THIRUPALKADAL SREEKRISHNASWAMY TEMPLE Part 2

Kulashekhara Azhwar

Thirupalkadal (Thiruparkadal) Thirupalkadal (Thiruparkadal) SreeKrishnaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagavaan Mahavishnu. 

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy temple is known as Aadikulakovil of THE Keezhperoor Ay kingdom. The Ay Kingdom ruled over various parts of southern-most parts of Tamizhagam and became feudatories of the Chera Empires. The Ay royal family later on merged with Later Cheras and became to be called Venad and later on Travancore Kingdom. This temple was renovated in 9th century AD by Kulashekhara Azhwar.

It is believed that the Kollam Era used in Malayalam calendar commemorates the renovation of this ancient and once famous temple by the Venerable Kulashekhara Azhwar. This year 2018 in Julian calendar corresponds to 1193 in Kollam Era.

Twelve AZHWARS:
The Azhwars were Tamil poet-saints who espoused bhakti to Maha Vishnu or his avatar SriKrishna in their songs of longing, ecstasy and loving service. They are venerated in Sri Vaishnavism, which regards Maha Vishnu or SriKrishna as the Supreme Being. The devotional outpourings of Azhwars, composed during the early medieval period of Tamil history, helped revive the bhakti movement, through their hymns of worship to Vishnu and his avatars. They praised the Divya Desams, 108 "abodes" of these Vaishnava deities. The poetry of the Azhwars echoes Vishnu bhakti through love, and in the ecstasy of such devotions they sang hundreds of songs which embodied both depth of feeling and felicity of expression. The collection of their hymns is known as ‘Divya Prabandham’.
The TWELVE Azhwars are considered to be different aspects of Maha Vishnu

Name of Azhwar	Aspect of MahaVishnu
Poigai Azhwar,	Panchajanya (conch)
Bhoodath Azhwar,	KaumodaKi (mace)
Peya Azhar,	Nandaka (sword)
Thirumazhisai Azhwar,	Sudarshana Chakra
Namm Azhwar,	Vishvaksena (commander)
Madhurakavi Azhwar,        disciple of Nammazhwar	Garuda
Kulasekhara Azhwar,	Kaustubha (gem)
Periyazhwar, father for Sri Andal	Garuda
Sri Andal, the only lady Azhwar.	Bhoodevi
Thondaradippodi Azhwar,        (Vipra Narayanar),	Vanamaalai (garland)
Thiruppaan Azhwar,	Srivatsa
Thirumangai Azhwar,	Sharanga (bow)

KULASEKHARA AZHWAR (CE 767- CE 830)

Thiru Kulasekhara Azhwar/Kolli Kavalan/Koodal Nayakan was born during 8th century A.D to King Dhidavratha and his pious wife Nadhanayaki in the year Pramadhi, in the Malayalam Kumbha maasam (Tamil month Masi) with the birth star Punarvasu (Malayalam: Punardham, Tamil: Punarpoosam) in Thiruvanjikulam, near Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala. Ancient lore, which has come down the generations state that Kulasekhara Azhwar’s mother was an Ay Yadava princess from Keezhperoor royal family.

The entire Chera Kingdom rejoiced over the birth of this divine child, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu’s Kausthubam, the precious gem adorned on the chest of Lord Vishnu. Young Kulashekara was introduced to Astra, Sastra and sacred scriptures at early years of childhood. In a short span of time, young prince Kulashekara mastered all the subjects and acquired profound knowledge in war tactics, archery, horse & elephant riding and the science of armaments, transforming into a brave and mighty warrior in due course. When the time came, his father offered the throne of Chera Kingdom to Kulasekhara Varman and took to vaanaprastham. Maharaja Kulashekhara is described by some sources to have ruled Koli (modern-day Uraiyur), Kudal (modern day Madurai) and Kongu Natu. He bore titles such as Kolli-Kavalan(guardian of Kolli Hills), Kudal-Nayagan(the Hero of Madurai) and Koli-Kon(the king of Cholas)

Unlike many other saint-kings, Kulasekhara Varman was powerful ruler. In fact, he was the founder of the Later Chera Dynasty. Maharaja Kulasekhara Varman was a wise and unparalleled ruler, conquered all the neighbouring cities including the Kingdoms of Pandya and Chozha. His administration was flawless, people were very happy and lived peaceful life and justice prevailed in his kingdom. His kingdom included lands of Kolli (modern day Uraiyur), Koodal (modern day Madurai) and Kongu. Indubitably, his coming to power in the name of Later Cheras was a turning point in the history of Kerala as it marked the revival of the Vaishnava bhakti tradition and the beginning of the struggle with the support of political power to oust Buddhism from Kerala. A Malayalee linguistic identity, distinct from Tamil emerged during this period.

Later, King Kulazhekara was married to the princess of Pandya Kingdom. This royal couple had a son and a daughter.

Ilai (ഇളൈ)/Chera Kula Valli Nachiyar, daughter of King Kulazhekara was a staunch devotee of Lord Ranganatha. On the auspicious day of Sri Rama Navami, Chera Kula Valli Nachiyar married to Lord Ranganatha and devoted her life as a dutiful wife to Lord Rangatha and immersed herself in the service of the Lord.

The sErthi sEvai (Tamil: சேர்த்தி சேவை; Malayalam: സെർത്തി സേവൈ) of this Thaayaar with SreeRanganathar is celebrated once an year, on Rama Navami day. In Tamil, SErthi means alongside/together and SEvai connotes Darshan. Unlike many temples, Srirangam does not have a Thirukkalyana uthsavam, the Marriage Festival, between SreeRanganathar and Thaayaar for they are regarded as Divyadhampathigal (divine couple), existing beyond mortal limitations and perceptions.

Maharaja Kulazhekara Varman was a staunch devotee of the Bhagawaan Maha Vishnu and in particular, HIS avatar, Bhagawaan SreeRama. He used to spend long hours in the company of Vishnu Bhakta learning the stories from the grand epic Ramayanam.

