History

Sree Vettakkorumakan

The great Arjuna of Mahabharata went to the Himalayas to do penance (tapasya) to obtain the Pashupata Astram, the divine weapon from Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva was deeply impressed by the austerity of Arjuna and decided to test his courage and devotion. Lord Shiva appeared before Arjuna, assuming the form of Kiratha (hunter), with Goddes Parvathi dressed as Kirathi (huntress). Lord Shiva tested Arjuna by causing an asura (Demon) to disturb Arjuna’s penance in the shape of a large wild boar. Arjuna couldn’t defeat the boar and finally he started worshipping Shivalinga that he has been worshipping during his penance. Finally the hunter and Huntress vanished and they appeared in their true forms as Lord Shiva and Goddes Parvathi. Lord Shiva gave him the pashupata Astra and tells him that he shall be at his disposal in future, whenever it was necessary. After giving Arjuna the Pashupata the divine couple wandered in the forest in the same form for some-time. During this period they had a son born of extraordinary effulgence and that is “Vettakkorumakan Paradevatha” or sun born during hunting. The boy was very mischievous. During his hunting he killed many asuras. But making free use of his bow and arrows he also gave endless trouble to the Devas and Rishis. Unable to bear his mischief they first approached Lord Brahma who expressed his helplessness as the boy was the son of Lord Shiva. Then they beseech the help of Lord Shiva Himself who however dismissed them by saying that he being a boy would be naturally naughty and he would be all right when he grew up. As a last resort they approached Lord Mahavishnu who took the form of an old hunter and went to the boy. Lord Vishnu displayed before the boy a golden churika. (dagger – cum – sword) which was so beautiful that it attracted the boy and he begged Mahavishnu to give that Churika as a present. Lord Vishnu agreed on one condition that he would behave in a responsible manner by giving up his bow and always keeps churika in his right hand and never put it down on earth. The boy accepted the challenge and obtained the Churika from Lord Vishnu. By this way Lord Vishnu put an end to the troubles caused to the Devas and Rishis. Later, Lord Vishnu showed him his real identity and blessed him with the name “Vettakkorumakan”.

Offering and Specialties:

Firing of kathina (Vedi Vazhipadu) is an important and prominent offering here during the festival season. There are so many practical evidences that Vedi Vazhipadu can bring relief to deafness and many devotees have experienced the miraculous power of Paradevatha by getting cured of their prolonged illness. Many devotees regardless of their race and religion from different parts of the state pour in during festival season to offer Vedi Vazhipadu.

Temple Administration:

During the ancient days, the temple administration was carried out under the leadership of 9 well renowned families namely, Nambiddukandi, Thirumangalam, Edakoddan, Kollakandi, Elavana, Nambyattil, Umathum Valath, Chirattam Veedu, Vilakkadan Veedu, and Kshetra Ooralan. Later on for the development and functioning of the temple, the temple administration was took over by the neighboring devotees during the year 1963 and formed a 21 member Devaswom Committee which includes, President, Secretary, Vice President, Joint Secretary, Treasurer, Working Committee members, Advisors, and Senior most member of the temple (Kshethram Karanavar). From there on with the outstanding contribution by the committee, we could make lot of improvements in and around the temple. As per the existing circumstances the elected committee gets a 3 years period after which a general body meeting will be convened for electing new committee members but the trust members remains the same for permanent.