Sri Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, Haripad
Haripad Temple, also known as Subrahmanya Swamy Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Subrahmanya, a popular deity among the Hindus. The temple is located in the town of Haripad in Alappuzha district of Kerala, India.
The history of the Haripad Temple dates back to the 16th century, when it was established by a group of devotees who were inspired by the teachings of Adi Shankaracharya, a prominent Hindu philosopher and saint. The temple was later renovated and expanded by the rulers of the Travancore kingdom.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Subrahmanya, who is depicted with six faces and twelve hands. The idol of the deity is made of a unique combination of five metals, known as “panchaloha”, and is believed to have divine powers that can heal diseases and fulfill the wishes of devotees.
The temple is also famous for its annual festival called “Aaraattu”, which is celebrated during the Malayalam month of Chithira (April-May). The festival is a grand affair that lasts for ten days, and features a colorful procession of decorated elephants, traditional music and dance performances, and a spectacular display of fireworks.
During the festival, the idol of Lord Subrahmanya is taken out in a grand procession around the temple on a beautifully decorated elephant. Thousands of devotees from different parts of Kerala and beyond come to the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity.
Overall, Haripad Temple is an important religious and cultural landmark in Kerala, and is revered by millions of people for its spiritual significance and historical legacy. The temple attracts thousands of visitors every year, who come to experience the divinity and grandeur of the place.
