Famous Temples in Mala and nearby.

ANNAMANADA MAHADEVA TEMPLE

Annamanada Mahadeva Temple is located at Annamanada just 5 Km away from Mala.. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Shiva. The shivling is almost four feet tall and is considered as the Kiratamoorthy in a pleasing mood while giving Pashupatastra to Arjuna.
                                      

Annamanada Mahadeva Temple.

The temple faces to the east and the sanctum is square shaped. There is a low Valiabalikkal in front of the Agramandapam on the eastern side and a bali peetha equal in height of the basement of the shrikovil. The sopana with carved hasti-hasta railings on either side provides access to the square Mukha Mandapam. The doors on the south and the west lead to the shrines of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati respectively. The Mukha mandapam and the shrikovil have dvi-tala structure, which is covered with copper sheet. The nalam balam of the temple has two thidappallies. On the northern side of the nalambalam lays the shrine of Lord Vishnu. In the outer prakaram (outer courtyard) there is a tank and the oottupura in the north-east corner. The other deities of the temple are Shasta, Goshala Krishnan, Mahakali, Nagaraja, Durga mounted on lion and Narasimha.
The annual festival is celebrated during February or March. The festival lasts for ten days and is observed with pomp and pageantry. The arattu on the concluding day of the annual festival is done in the Annamanada River.
The temple is 10 km south of Chalakudi on the Mala route and is about 5 km from Mala.

Moozhikkulam Lakshmana Temple
This temples is considered as one of the famous temple dedicated to Lord Lakshmana, brother of Lord Sreerama. This temple plays major role in "Nalambalam Thozhal". It is believed that Vakkey Kaimal, had a dream that idols of Lord Sreerama, Bharatha, Lakshman and Shatrugna had washed up on the beach of the shore. And he made four temples for each. Lord Ram at Thriprayar, Bharatha at Irinjalakuda, Lakshman at Moozhikulam and Shatrugna at Payyammal. It is believed that to worship at all these four temples on the same day is auspicious. .
Folklore is that Vakkey Kaimal, a local chieftain, once had a dream that idols of Lord Ram, Bharatha, Lakshman and Shatrugna had washed up on the beach of the shore nearby. As per the advice of astrologers, these idols were installed at four temples: Lord Ram at Thriprayar, Bharatha at Irinjalakuda, Lakshman at Moozhikulam and Shatrugna at Payyammal.
There is a belief that to worship at all four temples on the same day is beneficial.
Moozhikulam is 30 km from Irinjalakuda.
Moozhikulam is 35 Kms from Ernakulam.  We can reach here by bus from Aluva KSRTC Bus station.  The temple is on the way to Mala.

IRANIKULAM SREE MAHADEVA TEMPLE
One of the most ancient temples of Kerala. The biggest double storied circular sanctum called ‘Thekkedathu’ (Southern) temple. The ‘Sadasivalingam’ consecrated by Lord Parasurama. Lord Siva with consort Sree Parvathy and son Kumara on a single pedestal at ‘Vadakkedathu’ (Northern) temple.
Festivals
Thiruvathira Mahotsavam: This is the 8 days annual festival of the temple complex ending on ‘Thiruvathira’ morning of Malayalam month ‘Dhanu’, considered as the birth day of ‘Lord Siva’. This is a rare twin festival believed to be celebrated by ‘Sree Parvathy’ along with all her devotees, relatives and friends to enhance the well being of all women folk and the prosperity of their consorts.


MUKUNDA KRISHNA SWAMY TEMPLE MALA.
Mala's historical prominence is interwoven with the culture of Gowdasaraswatha (Konkani) community, who immigrated from Goa in 1560. Mukunda Krishnaswamy Temple, Mala whose prime idol was installed in 1085 in the month of phalguna by the Konkanis, is a symbol of prosperity abundance and auspiciousness. This temple is believed to have been built to get rid of the fury of the "naga" chariots.

Pambummekkattu mana vadama mala.

Pambummekkattu mana vadama mala, Pambummekkattu mana vadama mala. 
Pambummekkattu mana. Pambum mekkad mana, Pambummekkad, Pambummekkattu mana.

Serpent worship is very common in Kerala. In many of the temples serpents have shrines. In many homes too serpents are worshipped. Pambummekkatt Mana in central Kerala is famous for snake worship and for getting snake-related problems solved. The tradition is centuries old. The gate tower of the Pambummekkattu Mana is embedded with snake statues as a welcome posture. Normally the Manas are Nalukettu. But, the Pambummekkattu  Mana here is Ettukettu – two Naluketts. 

