VISIT TO KERALA 2017

My son Sathyan asked me whether we can go for  a vacation and visit Kerala for 10 days.  I declined his request as I  thought that being away from Chennai for 10 days may not be possible.  But he decided to have this vacation for the sake of his family and desired that we should also accompany him as he strongly felt that my wife Mythili should be away  from her kitchen for some time.  He proceeded further and arranged for the To & Fro air tickets, travel arrangements and finalised the entire program.  He then met me and requested that we should accompany him. We were left with no option except to have the vacation for 10 days with him and his family.

We left on Monday the 15th May 2017 by evening by  flight to Trivandrum.  The entire travel plan was finalised and entrusted to the excellent care of Vishala holidays under the dynamic leadership of Sreevidya Ravi Varma.  Tempo Traveler van was at our disposal for the entire period with driver Mr. Vinoo who knew  his job thoroughly.  Extremely courteous, friendly and an expert in the art of driving.

Driver Vinoo met us in the airport with his van and we stayed in  Uday Suites which is the new addition to the World Luxury Hotel Award Winning Uday Samudra group. The majestic construction, the garden and the large pool created a calm and idyllic ambiance. A perfect place to relax, the hotel was  just 2 minutes drive from the airport domestic terminal and less than 10 minutes drive from the international terminal. Uday suites is located close to Shanghumugham beach, the stretch of beach where the local people take a break, relax and unwind in the evenings. Needles to mention that we enjoyed our stay very much in this facility.

We visited the Trivandrum beach where the waves were not very rough. Raghav and Varun enjoyed very much playing in the waves and the water.  We had our dinner in the adjacent hotel at the sea shore and the food was very tasty and good at a reasonable price.

16.5.2017 Tuesday

We visited Ananthapadmanabaswamy temple. The principal deity Vishnu is enshrined in the "Anantha Shayanam" posture, the eternal yogic sleep on the serpent Adisheshan^. Sree Padmanabhaswamy is the tutelary deity of the royal family of Travancore. The titular Maharaja of Travancore Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma is the trustee of the temple as Sree Padmanabhadasa, the slave of Lord Padmanabha. In line with the Temple Entry Proclamation, only those who profess the Hindu faith are permitted entry to the temple and devotees have to strictly follow the dress code. The name of the city of Thiruvananthapuram in Malayalam translates to "The City of Lord Ananta", referring to the deity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple.  We had a good darshan.

We visited the palace constructed by Swathi Thirunal Maharaja on the Southern Side of the temple.

The palace gets its name from the 122 horses that are carved into the wooden wall brackets that support the southern roof. The official name of the palace is Puthen Malika (New Mansion). The palace forms part of a vast complex of royal buildings in the vicinity of Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The building was left unoccupied for more than a century, following the demise of Swathi Thirunal in 1846. Built in the 1840s, Kuthira Malika is an example of traditional Kerala architecture, with its typical sloping roofs, overhanging eaves, pillared verandahs and enclosed courtyards. Intricate carvings adorn the wooden ceilings, with each room having a distinctive pattern. The construction of the palace was completed by 5000 Vishwabrahmins  in four years.

The palace is made from teakwood, rosewood, marble, and granite. The roof of the palace is made of wood and 42 beams support the carved patterns.. The roof is supported by granite pillars. Floral motifs dot the ceiling of the verandah.^[2] The main 16 rooms of the palace are constructed in 16 different patterns.^[ In all, the palace contains 80 rooms, of which 20 were opened for visitors in 1995. The floor inside the palace is made of egg whites, charcoal, and limestone, which make it cold and smooth even in hot weather conditions. The concert venue built in the palace premises uses traditional sound reflectors comprising fifty clay pots hung upside down from the ceiling.

