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Thursday, January 25, 2018

Adhisaya Vinayakar Temple (Mahadevar Temple), Keralapuram, Kanyakumari

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.