Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

Harippad is a small town, which is about 15-20 km from Alleppy in Kerala.  A great temple dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya is situated here. It is believed that when Lord Subrahmanya victoriously vanquished Tharakasura and Soora Padma and was returning back he was received in this place with Music by Lord Vishnu. So this place was called Hari Geetha Puram and possibly( in the river near Pathiramanal Island and ) was called Hari pattu (song of Lord Vishnu) in Malayalam or it may have got its name from the “Vishnu Pada “ in the eastern gate of the temple (Hari Padu-Vishnu’s marks). Some people are of the opinion that it has nothing to do with God but Harippad may have taken its name from” too much of rice”.

It is believed that this temple is 3500 years old and was consecrated by Lord Parasurama Himself. There are several inscriptions in this temple in Tamil. The temple got fire and was reconsecrated about one hundred years back. There is a story that after building the temple the Namboodiris were in search of a proper idol to consecrate here. One of them was ordered in the dream to go to Kayamkulam and visit a pond (there he was told that a garland would be floating at one spot and if he makes a search there, he would get the suitable idol. The Namboodiris went there and got an Idol of the present God with four arms, one arm holding a Vel, another Vajrayudha, one showing the sign of blessing and one hand touching its thigh, This idol was brought and consecrated on the Pushya(poosam) star of Makara Masa(Thai maasam- January-february). This day is celebrated as the founding day of the temple every year. 

Apart from Subrahmanya, the temple also has the idols of Maha Ganapathi and Dakshinamurthy. People believe that that the Subrahmanya idol has the Sannidhya (presence) of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma. Several peacocks wander in this temple The major offerings in this temple in called Thula Payasam in which rice, green gram dhal, jaggery coconuts, ghee, banana fruits(kadali), black grapes, sugar candy, cardamom etc are added. Apart from this Kadum Payasam (strong Payasam), neyyappam, Paal payasam, Vellai Neivedhyam , Payasam made of coconut milk Panchamrutham, Ilai adai etc are also offered to the God. People offer a garland made of lime fruits to Lord Subrahmanya.

There is a story that a rich Brahmin who was a great devotee of Lord Subrahmanya  was not blessed with any children. He transferred all his properties to the temple and went outside the temple by the western gate and committed suicide. From that day, the western gate is kept locked. To atone this, a temple has been built in Karu Nattu Illam and every year the God’s procession passes by its front. But as soon as the procession comes near the house, all music is stopped and only the sound of conch accompanies the procession. Out side the main temple, there is a original temple. Here the God is Velayudha with two hands. This temple is called The Temple which is below (keezh thiru koil).

Getting there:

The temple is located just a kilometer away from Harippad town in Alappuzha district.

Nearest railway station: Harippad, about 5 km away.

Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 85 km away from Alappuzha.

Om Sree Subhramanya Namah!