Visit to Bhagawathi Temple:

The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, one of the ancient temples of South India, is popularly described as Sabarimala of the Women, as women form the major portion of devotees. The Goddess in the temple of Attukal is worshipped as the Supreme Mother, creator of all living beings and the mighty preserver as well as destroyer of them all. The pilgrims from all over the country, who visit Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple and worship the Lord, do not consider their visits complete without the visit to the shrine of the supreme Mother Attukalamma. Vishnumaya took the incarnation of Bhagavathy to annihilate the evil and protect the good in the world in the present Era namely Kaliyuga. Attukal Bhagavathy is supposed to be the divinised form of Kannaki, the famous heroine of Chilapathikaram, written by Elenkovadikal,the Tamil Poet. The story goes that after the destruction of ancient city of Madurai, Kannaki left the city and reached Kerala via Kanyakumari and on the way to Kodungalloor took a sojourn at Attukal. There are two idols of the Goddess in the sanctum sanctorum. The original idol is preserved in all its pristine beauty covered in ornamental gold embedded with installed stones.

The second idol of the Goddess is installed besides the original one. Within the temple corridors are also installed carvings and sculptures of Lord Ganesan, the serpent God and Lord Shiva. At the centre of the Sanctum within the Sreekovil, at a consecrated spot is installed the idol of the Goddess Attukal Bhagavathy emanating light and lustre to all. Visit to Science and Technology Museum

The Kerala State Science & Technology Museum is an autonomous organization designed to serve as a dynamic medium of science communication for the public and inculcating a sense of inquiry and scientific temperament in the minds of the young. The museum has galleries on electricity, electronics, power and motion mechanics with more than 300 exhibits, galleries on Popular Science, Mathematics, Auto mobile, Bio-medical Engineering, Computer and Solar energy, Priyadarsini Planetarium, Science Park, a Mobile Science Exhibition Unit, a Play Park with Educational playing devices, Energy Park, 3D theatre, Edusat Talk Back, Terminal, Energy ball, Motion simulator with 6 degrees of freedom and Laserium & Water fountain etc. The  well equipped library is an important attraction of this museum.

Then we visited the famous Kovalam beach, 18 Kilometers from Trivandrum.

Kovalam first received attention when the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore constructed her beach resort, Halcyon Castle, here towards the end of the 1920s. Thereafter the place was brought to the public eye by her nephew the Maharaja of Travancore.  The European guests of the then Travancore kingdom discovered the potentiality of Kovalam beach as a tourist destination in the 1930s. However, Kovalam shot into limelight in the early seventies with arrival of the masses of hippies on their way to Ceylon in the Hippie Trail.

This exodus started the transformation of a casual fishing village of Kerala into one of the most important tourist destinations in all India.

We were told that the boat ride is available where the tourists are taken to the sea water for some distance from the shore.  But we found that this service was  suspended due to ensuing monsoon expected to strike any day.  Our driver Vinoo suggested that we go to another place, away by 18 kilometers and we reached there.  This place is called as Vadakkaveettil resorts.

Poovar is a small coastal village in the Trivandrum district  This village is almost at the southern tip of Trivandrum and there is only one last village. Pozhiyoor which mark the end of kerala. This village has a beautiful beach and backwater which attracts tourists. . Unspoiled and amazingly unexplored, Poovar is a rare location find in Southern Kerala by the most tranquil backwaters and opening out to the Arabian sea and a dream golden sand beach. Poovar is truly a porthole into paradise. Time stopped a few decades ago, the calm is punctuated by the sound of waves and the birds the area is plentiful in well preserved local plants with hundreds of species of spices, exotic flowers, compliments with banana and coconut groves. The Boat Club provides wide range of backwater boat club though the Neyyar Lake in Poovar. We've picked Poovar's best boat tours along the lake Neyyar and the village's picturesque canal ways. We took the motor boat for a duration of one hour  . and  enjoyed  the real and unexploited Poovar with golden sanded beach and beautiful backwaters with estuaries, mangroves. This pleasure trip through the waves of the Neyyar river. and also through narrow canals offered he  maximum enjoyment of the entire scenic beauty of Kerala. VICE

The place has expanses of mangrove forests, paddy fields and coconut groves. Enjoy cruising along small canals. See the mangrove trees and colorful fish, birds etc. This rich agricultural environment is mainly irrigated using interspersed waterways and canals.  The boat took us deep into forest like area, causing certain amount of anxiety as we were totally away from the main place, for some time.  There are two small colonies dominated by Muslims and another by Christians. 