The Vishnu Bhakta had free access to the Maharaja. The royal ministers were concerned that the Maharaja Kulasekhara Varman was spending excessive time on devotion and inadequate time on administration of the kingdom. Determined to change this sorry state of affairs they literally took matters into their own hands and plotted the downfall of the Vaishnava devotees. On a Ramanavami day the deities were arranged for the special rituals, King Kulazhekara noticed that precious jewel ornament was missing from the idol, ordered his men to locate the same. The ministers suspected the Vaishnava scholars and saints who used to conduct lectures and prayers. There was a custom prevailed in those days that in case of any dispute the innocent should prove blamelessness by putting hands into a pot full of venomous snakes. King Kulazhekara was absolutely certain that no Vaishnava saint or scholar could commit such a sacrilege and slipped his hand inside the pot, shortly removed his hand from the pot unharmed. Putting his own life at risk, the noble King Kulasekhara proved the innocence and staunch devotion of the Vaishnava saints and scholars assembled. Later, the royal ministers’ elaborate conspiracy against the Vaishnava came to light. The royal ministers became ashamed of their despicable conspiracy against the Vishnu bhakta and they sought pardon from Maharaja Kulasekara Varman for what their evil deed. But, the noble Kulasekara informed them that he is not the right person to pardon them, they should instead seek the forgiveness of the victimized Vishnu Bhaktas. This incident only strengthened Maharaja’s devotion towards the LORD. Maharaja Kulazhekara having lost interest in the material world, discarded all the royal wealth, pomp and gory and crowned his son as the King of Chera Kingdom.

Maharaja Kulazhekara Varman, now, Kulasekhara Azhwar, lived a life of a wandering ascetic. Kulashekhara Azhwar renovated Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple. He composed enthralling verses like ‘Mukundamala’ in Sanskrit and ‘Perumal Thirumozhi’ (105) in Tamil, praising the glories of the Lord. His poems are devotional in nature, being dedicated to the most prominent avatara of Vishnu - Rama and Krishna. A devotee of Rama, he considered the painful experiences of Rama to be his own. He is therefore also known as 'PERUMAL', meaning 'The Great' – an epithet for god Rama. His devotion was so intense that he worshiped the devotees as forms of Vishnu. ‘Perumal Tirumozhi’, which is compiled as a part of ‘Nalayira Divya Prabandham’, is called so, since these verses are considered divinely inspired, so much so that they are called ‘words of Perumal’ HIMSELF. Kulasekhara Azhwar is also considered to be the author of the Sanskrit works such as ‘Tapatisamvaranam’, ‘Subhadradhananjaya’ and ‘Vichchinnabhiseka’.

Legends, which have been handed down the generations, state that Kulasekhara Azhwar’s mother was an Ay princess from Keezhperoor royal family. A question arises as to why this Azhwar came to Keezhperoor and renovated the Thirupalkadal Tempe? Why did he not renovate Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kasaragod, which was at the northern end of his kingdom? Again, after the collapse of the Later Chera Empire following the defeat in a war with Raja Raja Chola, Kulasekhara Azhwar’s descendant Maharaja Rama Varma Kulasekhara did not move north to Kozhikode where he could have been relatively safer from invasion by the Imperial Cholas. Instead, Maharaja Rama Varma moved his forces south to Keezhperoor, Kollam. It could be due to the Azhwar’s matrilineal linkages to Keezhperoor.

At the age of 67 years on Swathi nakshatram, the saintly Kulazhekara Azhwar attained salvation at the lotus feet of Lord Narayana. 

Kulashekhara Azhwar is thought to have attained salvation at Mannarkovil, a village in Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District, TN. The Perumal koil here is called Sri Rajagopalaswamy Kulasekara Azhwar Koyil, the only historical Perumal koil to be directly named as an Azhvaar Perumal koyil. 

One also finds the Kulasekara Azhvaar Sannidhi with the Holy Flag Post (Kodi Maram) dedicated to him, a distinction (for Azhvaars) not seen in any other Perumal koyil.

Kulashekhara Azhwar composed a poem of 105 verses called "Perumal Tirumozhi"- a classic example of the yearning of a Bhakta to serve the Lord. Every single verse of the 105 verses of this work is so filled with touching emotion and packed with palpable sentiments. Distributed in 10 decads, each one vividly portrays a different facet of the Azhwar's experience of the Lord, with palpable sentiments.

In one of the hymns (Pasuram), Kulasekhara Azhwar desires to be born as the doorstep in Lord Venkateswara’s temple. Even today, the innermost step in front of The Lord Venkatesha of Tirumalai at the sanctum sanctorum is honoured as KULASHEKHARA PADI.

taniyankaL (தனியன்கள்) (stand-alone stanzas A fulsome praise by Sri Ramanujacharya, the supreme spiritual head of the SriVaishnava denomination, to the revered Kulasekhara Azhwar:

innamudam oottuhaen ingae vaa paingiliyae tennarangam paada valla Seer perumaal | ponnanSilai Saer nutaliyar vel saeralar kone engal kulasekaran enrae kooru || 
 ~Sri Raamaanujaachaaryar 1017–1137 CE

Come here, Oh! My pet parrot! Hear these words, nectarean. The Chera King, our very own Kulasekhara Azhwar was a great Rama Bhakta. He taught His parrot to chant Rama namam. Likewise, let me teach you names of Azhwars. Chant you them always. – inside the premises of Thillai Nataraja Temple.

DIVYA DESAMS CONSECRATED BY KULASEKARA AZHWAR

1.Tiruvarangam, near Thirukoilur, Villupuram District, TN
2.Tiruk Kanna Puram, near Nannilam, Nagapattinam District
3.Tiru Chitra Koodam or Govindaraja Perumal Temple, inside the premises of Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram. (Listening to Kulasekara Azhvaar’s praise of the Chitrakoodam Lord is equivalent to listening to the entire Ramayana.)
4.Tiru Vittuvak Kodu, (Thirumittakode Anchumoorthi temple) near Pattambi, Palakkad district, Kerala. Mukthisthalam of Raja Ambhareesha.
5.Tiru Venkadam, Ariyakudi, Sivagangai District, TN
6.Tiru Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.
7.Tirup Paar Kadal, (Thirupalkadal SreeKrishna Swamy Temple, Keezhperoor, Kerala.

