The Protector Of Kids-Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple

Faith Mysticism

oi-Staff

By Super

Monday, May 21, 2012, 17:13

Situated in Tripunithura, a tranquil temple town, located about 6 kms from the city of Kochi, Poornathrayeesa temple is presided over by Lord Vishnu, known as Poornathrayeesa. The Lord is the family deity of the erstwhile Kochi dynasty.

Lord Vishnu, here, is worshipped as Poornathrayeesa “thra" means three; 'poorna' means complete and 'isa' means Iswara which means the Lord of Knowledge, or the Lord of the Three Vedas – Rik, Yajus and Sama. It also means the Lord who manifests himself as the essence of the Vedas, who can be attained through inner saadhana.

Vishnu, here, is worshipped as 'Santanagopala Moorthy', or the protector of kids. The temple is believed to have come into existence in 'Dwapara Yuga', about 5000 years ago.

Unlike other Vishnu temples, where the Lord is seen as reclining on Anantha, here, the Lord is seen in a unique pose. He is sitting on Anantha, who spreads his majestic hood over the Lord. It is said that, when Krishna and Arjuna reached Vaikuntam, the Lord got up from his serpent bed to receive them.

The Legend Of Santanagopalam

Legend has it that, the son of Bhavathratha, a famous scholar and an authority in all the four Vedas, Puranas and Ithihasas was living in Dwarakapuri. Though learned, he was arrogant. The Brahmin was overjoyed at his wife's pregnancy and believed himself to be doubly blessed,which added to his arrogance. But his wife gave birth to a still infant though all the religious rituals were performed by Him duly.

The pious Bhavathratha was deeply saddened by this, but his son's grief manifested itself in anger which made him abuse Lord Krishna in front of His palace.

After that incident, the Brahmin's wife gave birth to another 8 more infants and all of them died soon after birth. The Brahmin brought every child in front of the palace and abused Krishna for the death of his baby and took away the baby for the funeral. The Lord did not come out, even once, to face the Brahmin and console him.

Arjuna, who was at Dwaraka at that time, could not remain patient on hearing the abuse of Brahmin towards Sri Krishna. He went to the Brahmin and asked him to stop abusing Sri Krishna. The Brahmin then turned to Arjuna and asked him to protect his next child. Arjuna then revealed his identity to the Brahmin and promised that he will protect the next child.

Arjuna was so overconfident about his prowess that he promised the Brahmin that if he could not protect the Brahmin's next born child, he will commit himself to pyre. During the tenth labour though Arjuna stood on guard, even the mortal remains of the child was not found, though all certified that the birth had taken place. The Brahmin started abusing Arjuna also and asked him to keep his word.

Read more of the temple on the Next Page