We stayed at Trivandrum for the night.

17.5.2017 ( WEDNESDAY)

After breakfast, we left for Chenganur and on the way visited the famous temple at Varkala.  The presiding deity of this temple is Sri Janarthana Swami. The deity is found in standing position facing towards the east. His right hand is in a position as if he is performing "Aachamanam". His right hand is raised towards his mouth and legends say that if his hand goes nearer to his mouth, the world will come to an end. It is believed to happen at the end of the Kali Yuga.

The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have medicinal properties since the waters wash the nearby medicinal plants. It is also an important Ayurveda treatment center. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch vessel which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

In Sri Maha Bhavatham, mention is made that Balarama, the elder brother of Sri Krishna, visited this shrine during his pilgrimage to the Kanyakumari temple and a few other temples in the south. It is also known as ‘Gaya of the South'. Varkala has many attractions peculiar to the place and draws hundreds of pilgrims and visitors all the year round. We were informed by the chief priest that performing tharpana to forefathers in the sea shore after worshipping the deity pleases our ancestors very much.

Sathyan and his family enjoyed  playing in  the waters of the Varkala beach and it was a difficult time for me to convince them that it was  time to leave for Chenganur.  Reluctantly they left the beach.  The waves were very calm and in slow strides allowing  people to stand in the beach water to their full pleasure.

Our kuladeivam is Navaneethakrishnan at our native village Melasevel in Tirunelveli District.  i was totally surprised to see the idol of Navaneethakrishnan, sculptured on the outer walls of the round shaped garbagruham.  It is a rare standing posture of Navaneethakrishnan, having butter on his both the palms and ready to run in case Yashoda catches  him.

We reached Chenganur for a nice home stay, little away from the main town.  After a rest for small time, we visited three divyadesams in the following order:

Thirupuliyur

The Thirupuliyur Mahavishnu Temple dedicated to Vishnu and constructed in  the 6th–9th centuries AD.and the deity is worshipped as Imayavarappan. It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend of Mahabharata and this temple is supposed to have been constructed by Bheema

Thiruvaranvilai ( Arammula)

The temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known as Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Koil (much different than the one at  Thiruvallikkeni )– this is  believed to be built by Arjuna, who came here at the end of the Mahabaratha war.

Thirucengundrur

 Nammalwar describes Chenkunrur as a town where the smoke emanating from the vedic ritual yagnas fills the sky and as a place surrounded by rich lush vegetation (of bananas and coconuts Legend has it that Dharmaputra (Yuddhishtra) offered worship to Vishnu, seeking pardon for his act on the battlefield, where he uttered the words 'Ashwattaama hatah kunjaraha' in an attempt to deceive Drona and lead him to a defenceless state where Arjuna brought his (Drona's)  life to an end.

Mahadevan Temple

Chengannur Mahadeva Temple (also called Bhagavathy Temple) is a prominent Hindu temple, dedicated to Shiva This temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala The temple is popularly counted as one of the major Bhagavathy temples in Kerala. The temple celebrates a rare menstruation festival for Bhagavathy, called Thripputhu, during when the temple is closed for three days during the irregular menstruation of the deity. There are five daily poojas done in temple, three Sarabalies for Shiva and three for Bhagavathy. Tantric worship is done by Thazhaman. The yearly festival is celebrated during the December-January which lasts 28 days.

18.5.2017 ( THURSDAY)

After breakfast, visited the following divyadesams on our way to Alapuzha.

Thiruvalla

Lord Vishnu appeared here as Sreevallabhan for sage Durvasa ^[6] and Khandakarnan.^[4] Pleased by prayers of an old Brahmin lady Sreevallabhan incarnated as a brahmachari and killed the demon Thokalaasuran. Later the idol of Sreevallabhan worshipped by Lakshmi and Krishna has been installed in the temple in 59 BC.^[1] From then till date, the temple follows its own worship protocol that is known to be followed nowhere else yet. Sage Durvasa and Saptarishi^[7] are said to reach the temple every midnight for worshipping the Lord. The temple had governed one of the biggest educational institutions in ancient time and heavily contributed to the cultural and educational developments in the State of Kerala

Thiruvanvandur

It is said that this Divyadesams sthalam is built by Nakulan, Once, Naradar got a Sabham from Brahma devan and he came to this sthalam and worshipped Paambanaiyappan. At that time, Sriman Narayanan came in front of him and explained the Naradeeya puranam, that explains about the Gnana explaination. It also explains that both Saivam and Vaishnavam should be treated an one and all humans should be treated the same way.