THIRUPALKADAL SREEKRISHNASWAMY TEMPLE

Revival of Dharma and Restoration of Temple in Keezhperoor

Thirupalkadal (Thiruparkadal) SreeKrishnaswamy Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Bhagavaan Mahavishnu. This Temple is located in the Keezhperoor village, Chirayinkeezhu Taluk, Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala. This Temple is located in a peaceful and serene rustic countryside, and “far from the maddening crowd”.

The legends of this temple are closely intertwined with that of the empires and kingdoms that ruled Tamizhagam; the Chera Chola and Pandya Empires and the Kingdoms of Venad and Travancore.

The deity is MahaVishnu in Chathurbhuja form, carrying the conch Panchajanya, the discus Sudarshana Chakra, the mace Kaumodaki and a lotus with a thulsi garland around HIS neck, though the people call the HIM, Thirupalkadal SreeKrishna. This East-facing deity is about 5 feet tall. The roof of the Temple is a conical pyramid and is covered in copper. The sub deities were Sastav and Ganapathy.

This Temple has two Tantries. They are from the famous Thazhamon and Memana Namboothiri families.

Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy temple is known as Aadikulakovil of THE Keezhperoor Ay kingdom. The Ay Kingdom ruled over various parts of southern-most parts of Tamizhagam and became feudatories of the Chera Empires. The Ay royal family later on merged with Later Cheras and became the Venad Kingdom. The family deity of Ay Royal Family, who ruled over the place during the Sangam period was SreeKrishna (Thirupalkadal Bhattarakar).

Advent of Agastya Mahamuni

After the fall of Dwaraka, Agastya Mahamuni, one of the Saptarishi, took with him many leaderless, defenceless Yadavas and travelled to Agastyakoodam in Tamizhagam. Legends, which have been handed down the generations, state that the divine Agastya stopped at Keezhperoor village and sat in meditation under an elanji tree (L. Mimusops Elengi) There is an elanji tree in this temple premises to this day.

During the 2005 Sabarimala pilgrimage season under the elangi tree in temple premises, a bright luminous form of SreeKrishna was seen for a while. Long after the bright light vanished, a dark hue resembling SreeKrishna was seen on the elangi tree for a long time.

The famous Kerala historian Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai in his seminal work "Some Kerala Historical Issues" has mentioned this legend of Agastya Muni. The acolytes of Agastya Muni built this temple dedicated to Maha Vishnu. The Yadava community considered SreeKrishna, an avataar of MahaVishnu as having the full powers of MahaVishnu HIMSELF. Even in the famous Guruvayor Temple, the moorthy is that of MahaVishnu but people consider the deity as SreeKrishna.

Temple Renovation

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 Kulashekhara Azhwar, the only one of the 12 Vaishnava Azhwars to be born in Mala-naadu. The areas constituting the present state of Kerala and the district of Kanyakumari, called Mala-naadu, was an integral part of Tamizhagam.

Yet another renovation took place during the rule of the Venad governor Vallabhan Goda in Kollam Era 343 or CE 1168. The huge land grants made by Venad Maharaja Vira Aditya Varma Thiruvadi (1167–1173) to Thirupalkadal Sreekrishnaswamy temple. The administration of the Temple was directed by the Yuvaraja Vira Udaya Martanda Varma Thiruvadi (1173-1192).

It is believed that the Kollam Era used in Malayalam calendar commemorates the renovation of this ancient and once famous temple by the Venerable Kulashekhara Azhwar. This year 2018 in Julian calendar corresponds to 1193 in Kollam Era.

The twelve revered Vaishnava Azhwars of Tamizhagam sang songs in praise of MahaVishnu at various sacred shrines. Nathamuni's (823CE - 924CE) compiled these verses sung by the TWELVE saintly Azhwars in praise of Lord MahaVishnu and his many divine manifestations. The compilation of these verses numbering four thousand is called ‘Divya Prabandham’. Each of these Azhwar saints is considered to be some aspect of MahaVishnu. Kulasekhara Azhwar is considered to be a manifestation of Kausthubham.

Kulasekhara Azhwar’s songs on Thirupalkadal Ksheerabdhinaathan are included in ‘Divya Prabandham’ as verses numbering 2256, 2618, 2661, 2835, 2844, 2963, 3454, 3465 and 3470.

The 107th Vaishnava Divya Desam

According to ‘Thiruppathi Andadi’ written by Pillaiperumal Iyengar, there are 13 Divya Desam in Malai Naadu (corresponding to present-day Kerala State and Kanyakumari District, 82 in Tamil Nadu, 11 in Andhra, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Nepal and two outside of the Earth). The 2 Divya Desam in the heavenly realm are Thirupaar kadal / Thirupal kadal and Parama padam.

It, the belief of the local people and of the temple trustees that the 107th Divya Desam, namely, Thirupalkadal, which the Kulasekhara Azhwar sang and consecrated refers to the Thirupalkadal (Thiruparkadal) SreeKrishnaswamy Temple in Keezhperoor, which this extraordinary saint had renovated.

During classical Tamil period the temple were administered by the Ay royal family of Keezhperoor illam. The history of the last 1000 years has come to light to the fortuitous discovery of the Kilimanoor Copper Plates. The ‘KIlimanur Record of Kollam 343 M.E. (1168 A.D.) is contained in a set of six cadjan leaves, written in Tamil. These cadjan leaves were discovered “in the Vernacular Records Office within the Fort of Trivandrum and from the remarks made at the end of the 4th and the beginning of the next leaf, it is understood that the whole is a ‘true copy’ of a record engraved on a set of copper plates whose whereabouts are, not, however, now traceable.”1 (1. Travancore Archaeological Series – Volume – V. Page – 63). The text in Tamil is found on page 78. It is given in transliteration below: 
1. Aamaandu Makarathil Viyaazham Ninra Metanjaayaru Panthirantu
Chenra Viyaazhamaant Uthiravum Pakkam Thiryothachiyum Innaalaal
Venaattu Ilankooru Vaazhuntharuliya”
2.”Sree Veeratheva Maarthandavarmma Thiruvati Keezh Mechilavinu.
Thittam Pannicheruliya Thiruppalkatal Bhattarakarkku
Amachilavum NIchchanavikkum”

The second cadjan leaf definitely gives the name of the temple as ‘Thiruppalakatal”. “One has to assume that, because Keezhperoor was lost in oblivion for some time in history, its famous Temple also was lost to the outside world, at a time, when more than 85 percent of Kerala was covered with jungles and dense forests, human population very sparse, and communications very far and occasional, with the result, the geographical location of the Temple was also lost.”

