The Legend Connecting Thiruvanchikkulam & Pambummekkat Illom

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Pambummekkat Illom

One more legend that connects the temple with the present day Naga Shrine of Pambummekkat Illom. Shiva and Uma once manifested before Vasuki, the Serpant God, who was guarding the temple. Once, a poor Brahmin, came to the temple, for bhajana, seeking solace from his abject poverty. One day, waking up close to midnight, he went to the temple pond for having his bath where he found another young Brahmin, who was also taking a bath. Surprised at the unearthly luminance emanating from the youth's body, the old brahimn asked who the youth was. Without revealing his identity the young Brahmin took his clothes and left. They both met the next day around the same time and the Brahmin asked the old one if he had seen Naaga Manikya. He replied he hadn't, and the youth produced a luminous gem.

The old Brahmin wanted to show the gem to a friend of his and asked if he can keep it for a day. The youth hesitantly agreed. The old brahmin kept up his word and pleased by the honesty of the deprived Brahmin, the youth revealed his true identity – that he was Vasuki, the serpent lord who graces the neck of Lord Shiva. By that time, the old Brahmin had completed his 41 day bhajana.

The next day, after getting permission from Lord Shiva, Vasuki crept into the old brahmin's palm-leaf umbrella as a tiny serpent. As the Brahmin reached his illom (illom is a brahmin's homestead), he put down the umbrella. Soon, a small serpent crept down from the umbrella. It took the form of Vasuki, who told the Brahmin that he will reside at the illom, and anyone who comes to the illom and prays will be freed from 'sarpa dosha'. He also said that soon a 'Naga yakshi will also join him. Thanks to the blessings of Shiva and Vasuki, the poverty was eradicated.

Today, people from all over, suffering from naga doshas, come here and pray. It is said that the result is instant.

About The temple

Situated about 30 kms from Thrissur and Kochi, close to the town of Kodungallore, is Tiru Anjaikkalam (Thiruvanchikkulam). The temple is more than 2000 years old. It is believed that Cheraman Perumal Nayanar built this temple.

The deity here is "Thiru Anchikkulathappar". Lord Shiva, here, is worshipped as Uma Maheshwara, which is in contrast to other Shiva Temples in Kerala, where Uma or Parvathi, has a separate sanctum. Here, She is with Shiva in "Sadasiva Bhavam" The 'Linga' here is said to be "Swayambhoo". The pooja karmas retain a strong Tamil flavour.

Thiruvanchikkulam is the only Shivastalam in Kerala and in the entire Chera Naadu which is celebrated in the songs of the Nayanmars – Saivite saints.

There are two inner 'prakaras'. In the outer prakara, we find the small shrines dedicated to 'Upa devatas'.

An ever-green kani konna tree (casia fistula) spreads its thick foliage on a small Siva Linga in one of the Prakaras. It is said that the Lord, known as 'Konnakkal Sivan' is so fond of the konna flowers, that the tree is in bloom around the year.

Rituals and Festivals

Five poojas and three shribalis are performed as the daily routine.

The day starts with Palliyunarthal (waking up of the lord) at 3.00 a.m., followed by a lot of other services to the Lord.

The temple closes for noon at 11.30 am after a series of poojas.

The sanctum opens again at 5.00 p.m. And closes later in the evening after the Palliyara pooja.

The annual 8 day festival is in the month of Kumbhom, Shivaratri, which falls on the 7th day of the festival is of great importance. Other special days are Thiruvathira and Karkitaka Choti.

Hence lets worship the Lord here and win His grace.