Sivakala C.R,*
* Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of History & Research Centre, Scott Christian College (Autonomous), Nagercoil.
ABSTRACT
Kanyakumari District, the southern most part of Indian Peninsula is the most complicated ,most peculiar, unpredictable but very much unique in many ways of culture, historicity and antiquity among all the regions of our beloved India. Kanyakumari District includes the four taluks namely Agastheeswaram, Thovalai, Kalkulam and Vilvancode. Suchindram Sree Sthanumalaya Perumal Temple, Thiruppathisaram Sree Thiruvalmarban Perumal Temple, Parakai Sree Madhusoodhana Perumal Temnple , Manalikkarai Alvar Sree Krishana Perumal Temple, Talaikkulam Sree Azhagam Perumal Nayanar Temple, Thiruvattar Sree Adikesava Perumal Temple and Parthivapuram Sree Parthasarathy Perumal Temple are the important Perumal (one of the incarnation of Lord Sree MahaVishnu ) Temples situated in those four taluks of Kanyakumari District. Among these, Parthivapuram Sree Parthasarathy Temple is one of the most ancient historical valuable temple belongs to the Ay period rulers Kokkarunandadakkan and Vikramaditya Varaguna . The Parthivapuram Salai is one of the outstanding residential free educational charitable institution connected to this temple lost its importance nowadays.
Introduction
Kanyakumari District is a meeting place and melting pot of religions and cultures. It offered asylum to all the religious groups. However the three major religions Hinduism, Christianity and Islam claim credit and form a triangular force to promote the cultural life of the district. In Kanyakumari District, Hinduism is a major religion and people worship major Gods like Ganapathi, Muruga, Sastha, Siva, Vishnu and major Goddesses like Sakthi, Lekshmi in different forms. Every Gods and Goddesses having the incarnations (avatars) to fulfil a unique feature. Like this, one of the incarnation of Vishnu is named as Sree Parthasarathy Perumal. In Parthivapuram Temple, Sree Parthasarathy Perumal is the presiding deity in the standing posture. This perumal is so simple, pleasing and gratitude.
Location of the Temple
Sree Parthasarathy Temple is an ancient great temple located at Parthivapuram, a suburb of Munchirai, a peaceful village some ten kilometres west of Marthandam (Kuzhithurai Municipal Town) and five miles south-east of Kuzhithurai, the head-quarters of the Vilavangodu Taluk in Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.1
Brief History of the Temple and the Salai
Parthivasekharapuram, today’s Parthivapuram, is inextricably bound to history, specifically to the powerful Ay Kings Kokkarunandadakkan and Vikramaditya Varaguna whom dominated the major part of later Venad. The Palayam Saasanam (in local Jargon) or Huzur Plates of Kollam 42/867 AD are exhaustive in detail on Parthivapuram referred to in them as Parthivasekharapuram.2
There are five copper plates The first plate informs the process of land procurement, fixing boundaries, erecting a temple, consecrating the idol of Vishnu and naming the village around as Parthivasekharapuram. Establishment of a Salai (boarding school) is also detailed.3
The second plate prescribes duties of temple servants and power suppliers, enumeration of lands granted for perpetual lamps here and directions for conduct of the Temple festival in much elaboration including derivation of income, duration, duties and so on. The third plate lists lands gifted to meet payments to temple staff and temple-allied services.4 The fourth plate enjoins the people of the various areas to protect charitable institutions e.g. Salais, while fixing the number of the students.5 The last plate is weighty with abundant directives as it specifies the code of conduct of the students, their curriculum, land rent collection for the temple, rules regulating the behaviour of the temple servants towards the students and also the names of the officer directing the document and the writer of the same.6 There is also a single Sanskrit verse in praise of a personality by name Srivallabha who is, in all probability, King Karunandadakkan himself.7
Structure of the Temple
The west facing temple is located in a spacious site of 2.50 acres. It is an example of Trihead vimana, built on a square plan from Adishtana to Sikhara. The Adishtana is of granite with the usual mouldings. The pranala in the form of a fluted shaft with curved lotus -bud end emanates from the Simha Mukha. Below the pranala is a seated Bhutagana.8 The Mahavishnu Temple was the recipient of the reverence and revenue from King Karunandadakkan of the powerful Ays which were continued by his more famous successor King Vikramadithya Varaguna and subsequent blue-blooded lines. Despite all this it is most surprising that the structure of the temple is not on a par in grandeur, both structural and artistic, even with many of the lesser known temples of the land. It has already been stated that the exact spot for the temple was not identified by an Ashari/mason or astrologer but by a cow-elephant. It is added here for general consumption that the Ay emblem, the elephant, became incorporated into the royal emblem of Travancore centuries hence and, traversing time, continues as part of the official emblem of Kerala State.9
Inscriptions of historical Values
