Haripad Subramanya Swamy Temple is one of the oldest temples of Kerala. The main diety is Lord Subrahmanya who is also known as Karthikeya, Muruga or Skanda. Lord Muruga (Subrahmanya) is a most venerated Hindu god especially in the Tamil speaking regions in India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore and so on. He is the symbol of eternal youth and knowledge. Muruga was born as the son of Lord Shiva and Parvathy. Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganesha are considered to be his brothers. The elaborate legend about the birth of Muruga has been immortalized by Kalidasa in his poetic work Kumarasambhava. Muruga is also called Lord Kartikeya, Kumara and Skanda. It is said that the name 'Muruga' stands for the three divine functions - sristi (creation), sthithi (protection), and samhara (destruction), for 'Mu' represents Mukunda (Vishnu), 'Ru' Rudra (Shiva), and 'Ka' for Kamala ( Brahma).In pictorial depictions Muruga appears with a vel (spear), and the peacock as his mount. The vel, which was presented by his divine mother Parvati, represents his jnanashakti (power of wisdom). The peacock represents the divine shape of Omkara when it spreads its plumes.
Origin of the Temple
There are two legends connected with the origin of this temple. One is based on the story mentioned in the ‘Skandapurana' and the other is related to the Payippad Snake-boat race.It is believed that when the new temple was nearing completion, one of the trustees had a dream about finding the idol of Subrahmanya. Following his directions the four-armed idol was found in the river near Pathiramanal island and brought to Haripad. In commemoration of this event a snake boat regatta is held on the Payippad River every Chingom (August-September) during the three-day Payippad Jalotsavam festival.
Location of the Temple
Haripad is a developing town in central Kerala in Alappuzha district along the national highway, NH-47. The place is located between Kollam and Alappuzha. Haripad is also known as "Kshethrangalude Nagaram" or 'Town of Temples'. There are more than 40-50 temples in and around Haripad.
Spanning over a hectare of land, Shri Subrahmanya Temple at Haripad has a fine traditional Kerala style architecture with marvellous wood carvings. The image of the diety with four arms in this temple is also the biggest of its kind.It is believed to have been originally worshipped by Parasurama.In 1921 A.D a fire destroyed the temple. It was rebuilt with the anakottil (elephant shed), koothambalam and a big temple tank called "Perumkulam".
Popular Festivals
There are many annual festivals celebrated in this temple. The Avani Utsavam in Chingom (August- September), Markazhi Utsavam in Dhanu (November- December), Chitra Utsavam in Medom (April-May), Kartika in Vrischikam (November- December) and Taipuyam (January- February) are the important festivals of the Haripad Temple.In addition to three " kodiyetams" " thrikkarthika" in vrichikam are also celebrated. In this festival all devotees surround the temple will light karthika deepam ( lighting lamp ) and make "karppora azhi"
The important offering in this temple is Kavadiyattam dance with Kavadi. The group of devotees wearing bright yellow or saffron costumes with ash smeared all over the body, dance in a frenzy carrying Kavadis on their shoulders. Kavadis are colourful bow shaped wooden structures rising six to ten feet high decorated with tapestry and peacock feathers carried on the shoulders of pilgrims as an offering to Lord Subrahmanya. The ambalakavadi is structured and decorated like a temple. The Pookavadi has clusters of colourful paper, cloth or plastic flowers arranged on them. The resounding beats of percussion instruments like udukku and chenda and the nadaswaram are characteristic of the kavadi procession which provide a unique ambience.
References:1) http://www.haripad.com/
2)http://www.templenet.com/kerala.html (Shri.K.Kannikeswaran)
3) http://www.zonkerala.com/
Some Photos of the temple may be viewed here
A video of Kavadi dance may be viewed here
Compiled by Sankara Balakrishna Variar
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