There are five Kavus (abodes) of snakes (and snake gods)in Pambummekkattu mana. The sanctum sanctorum of Nagaraja (king of snakes) and Nagayakshi female devil of snakes) is in the Kizhakuni (eastern court) of a Nalukettu. There is no idol in the sanctum sanctorum. In its place there is all time burning oil-lamp. The Prasadam given to the devotees is the oil from the lamp. This  oil Prasadam of Pambummekkattu mana   has the power to cure the diseases caused due to the curse of snakes. Vrischikam 1st (November 17) is a great day here. Noorum Palum (food and milk) offering to the snakes is on this day. To participate in this auspicious ceremony at Pambummekkattu mana , thousands throng, even from far way places. There is a legend behind how Mekkattu  Mana became Pambummekkatt Mana. 


Mekkatt Mana was facing acute poverty. To get some relief from the poverty the head of the family started praying at Thiruvanchikulam temple. He stayed there and continued his pray. On the completion of 12 years of pray one day he went to the temple pond to fetch some water where he s aw a man with extra-ordinary body structure, looking like a divine power, standing near the pond. He asked him of his identity. The stranger replied in a vague manner. The Namboodiri however realised that he is a divine power and requested him to give the precise stone ring he is wearing to show to his friend and guide Kodungallur Thampuran. The ring so given to the Namboodiri was returned and immediately on receiving it back the man disappeared. As the identity of the man was still a mystery, the Namboodiri’s mind was unsettled. 

Next day as usual Namboodiri went for his early morning bath in the temple pond when he saw the mystery man again. He bowed down at his feet and requested to divulge his identity. The man said, I am Vasuki (Vasuki is serpent god as per Hindu mythology). Namboodiri thereupon requested him to prove it. Vasuki squeezed himself to a ring similar to the one Lord Parameswaran wore in his finger. Seeing this Namboodiri fainted and when returned to his original sense Vasuki asked him what sort of blessings he wants. Namboodiri said he wishes that Vasuki be present in his Illam (Mana) to have them prosperity. Vasuki agreed and disappeared. 

The relieved Namboodiri returned to his Illom soon. He placed his palm-leaf umbrella in the eastern court of the Nalukettu and went for bath. When he came back to take the umbrella a snake was there on the umbrella to greet him. The snake came down and took the form of a divine man and said, I am Vasuki and added a Nagayakshi will soon be present in the Illam.

 At this moment the eldest Antharjanam (Antharjanam denotes Brahmin lady) of the Mana came on the scene. She put her palm-leaf umbrella (in the past, Brahmin ladies, as a custom, used to hold palm-leaf umbrellas, to cover up their face, which are unfoldable, while moving out their Illams) in the portico before stepping into the home. Soon a snake appeared on this umbrella and moved to the eastern court of the Nalukettu. On reaching the eastern court the snake manifested into a beautiful lady and took position near Vasuki. Both of them ordered Namboodiri to install them in the as idols at the place where they stand and consider them as their family deities. 

Saying this much, they disappeared. Namboodiri strictly did what they said and continued daily rituals to appease them. After this incident Mekkatt Mana came to be known as Pambumekkatt Mana. Poverty vanished from Pambummekkattu mana. Prosperity and glory of the Mana began sky-rocketing. Pampummekkatt Mana is in the forefront of snake related Thantric rituals and they do the rituals at many snake god centers, including famous Nagarcoil temple in Tamil Nadu. Besides Noorum Palum, the other main offering to the serpent gods is Kadali Pazham (Kadali plantain). In the centre court of the Mana there is shrine of Bhadrakali. Vasiyedam temple at Puthenchira, Sarangapani Sree Krishna temple and Kunnathunadu Mahadeva temple are owned and managed by Pambummekkatt Mana. 

 Offerings  to serpent god At Pambummekkattu Mana,vadama,mala.

·                            Vella Nivedyam  (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Kootupayasam  (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Palpayasam (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Kadalipazha Nivedyam (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Manjalpodi Charthal (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Vilakkuvekkal (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Sarpabali (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Payasa Homam (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Naga Prathishta (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Noorum Palum (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Pushpanjali(at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Malakku (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Prathima Pooja(at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Abhishekamv (at pambbmmekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Thulabharamv (at pampummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Annaprasham (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Ayilya Pooja (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

·                            Rahu Pooja (at pambummekkattu mana, vadama mala)

The favourite offering  to Serpent Gods of Pambum mekkattu mana  is 'Kadalipazha Nivedyam'(a kind of banana). 'Noorum Palum' (lime and milk) is the other  main offering  but is offered only in special occasions. 'Devotees offer Thulabharam' and 'Annaprasham'  for getting a baby.