A long subjoined inscription in Tamil in Vattezhuthu script is engraved at right or north ledge of the outer base of the entrance to the Naalampalam of the temple. It is taken as the first of the five. Its object is to register a gift of lands to a royal or aristocratic chief, as indicated by the surname Varman, of Valluvanadu, now in Malabar area. T.A.S. Vol. III, p.53 states that Valluvanadu was once one of the most ancient territories divisions of Chera country. It is important as it projects Chera preponderance even on regions far removed. The gift was subject to certain conditions which are dealt with in much detail. Reference is made also to a fort and a moat surrounding the land as well as to the temple at Parthivasekharapuram which became the beneficiary due to the conditions binding the grant. It speaks of the great men of Parthivasekharapuram who having assembled without deficiency (in numbers) by sounding a trumpet on the bank of the tank belonging to the temple, at Kulachchai (Kulachal, now in Kanyakumari District) unanimously gave a gift in favour of Keralan Aadichchan (Varman) alias Rajadhiraja ‘Valluvanaadaalvan’ of Karitturai. The terms ‘Rajadhiraja’ and ‘Valluvanaadaalvan (Lord of Valluvanaadu) seem to stress the royal character of the recipient. The gift deed bestows full right of enjoyment of the varied produce of the demarcated land on this illustrious individual whose fort it was the duty of the villagers of Kulachchai (Kulachal) to protect. A significant clause relating directly to the Temple is that from the income of the garden lying within the four great boundaries, one sacred lamp shall be provided to the God (Alwar) of Parthivasekharapuram.18
Another inscription belongs to 9th Century A.D avails itself of the outer upper base of Naalampalam left or south of the entrance to the Vishnu Temple (of Parthivapuram proper). It is written in Tamil Vattezhuthu. It registers the gift of lands by Kaaman Tadakkan of Kunrathur to meet the requirements for burning Vrischika lamps (Vrischikam-Novemeber/December) in the temple of Parthivasekharathu-deva or God of Parthivasekharapuram and for (them) the garden called Erukkilaiman together with two tadi of punavarai as well as Udikkalmankodu. the temple at Parthivasekarapuram was, as we know, constructed by Karunandadakkan, an Ay chief ruling over the eastern hilly region of the Travancore State. It is noteworthy that the donor in the present record is named Tadakkan not as Adakkan. It cannot be stated whether this individual who made a gift of lands to the temple at Parthivasekharapuram,, was himself in anyway connected with the Ay family.19
Pujas and Festivals
In around the year 1952, the Travancore Devaswom Board handed overall records and items in precious metal along with Rs. 17 lakhs to the present administration under the Kanyakumari Devaswom operating under the HRNDC of Tamil Nadu. This information has been given by the people of that area. Malayala Aachaara or Kerala format in worship continues as is true regarding innumerable temples of this district. But much water has flowed under the bridge. Old timers, priests and some devotees recollect with nostalgia and sadness the past glory of this once-famous temple. Instead of a twenty-one strong staff, there are just three today. The Perumal’s grand Uthsava (festival) spanning forty-one days in Meenom (March/April) when the lord would venture forth on His Garuda Vahana has vanished from the temple’s calendar of events. At times vague mention comes up about a gold palanquin Vagana for the Perumal’s pleasure, though it is totally unconfirmed. Mercifully the Uthsava continues though it has shrunk to ten days commencing on the auspicious Vishu day (Sacred to Hindus) in Medom (mid-April). The Garuda Vahana is still there but in lamentable disuse as well as damage and in urgent need of restoration. As such, for His routine and special Siveli circumambulations the Perumal is carried on the head by the priest. In the absence of gala processions like the Arat (Aaraat), all festival rituals are confined within the four outer walls of the temple. On the concluding day of the festival, a special Siveli known as Kaazhcha Siveli is conducted at 5.30 in the evening to be followed by the more complex Sreebhoothabali at 9 at night. Unsubstantiated claims come up at times that at some period the temple possessed a gold flagmast which is believed to lie buried somewhere on the temple premises, due to foreign expeditions. Mention of the idole’ ritual bath in connection with Uthsava lends weight to the presumption of the one-time presence of a flagmast. Thiru Onam in Chingom (August/September) which is the first month of the Malayalam year and the sacred Ekadasi coming every moth which is consciously observed in all Vishnu temples, are special here too. As per long-standing tradition Tantra rests with the Neduvilaakathu Madhom. Temple timings are from 5 a.m – 10 a.m and 5 p.m – 7p.m.27
Ekadasi: This is sacred to Vishnu. It is observed by almost all sections of the Hindus. A strict observance demands complete starvation and vigil throughout the night. But ordinarily people content themselves with a spare meal from which rice is eschewed. Those who observe the fast are expected to devote themselves to worship and meditation. On the next evening, i.e., Dwadasi, the devotee worships Vishnu before he breaks the fast. The reward for observing this vratha is believed to be Moksha or Salvation from birth and death. The most important Ekadasis are those in the bright fortnight of Vrischicam, called Guruvayur Ekadasi-because it is considered particularly sacred to the deity at Guruvayur and Vaikunta Ekadasi or Swargavathil Ekadasi in the bright fortnight of Dhanu. The latter is celebrated in the Sri Padmanabhaswamy’s Temple in Trivandrum and other important Vishnu temples in Travancore including Kanyakumari District .