Another great person, Maarkandeya Maharishi who is one of the Siranjeevi, got the seva of this perumal. The perumal gave his seva along with Kamalavalli Naachiyaar as Kamalanathan in Nindra thirukkolam.

The perumal is also called as "Pambha Anai appan". Lots of utsavar Idols were got during digging of Earth and they were kept in Separate sannadhis.

Thirukadithanam

This sthalam is said to be worshipped and constructed by Sahadevan,. This sthala perumal, Athpudha Narayanan gave his seva (prathyaksham) for Rukmaangadhan, who is one of the king of Soorya Vamsam (generation).

We reached Alapuzha and stayed in an wonderful place by name Lake Canopy.  This place is on the bank of the huge back water.  It looks like an ocean.  The cottages are excellent and we relaxed completely for the night stay.

19.5.2017 (FRIDAY)

After breakfast we left for Cochin and on the way visited the famous Krishnan Temple at Ambalapuzha which is believed to have been built during 15th – 17th AD by the local ruler Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran.  The idol at Ambalapuzha is likened to Parthasarthi with a whip in the right hand and a Shankhu (sacred conch) in the left. This temple is directly associated to the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple.

During the raids of Tipu Sultan in 1789, the idol of Sri Krishna from the Guruvayoor Temple was brought to the Ambalappuzha Temple for safe keeping. It kept safely for 12 years.

The payasam served in the Ambalappuzha Temple is famous and  has an interesting mythological legend behind it .It is believed that Guruvayoorappan reaches here daily at the time of Pal payasa Neivedyam to have it and returns to his abode. 

There was a big crowd of devotees to purchase this payasam and by the time Sathyan reached near the cash counter, it was closed as the quota for the day was  over.  Fortunately, a staff member helped us byg giving the ticket and we enjoyed the taste of the payasam.

We reached Welington Island ( Cochin) and stayed in the famous 5 star hotel Casino,  one of the oldest in Cochin-Ernakulam towns.

20.5.2017 (SATURDAY)

Visited the following places

Mattanchery Palace: The Palace was built and gifted by the Portuguese as a present to the king of Cochin around 1555. The Dutch carried out some extensions and renovations in the palace in 1663, and thereafter it was popularly called Dutch Palace. The rajas also made more improvements to it. Today, it is a portrait gallery of the Cochin Rajas and notable for some of the best mythological murals in India, which are in the best traditions of Hindu temple art. The palace was built to appease the king after they plundered a temple nearby  ^[2]

The landing of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer at Kappad near Calicut  in 1498 was welcomed by the Kochi rulers. They were given exclusive right to construct factories. The Portuguese repulsed the repeated attacks of the Zamorians and the Cochin Rajas practically became vassals of the Portuguese. The influence of the Portuguese were supplanted by the Dutch and they took over Mattancherry in 1663.^[1] Subsequently, the area was taken over by Hyder Ali and still later by the British East India Company

The palace is a quadrangular structure built in Nālukettu style, the traditional Kerala style of architecture, with a courtyard in the middle. In the courtyard there stands a small temple dedicated to 'Pazhayannur Bhagavati', the protective goddess of the Kochi royal family. There are two more temples on either side of the Palace, one dedicated to Lord Krishna and the other to Lord Siva. Certain elements of architecture, as for example the nature of its arches and the proportion of its chambers are indicative of European influence in basic Nālukettu style.^[1][2]

The Dining Hall has carved wooden ornate ceiling decorated with a series of brass cups. The palace also contains rare examples of traditional Kerala flooring, which looks like polished black marble but is actually a mixture of burned coconut shells, charcoal, lime, plant juices and egg whites.^[2]

Close to the palace is the Paradesi Synagogue built in 1568. Alongside are the antique shops in the meandering alleys of Jew Town, most of whose inhabitants have since migrated to Israel. The Mattancherry jetty and bus stand are behind the Palace. The area is full of shops attracting tourists hunting for mementoes to carry back home.  The synagogue was closed being Saturday and we were unlucky.

