Adhisaya Vinayakar Temple (Mahadevar Temple), Keralapuram,
Kanyakumari
Adhisaya
Vinayakar Temple (Mahadevar Temple) is a Hindu Temple Complex located in Keralapuram
in Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. There are two temples inside the temple
complex one for Lord Shiva and another is for Lord Ganesha. Although, it is
primarily a Shiva temple, Importance is given to Lord Vinayaga. Though, the
temple was built in the 12th century idols here are quite older than
the temple.
‘Adhisaya
Vinayakar Koyil’ literally translates to ‘Miracle Ganesha Temple’. Lord
Vinayakar’s idol changes its color to black and white once in every six months.
During Utharayana (March-June), the idol is black in color, and in Dakshiyana
(July-Feb) idol turns to white. Hence this temple came to be known as
‘’Miracle Ganesh Temple. The Temple structure follows Kerala Style of
Architecture.
Legends
The
king, who ruled Keralapuram, went for a pilgrimage to Rameshwaram, a famous Shaivite
temple facing Bay of Bengal. A Ganesh idol is washed over while the king and
his men were washing their legs at the Rameshwaram beach. The king then gifts
it to his Rameshwaram counterpart ‘’Sethu Mannan’’. Sethu Mannan was
overwhelmed by the love and affection, however he returns the gift back to the
Keralapuram King. It was his opinion and belief that the finder should have it
and it was the right thing to do. Along with the idol, the Rameshwaram King
gifts another Huge Emerald Idol. However, the Mogul later looted the emerald
idol during their invasion. They could not take the idol with them, it was
stuck to the ground. So, the idol was left behind.
The
Temple
The
Temple structure follows Kerala Style of Architecture. Once entered the temple,
one can find a huge yard with deep-rooted trees, a small dome and a sculpture
of lord Shiva and Parvathi on it. One can also find a whole lot of Nagaraja
idols, and each idol has a unique face to it. There are many idols; the temple
is located in a pristine environment, and the whole place echoes simplicity.
There
are two temples inside the temple complex one for lord Shiva and another is for
lord Ganesha. Lord Shiva here is known as Mahadevar. It is believed that the
temple was built in 1317. The idols were established long before the temple was
built. Although, it is primarily a Shiva temple, one can clearly see the
Vaishnava’s influence in this temple. Those days Vaishnava’s dominance was high
and it reflects through Vaishnava signs throughout the temple.
This
temple was renovated many times over the centuries and this information is
available in the temples scriptures. There are beautiful paintings drawn on the
walls inside the temple. There was a huge tree under it is a snake carved
out of granite stone. Adhisaya Vinayakar Temple has a long passage and walls
are adorned with magnificent paintings. The sacred sanctum has an iron grid
sliding door. The sacred sanctum is not an enclosed chamber, as the lord is
placed outside, and under the huge banyan tree.
The idol
here changes its color every six months. Lord Vinayakar’s idol changes its
color to black and white once in every six months. During Utharayana
(March-June), the idol is black, and in Dakshiyana (July-Feb) idol turns to
white. Because of this Vinayaga Idol, this temple came to be known as Adhisaya
Vinayagar Temple (Miracle Ganesh Temple). Many devotees will visit here just
see the color change.
There is
a well inside the temple complex and the color of the water too changes every
six months. When the idol is white, the water changes to black and vice versa.
Though, there is no ‘’fall season’’ in the tropical states of Kerala and Tamil
Nadu, however the key temple tree has a unique characteristic where leaves
start to fall during Dakshiyana, and new leaves starts to sprout from march.
This is not a typical behavior of a Banyan tree.
Though,
the temple was built in the 12th century idols here are quite older
than the temple. According to the temple priest, the idol is at least 2,300
years old. The idol was not installed according to the Agama shastra; it
is simply kept on the elevated platform. People offer their prayers every
morning and in the evening. Abhishekam to the lord takes place every morning
and in the evening. Hence the idol found at the Rameshwaram beach is worshiped
here.
Prayers
It is
believed that those who are looking for their soul mates, married couple
wishing to have kids throng this temple. By breaking coconut, and offering rice
dumplings to the lord, devotees believe their wishes will come true.
Connectivity
The
Temple is located at about 700 meters from Mettukadai Bus Stop, 1.5 Kms from Thuckalay,
1 Km from Thuckalay Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Padmanabhapuram, 1 Km from Thiruvithamcode,
12 Kms from Colachel, 14 Kms from Nagercoil, 6 Kms from Eraniel, 40 Kms from
Kanyakumari and 58 Kms from Thiruvananthapuram. Nearest Railway Station is
located at Eraniel and Nearest Airport is located at Thiruvananthapuram.
