Chemmanda Subrahmanya Swamy Temple of Thrissur with connections to Palani Murugan Temple

Chemmanda Temple is located in Kaaralam Panchayat, five kilometers from Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district. The main deity of this east-facing temple is Subrahmanya Swamy. Chemmanda is the second-largest Murugan temple in Kerala. The name “Chemmanda” is derived from “Sheyone’s land” or “Cheyone’s land,” where “Sheyone” refers to Shiva and “Kottraveil” refers to Parvati, meaning the land of Subrahmanya, the son of Shiva and Parvati. Over time, the name evolved into Chemmanda.

According to belief, the ancient 64 villages were divided equally between Tulu Nadu and Kerala. Chemmanda is one of the 64 villages that are believed to have been consecrated by Sage Parashurama. It is said that this temple was built during the reign of Cheraman Perumal. Many remnants at the temple suggest that it was once a grand temple. The construction style of this ancient temple resembles that of the Sangha era. This makes Chemmanda a temple of great historical and architectural significance. You can read in Malayalam.

A Temple Where One Can Worship the Shiva Family

The sanctum sanctorum (Sreekovil) is round in shape, and the idol of Subrahmanya Swamy is about six feet tall. The temple celebrates a five-day festival, culminating in the “Shashti Aarattu” in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November-December). A unique feature of this temple is that the sub-deities here represent the Shiva family—Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha. This temple offers a rare opportunity to worship the entire Shiva family together. Lord Shiva has a separate sanctum here, located near the main Sreekovil. There is also an idol of Lord Ganesha installed adjacent to the sanctum. Additionally, a shrine for Hidumba is situated in the northeast corner, and serpent deities (Naga Devatas) are also worshipped here. To the east of the temple lies the village of Avittathur, where an idol of Sage Agastya is consecrated.

Connection with the Palani Murugan Temple

There are legends that connect Chemmanda Temple with the famous Palani Murugan Temple in Tamil Nadu. According to one belief, the original idol of Murugan at Palani was first enshrined at Chemmanda. It is believed that after a disagreement with his father (Lord Shiva), Subrahmanya first settled at Chemmanda before moving to Palani. Interestingly, both Chemmanda and Palani temples are positioned in nearly the same direction and are directly aligned with each other, further strengthening this belief. Devotees believe that Lord Murugan of Palani faces westward to bless the people of Kerala.

The Legend of Chemmanda Temple

The temple premises resemble a vast green field, and within it is a beautiful garden called “Sharavanodyanam.” According to legend, Subrahmanya left the Moorkkanad Shiva Temple after a dispute with his father, Lord Shiva, and initially resided at “Kumaram Chira,” near Chemmanda. It is believed that Lord Ayyappa (Shasta) of Kumaram Chira then guided Subrahmanya to Chemmanda and provided him with a suitable place to stay. Later, a king who had a divine vision of Subrahmanya’s presence built this temple at Chemmanda. Another belief states that Sage Maharshi Bhogar carried a part of Subrahmanya’s divine energy from Chemmanda to Palani and consecrated it there.

Architectural Significance of Chemmanda Temple

Believed to have been built during the reign of Cheraman Perumal, the temple was constructed using two different types of black stones—one being Krishna Shila (black granite) and the other a stone similar to white marble. The intricate carvings on these stones, made without the aid of modern technology, showcase incredible craftsmanship. Even today, such architectural marvels are rare. Many legends and historical records about the temple have been lost over time, which is quite unfortunate.

Some temple structures are believed to be over 1,000 to 1,500 years old. The temple features a unique seven-tiered carving known as the “Saptamala,” carved on Krishna Shila which includes the following garlands:

Mriga Mala (Garland of Animals)

Pakshi Mala (Garland of Birds)

Muni Mala (Garland of Sages)

Mukta Kamala (Garland of Pearls)

Vatta Mala (Circular Garland)

Pushpa Mala (Garland of Flowers)

Valli Mala (Garland of Valli, Murugan’s Consort)

Such detailed carvings are usually found only in grand temples and is very unique.

Saptamala – Depiction in 7 forms which is quite rare

Depictions of Narasimha and Ancient Inscriptions

On the temple’s steps (Sopanam), there are carvings of Narasimha. The right side features a fierce depiction of Narasimha slaying Hiranyakashipu, while the left side shows Vishnu and Brahma trying to calm Narasimha after the killing. The sanctum is approximately 2,300 square feet in area and is supported by 60 intricately carved teakwood pillars, each about 34-35 feet in height.

A stone inscription with ancient “Vattezhuthu” (old Malayalam script) is found at the temple. Since Vattezhuthu was replaced by modern Malayalam script around the 12th century, this suggests that the temple was built even earlier. The inscription indicates that the temple owned land in the places, “Nedumpally” and “Kuttippally,” measuring over 300 and 750 acres respectively.

The Ritual of Offering “Para”

To the east of the temple, in Moorkkanad, there are two divisions of Shiva shrines—”Thekkan Thevar” (Southern Devar) and “Vadakkan Thevar” (Northern Devar), existing in two different forms. Every year, during the festival, these two groups bring offerings of “Para” (a traditional measure of rice) to Lord Subrahmanya. A special tradition followed here is that the first offering is always one and a quarter “Para” (instead of a full measure). The Southern Thevar offers a quarter Para as a representation of Shiva in his ascetic form, while the Northern Thevar presents a full measure as a representation of Shiva in his royal grandeur. After these offerings, only then do Shiva accepts Para offerings of other devotees.

The main festival at this temple is the “Karthika Utsavam” in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam (November-December). The “Thaipooyam” festival in the month of Makaram (January-February) is also a major event. Currently, the temple’s renovation work is being carried out by the Nagarjuna Charity. In recent years, more people have come to know about the temple, and restoration efforts are ongoing.

Within the temple premises, there is a cowshed named “Samskruthi,” where cows, bulls, and calves are well taken care of. Lord Murugan is worshipped here as the village deity Velayudhan, standing in all his royal grandeur, wielding his divine spear (Vel). While Murugan is generally believed to reside on hills, Chemmanda follows this tradition, even though it is not a hill temple. Despite the presence of sub-deities, Lord Murugan remains the central figure, worshipped as the supreme deity of the temple.