“Pillaiperumal Iyengar compiled the list of the 108 Vishnava Divyadesam in Tamil language in the 12th century and not in Malayalam language, which had become prevalent in Kerala by then. The result was a dilution in remembering the Vishnu Temples as ‘Vaishnava Divayadesam” by the common people and even the term became unknown to the common populace in Kerala.”

“The Tamil Vaishnavites had the name of the Thiruppalkatal Temple in their list of 108 Divya Desams. Because they could not locate its geographical presence, they had attributed the location of the Temple as one in Swarga Loka. While one respects the Vaishnava Bakthas of Tamil Nadu and other regions, unless there was a Temple on the Earth with the name ‘Thiruppalkatal’, the possibility of such a name finding its place in the list of Divya Desam is very remote indeed.”

“Angkor Wat is the famous Temple city in Cambodia, spread over 500 acres. It was lost to the external world for centuries till it was discovered by the French Naturalist, Henry Mouhat in 1860. It is estimated that the temple was built during the period 1110 to 1150 A.D.”

“Even very famous Temples in the march of history slides into an eclipse and remains unknown to the external world, for varied periods of time. It is certain that such an event had occurred in the case of ‘Thiruppalkatal’ Temple at Keezhperur, near Kilimanur in Travancore area of Kerala, also. Its geographical existence was lost to the world, though, its name continued in the records and narrations of Vaishnavites of Tamil Nadu.” - Dr R Pratapsimha Raja, senior member, Travancore Royal Family.

Change of Venad capital

During classical Tamil period the temple were administered by the Ay royal family of Keezhperoor illam. Rama Varma Kulasekhara abdicated the throne in favour of his son Kotha Varma (1102–1125) and retired from public life. Maharaja Kotha Varma Kulasekhara later conquered Kottar and portions of Nanjanad from Pandyas.

Starting with the reign of Veera Udaya Martanda Varma, keezhperoor (1173–1192) up to the reign of Veera Ravi Kerala Varma Tiruvadi, Keezhperoor (1214–1240), the rulers of Venad, were intermittently vassals of the Pandyan rulers of Madurai. They fought against the Pandyas for the supremacy over the fertile plains of Kottar and Nanjanatu. They also entered into several matrimonial alliances with the Pandyas rulers, and maintained blow-hot blow-cold relations with them.

The Pandyas probably led a successful military expedition to Venad and captured the strategic port city of Quilon between 1250 and 1300 CE. The records of Jatavarman Sundara Pandya and Maravarman Kulasekhara Pandya testify to the establishment of Pandya suzerainty over Venad. The Venad ruling family shifted its capital from Keezhperoor to Attingal after 1250 CE.

A number of inscriptions from AD 10TH to the 15th centuries belonging to the Venad rulers show that they had appended Keezhperoor (Kilapperur) to their personal names to honour the land which hosted their very own Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple.

There was a brief period of rapid expansion under Jayasimha Deva (1266–1267) and Ravi Varman Kulasekhara Perumal (1266/7 – 1316/7). (See Annexures) This was followed by a long period of decline.

In fifteenth century CE, Venad royal family became again issueless and it had to adopt two princesses from Kolatthunadu royal family. The adoption ceremony was conducted at the mandapam of Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple. It is the local belief that the royal adoptees from Kola Swaroopam (Chirakkal), escorted by the mighty prince Sarvanganaatha Aditya Varma under his equally mighty uncle Maharaja Sangramadheera Ravi Varma Kulasekhara halted at Keezhperur until Attingal with its famous Temple of Shree Bhadra, palaces and forts got ready. As the princesses grew up, differences cropped up between them and Venad kingdom became partitioned with two capitals, one at Attingal and the other at Kilimanoor. Administration of Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple was entrusted to koyimar and ooralar. The Temple treasures were transported to Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple in a large caravan of bullock carts.

Venad Kingdom abandoned Kollam port and retreated south, probably due to attacks by Pandyan Kingdom. Veera Goda Sri Aditya Varma (1468–1484) shifted Venad capital to Kallidaikurichi, in the present Ambasamudram Taluk of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu. His successor Veera Ravi Ravi Varma (1484–1503); again moved the Venad capital to Padmanabhapuram now in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.

After defeating a union of feudal lords and establishing internal peace, Maharaja Marthanda Varma (1729-1758) expanded the kingdom of Venad through a series of military campaigns from Kanyakumari to the borders of Kochi. He moved the capital of Venad / Travancore to Thiruvananthapuram where it remained until the Kingdom of Travancore was extinguished in 1949.

Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple slowly faded away from public consciousness and it found scant mention when the history of modern Travancore kingdom was written. So it is no surprise that Vaishnava acharyas in Tamil Nadu have not heard of this Temple.

Temple Rituals and Festivals

The Temple had followed a Five-time pooja system of rituals to the accompaniment of panchavaadyam. The Temple celebrated an eight-day festival in the Malayalam month of Medom (Tamil: Chittirai). This was among the rare temples with two Thantries – Thazhamon Thanthri and Memana Thanthri. They would conduct the Utsavam on alternate years. The original copper flag mast had two hooks on it, one for each Thanthri to hoist the flag. The festival would be conducted on an elaborate scale. A grand elephant procession was a part of the annual Utsavam festivities. The special days of Utsavam saw daily Kalasha pooja with one hundred and one pots. Koothu, Ottam Thullal and Kathakali and other popular art forms of Malayaala Naadu used to take stage then.

