Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple

Thirumoozhikulam Sree Lakshmanaperumal Temple is located in Thirumoozhikalam (Moozhikkulam) in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The temple finds mention in some of verses of ancient Tamil Vedam (Nalayira Divya Prabhandham) sung by the Sri Vaishnava Alvars, particularly Nammalvar and Tirumangai Alvar and classified as Divya Desams, the 108 holy temples revered in the canon.This belongs to one of the 13 Malai Naatu (Kerala/Chera) Divya Desams, the Divya Desams located in Kerala.

The temple is associated with the legend of Ramayana where Rama’s brother Lakshmana worshipped Rama along with their other brother Bharatha here. The presiding deity took the form of Lakshmana and worshipped here. The temple is one of the four temples that are part of Nalambalam Yatra – Rama at Thriprayar, Bharata at Irinjalakuda, Lakshmana at Moozhikkulam and Shathrughna at Payammal.

The temples are believed to be of significant antiquity with contributions at different times by the ruling empires. Constructed in Kerala style architecture, the temple is enshrined within granite walls. The temple is open from 5:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and is administered by Travancore Devaswom Board of the Government of Kerala. The temple is one of the few temples, where a traditional dance form called Kuttiattam is practiced.

Legend

This shrine is associated with legends from the Ramayana. Bharata, the brother of Rama and Lakshmana, came to invite Rama, then in exile, to take over the reins of the kingdom, an angry Lakshmana suspecting Bharata’s intentions intended to kill him; however, Bharata’s innocence was very soon revealed, and then the two of them offered worship together at Tirumoozhikkalam. The name Tirumoozhikalam is said to have originated from the phrase “tiru-mozhi-kalam”, on translation means, the site where sweet words were uttered.

As per another legend, Sage Harita was performing penance at this place. Vishnu was pleased by his devotion and appeared to him. The sage requested Vishnu to provide the way in which all men can proceed to Varnashrama Dharma, Vishnu uttered the sacred words, after which the place came to be known as Thirumoozhikalam. According to Vishnu Sahasranama, Lakshmana is one of the names of Lord Vishnu / Lord Narayana.

History

The mythology behind the name of this place originates from the story of Hareetha Maharishi who did penance and meditation on the banks of river Poorna (Chalakudy River). Lord Mahavishnu impressed by the dedication of the Maharishi and appeared before him at the beginning of Kali Yuga. Lord Vishnu gave some advice to Hareetha Maharshi to overcome the difficulties in Kali Yuga and these pieces of advice are called “Thiru Mozhi” meaning ‘Sacred Words’. Thereafter, this place was named as “Thirumozhi kalam” – kalam means place. Later Thirumozhikkalam became Thirumoozhikkulam.