Special Days at Pambummekkattu Mana, Vadama, Mala Thrissur

1. First of the month of Vrishchikam(mid November).

2. Ayilyam in the month of Kanni(mid sept-mid oct).
3. From Thiruvonam to Bharani in the month of Meenam (mid March to Mid April).
4. Tenth of the month of Medam(mid of April).

The most important occasion in Mekkattu Mana is first day  of Vrishchikam, the Malayalam Month. That day is celebrated as the festival of Serpent Gods and every Serpent God  is pleased on  that day by giving  ‘Palun noorum’ the lime  and milk.  It is believed that only the members of the Mekkattu family has the right to conduct ‘Sarpabali’. From the first of Vrishchikam to 41 days, ‘Sarpabali’ is conducted as a special offering on  every evening. The Bali is also  conducted on  special occasions chosen  and  decided by the Mana authorities . During –Mandalakalam- (41 days from Vrishchikam 1), 'Kalamezhuthum Pattum' is also conducted. Only 'Sarpapattu' is conducted and not'Pulluvanpattu'.

Normally, only higher caste people are permitted into the 'Kavu'. But on special days people of all castes can come to the temple.  On these days they can enter anywhere except the 'Kizhakkini'.
Beliefs
Snakes are believed to have powers to curse a man who kills them and cause misfortunes and diseases, especially of the skin. There are two namboothiri houses (Pambummekkattu and (Mannarsala) famed for worshipping the snakes and which specialise in treatment of illnesses caused by serpent ire. 

With the exploding human population, snakes are increasingly going rare. Snake charmers, who make the cobra dance to the movement of their 'Makudi' (modified flute), are becoming an extinct tribe.

In ancient times, there were native doctors who specialised in treating snakebites. The belief is that they were able to foresee a snakebite victim being brought to them and upon their arrival, predict the cause of the poisoning. 

They were also credited with the power to lure the very snake, which bit a person and command it to suck its own venom from the wound. Certain stones and herbs were used in snakebite treatment.

The members of Pambummekkattu.Mana call the snakes 'parambaryalgal' ('traditions'). Now is believed that when a birth occurs, the 'traditions' will come to see the newborn. Likewise, if a death occurs in the family, a 'tradition' will also die. The dead body of the family member will be cremated only after cremating the 'traditions' body. As burning fire in the Mana and premises (except in the kitchen hearth) are forbidden, the funeral pyre for the namboori and the 'tradition' are set in the southern compound which is called 'Thekke Kavu'. This shows the intimacy between members of the family and the serpents.

The Mekkattu family members are not bitten by snakes owing to Vasuki's blessings. Even if anybody gets a bite by chance, the venom will not affect them. The venom in turn affects the snake itself and the family members save them, surprisingly, up to this day, nobody has been bitten by a snake from the Mana which has so many snakes in its premises. brought directly to the Mana and no harm should be done to the snake. But, today nobody comes to the Mana for treatment, may be due to the advancement in Medical Science.

How to Reach  Pambummekkattu Mana vadama mala

Devotees can hire taxis from Mala town or travel by regular buses plying Mala, Ashtamichira and Kodungallur. The distance shall be from Mala to Vadama 1.5 km and from Vadama to Pambumekkattu Mana 1 km. There is a small junction named vadama on the route from Mala to Ashtamichira.  From this junction move on the road to western side. Half a kilometer journey will reach to the mana.  

Pambumekkattu, Pambu Mekkattu, Pambumeikadu, Pambu Meikkadu, Pambu Maikkadu, Pampu Maikkadu, Pampu Meikkadu, Pampu Mekkattu.

Contacts

Head of the Pambummekkattu Mana vadama mala : P.S Jadhadevan Namboodiri.

Postal Address of Pambummekkattu mana vadama mala: Pambummekkattu Mana, Vadama, Mala, Thrissur District, Kerala, PIN - 680 736.

Phone: +91-480-2890453, +91-480-2890473, +91-480-2899495

Pampummekkattu mana vadama mala, Pampummekkad, Pampummekkad mana mala vadama, pampummekkattu mana vadama. Pampumekkad naga temple, Naga temple in Thrissur, Pambummekkattu mana, Pambummekkad mana.

TANKULAM MAHADEVA KSHETRAM

It is situated in Pooppathy Thankulam  very near to Mala at a distance of 2 KM.  This temple is dedicated to Lord Mahadeva- sivan. Sivarathri is auspeciously celebrated here


ASTAMICIRA MAHADEVA KSHETRAM