We had an hour long boat ride on the backwaters of Cochin   Coconut trees lining the pellucid lake waters for kilometers at a stretch proffer one of the most enchanting sights to tourists. With coconut trees lining the pellucid lake waters for kilometers at a stretch …the backwaters of Cochin proffer one of the most enchanting sights to tourists is just another reason why it is important to have this ride  on this beautiful port city  Though the entire state of Kerala is renowned for its backwaters, Cochin backwaters are amongst the most frequented ones. Infact, numerous backwater cruises either begin or end in the city. With water birds, wild flowers and lush greenery along their banks, the backwaters in Kochi present the most breathtaking view.

Stroll along the Fort Kochi beach and over the slippery sands, where you'll view the Chinese Fishing Nets. View exuberant waves washing off your footprints.

St. Francis CSI Church, in Fort Kochi , originally built in 1503, is the oldest European church in India  and has great historical significance as a mute witness to the European colonial struggle in the subcontinent The Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama died in Kochi in 1524 when he was on his third visit to India. His body was originally buried in this church, but after fourteen years his remains were removed to Lisbon

Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route from Europe to India, landed at Kappad near Kozhikode (Calicut) in 1498.^[4] He was followed by Pedro Álvares Cabral^[4] and Afonso de Albuquerque. They built Fort Emmanuel at the Fort Kochi Beach with permission from the Raja of Cochin. Within the fort, they built a church with a wooden structure, which was dedicated to St. Bartholomew. The neighbourhood is now known as Fort Kochi.

Naval Museum

The Maritime Museum, located at INS Dronacharya in Kochi throws light on the genesis, history, evolution and landmarks of the Indian Navy. Visiting this place makes one to feel of the great maritime heritage of Indian Navy, which dates back to Indus Valley civilizations; Kerala's trade links with Arabs, its famous maritime hero Kunjali Marakkar; Influence of India's maritime power in South East Asia; Colonization of Indian sub-continent by European powers.

At the museum, we were enlightened on the evolution of the navy since 1612, when the Indian Marine was established in Surat. A section of the museum presents interesting aspects of shipbuilding activities in India. It unravels India's prowess in shipbuilding, which took its culture to the shores of Java, Sumatra and Bali between 3rd century BC and 12th century AD.

The museum also has a section, which highlights Indian Navy's share of glory, when it took on its aggressors and eventually emerged victorious in the end. These include details of Junaghad operation, the Goa liberation, Indo-Pak conflicts of 1965 and 1971, Operation Cactus, Operation Pawan and the strategic maneuvers during Kargil.

We returned to the hotel for the night stay

21.5.2017 (SUNDAY)

In the morning, visited the famous  Chottanikkara Devi Temple , mother goddess Shakthi devi or Rajarajeshwari known as Sree Bhagavathi. Maha lakshmi is supposed to be residing in Chottanikkara along with Lord Vishnu.It is one of the most popular temples in the state and in terms of temple architecture, this temple stands out to be an ultimate testmonial for the ancient vishwakarma sthapathis (wooden sculpture) in sculpting this temple along with Sabarimala temple. Sree Mahamaya Bhagawati (Aadiparashakthi), the goddess of power, is one of the most popular deities in Kerala and the supreme mother goddess in Hinduism. Chottanikkara Devi is worshipped at the temple, in three different forms: as Maha Saraswati (mother of knowledge) in the morning, draped in white; Maha Lakshmi (mother of wealth) at noon, draped in crimson; and as Sree Durga (mother of power) in the evening, decked in blue. Supreme lord Shiva, Ganesh & Lord Dharmasastha (Ayyappa) is also worshiped at the temple

Hill palace

Hill Palace Museum at Tripunithura, 12km southeast of Ernakulum, was formerly the residence of the Kochi royal family and is an impressive 49-building palace complex. It now houses the collections of the royal families, as well as 19th-century oil paintings, old coins, sculptures and paintings, jewellery and temple models. No photography inside. It was built in 1865, sprawled over 52 acres of beautifully landscaped terraced land which houses a deer park and facilities for horse riding. Numerous species of flora including rare medicinal plants grow here.