The much subdued present is in sharp contrast to the halcyon days of a golden era long past. Due to the tireless efforts of young energetic neighbourhood Hindus, with some elders of standing guiding them, a truncated one-day festival is conducted in the month of Medom. The day-to-day expenses as also the finances to meet the special days like Ashtami Rohini, Thiru Onam in Chingam (August/September) and the forty one day mandalam in Vrischigam and Dhanu (November/December) are met from contributions made by local devotees.

Festivals currently being conducted at Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple are 
Vishu                          - 1^st day of Malayalam month Medam (Mesha)

Janmashtami        - Chinga Malayalam month, ashtami tithi, rohini nakshatram
Thiruparkkadal Ekadashi      - Vrischika month shukla paksha ekadasi
Ramayana Aacharanam           - Vrischika month

There is a belief that those pilgrims who come to Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple with firm faith and deep devotion will have one sin, either committed in this birth or any previous birth, removed from their list held by Chitragupta in Yamaloka.

Post-Colonial period

When the Land Reforms Act came into effect the condition of this temple was deplorable. The leasing-subtenants became owners of lands in their possession and this adversely affected the temple revenues. Financial disaster struck the fortune of this temple and the unpaid priests also stopped worship of the deity. The mighty doors of the once famous Keezhperoor Thirupalkadal Bhattarakar’s Temple grated to a close indefinitely. This was a traumatic end of a mighty era. The stately flag mast crashed to the ground and had to be ritually consigned to flames in the presence of the Temple Thanthries. Quite a number of coins were found in the base of the flag mast. They belonged to the time of Aiyilyam Thirunaal Rama Varma’s period and were in circulation in the eighteen sixties. The building complex around the sanctum sanctorum too had fallen down. A few months after the shocking closure, the precious panchaloha sheevaeli vigraham of the Lord was found to be stolen. The socio-economic conditions of the local people retreated to a gloomy despair.

Revival of Dharma 

     in the hearts and lives of people of Keezhperoor and its surroundings
NSS Karayogam takes over Temple Administration

In 1980's No.3200 Ambikavilasam NSS Karayogam approached the Amunthirathi Madhom and Edayavanathu Madhom with a request to transfer the ownership rights to this Kayayogam. While the Edayavanathu Madhom was agreeable to the transfer of administrative privileges to the Karayogam, the Amunthirathi Madhom did not find it acceptable. This led to yet another legal dispute. The tribunal’s verdict was in favour of the Karayogam with an important qualification. It allowed the right of administration without ownership. In 2012, His Highness Uthradom Thirunal Marthanda Varma visited the temple and re-established 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. The Temple, the surrounding villages and the people dwelling there in have witnessed a resurgence of prosperity after the Temple started functioning, even if not in a grand manner as before.

Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple is a living and thriving testament to an eternal Hindu faith and ancient Hindu culture. This must be protected and preserved for posterity. The Ambikavilasam NSS Karayogam, with great confidence and inspiration bestowed by the Almighty, has just started the onerous task of renovation of this Temple. It would require generous financial commitment from the devout public to restore the historic Thirupalkadal SreeKrishnaswamy Temple to the glory that is rightfully deserves.

Proposed Renovation of the Temple

1. Chuttambalam or Naalambalam (second enclosure)
      Basement resetting,
      Constructing 7 ft columns
      Constructing outer walls with material and labour           Rs 3.5 million

2. Roofing for second enclosure
      Teakwood structure and roofing tiles                               Rs 6.5 million

3. Flag mast, Teak wood from Nilambur, seasoning,
      carpentry work and copper cladding                               Rs 3.5 million

A plot of land measuring 20 cents has been purchased adjacent to the Temple grounds. In this plot of land it is proposed to construct amenities for pilgrims arriving from far off places.

The Temple Samithy is in a quandary considering the enormous amounts required for the renovation of this historic Temple. Hence this Temple Samithy seeks funds and materials from devout public for carrying forward this massive Temple renovation activity.

Temple website
http://www.thirupalkadalsreekrishnatemple.org/

References
- Travancore Archaeological Series Volumes, which contains many of the original sources like the Kilimanoor Record, Mampalli Copper Plates, Kolloormatam Plates, etc.,.
- “A Study of Thiruppalkkadal Temple in Historical Perspective” by Shri Ajay Kumar S
- A Survey of Kerala History (1967). By Menon, Sreedhara A.
- Contribution of Kerala to Sanskrit Literature; by K. Kunjunni Raja; University of Madras 1980
- Excerpts from essays written by Dr R Pratapsimha Raja, historian and senior member of Travancore Royal Family.
- ‘Rudrakshamala’ by Aswathi Thirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi of Kavadiar Palace
- information gathered from Shri P Rajagopalan Nair, a prominent activist in Keezhperoor
- Temples of Krsna in South India: History, Art and Traditions in Tamil Nadu by T. Padmaja. Abhinav Publications 2002
- P. Shungoonny Menon. History of Travancore from the Earliest Times: From the Earliest Times. Higginbotham & Co, Madras, 1878
- Pandian Chronicles, legal rulings of modern times, historical works on Venad Kingdom and the Thiruppappur Keezhperoor Dynasty.
- perumal-thirumozhi.blogspot.com
- aravamudham.blogspot.com/2012/06/thiruvanjikkalam-avathara-sthalam-of.html
- ramanuja.org/sv/bhakti/archives/may96/0048.html
- divyadesam.com/alwars/kulasekara-alwar.shtml
- indiancontents.com/2017/07/kulasekhara-alwar-founder-of.html
- https://srivedanthasabhausa.files.wordpress.com/2017/03/kulasekhara_azhwar.jpg?w=863
- http://anudinam.org/2014/03/27/sri-kulasekara-azhwar-thirunakshatra-utsavam-at-pomona-sri-ranganatha-perumal-temple/

Veda Sapthaham

A laudable effort is being made to bring the ancient Vedas from the hallowed confines of veda pathasalas to the lay public. The trailblazer in this mighty endeavour is the hightly respected Dr Kuroor Damodaran Namoothiripad, (85?), a Vedic scholar and researcher who was formerly Professor in IIT, Madras.

