Manalikarai Azhvar Krishna Swamy Temple, Kanyakumari
Manalikarai Azhvar Krishna Swamy Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Manalikarai, a small village located in
the southern part of ancient Travancore state, presently under Kanyakumari
district of Tamilnadu in Kalkulam Taluk. The area comes under Padmanabhapuram
division in Kalkulam Taluk in Kothanallur Panchayat. The Malayalam name
Manalikkara was very popular during the Travancore state rule and after the
reformation of Indian states in 1956, this place is more known as
Vazhikkalampadu and it became the part of Kanyakumari district of Tamilnadu.
History
This
place belonged to constituency of Princely Travancore State in 1235 AD. The Inscription about Taxation
was written in a pillar in front of the Manalikkara Alwar Temple in year 410 ME
during the rule of Venadu ruler King Veera Ravi Kerala Varma. The place
Manalikkara has its influence as one of the branch of Travancore royal family
in Kalkulam in 1610 AD. Raja Sri Illaya Rama Varma from Venadu was from
Manalikkara branch of the family in Kalkulam.
Years
ago, this temple was known as "Manalikkara Thiruvannur Azhvar
Temple". Azhwar’s are the followers and core devotees of Lord
Vishnu. The Kulasekhara Azhvar who had been the 9th Azhvar from Kerala
ruled Travancore during 800-825 AD. The presence of Manalikkara Alwar temple is
mentioned in the "Manalikkara inscription" during the year 410 (ME). The
re-installation of deity is happened by year 411 ME. The present
"Kodimaram" (flag pole) in front of the temple is installed in the
year 1141 ME.
The
Temple
This
temple is believed to be found before 411 ME Kollavarsham. The temple main
deity is Krishna (Vishnu). The full structures of the temple are made up of
long granite stones. This temple is believed to be constructed around 700 years
ago. This construction is similar to other old temples in Kanyakumari like
Thiruvattaru Adhikesava Temple and Vellimalai Murugan Temple.
Although
it was part of the Travancore state, the style of construction shows
similarities with Tamil style. The Manalikkara inscription issued by the Venadu
king Ravi Kerala Varma (AD 1215-1240) was written in 1236. It shows the king's
keen interest in ensuring people's welfare. The inscription says that while
fixing the tax rate for tenant’s exemptions should be given in times of crop
failure.
Festivals
The
Manalikkara Azhvar Sree Krishna Swamy temple is managed by Tamil Nadu Devasom
Board under Tamilnadu Government. This is one of the temple in Tamilnadu
follows the Kerala style of tradition and culture. The Major temple festival is
conducted by April–May of every year. The yearly temple festival called Utsavam
is conducted here on Malayalam month (Malayalam
calendar) Medam on Rohini Nakshatram (star)
day represents the birthday of Lord Krishna. On Rohini Nakshatram day the "Kodikayataam"
(flag hoisting) is carried out in the morning represents the begin of Utsavam
which would be followed by another nine days of functions.
The ten
days of Utsavam is auspicious and covered with special pujas in the morning and
evening. Elephant procession is carried out in the temple all the day. In the
late evening, cultural programs like Nadakam (Drama), Kathakali (Traditional
art), Bale (Dramatic dance), Ottanthullal etc. are conducted. The ninth day of Utsavam, late
in the evening the custom called "Palli Vetta" is carried out on the
belief that Lord Krishna is on his way for Vetta (hunting). The tenth day
function is a "Aaraat Mahotsavam" during which the Lord Krishna is on
elephant procession to the place called Valliyatumugham.
The
procession starts by 4 pm is accompanied by different traditional melas, vadhyas
and full of devotees. The whole procession is completely colorful with the
presence of traditional instrumental performances like Panchari
melam, Chenda
melam, Singari melam and other folk
artistic performances like Theyyam, Puli
Kali etc. The procession would reach to a place
Valliyatumugham at 11pm night followed by poojas on the valley of the river and
final dip bath in the Valliyar river.
Thereby
lord Krishna finishes the Aaarat and the procession would be returning to
Manalikarai temple. Once lord Krishna is back from Aaarat (holy bath), the last
tribute was the Kodiyirakkam. This is the symbolic end of the 10 days Utsavam
followed by "Vedikette" (bursting of crackers) to show and notify the
pleasing end of Utsavam.
Connectivity
The Temple
is located at about 4 Kms from Manalikarai Bus Station. Manalikarai is located
at about 13 Kms from Marthandam, 10 Kms from Thiruvattaru, 10 Kms from
Padmanabhapuram, 12 Kms from Eraniel, 20 Kms from Nagercoil, 9 Kms from
Thuckalay, 18 Kms from Colachel, 42 Kms from Kanyakumari, 27 Kms from
Boothapandi, 16 Kms from Thirparappu and 58 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram.
Nearest Railway Station is located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at
Thiruvananthapuram.