THE DIVINE GLORY OF IRUNNAMANNA APPAN

The Irunnamanna Mahavishnu temple estimated to be of 4000 years old is situated at a picturesque location at Irunnamanna by the side of river Chaliyar at Vazhayoor Panchayat in Ernad Taluk of Malappuram district of Kerala. The Irunnamanna village was a symbol of the divine grace of God for long period. The temple had a supremacy over the other temples of the locality in the ancient times. The soil (Mannu) where Mahavishnu sat (Irunna) and blessed the devotees became famous as Irunnamannu (soil seated by Vishnu) and gradually known as Irunnamanna. But by the lapse of time due to erosion and invasion of faith and culture, the temple was destroyed surviving only the archaeological remains at the site.

Significantly differing from other Vishnu temples in Kerala, this is unique due to the divine Samadhi of Kousikeya Muni (Saint Kousikeya). The holy cave where the saint meditated, the cane plants the guru used, and the mound of earth in the shape of a person meditating below the Ilanji tree are yet noticeable at the location.

The Irunnamanna is pristine and divine, lively with the chirping of birds, flowering trees and the Chaliyar encircling the sacred hill.

The old temple was earlier preserved by Brahmin community and later by reputed Nair families. Gradually, due to social and historical reasons the temple was left neglected and decayed. The premises were hidden up by bushes and trees and the people left the temple in oblivion. Recently, many bad omens were noticed by people at the village and some devotees made further inquiries consulting with reputed astrologers. The general misfortune of the village was attributed to the decay of the temple. Hence a devaprasna was conducted from the premises after searching out and recovering the remains of the temple.

The Devaprasnam organised enthusiastically by the local people revealed that the main deity was Sri Mahavishnu and that Sri Ganapathi, Sri Subramanian, Sri Ayyappan and Devi Bhadrakali were Upadevathas at the temple. It was revealed that the unusual diseases, poverty and calamities found at the village was due to the demolition and decay of temple and its spirit and if the situation continues most unfortunate and severe calamities are imminent. The experiences, omens, premonition and rationale convinced the local people about the necessity of renovation of the temple.

The meeting of devotees at the temple premises resolved to start renovation activities. Incidentally the Devaprasnam identified the President of the Committee constituted before the Devaprasnam as the person conventionally rightful to head the temple activities. Edamana Illam Eswaran Namboothiri was designated as the Kshethra Thanthri.

It was decided that the new temple shall be built in Krishna sila. Sri. Olavara Kunhiraman Achari was designated the Kshethra Silpi for building the new temple. The demarcation of temple building was done on 28^th July 2003. On 21^st August 2003 Balalaya prathista was conducted followed by Maha Mrityunjaya Homam and regular Pujas thereafter.

The foundation stone sanctified by revered Mata Amruthanandamayi Devi was received by the thanthri in presence of the office bearers of the Khethra Committee and the devotees. His holiness Vivekamrutha Chaithanya, the Madhadhipathi of amruthanandamayi Madam, Kozhikode laid the foundation stone.

After the commencement of daily poojas, the sincere devotees are being graciously blessed by the Lord and the divine presence of the Kousikeya thejas and they gain happiness and prosperity and get relieved from diseases and agony. Knowing about the innumerable incidences of wonder occurring, more and more devotees are coming over to pray the Lord amidst the serene and divine environment of the temple premises. Those who visit once come again and again and desire to become participants of the renovation yajna.

The temple designed to build in granite (Krishna sila) will be built in two storied formation. The construction work is already started by famous temple architect Sri. Trissinapally Pichayya.

The renovation works includes the construction of temples for the main deity and upadevathas, Chuttambalam, Dhyana mandiram, Dwaja prathishta etc. and is estimated to cost about Rupees Two Crores.

It is believed that the opportunity to participate in the construction of a temple is derived from the accrued goodness (punya) of previous births. All of us are blessed with an opportunity to undertake this maha yajna and we earnestly request all the devotees and generous people to contribute liberally to this great endeavour and subject themselves for the divine blessings of Lord Inrunnamanna Mahavishnu and Kousikeya maharhsi.

Submitted with prayers and flowers before the lotus feet of Irunnamanna appan, and Namaskar before you all.