This unusual attempt is being brought about in saptaham format at the venerable Thekke Madham, Thrissur, a renowned cultural center of Kerala.

Saptaham is the recitation extending over seven days. Suka muni, the son and disciple of Veda Vyasa recited the entire Bhagavatam to Maharaja Parikshit in an assembly of learned saints on the bank of the Ganges at Hastinapura over a period of seven days. Bhagavatham is now recited in the saptaham format, in honour of Suka muni’s recital.

Later on Ramayanam and Narayaneeyam also started being recited as saptaham. In the present venture, the gist of the Vedas are being presented to the discerning public in the now well-established saptaham format at Thekke Madham, a monastery established by Padmapadacharya, a disciple of the mighty Advaitha philosopher Adi Sankara of Kalady (788 – 820 AD).

This acharya from Kalady had established four Madhas at different parts of India for the propagation of Vedantha and Advaitha philosophy. It is believed that following the path of this great teacher, four of his disciples established four Madhas under a single roof at Thrissur and they were;
1. The Thekke Madham by Padmapadacharya (Sanandana), the first Peethadhipatiof Puri Govardhana matha,
2. The Idayil Madham by Totakacharya (Ananda Giri), the first Jagadguru of the Jyotirmaṭha Pīthaṃ, near Badrinath,
3. The Naduvil Madham by Sureshwaracharya (Maṇḍana Miśra), the first Peethadhipati of Dakshinamnaya Sringeri Sharada Peetham and
4. The Vadakke Madham by Hasthamalakacharya, the first Peethadhipati of Dwaraka Peeth.

The Saraswathi Mandapam at Thekke Madham is hosting the Veda Saptaham.

The Sapthaham consists of chanting of various mantra in Rigveda, explanatory speeches on the various aspects- spiritual, scientific and literary- of the Vedic hymns.

The dates of the Yajna are from 28th February to 3rd March 2017.

The inaugural session was on 28th February 2017, at 9:30 AM. HH Shrimad Vasudevananda Brahmnanda Bhoothi Swamikal, the Mooppil Swamiyar of Thekke Madham lit the lamp and blessed the Yajna. Acharya Dr MR Rajesh, Kulapathi Kasyapashram, Calicut, delivered the inaugural address. The oratorical rendering by Dr Kuroor, every day will be followed by an interactive session- Vijnana Sadas- in which the eminent scholars will take part, at 4:30 pm. Cultural programmes will be staged after the interactive session

A book by name "Rigveda Vyakhyanam" authored by Dr Kuroor will be released during the inaugural session.

Mahakavi Akkitham, Padmasree awardee, who has translated Vyasa Bhagavatham to contemporary Malayalam, will be the chief guest at the valedictory ceremony.

Many Vedic scholars and knowledge aspirants from different parts of India are reaching in Thrissur to attend the unique Yajna.

Prof. T.K Devanarayanan          Chairman                                
Prof. M Madhavankutty,            Convener
Vadakkumpad Narayanan         Co-ordinator

Vijnana Sadas

Sl       Date & Time Paper Presentation                    Cultural Programme

1        27-02-2017 Dr. N Gopalakrishnan     

 06:00PM     (Director,

Indian Institute of Scientific Heritage)

Message of Veda

2        28-02-2017 Dr. C.M Neelakandan                Chakyar Koothu   

 04:30 PM    Vedic Education and

                             interpretation in Kerala

3        01-03-2017 Dr. V.K Vijayan                          Chakyar Koothu

 04:30 PM    Veda and Literature

4        02-03-2017 Dr. Padoor Subrahmanya           Akshara Shloka

Shastrikal

 04:30 PM    Veda and Jyothisha                 

5        03-03-2017 Dr. Lakshmi Shankar                 Nada Mathuri

 04:30 PM    (HOD Sanskrit Department

Sree Krishna College, Guruvayur )

Veda and Vedanta

6        04-03-2017 Dr. M.V Nateshan                      Panchari Melam

  04:30 PM    (Reader,

Department of Sanskrit Vyakarana,

Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit)

The role of Vedangas

in the study of Veda

7        05-03-2017 Dr. P.C Muraleemadhavan        Kathakali

  04:30 PM    (Professor, Rashtriya Sanskrit

    Samsthan, Thrissur)

    Veda Apowrusheya

Other eminent participants;

Shri. Madamb Kunjukuttan, Shri. Kothamangalam Vasudevan Namboothiri, Dr. KMJ Namboothiri, Shri. Oravankara Damodaran Namboothiri, Shri. Vadakkumpad Pasupathi Namboothiri, Dr. Naras Ittiravi Namboothiri, Dr. KV Vasudevan. Adv. P Parameshwaran, Shri. S Haridas, Shri. Parameshwarn Moorthiyedath, Dr. Pazhoor Damodaran, Shri. Edamana Vasudevan Namboothiri, Dr C Govindan Namboothiri, Shri. CR Keralavarma Raja etc.

Bhaagavatha Gnaana Yajnam

For the first time, outside Kerala, Bhaagavatham is being read in Malayalam.

In Kerala, Ramayanam has been read in the local language, Malayalam, in the “Kilippattu” form of Adhyaatma Ramaayanam composed by the legendary Tunjathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan. However, we were reading the Bhaagavatham or the story of Bhagawaan SreeKrishna in Sanskrit, a language that is no longer understood by the teeming masses.

As a result of strenuous effort spread over a long period of time, Akkitham Achuthan Namboothiri, popularly known as Mahaakavi Akkitham, translated Vyasa Bhaagavatham into simple Malayalam language. Mahaakavi Akkitham has been divinely inspired to match Vyaasa Bhaagavatham verse for verse.

