kerala temples near coimbatore

The miracle of Thirukachamkurissi

The deity at Thirukachamkurissi has a regenerative power that mitigates the burning sorrows of those who submit themselves in complete faith to Him.

THIRUKACHAMKURISSI, an ancient place of worship, is located at the foot of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, at Payyalur, on the fringe of Kollengode, in Kerala. Located mid way between Palakkad (Kerala) and Pollachi (Tamil Nadu), life in this area typifies that of a frontier town, a mixture of two cultures.

The legends of the temple speak of the peace and tranquillity that led Sage Kashyapa to meditate in its hilly surroundings. It is believed that as a result of Kashyapa's penance, Mahavishnu appeared before him. Kashyapa's desire was that the Lord should remain with him always, in that calm and idyllic atmosphere. Sriman Narayana consented to his wish, and it is believed that the sage installed and consecrated the idol of Mahavishnu in the form that he himself had perceived him — Chaturbahu Mahavishnu, seated on the coils of Adishesha.

Thus, the little hillock on which the temple is located came to be known as `Kachamkurissi' (as derived from `Kashyapan-Kurissi,' or `the Hill of Kashyapa').

The name `Kachamkurissi' can also be linked to that time in ancient history when, culturally, Kerala was a part of `Tamizhagam'. The famed Sangam literature during the period of the Cheras (upto the 3rd Century A.D.), speak of the `Tinais' or `eco-zones' — `kurinji' (kurichi) or hilly tracts being one of them. The place name is thus indicative of the early origins of this temple.

It was to this shrine that Dharma Varman, a prince, from what is now central Kerala, came, in search of a cure for a debilitating ailment. It is said that the dying Dharma Varman bathed in the healing spring waters that then existed in the forests around the temple, and after undergoing many days of ritual penance at this temple, at the feet of Perumal, returned to his kingdom, completely cured. This then, is the true miracle of Thirukachamkurissi — a regenerative power, which those who come in faith profess to feel, on submitting to this all-forgiving deity the turbulence of their minds. More often than not, they have returned, renewed and revived, their burning sorrows inexplicably assuaged by some strange balm, cool and comforting as a moonbeam.

Dharma Varman's grandson, Vira Ravi, became the first `utaiyvar' of this region, and it is a popular thought that he named his miniature principality, `Venkatanad' (later `Vengunad') in honour of Mahavishnu Perumal of Thirukachamkurissi. Devotees often approach the Lord of this temple as `Ve Vira Ravi was awarded the sole right to permit the commencement of the ancient ritual, Somayagams. This he did, symbolically, by granting `somalata' (the moon-plant) and `karinjali' (black wood), ingredients essential for the yagam, at the temple of Thirukachamkurissi. Despite the break up of the feudal order, this ritual tradition of granting `somalata' and `karinjali' to signify the start of the yagam, has continued right through the centuries.It was enacted once again, prior to the most recent Somayagam conducted at Thrissur in March this year, giving Thirukachamkurissi temple pan-Kerala prominence, and spiritual significance.