Haripad Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple

The Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple (Perumthrikkovil), also known as Kerala Palani or Dakshina Palani (lit. 'Southern Palani'), in Haripad, Kerala, is one of the oldest and largest temples in the region. According to belief, the temple predates the beginning of Kali Yuga. This temple holds the distinction of being the largest Subrahmanya Swami Temple in Kerala, and features the longest golden flagpost, known as the dhwajastambha (kodimaram in Malayalam). The temple's main deity is believed to embody not only Subrahmanya Swamy but also Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, making it a highly revered and powerful place of worship.

Early history
Legend has it that the idol of the temple was previously used by Parasurama for pooja and was later discovered in the Govindamuttom backwaters of Kandanalloor. It is said that all the landlords of Eakachakra (then Haripad) simultaneously had visions of the idol, leading them to find it in Kayamkulam Lake. The idol was brought ashore at Nelpurakadavu. To commemorate its retrieval, the Vigraha Labdhi Jalolsavam festival is conducted in the Payippad River for three days after Thiruvonam.

According to legend, the idol was temporarily placed for public viewing for half an hour under a banyan tree belonging to a Christian family, Tharakanmar. There is a small temple at that location known as "Ara Nazhika Ambalam".

The temple was consecrated on the Pushya nakshtra (constellation) of Makara Masa, which is annually celebrated as the founding day of the temple. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared as a saint to consecrate the temple, which led to the name "Harigeethapuram" for the present-day Haripad.

In the Malayalam year 1096, the temple suffered a fire, but the golden flag mast and the Koothambalam were fortunately saved. During the reign of King Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma, the temple was rebuilt, and the golden flag mast was reinstalled.

Primary deity
The presiding deity of the temple is Karthikeya in his four-armed form. The idol holds the divine spear Vel in one hand and a Vajrayudha (thunderbolt) in another, with one hand bestowing blessings and the other touching its thighs. According to belief, the idol embodies the presence of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma. The idol stands at approximately six feet in height and in installed facing towards the east.

Other deities
Beside the main deity, there are many other deities, which include Lord Dakshinamooorthy, Lord Ganesh, Thiruvambadi Kannan, Nāga, Shasta, and Keezhthrikkovil Subrahmanyan.

Temple description
The temple features four gopurams (ornate entrance towers). A dhwajastambha (golden flag mast) adorns the eastern side of the temple. The sanctum sanctorum is round in shape. Additionally, the temple compound houses a Koothambalam, which is the third largest of its kind among Kerala temples. The temple premises serve as a sanctuary for peacocks, the vahana (animal mount) of Murugan. Notably, the temple pond, known as "Perumkulam", is one of the largest temple ponds in Kerala, covering approximately five acres.

Festivals
The Sree Subrahmanya Swamy Temple has some unique features that distinguish it from other temples. One notable aspect is the observance of three kodiyettu (hoisting the dhvaja (flag) on the dhwajastambha) utsavas in a calendar year. These festivals follow the Tamil calendar. The Utsava Trayam comprises the Avani Utsavam in Chingom, Markazhi Utsavam in Dhanu, and Chithira Utsavam in Medom. Each of these festivals is dedicated to a different deity, with Lord Vishnu being worshipped in Avani, Lord Shiva in Markazhi, and Lord Subrahmanya in Chithira. Among these celebrations, the annual Chithira Thiruvulsavam festival holds particular significance.

Apart from the Utsava Trayam, the temple also observes other important festivals, such as Thrikkarthika in Vrischikam, Prathishta day in Idavam, Skanda Ashthami in Thulam, Navarathri in Kanni, and Thaipooyam in Makaram.