For the first time, outside Kerala, ACHYUTHAM 2017 brings Bhaagavatha praarayanam in Malayalam. This mega event of ‘Srimad Bhaagavatha Gnaana Yajnam’ is being conducted in Chennai at the Egmore Ayyappa Temple Auditorium.

Verses of Vyaasa Bhaagavatham are being read by followed by Malayalam verses of Akkitham’s Bhaagavatham. The Yajna Achaaryan, Shri Kailiyadu Vijayan Master M.A MPhil, gives his discourse based on these verses.

In this regard, a press meet was conducted to highlight the features of the proposed Bhaagavatha Gnaana Yajnam at the Chennai Press Club, Chepauk on 3rd February 2017. This event was reported in Tamil News papers and Malayalam newspaper Mathrubhumi.

The Inaugural Ceremony on held 5th February. The Bhaagavagtha Gnaana Yajnam is conducted from 6th to 18th February from 6:30 AM to 6 PM. After deeparaadhana, the Yajna Achaaryan gives his discourse based on various Upanishads. The concluding ceremonies will be held on the last day, Sunday 19th February till 1 PM.

A copy of the Malayalam version of Bhaagavatha grantham was received in person from its translator Mahaakavi at his Akkitham Mana residence at Kumaranallur, Palakkad District. The local newspapers were present on that auspicious occasion.

The Yajna Aachaaryan was ceremoniously received along with the copy of Akkitham’s Malayalam Bhagavatham at the Temple to the accompaniment of poornakumbham, thaalappoli and vaadyam.

5-February 2017, Sunday
05:30 AM MahaGanapathy Homam – Brahmasri Radhakrishnan Namboothiri

06:00 PM
Devotees of SreeKrishna Welcoming with due ceremony, Panchaloha Vigraham, Malayalam version of Srimath Bhagavatha grantham, which was received in person from its translator, Padmasri-awardee Mahakavi Akkitham.
Reception of Acharyan with poornakumbham, thaalappoli and vaadyam.

07:00 PM Inaugural public function commences
Lighting lamps by Thanthri – Singing of Guruvandana and Ganapathy stuti Honouring Thanthri
Vedic recital - Sri Suktam and Purusha Suktam by C.S Mahadevan Iyer
Welcome speech by “Amrita” Suresh Babu C.K. Inauguration by
Chief Guest
Vote of Thanks
Yajna Acharyan escorted to the dais
Sreemath Bhagavatha Mahatmayam by the the Yajna Acharyan Sri Vijayan Master
Pooja by Melshanthi
8:00 PM Bharatanatyam by Ms Shubhavadana Chandramohan


6-February 2017, Monday
06:45 AM Vishnu Sahasranaama, group prayer
07:00 AM Reading of Bhagavatham and Discourse
10:00 AM Reading and Discourse
01:00 PM Prasadaoottu
02:00 PM Reading and Discourse
05:30 PM Vilakku Pooja
06:45 PM Discourse on Upanishad
07:45 PM Cultural Programmes

Topics of Discourse: Soodha-Shaunaka Samvaadam, Vyasa-Naarada Samvaadam, Kunti Stuti, Bheeshma Stuti, Mahaprasthanam, Curse befalling Raja Parikshith, Advent of Suka Muni (Entire Skanda-1).

7-February 2017, Tuesday

Topics of Discourse: Origin of Universe, Brahma-Naarada Samvaadam, Vidura-Maitreya Samvaadam, Ten types of Species, Varaha Avataram, Destruction of Hiranyaksha, (Skanda - 2, 3 – Chapters 1 to 19).

8-February 2017, Wednesday
Topics of Discourse: Kapila Avataram, Upadesham by Kapilaacharya, Daksha Yaagam, Dhruava Charitam, (Skanda - 3: Chapters 20 to 33, Skanda – 4: Chapters 1-12).

9-February 2017, Thursday
Topics of Discourse: Pruthu Charitam, Puranjanopakhyanam, Rishabha Avataram, Bharata katha, Bhadrakaali PraturBhaavam.
(Skanda - 4: Chapters 13 to 31, Skanda – 5: Chapters 1-10).

10-February 2017, Friday

Topics of Discourse: Dhruava Sthiti, Naraka Sthiti, Ajamila Upakhyanam, Narada Katha, Narayana Kavacham, Vrutrasura Vadham.
(Skanda - 5: Chapters 11 to 26, Skanda – 6: Chapters 1-12).

11-February 2017, Saturday

Topics of Discourse: Story of Vritrasura, Narasimha Avataram, Sadachaara Nirnayam, Gajendra Moksham. (Skanda - 6: Chapters 13 to 19, Skanda – 7, 8: Chapters 1 to 4).

12-February 2017, Sunday

Topics of Discourse: Amrutamadhanam, Vaamana Avataram, Matsya Avataram, Surya Vamsha Katha, Ambareesha Upakhyanam. (Skanda - 8: Chapters 5 to 24, Skanda – 9: Chapters 1 to 9).

13-February 2017, Monday
Topics of Discourse: Parashurama Avataram, SreeRama Avataram, Kuru Vamsha Katha, Yadu Vamsha Katha, SreeKrishna Avataaram. (Skanda - 9: Chapters 10 to 24, Skanda – 10: Chapters 1 to 3).

14-February 2017, Tuesday

Topics of Discourse: SreeKrishna Leela, Kaliya Mardhanam, Govinda Abhishekham, Raasa Leela. (Skanda - 10: Chapters 4 to 33).

15-February 2017, Wednesday

04:00 PM Rukmini Swayamvara Ghosha Yaathra with naadaswaram, thaalapoli and Kaikottikali

Topics of Discourse: Arrival of Akrura, Kamsa Vadham, Rukmini Swayamvaram. (Skanda - 10: Chapters 34 to 54).

16-February 2017, Thursday

Topics of Discourse: Other Vivaahams, Narada-durshta-SreeKrishna Charitam, Raajasooyam, Kuchela Upakhyanam. (Skanda - 10: Chapters 55 to 81).

