Harippad Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple

Harippad Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple

Sree Subramanya Swamy Temple is located at Harippad, on the Thiruvananthapuram-Alappuzha highway. The presiding deity is Lord Muruga, known as Subramanya Swamy. It is one of the oldest and important temples in Kerala. Spanning over a hectare of land, the temple architecture gives a fine example of the traditional Kerala style temple.

The temple is one of the oldest and most important temples devoted to Lord Subrahmanya. Popularly known as Dakshina Palani ( Palani of south), the temple continues to attract millions of devotees ever year. It is believed that the temple was established even before the advert of 'Kaliyuga'. This holy shrine is built in the ancient Kerala style architecture. The Subrahmanya idol with four arms is the biggest of its kind.

It is believed that the temple was established even before the advent of ‘Kaliyuga'. This holy shrine is built in the ancient Kerala style architecture. The Subrahmanya idol with four arms is designed after the sculptural pattern of the Buddhist era. The holy gold covered flagstaff is biggest in its kind. The lord of eighteen zones (Karas), people worship lord Subrahmanya (Harigeetha Pureshan) of Haripad irrespective of cast,creed and religion.. This temple enshrines an imposing idol of Subrahmanya said to have been worshipped by Parasurama. The temple has unique rituals and ceremonies .

It is believed to have been originally worshipped by Parasurama. A virtuous man had a dream that there was a wonderful image lying on a river-bed. This was confirmed by astrologers and the image was brought out from the river and enshrined in the present temple.

The temple conducts three festivals annually. They are in the Tamil months of Aavani (August - September), Margazhi (December - January), Chithtrai (April - May), of which the Chithtrai festival is the most important. During the Chithtrai festival, the first day of the Malayalam New Year - Vishu, there is a procession with the golden peacock throne, which attracts scores of people. . Kaartikai Deepam and Thaipooya Mahotsavam are also celebrated here.

Another major attraction is the peacocks in the temple.