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Rayirenelloor Branthachalam Temple: A place to remember Naranathu Branthan

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  Most people in Kerala know Naranathu Branthan as the elusive lunatic but his life teachings in many ways shaped humanity in the years when people hardly realised their self-capabilities. This is the story & legend of Naranathu Branthan and remembering him at the Branthachalam temple. The 5 th child of Vararuchi was a peculiar person as he grew up in the family of Ambalavaasis who were associated with the temple rituals. From an early age the boy had a special task which he endured all his life. He would take a hike to the mountain every day and collect large boulders which he would then push down the hill. He made sure that the boulders never hit anyone or caused any damage to property or animals. His unique ways made people believe that he was insane and so called him branthan or lunatic, but his actions were only a recreation of what every human needs to do each day of their life. Every day one has to go through many thoughts; some good, some unhealthy, some to cherish but...
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Malayalapuzha Temple: Goddess of Boons

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Flanked around by 5 mountains, this powerful temple in the simple town of Kumbazha in Pathanamthitta district has been present here for over 3000 years. The temple which is dedicated to the fiery power of Goddess Parvathy in Bhadrakali form is revered in Kerala to be a place to ward off evil in one’s life. The idol unlike other temples is in human life size form & the idol is consecrated in tantrik vidhi where the tanthri gives power to the idol through pranapratishthakarma where the person gives vitality to the idol. It is believed that the idol of Bhagawathi is similar to the revered Mookambikadevi who resides in the hills of Kollur. As per the legend, two old Namboothiris came to Kollur temple with an idol of Parvathy and prayed. They made a pilgrimage from Kollur to the sea, they walked carrying the idol until they stopped due to old age. The Goddess was impressed by their gesture & devotion, and is said to have come to their dreams & asked to leave her in the place. As...
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Location: Kumbazha, Mylapra, Pathanamthitta, Kerala, India
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Thangasseri Fort: A 500 year old structure still stands

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  Kerala has some of the most iconic structures along its length & breadth, some well preserved & some in a dilapidated state. The coastline of Kerala is what attracted all the foreign powers to start their colonies here. It is also to be known that Kerala was the entry point for new religions & trade from foreign lands to South  east Asia. The first colonists who ruled these parts were the Portuguese who came in the start of the 16th century & ruled for over a century until the Dutch took over. The Portuguese built many forts, structures along the coast. One among them is the St Thomas fort or commonly called Thangasseri fort. The Portuguese established a good trade relation with the Cochin Rajah after the altercation of Vasco Da Gama with the Zamorins, making them move south. The trade of the Cochin region was controlled by the Jews & the Portuguese had to establish their supremacy. The responsibility was given to Afonso De Albuquerque who became the seco...
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Location: Thangassery, Kollam, Kerala, India
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Pazhavangadi Temple: The soldier's Ganapathy

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  For anyone who comes to Trivandrum, a visit to Padmanabhaswamy temple is a must but what completes the visit is breaking a coconut at the revered Pazhavangady Ganapati temple. This activity along with the origin of the temple is one that takes you back to the time of the Travancore Kings & one that compels you to believe in human endurance & faith. The Pazhavangadi temple is a landmark in the East fort area & one that can never be missed by anyone. The temple stands on a small land & is said to have been built on the walls of the East Fort which does not exist anymore. The temple, idol & its rituals all have stories of their own. The story of the temple starts in the 18th century.  The old capital of Travancore was Padmanabhapuram & the palace complex there was protected by a large fort which was secured by the Nair Brigade. There was a Kavu near the wall dedicated to Melankottu Yakshi who was a fierce dispensation. The soldiers were afraid to patrol ...
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Location: Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Kanakakunnu Palace: The summer palace of Trivandrum

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  For all who come to Trivandrum a walk around the Napier museum complex & the vast gardens of the Kanakakunnu palace is a must. The beautiful single storeyed palace belonging to the erstwhile Travancore kingdom is considered to be the last of the grand constructions undertaken by the Travancore Kings. The palace today stands proudly on the hill in the centre of the city overlooking the green pastures. The construction of the palace began in the early 20th century when the Travancore Kingdom was more of a vassal to the British. The empire though had the control over the Travancore region valued the importance of the local King & so the administrative powers were still vested with the king. In 1885 AD Sri Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma ascended the throne & immediately understood the importance of creating new vistas in the city. He made many changes to the existing system to ease administration. Sri Moolam Thirunal ruled Travancore for nearly four decades & in these man...
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Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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Navamukunda Temple: Folklore of Nine yogis !

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  In the Malappuram district along the banks of the Bharathapuzha is the Navamukunda Temple which has been a place of worship for many over centuries. The temple considered to be one among the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu has many legends attached to it & stories that people of all generations have revered. The temple also known as the Thirunavaya temple is  a place of worship  with very simple architecture which attracts all to pray with all its divinity. The origin of the temple is not  clear but its story stems from that of mythology which is also the reason for its very unique name. The temple has no pond & all rituals are conducted from the water taken from the river which is also given the dignity of being a twin of the Ganga in the north. As per belief the name Thirunavaya comes from Thiru-nava-yogi or nine sacred yogis. The descendent of Lord Rama, King Rishabha had 9 sons & they were all considered to be very devoted to Lord Vishnu. They set o...
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Location: Thirunavaya, Kerala, India
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Thazhathangady Juma Masjid: A beautiful structure

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  In Kerala there are many places which are termed as heritage circuits & one such place is the Kottayam town which has some of the most important structures of heritage value. The Thazhathangady Juma masjid or Taj Juma masjid as it is known here is one such important heritage structure. The story of its origin & the beauty of its architecture is important for all to know. The mosque even today stands proudly along the backs of the meenachil river & is an iconic structure of Kottayam. Malik Dinar is the person responsible for bringing Islam to India & Kerala was the place he came first. He came to the shores of Kodungallur in the 7th century & spread the word of the Prophet. It was his son Habib Dinar who further propagated the message of Islam & is said to have built many mosques in the 8th century. The Thazhathangady Juma Masjid is one among these & possibly one of the most beautiful. It is also important to know that as per historians the erstwhile Th...
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Location: Kottayam, Kerala, India
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