The Kadavallur Shri Rama temple, Kerala with a unique idol

The Hindu temples of Kerala are architecturally and design-wise different from other temples of India. Mostly made of wood easily available in this state, they have distinctive style suitable to the climatic changes of this region where it rains a lot; hence they have extended sloping roof over the temple to prevent seepage and damage to the exterior walls. Interior of the temple is equally well decorated with nicely carved wooden images. The Sree Rama temple at Kadavallur is a simple looking beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to God Vishnu.

The Kadavallur Shri Rama temple also known as Matte Kadavallur Sree Rama temple is in Kadavalloor, Thrissur District, Kerala. The idol in the Srikovil - sanctum is self-manifested - Swayambhoo’. It is in Ugra form Fiery-looking) of Sree Rama together with his consort Seetha Devi, after killing demon "Kharasura". It is believed this idol was installed by Khadothkhajan, warrior son of Bhima of the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata and Vibheshnan (brother of king of Lanka, Ravana). The latter, being a person of calm disposition, worshiped the God when the war with Ravana of Lanka was on.

Sri Rama temple,Kadavallur, Kerala state. commons.wikimedia.org

Inside the Nalambala are installed the idols of Lord Shiva, Shri Ganapathi and Shri Ayyappa facing East. Inside Valiyambala i is depicted giving blessings to Vidhyarthis (students), etc ., and poor people. This kind of depiction of blessing the poor is rare in the temples. Normally, the almighty would bless the people irrespective of their financial status - be they poor or rich.

Sri Rama temple,Kadavallur, Kerala state, keralawindow.net

Yet another strange belief is here Dasaratha Maharajah, father of Sree Rama and the ruler of Ayodhya worshipped the idol of Lord Vishnu. Sree Rama himself gave the idol of Rama with blessing to Vibheeshana, a dedicated devotee of Rama for his daily worship. The legend further states down the years when Yudhishtira, the Pandava king conducted Rajasooya Yagna ( ritual to establish supremacy among the rulers), he deputed Khadodkacha, son of Bhima, to Lanka' ruler to accept the supremacy of Yudhishtira. Vibheeshana. not only agreed to the proposal but also gave the idol to Khadodkacha so that he could consecrate the divine idol at the right place. While on his way back, Khadodkacha found a serene place what is now called Kadavallur and decided to have the idol consecrated there. Hence the Sree Rama temple is popular and is presently being managed by the the govt. agency since 1949. Originally, it belonged to Para Mana of Panniyur Desom (in Ottappalan taluk. Later in 1920, the Rajah of Cochin took over the management of the temple and after independence in 1947, the management came under the state government control. Ullanattu Panicker in 1964 handed over the management to the Hindu religious board of the govt.

Sri Rama temple,Kadavallur, Kerala keralaculture org

A unique tradition that is being followed even today with great interest is that of the famous Anyonyam - an annual competition to prove a persons depth of knowledge or excellence in the Vedas. The competition is between the students of Thrissur Brahmaswa Madam and Thirunavaya Brahmaswa Madam. It means sound knowledge of Sanskrit and also Malayalam. In the old days 64 participants were allowed to prove their competency held over a period of 16 days. The Cochin Devaswom Board in 1949 stopped it for a long spell of time for political reasons. The competition resumed on a small scale in 1989 despite the dominance of communists in this state. I understand, it is a low-key affair on the temple premises.

wooden bracket image, Kadavallur Shri Rama temple, Kerala, Twitter.com

The Kadavallur Shri Rama temple, Kerala twitter.com/templefable/status

This temple is popular for a temple feast held ever Malayalam month - Punartham. Magaram. The temple a declared monument by the ASI is famous for 29 elegantly carved wooden bracket figures on the outer wall of the temple. The work is very impressive and is a main attraction in this antiquated temple that is dated back to the 10th-11th century as attested by a Vattezhuthu record inscribed on a stone on the base of the enclosure.

https://www.templeadvisor.com/temples-in-india/hindu-temples/kadavallur-ramaswamy-temple

http://www.keralaculture.org/kerala-festivals/kadavallur-anyonyam/48/2