- Special FeaturesFoundation Year500 years oldSthala TreeTheerthamRathamArchitectureHindu architecture, Kerala styleOther Speciality
- Sthala Puran
Sree Madiyan Koolom Temple is located near Kanhangad, Kasaragod District of the Kerala State. It is one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Kasargod district which dates back as old as 500 years, is dedicated to the main deity 'Kshetrapalakan' Eswaran and mother Goddess known as Kalarathri Amma (Bhadrakali).
Kshethrapalakan Eshwaran who is the main deity of Madiyan Kovilakam and Udinur Kovilakam is the head of Alladadesham which stretches from Chittari to Olavara. Legend has it that he decides to 'sit' when he found his niche once he reached Madiyan on the midway of his journey from Udinur along with Vairajathan; after he was attracted by the smell of the Appam (which is still an offering in the temple renowned as 'Kooloth Appam') that was being prepared for Nadayil Bhagavathi was the main deity of Koolom at the time. Seeing this "Sastha" and other disciples who were accompanying him called Thampuran as "Madiya" which means lazy in Malayalam which later came to be known as "Madiyan" Kshethra palakan.
Thampuran or Kshethrapalakan later sat on the lap of Kaalarathriamma, a goddess who was in her 'furious form' and enjoyed a Mother's love and affection eventually positioning himself facing towards the west of the temple. There is another popular belief that the word "Madiyan" was originated since he sat on the lap (Madi in Malayalam) of Kalarathriyamma. It was also an end to the "Shaktheya puja" which was performed there before. In the memory of Shakteya pooja, kallu (palm toddy), and fish are still brought inside the temple on the day of Kalasham.
- Architecture
The temple sprawls across six acres of land, of which three acres consist of monuments built in traditional Kerala-style architecture. The temple is also famous for its sculptures and astonishing wooden carvings which depict the ancient stories from Ramayana and other epics.
The western gopuram shows instances of Amruthamadhanam, Kaliyamardhanam and Ananthashayanam. The etchings showing the churning ocean of "Palazhi" using Vasuki to make Amrut (Kshir Sagar) look extraordinarily beautiful. There is also a depiction of many mythical characters like those of the 'elephants with feathers'. A mural painting of the Narasimha avatar of Lord Vishnu is another attraction. The temple houses two ponds. There is a small sculpture of a 'bowing' elephant near the entrance which is believed to be a curse to an elephant who was about to enter the temple, as elephants are not permitted inside the temple premises. Similarly, there is another sculpture of a snake in one of the ponds which are again believed to be a curse as legend has it that the snake was sent to spew venom in the pond.
The temple paintings and carvings are at the stage of complete deterioration.
- Alankar of Deity
- Prayers and BenefitsSpecial Vratas and PrayersOfferings to DeityStotras and Mantras
- FestivalsPaattu festival andlcelebrated in the month of DhanuKalasham festivalcelebrated in the month of Edavam
- Sodasha Upcharas
- Prasadhas
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