| Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple | |
|---|---|
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Location in Kerala
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 8.774384°N 76.840324°ECoordinates: 8.774384°N 76.840324°E |
| Country | India |
| State | Kerala |
| District | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Location | Keezhperoor |
| Culture | |
| Sanctum | Krishna (as a four armed Vishnu) |
| Major festivals | Janmashtami, Medam Utsavam, Ekadasi |
| Architecture | |
| Architecture | Dravidian architecture |
| History | |
| Date built | Records indicate the temple to be 2000 years old |
| Governing body | No.3200 Ambikavilasam NSS Karayogam |
| Website | http://www.thirupalkadalsreekrishnatemple.in/ |
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| Hinduism |
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The temple is constructed in the ancient Dravidian style, with the presence of Lord Brahma and Lord Siva in the outer wall of circular shaped Garbhagriha, which forms the presence of Parabrahma. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is formed by 36 rafters carved in 12 wooden pieces (of 30 Degrees each), representing the 12 Rasis which when multiplied by 3 (the number representing the Hindu Trimurti) equals 108 which is the number of peethas of Adi Parashakti. It is also believed that the Kollam Era started with the renovation of this temple.
History
Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy temple is known as Adikulakovil of Ay kingdom. The temple was constructed by the Ay Kingdom(Kupaka), who were ruling the place with their capital at Keezhperoor during the sangam periode. This family was later known as Venad and then 'Thiruvadi' and 'Thiruvithamkur' which was finally corrupted into Travancore. According to Dr. M.G Sasibhooshan, a famous historian, the temple was constructed about 2000 years ago with a square shaped Sreekovil by Ay Dynasty's Keezhperoor Swaroopam. The temple was renovated in 9th century AD by the Venad King Vallabhan Kotha of Keezhperoor Illam. The Keezhperoor Swaroopam was formed by the merger of the Chera dynasty based at Mahodayapuram with the Ays of Vizhinjam.
During classical period the temple were administered by the Ay royal family of Keezhperoor
illam.
In 12th century CE, 343 ME the temple administration were handed over to
uralar sabha a council consisting of Brahmins and Madambi Nairs in the
ratio 8:2 by Sri Vira Udayamarttandavarman Tiruvadi, ilayaguru of Venad.
He also fixed the expenditure of the temple in respect of the conduct
of the daily bali- ceremony and other expenses connected with god's
worship and yearly festival of the temple. The village of Kilimanoor
with the forests, arable lands and compound sites included in it was
granted by the King for the expenses connected with feeding of Brahmans
and conducting local temple festivals. 3 para of paddy required for the
daily expenses of the temple. 31 nali rice was given to temple servants
as salary. The temple had 1 melsanthi, 2 kizhsanthis, and 12 servants
including flower supplier, watchman, woman servant, and drummers. Total
amount of 5 Achchu was collected from Melsanthi, Kizhsnthi, Variyan,
Pallittayam as entrance fees and this amount was to be utilised for the
purchase of or repairs to the temple utensils and other wastages without
allowing koyimars and uralars who superintended the temple affairs to
utilise any portion of it for their own use.
This expenditure had to be looked after by batches of two persons for
each year. If the above expenses were not properly administered, the
incumbents of the year will have to vacate their posts in the Uralma and
that they should also settle any slight disputes or entanglements that
they may occur with reference to the temple holdings or to the temple
itself. The temple flourished till mid of 20th Century with its
tremendous impact on the socio-cultural fields.Till 26/12/1965, Managing
Trustee of the Thirupalkadal Devaswom was Brhmasree Narayanaru
Narayanaru of Amunthuruthimadom(keezhcheri)one of the prominent Malayala
Namboothiri illom situated at Attingal Near Manampoor
Alamcode(chirayinkeezhTaluk.,Thiruvananthapuram District,Kerala
State,India)(they are also the Managing Trustee Thirumanampoor
Subramanya Temple)belonging to Chenganoor Malayalam Namboothiri Brahmana
Illom they are also the representative of His Highness Maharaja of
erstwhile Travancore in Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple.In 1965,
Brahmasree Narayana Narayanaru entrust the administration of the Temple
to No.3200 Ambikavilasama Nair Service Society Karayogam of Keezhperoor
Post-Colonial period
After the Independence, the leasing-subtenants became owners, it adversely affected the temple administration and the priest also stopped worship to deity. In 1980's 3200 Ambikavilasam Nss Karayogam got ownership from uralars and started the renovation process of the temple. In 2012 His HighnessUthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma visited the temple which revealed the relationship of Travancore Royal family with Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy Temple. Following this event an Ashtamangala Devaprasnam and Murajapam were conducted at the temple. In 2015 temple committee organised a 12-day pooja as specified in the Devaprasnavidhi in presence of Thantri Thekkedath Kuzhikkattillathu Vasudevan Bhattathirippadu. During the pooja Mooppil Swamiyar of Thrissur Thekke Madhom(Vasudevananda Brahmananda Bhoothi) visited temple and performed Pushpanjali.
Thekkemadom Vasudevananda Brahmananda Bhoothi (Mooppil Swamiyar) visiting Thirupalkadal Temple
Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma visited Thirupalkadal
Ashtamangala Devaprasnam conducted at Thirupalkadal Temple
Murajapam conducted at Thirupalkadal Temple
Model for the renovation of Thirupalkadal Temple
Architecture
The temple complex has granite walls enclosing it. Immediately on entering the eastern Nata, on either side a long granite foundation of the structure is visible. On the grounds to the front and right of the Deity and at an elevation, stood a Koothampalam, seemingly of modest measurements. There is an Anakkottil of impressive dimension stands in front of the temple. The principal Belikkallu is situated as usual, in front of the main entrance leading to the inner regions. The belikkapura has long fallen down. The detached pillars of Namaskara Mandapam has wooden pilasters on four sides, so also four stone pillars with two facing the sopanam carrying stone carvings. The square shaped copper tiled roof carries a crest spot on top. The inner ceiling is decorated with wooden houses. The granite sopanam leading to the inner areas connecting the sanctum rise from ground level to the front door in six steps. The balustrades on either side present a lion's head with a long rolled tongue. At the end of it there is a well executed carving of Siva with Parvathi Devi sitting on His lap. It also contains a small Ganesha, Muruga and reclining Nandi. The balustrade on the opposite side offers the four-armed Vishnu holding the Discus, Conch, Mace and Lotus. Sreedevi is present in one side of Him and Bhoodevi on the other. The Sreekovil is circular, copper tiled and in procession of an inner encircling corridor. Mural paintings about Krishna leela used to adorn the walls
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