This is the palace where the Maharajas of Trivandrum, Cochin and Malabar signed the pact of ac cession to join the Independent India, in the presence of Sardar Vallabhai Patel in the Yerar 1951

Visited the Lulu great mall, the biggest in South East Asia

Visited in the evening one of the divyadesams by name Thirukakara which is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Lord Vamana.. The temple houses lithic records of historic significance, and it finds mention in many of the hymns sung by the azhwars, particularly Nammalvar who lived 5000 years back. It is the center of celebrations and place of origin for the popular Onam festival of Kerala.^[1] The temple is around two millennia old.  This temple is considered to be the centre of Onam celebrations over the world, as Thrikkakara is considered to have been the abode of the King Mahabali. Adjacent to this , there is anoher temple dedicated for deity Sivan. The lingam is swayambu and worshipped by Mahabali chakravathy.

22.5.2017 (MONDAY)

After breakfast, left for Guruvayur and visited the divyadesam on the way-Thirumoozhikulam

The mythology behind the name of this place is Hareetha Maharishi did penance and meditation on the banks of river Poorna(Chalakudy River). Lord Mahavishnu got impressed by the dedication of the Maharishi and appeared before him on the beginning of the Kali yuga. Lord Vishnu gave some advice to Hareetha Maharshi to overcome the difficulties in Kali yuga. These pieces of advice are called "Thiru Mozhi" meaning 'Sacred Words'. And thereafter this place got its name as "Thirumozhi kalam" – kalam means place. Later Thirumozhikkalam became Thirumoozhikkulam. The main sanctum dedicated to Lakshmana Perumal. 

Then we reached guruvayur in the afternoon for Lunch and stayed at DEVARAGAM .  Sathyan's friend arranged for special darshan of the Guruvayoorappan.  Despite the huge crowd of devotees, day being Ekadasi, we did not wait for a long time before we reached the sannadhi

In Guruvayoor, the image of lord Krishna  represents the majestic form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna's parents Vasudeva and Devaki around the time of Krishna's birth; hence Guruvayur is also known as "Dwarka of South India". He is currently worshipped according to routines laid down by Adi Shankara and later written formally in the Tantric way, the inter-religious spiritual movement that arose in medieval India, by Cennas Narayanan Nambudiri (born in 1427). The Cennas Nambudiris are the hereditary tantris (high priest) of the Guruvayur Temple

Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed the narayaneeyam in this temple, presenting the various the various incarnations of Bhagavan MahaVishnu starting with the fish (Matsyavatara), as narrated in the Bhagavatham in a series of *Dasakas* ( Groups of ten slokas).

At Guruvayur temple, *Narayaneeyam* is of utmost importance. No work of this magnitude has ever been dedicated and addressed to the Deity of any other temple. It provides the Bhakta with an opportunity to visualise and worship Bhagavan Krishna by reading it or even listening to its rendition. It will shine and conjure up at Guruvayur in the heart of posterity. The *Narayaneeyam* Day is celebrated every year in Guruvayoor temple.

Visit to Mammiyoor Siva temple

Mammiyoor temple or famously known as Mammiyur Mahadeva Kshetram is a Shiva templeand it is  a part of the 108 famous Shiva temples in Kerala and one among the five Shiva temples around Guruvayoor. The main deity is Lord Shiva and later, an idol of Lord Vishnu was also installed to reduce the anger of Lord Shiva. Here, the Lord is a family man, with Goddess Parvati on his lap, and Lords Ganesha, Subrahmanya and Ayyappa beside. Nagas, Bhadrakali and Brahmarakshass are also installed in the temple.

Stayed at Guruvayur for the night

23.5.2017 (TUESDAY)

After breakfast, we visited the divyadesam Thirunavai, near Shoranur and on the banks of the ruiver Bharathapuzha. This is also called as Nava Yogi Kshetram. Nava Yogis undertook penance at this place invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have provided darshan as Mukundan. These nine yogis are said to have installed the idol at this place. Hence, this place was referred to as Thiru ‘Naa’ ‘Vaai’. Locally, this place is called Thiru Navaya.

