekkunnu Temple is a beautiful blend of functionality and aesthetics, reflecting the unique cultural heritage of Kerala.
Kottekunnu Temple Address:
Kottekkunnu Muruga Temple Trust, Kottekkunnu, Nedungolam P.O,
South Paravur, Kollam, Kerala PIN: 691334
How to Reach Kottekunnu Temple:
The temple is located in Nedungolam, near BR Hospital, Vadakkemukku Junction, which is accessible by road from major cities in Kerala.
Contact Kottekunnu Subrahmanya Swami Temple:
Phone: 9447430444