17-February 2017, Friday

Topics of Discourse: Bandhu Sangamam, Subhadra Haranam, Santaanagopaalam, Navayogi Samvaadam, Uddhava Upadesham (24 Masters). (Skanda - 10: Chapters 82 to 90, Skanda - 11: Chapters 01 to 15).

18-February 2017, Saturday

Topics of Discourse: Uddhava Upadesham (continued), SreeKrishna Swarga Aarohanam, Mukti of Raja Pareekshith. (Skanda - 11: Chapters 16 to 31, Skanda - 12: Chapters 1 to 5).

19-February 2017, Sunday

06:45 AM Vishnu Sahasranaama, group prayer
07:00 AM Reading of Bhagavatham and Discourse
09:15 AM Breakfast
10:00 AM Reading and Discourse
11:30 AM Abhishekham, Samarpanam, Guru Dakshina
12:30 PM Achutham 2017 concludes. Celebratory meeting.
01:30 PM Prasadaoottu

Topics of Discourse: Markandeya Upakhyanam, Conclusion of Bhagavatham. (Skanda - 12: Chapters 6 to 13).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Intervenes

Old helpless Rajamma in Kerala gets electricity connection.

With the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajamma has electricity to light up her home. After trudging to various government offices for three decades, Rajamma found courage to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi; the Prime Minister’s intervention followed.

The sixty year old Rajamma had hitherto found only unsympathetic officials in government offices. They taunted her heartlessly asking why someone with failing eyesight needed light at night.

Rajamma told Janam TV reporter sadly: “The panchayat officials told me that I cannot get electricity connection."

The old neglected and humiliated visually handicapped Rajamma got a compassionate hearing from BJP activist Ms Arunalatha and the two women wrote a letter to their only hope, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The helpless Rajamma poured out her sorrows into that missive to the highest in the land

The Prime Minister’s Office swung into action and directed the State Government to provide electricity connection to Rajamma’s residence on an emergency basis. The smile that lit up Rajamma’s face was brighter than the electricity bulb that light up her one room house.

The local residents inaugurated with fanfare the electricity connection that lit up Rajamma’s house and brightened her life. Witnessing this momentous occasion were the village dignitaries led by Vanganoor Grama Panchayat President.

This grama panchayat which was ruled repeatedly by a series of LDF and UDF dispensations had always scornfully rejected Rajamma’s application. Now for the first time this panchayat has come under the control of BJP.

Combining compassionate humanitarianism with pragmatic political wisdom, the BJP-controlled new panchayat committee swiftly decided in Rajamma’s favour. The Grama Panchayat President wrote to the electricity Board officials, enclosing the Prime Minister's letter forwarded by the Kerala State Government, and the electricity connection was given in a matter of days.

In the end it required a personal intervention by the respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring electricity to old Rajamma’s house. The indolent and unresponsive attitude of the highly secular Kerala State Government necessitated this intervention.

Vanganoor Grama Panchayat is one of the four BJP-controlled grama panchayats in Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala.

Janam TV report of 2^nd April 2016.

Armed Forces Flag Day

Armed Forces Flag Day is observed every year on 7th December.

The Flag day is mainly observed to serve three basic purposes.

1. Rehabilitation of battle casualties

2. Welfare of serving personnel and their families

3. Resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen and their families.

Immediately after India achieved independence, a need arose for the government to manage the welfare of its defence personnel.

On this day, small flags are distributed to the general population and donations are collected towards the Flag Day Fund.

Jawaharlal Nehru, who was then Prime Minister of India, said on December 7, 1954:

"A few weeks ago, I visited Indo-China and saw our officers and men attached to the International Commission there. It gave me a thrill to see their smart bearing and the good work they were doing in that distant land. What pleased me still more was their general popularity with the people there. By their efficiency as well as their friendliness, they enhanced the reputation of India. Among them were people from all parts of India. They observed no provincial or other differences amongst themselves. I am sure my countrymen will be pleased to learn of them and would like to indicate their appreciation of these young men who serve our country both here and elsewhere so well. A way to indicate that appreciation is to contribute to the Flag Day Fund."

In the busy schedule of our life, we tend to forget the hardships that our soldiers go through at the borders or while on duty for our safety. We tend to forget their sacrifices and their contributions to the nation. They are willing to face harsh weather, strenuous life styles, separation from their families and most importantly dead to safeguard our interests. As citizens of the country, it is the moral duty of each and every Indian to ensure the welfare of our brave soldiers and to support the families and dependants of our armed forces personnel who were martyred while fight for the country. Let us demonstrate our concern for the armed forces and their families by contributing generously to the Flag Day Fund established for their welfare.
(http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/07/stories/2004120700410901.htm)

Following details are obtained from the Department of Sainik Welfare (Sainik Kalyan Vibhag), Pune

How to contribute online:

Account Details for NEFT/RTGS Donation

   Account Name : Flag Day Fund (Public) Account

   Account No : 60061347784

   IFSC Code : MAHB0000184

   Branch Code : 0184

   MIRC Code : 411014004

   Swift Code : MAHBINBBOCP

   Bank Address : GHORPADI BRANCH (0184)
                     Cantt. Marriage Hall, Ghorpadi, Pune
                     Pin Code : 411001

   Email : brmgr184@mahabank.co.in

   Bank Phone No : 020 - 26840701/26840172

For More Detaiils Contact DSW : 020/ 66262600 66262606 66262609 26122287

   Account Payee cheque/Drafts are payable to "Armed Forces Flag Day Fund"

   Cheques/drafts may be forwarded to:

   Armed Forces Flag Day Fund

   RAIGAD Building, Opposite National War memorial,

   Ghorpadi, Pune - 411001

The contribution towards the ‘Armed Forces Flag day Fund’ is exempted from Income Tax Deduction under SECTION 80G(5)(VI) OF THE INCOME TAX ACT, 1961.

LET US DEMONSTRATE OUR SOLIDARITY WITH THE FAMILIES OF OUR VALIANT ARMED FORCES BY CONTRIBUTING TO THEIR WELFARE.

   

"When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Their Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today"

Epitaph inscribed on The Kohima 2^nd Division Memorial