Ashtami-Rohini: Sri Krishna Jayanthi, in the month of Chingam, is celebrated as the birth-day of Sri Krishna. A fast is observed on that day, the exploits of Sri Krishna are sung and the Lord worshipped at mid-night which is said to be the time he was born.
Deepavali: It is an important festival day falling on the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight in the month of Thulam. This is also known as Naraka Chathurdasi as Sri Krishna is said to have killed Narakasura on that day. Oil bath in the early morning, pitru tharpanam (for ancesters), feasting and merry-making are the important elements in this festival. The festive element has to a large extent been copied by the Vishnu temples of Travancore and its neighbouring States also.
Chithira Vishu: It is the Tamil New Year’s day. The family deity is decorated on the previous night and is the first thing to be looked at on the Vishu day. The Vishu is observed by the Malayalis as a gala day.28
Conclusion
Parthivapuram Sree Parthasarathy Temple is located in the south-eastern part of Kanyakumari District. Sree Parthasarathy Perumal is the presiding deity of the temple. The God bestows blessings to his devotees. The temple is majestically situated in the midst of sylvan surrounding the coconut trees and natural beauty.
Sree Parthivasekhara Perumal, gentle and full of love, bears with equanimity the ills and ails imposed by time and lack of care on his once-vaunted abode. While it still receives the homage of the past, the present has been relatively indifferent and not grateful enough in its approach, with priorities perhaps taking unappetizing shifts. Sree Krishna as Parthasarathy enlightened and activated a desolate Arjuna to action and victory thousands of years ago. Now also may He be pleased to awaken the sleeping conscience and enthuse the sluggish temperament of the collective mind so that fabled tradition, spiritual heritage, man-made but God-given, may nevers fade but flourish for all time.
The Ay King Vikramaditya Varaguna wanted to make Parthivapuram as another Kandalur Salai, the famous University which existed somewhere near Tiruvananthapuram at that time (9th Century). However the Parthivapuram Salai failed to surpass the glory and importance of the latter establishment. It is also evident from the fact that not a single Chola invasion of 10th or 11th Century was directed against it as was the case with Kandalur Salai. However, it is clear that the Vrishni Kula King made all efforts to build a magnificent edifice in this temple-Salai complex, worthy of his fame and achievement. The temple is now a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. As a monument, temple might be regarded as a time capsule to know the social, cultural and economic life of the people through the ages. Above all, the temple served as the centre of cultural and educational activity. It promotes the bond of unity among the people.
Reference
1. Pradakshina – Parthivapuram Sree Parthasarathy Temple, OLA MULTIMEDIA, Lass Revised 16 April, 2009, Retrieved on 17.11.2014.
2. Aswathi Tirumal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, RUDRAKSHAMALA : History / Culture, Kozhikode, 2013, pp. 41-42.
3. Ibid., pp. 42-43
4. S.Sadasivam, Cheranadum Chenthamizhum, (Tamil), Madras, 1964, pp. 53-54.
5. Aswati Triunal Gowri Lakshmi Bayi, Loc.cit., pp. 43-44.
6. Dr.M.Immanuel, Kanniyakumari Aspects and Architects, Nagercoil, 2007, p.39.
7. Travacore Archaeological Series, Vol. I, pp. 15-33.
8. Pradakshina – Parthivapuram Sree Parthasarathy Temple, Retrieved on 17.11.2014.
9. Aswathi Tirumal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, Loc.cit. p. 46.
10. Travancore Archacological Series, Vol. III, Part I, pp.52-54.
11. Travancore Archacological Series, Vol. V, Part II, pp.170-171.
12. V. Rangacharya, A Topographical list of the Inscriptions of the Madras Presidency, Vol. III, Madras, 1919. p.1706.
13. Travancore Archaeological Series, Vol. IV, Part I, pp.44.
14. V.Nagam Aiya, The Travancore State Manual, Vol.I, Thiruvananthapuram, 1999, p.250.
15. Dr. Seetharam Gurumurthy, Kanyakumari District Inscriptions, Vol.VI, Chennai, 2008, p.215.
16. Travancore Archaeological Series, Vol.VI, Part I, pp.106.
17. V. Rangacharya, op.cit., p. 1706.
18. R. Vasudeva Poduval, Travancore Inscriptions- A Topographical List, New Delhi, (Madras) 1990, p.169.
19. Aswati Tirunal Gouri Lakshmi Bayi, Op.cit., pp. 53-54.
20. T.K.Velu Pillai, The Travancore State Manual, Vol. I, Thiruvananthapuram, 1996, pp. 633-637.