Pitru Tharpanam

Another story goes that Parasurama performed Tharpanam for his father at this place. This Kshetram is an auspicious place for performing ‘Pitru Tharpanam’ and is believed to have powers equivalent to that of performing Tharpanam in Kasi.

According to another legend, the elephant-king Gajendra and Sri MahAlakshmi thAyAr worshipped Sri perumAL here with lotus flowers from the theertham. On one occasion, GajendrA was unable to get any flowers, and he complained to Sri perumAL about this. In response, the Lord bade Lakshmi to come and sit with Him and granted GajEndrA the privilege of worshipping the Divine Couple jointly.

Nammazhwar and thirumangai Azhawar did mangalasasanam of this temple.

By the time we travelled and reached another divyadesamThiruvithakodu, the temple was closed for the morning darshan. 

We proceeded to Athirapalle and reached GREEN TRUST RESORT via Chalakudi for our stay. An wonderful place to stay, nestled in the evergreen verdure of the hilly tropical rainforest.  All the rooms  faces  the swimming pool.

Visit to Athirapalle water-falls, the most famous waterfalls of Kerala, Athirappalli and Vazhachal are situated at Athirappilly Thaluk in Thrissur district and on the Chalakudy River , which originates from the upper reaches of the Western Ghats. At the entrance to the Sholayar ranges is the largest waterfall in Kerala, Athirapally, which stands tall at 80 feet. Just a short drive from Athirapally, the Vazhachal waterfall is close to dense green forests that are home to many endangered and endemic species of flora and fauna.

There is another waterfall on the way from Athirappilly to Vazhachal Falls, in close proximity to the road and is locally called “Charpa Falls”. Athirappilly Falls is the largest waterfall in Kerala and is nicknamed "The Niagara of India".^[1] Controversy about a state-proposed hydroelectric dam on the Chalakudy River above the waterfalls began in the 1990s and has continued through 2011.

To have the full and beautiful view of the entire waterfall, one has to climb down the hills in the dense forest and without any proper and well laid pathways.  At my age, I took the great risk of climbing down and while doing so, I remembered our pilgrimage to Sabarimalai and climbing appachi medu.  I reached the ground level and all my tiredness vanished  a second by seeing this wonderful waterfall..

24.5.2017 (WEDNESDAY)

We visited another waterfalls in Vazhachal situated on the road level and near to Athirapalle falls.

After lunch, we left for the Cochin airport to catch the evening flight and reached/returned to Chennai safely.

I will be failing in my duty if a mention is not made about the Vishala Holidays who organised this pilgrimage cum pleasure trip of Kerala for us.  No doubt, they are professionals with vast experience in this trade.  Stays were arranged in the best hotels/resorts.  I have no hesitation in my mind to recommend all my friends and relatives , Vishal Holidays in case they decide to go on a tour to Kerala .Vishala can be contacted through phones +91 8547773937 0r 9446332500.  Their E-mail Id is sree@vishalaholidays.com.  Their address is Vishala, Thulishala Koikkal, Palace road, Chalakudi 680307.

In the last but not the least, I have to thank Sathyan and Vidya to have initiated and organised this memorable Kerala trip.  But for them , Mythili and me  could not have ever imagined a visit to Kerala.  Special mention has to be made about  the excellent behavior of my grandsons Raghav and Varun all through the 10 day tour.

The distances covered:

Trivandrum to Varkala	43 Km
Varkala to Chenganur	81 km
Chenganur to Alapuzha	43 Km
Alapuzha to Ambalapuzha	13 Km
Ambalapuzha to Cochin ( Wellington Island)	72 Km
Cochin ( Welllington Island) to Guruvayur	92 Km
Guruvayur to Thirunavay	42 Km
Thirunavay to Athinrampalli	111 Km
Athirampalli to Cochin Airport	38 Km

Distance is not calculated for the visits made to Divyadesams, deviated from the main route.