Peralassery & Makreri - A tale of Sri Rama and Hanuman

Most ancient temples find a connection to mythology, the Ramayana, Mahabharata or to one of the Gods. Here is another one such connection to the epic.

Once upon a yugantara , Subramanya asked Brahma  the meaning of 'Om'.The meaning and its  explanation given by Brahma was not found satisfactory by Subramanya, in anger he captured Bhramha and put him in a cell. When Siva the father of Subramanya came to know of this horrible sin committed by his son he released Brahma Deva and explained to Subramanya that his deed was a great sin. For that sin Subramanya had to take the form of a serpent and had to live in an isolated well.  Every negative Karma has a direct punishment even if it is committed by the Gods and Subramanya would have to live in that isolated well and reflect upon his deeds and improve as a God. He would be liberated from the curse by Sri Rama in Threta Yuga. To protect him from Sun and rain other serpents stood over the well with raised hoods. The place where the serpents protected Subramanya is Peralassery according to the legends. The Snakes are considered Adishesha, earth is harmed by digging for whatever cause, it hurts Adisesha who is bearing the earth all the time. The Protectors of the Earth the Snakes are honoured at Peralassery along with Subramanya and Ayyappa.

In Threta yuga when Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman arrived at this place during their exile, There was an Ayyappa Kaavu, Rama recognised the presence of Subramanya and absolved him of his sin. Thereafter he decided to install a Vigraham (idol) of Subramanya, for the Prathishta Hanuman through his Divya Sristi found an idol of Valli Parinaya Subramanyan Which was near the Sarayu river near the northern part of Bharatha. Hanuman was given the muhurtham (Auspicious Time) to install the idol and set journey to bring the idol from north India. As the Muhurtham neared and Hanuman could not make it back in time, Rama decided to do the Prathishta with his Peruvala (big bangle) This is how this Kshetram came to be known as Peruvalasherry and later was shortened to Peralassery. The Subrahmaniya Prathishta is believed to have been done by Sree Rama himself.

The Story of the Temple of Peralasherry does not end here as the story of Makreri begins here.

Soon Hanuman Returns from Sarayu Theeram with the Idol of Valli Parinaya Subramanyan and is extremely saddened by the fact that the Muhurtham is over, on seeing his Parama Bhakta Hanuman’s distress Rama Finds a Spot  to have the Idol installed west of Peruvalasherry. Hanuman is Blessed with Eternal life and is considered Chiranjeevi, the Idol or Subramanya was installed by Hanuman, a supreme among the Markkadas (Monkeys) and hence the Place of the Kshetram was called Markadaserri and later shortened to Makreri. It is Believed that Hanuman does the Poojas at this temple and there is an idol of Hanuman with the Prathista of Valli Parinaya Subramanya at the Tantri Sthanam (the place of the Chief Priest ). Since the main Thantri is Hanuman himself, who is a Punya Athma, the prathishta got uncontrollable power. In order to Conrol this power as well as to give daily darshan to his parama Bhakta Hanuman, Sri Rama took his original form of Maha Vishnu and installed himself on the three sides of the temple.

The Makreri temple also has a collection of awards won by the Famous Music Director Sri Dakshinamurthy. Sri Dakshinamurthy had announced his decision to relinquish the awards before the presiding deity of the temple. The expense for constructing a Saraswathi Mandapam at the temple was borne by him. The Mandapam is used for staging performances by newly initiated Children. 

Uttarayana - Makara Sankranthi

The Sun’s transit into Capricorn (Makara) constellation that usually occurs on 14/15 January every year and is a very important Hindu festival celebrated all over India in various forms. Uttarāyaṇa, the six-month period when the sun travels towards the north on the celestial sphere starts on Makara Sankranti and ends on Karka Sankranti (around July 14).

This is the Time of Makara Jyothi  in Shabarimala - this time when I was asked why are women between 10-50yrs not allowed to visit the Sannidhanam, I decided to find out and read several articles. Most explanations were negative in nature, I read on and finally found something which was more positive in nature and did not represent religion bias on gender.

Hindu Goddesses are representative of power, Kali, Mohini etc have got the Gods out of trouble with the asuras many a times. So why is that even in temples of these Goddesses Menstruating women are not allowed. I came across an interesting read - It says the Menstrual cycles are associated with the moon (28 days) women’s cycles were influenced by natural moonlight. The principle is guided by the theory that moonlight provided an important synchronizing signal (scientists call these “zeitgebers”) for menstrual cycles that is now lost in our modern environment. The same practices of seclusion during menstruation, similar taboos related to touching food, not entering religious place, etc have been documented world over, however it is only existing and practiced still in India. Menstruating women were considered to be having special powers during menstruation, which if not used properly could cause harm to others. In Hindu Culture Red is an important part of rituals, 'Kumkum' is used in all ceremonies, this color depicts power. Red in color used in ceremonies is apparently indicative of the ancient ritual of using blood.It is believed that during menstruation, women are constantly dissipating energy from their bodies. Most religious chants are meant to balance out the energies in our body. However, this would interfere with the natural losing of energy that must happen in menstruating women to prevent excessive energy build-up. Hence, menstruating women are told to keep away during such occasions, so that their natural processes are not tampered with. Menstruating women become open to receiving and absorbing energy during this time. This means, they can easily absorb other’s energies, including negative energies. Hence, they are asked to stay away from crowds and gatherings. The 40day fasting period includes a cycle period for a woman and hence the abstinence.