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Sringapuram
Siva Temple
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Lime green grass lit by the early morning dew.
The mesmerising silence occasionally vibrated by
the echoes from the conch.
Inside the sanctum, the semi-darkness burned by the
oil lamps.
Everything so still, so meditative. Even our minds
go blank here. Thoughts get frozen.
Energy flows in from everywhere.
Every time
we visit Sringapuram Siva Temple, at the dawn, this is the feel which nourishes
our soul.
We three
nurture our own special emotion with this temple. For Ram, this was the extension of his playground during school days and
now the extension of his official responsibility. For Abhi, it is the altar for his unparallel vows and for Divs the source of solace even in
extremes of distress. Most of our terrestrial and extra-terrestrial plans
and discussions begin and end in these premises.
So when we came
to know Sringapuram temple is one among the 108 Pracheena Kerala Siva Temples (which
we were completely unaware), it turned out as the radical bliss for our
journeys ahead. Thus in Kollam Era
1186, Karkadakam 1, we started off –
for the journeys of our lifetime - right from our temple of redemption.
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| View from East |
Mythological
stories tell us this temple was consecrated by sage Rishyashringa. However, the
noted historian of Kodungallur, Sri. P. G. Rajendran says – “Mythology cannot be considered
as absolute facts. There might be several of them. However, in historical
perspective, this temple in its present form should be built in 9th-10th
century A.D considering its structural similarity with Kuzhur Subramanya
temple.”
Lord Siva in
this temple is worshiped in the form as performing penance after the immolation
of Sati Devi during Dakshayaga. This could be the reason the temple emanates a
unique feel of tranquillity in it. Being
so quiet could be yet another reason why many people are unaware of its real
essence.
The prathishta faces towards the East. The dwi-tala (two storied) srikovil (sanctum) has the mukha manatapam which has the Nandi idol in it.
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Seeveli at temple
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“I have not
seen this kind of temple anywhere in Kerala with the main deity as well as all
the four sub-deities as Siva. This is impeccably a complete Shaiva temple – I
would say 100% Siva temple”, says Mr. Rajendran. “I consider these five siva
lingas represent the Pancha-bhootas.”
Very close
to this temple is the Puttan Kovilakam which was the erstwhile palace of the King
of Kodungallur. “In olden times this temple was mainly taken care by the Thampuran – those days it was like our family
temple.” says the septuagenarian Thampuraati
of the royal family. “Nothing much has changed with respect to the temple as
far as I can remember. But the present form of festival as well the dwaja prathishta was done during the
time of my brother (oppa) Kunji
Ramavarma Thampuran, Krishna Warrier and Rama Vadyar.”
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| Stone carvings near Dwajastamba (flag post) |
Once a relative
happened to visit the temple and he came to us asking – “Do you ever go to
the Siva temple early in the morning? It has stunning peaceful ambience inside! You people
are blessed to have such a serene temple near your home.”
Yes, we indeed are blessed by our Thevar. When
life tries to play its pranks on us, all we have to do is to keep both our
hands at those feet.
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Temple –
outside compound view
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Before the break
of the dawn, we had our prayers. We stepped out of the temple, put on our shoes
and started our bikes flashing its headlights. Our journey has started and
about to accelerate. Just before taking off, for a reassurance, we looked again at the sanctum. The oil lamp
inside is still glowing bright - burning away the darkness around.
Best Wishes to Three of You....!!!! :)
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