Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, Perunna — Attraction in Kerala

My Visit to Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple, Perunna

A Divine Experience of History and Devotion

I recently had the opportunity to visit Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple in Perunna, Changanassery, and it was truly a spiritually uplifting experience.

I visited on a Tuesday, which is known to be especially auspicious for Lord Subramanya (Murugan) devotees, and as expected, the temple was quite crowded with devotees offering prayers with deep devotion and faith.

One of the most striking aspects I noticed was the main offering to Lord Murugan here lemon (or “otta naranga”).

Devotees bring lemons in large numbers, as it is believed that offering lime here fulfills one's prayers and removes obstacles. This ritualistic simplicity, combined with intense devotion, created a serene and powerful spiritual ambience.

The temple itself is historically significant, said to be over 1,200 years old, and is known for being one of the first temples in Kerala to open its doors to devotees of all castes, thanks to the reforms initiated by Sri Chithira Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore.

Even Mahatma Gandhi visited this temple during his Kerala visit, underlining its social and historical importance.

The idol of Lord Subramanya here is majestic, carved in black stone and nearly six feet tall. He is worshipped in a furious form, as Devasenapathi, with his Vel (spear) pointing downward

a unique iconographic feature that is rarely seen in other temples.

Apart from the main deity, the temple complex also houses other shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Swami Ayyappan, serpent gods, and even Rakshasa deities, making it a spiritually inclusive and vibrant place of worship.

Overall, the ambience, the energy of the devotees, the rituals, and the sacred history make this temple a must-visit for anyone seeking both spiritual fulfillment and cultural insight. I left the temple feeling peaceful and blessed, with a renewed sense of connection to tradition and devotion. If you are in or around Changanassery, a visit to Perunna Subramanya Swamy Temple is...

Perunna murugan temple is located in the small town of Kerala called Changanaserry which is 23 km from Kottayam town. The Form of Subrahmanaya is that of furious Deva SEnathipathi. The idol looks furious and holds his spear pointing downwards . People believe that this form was assumed immediately after the Lord Subrhamana killed Tharakasura. The idol is five fewet tall and is consecrated on a lotus platform. .It is made in black stone. There is a story behind this temple. It seems in a village called Uppizhi in Kerala there was a great Subrahmanya devotee called Kumaran Namboosdiri. Like all other Keralaites he was a great devotee of Palani Murugan. Once when he went to the Palalni temple, it seems he felt home sick. It seems Lord Muruga came in his dream and told him that “You can find my statue in the river Kodumthurai. You recover that and consecrate it in Perunna”. Kumar Namudiri obeyed the order of God and the Perunna temple was established. The idiol was consecrated in the year 753 AD in the tenth day of Meenam month. It seems that as soon as the idol was consecrated, it was completely covered in Sun light. Every year this day is celebrated as the Consecration day . Every year the same miracle of Sun covering the statue happens. There is huge tank in this temple which is believed to contain large number of Saigrama satones. Five Edangazhi(A measure of Kerala) rice is cooked every day and is offered to the God. Tuesday is considered as a special day to worship God here. The God is worshipped five times a day. Karthika I festival, Thai poosam , Skanda SAshti , Soora SAmharam etc are celebrated in this temple. During Kartiga festival which is celebrated for thirteen days. The God is anointed with milk every day. Aravanai Payasam is offered to the God. In the year 1936, for the first time in Kerala , this temple was opened for all the devotees by the Travancore king. Hearing this , it seems Mahathma Gandhi visited this temple and offered...

Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, situated in Perunna near Changanacherry, Kerala, is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, also known as Subramanya Swami. The temple's history dates back over 1,200 years, making it a significant spiritual destination in the region.

Historical Significance

Constructed in 753 AD, the temple houses a 6-foot-tall idol of Lord Murugan. Notably, it was the first temple in Kerala to open its doors to all Hindus, irrespective of caste, following an order by Sri Chithira Thirunal Maharaja of Travancore. This progressive move attracted Mahatma Gandhi, who visited the temple during his first trip to Kerala to offer his respects.

Unique Deity Representation

The temple is unique in that it portrays Lord Murugan in a fierce form, holding his Vel (spear) pointed downward—a depiction symbolizing his role as the supreme commander of celestial forces, particularly after vanquishing the demon Tharakasuran.

Visitor Experience

Visitors often describe the temple as a place of tranquility and spiritual solace. The architecture is noted for its simplicity and appeal, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere ideal for contemplation and prayer. One visitor shared that the temple is a "holy place with great peaceful atmosphere," and that its architecture is "simple yet appealing."

Accessibility

The temple is easily accessible from Kottayam, located approximately 21 kilometers away. Its proximity to Changanacherry makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the spiritual and cultural heritage of Kerala.

Conclusion

Sree Subramanya Swami Temple in Perunna stands as a testament to Kerala's rich cultural and spiritual legacy. Its historical importance, unique depiction of Lord Murugan, and serene environment make it a must-visit destination for devotees and...