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Nileshwaram

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Nileshwaram
Neeleswaram/ Nileshwar
cultural capital of north malabar
Municipality town
Nickname: 
Paithrika Nagari
Country India
StateKerala
DistrictKasaragod
Government
 • BodyNileshwar municipality
Area
 • Total
26.23 km2 (10.13 sq mi)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total
54,787
 • Density2,100/km2 (5,400/sq mi)
Languages
 • OfficialMalayalam
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
671314
Telephone code0467
Vehicle registrationKL-60, KL-14

Nileshwaram or Nileshwar (Template:Lang-ml) is a municipality and a town in Kasaragod District, state of Kerala, India. Also spelled as Nileswaram, Nileshwar is the third largest town in the Kasargod district, and is also referred to as the cultural capital of North Malabar. It is one of the three municipalities of Kasaragod district; the others are Kasaragod and Kanhangad. Kerala's first Chief Minister E. M. S. Namboodiripad was elected from Nileshwaram. Nileshwar is the one of the major cities in Kasaragod district. Nileshwar is the cultural capital town of Kasaragod district. Nileshwar town is well connected by rail and roads NH 17 kasargod- kannur passing through Nileshwar market junction and Nileshwar - Edathode road passing through Nileshwar town .Nileshwaram lies between two rivers: Nileshwaram puzha and Thejaswini puzha. To the west is the Arabian Sea.

Etymology

The name "Nileshwaram" comes from one of the names of Lord Shiva, Neelakanteshwaran ("Blue-necked One"), or from Neelakandeswaran, denoting land of Lord Siva. There is another story that the place was named so after Sage Neela, who installed the deity of Lord Siva thousands of years ago. | image_skyline = skyline from market junction IMG_NLR MARKET JUN.JPEG

Arts and culture

A number of socio-cultural organizations thrive in Nileshwaram. Neeleshwaram is known as the 'Cultural capital of Kasaragod District'. The town is home to folk arts, temple festivals, a palace, kavuus (sacred grooves), old markets, and a weaver street. Festivals in Nileshwaram are Pooram and Kalasam in Mannampurathukavu, the festival in Thaliyil temple and Thrukarthika and Pooram in Pallikkara Bhagavathi Temple. Porat (ശാലീയ പൊറാട്ട്) in Anjoottabalam Veerarkavu, the Vishukkaliyattam festival in Thattacherry Vadayanthoor Kazhakam, and the Pooram festival in Cheermakkavu attract thousands of people in the month of Meenam. The temple premises are decked with red cloth while devotees offer gifts to the goddess in gratitude and ask for the cure of diseases like chicken pox. The Theyyam festival, which is performed in several kavus, tharavads, and other sacred buildings attract large numbers of foreigners. Festivities start on Thulam 10 and continue till Idavam. In Nileshwar alone, Theyyam is performed in many different forms, like Padarkulangara Bhagavathi, Padinhare Chamundi, Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi, Kundor Chamundi, Raktha Chamundi, Vishnumoorthi, Palot Daivam, Muchilot Bhagavathi, Vairajathan, Bhairavan, several Bhagavathis, Gulikans and Pottan in Aramana house. Artists who lived in Nileshwaram include Kanayi Kunhiraman, Kavya Madhavan and Sanusha

People

While Malayalam,English is the predominant language spoken in this area, other communities such as the Gowda Saraswat Brahmins, who speak Konkani, also live there in large numbers.


Notable personalities

Temples in and around Nileshwaram

There are many temples situated in and around Nileshwaram.

Thaliyil Shiva Temple (Neelakandeswara Temple)

Believed to be enshrined by Sree Parasurama, the temple played a role in shaping the history of Nileshwaram. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Malabar Dewaswom (Governing body of all temples in Malabar) has undertaken this temple.

Alingal sree Bhadra kali Temple, Azhithala, Thaikadapuram, Nileshwar

It is the only kali temple in Nileshwar

Benkana Kavu

The Benkana Kavu is situated in the centre of Nileshwaram. It is the site of the 'kanhiram' tree which attracts thousands of devotees from in and around the Kasaragod district. Devotees from Tulu Nadu to the Valapattanam River give respect to the kavu for its devotional power. The mysterious lamps of the kanhiram tree are lit on Tuesdays and Fridays after 10:00. Devotees believe the prosperity of the neighbouring district is mainly because of the presence of the god in Benkanakav. The Theyyam festival is held at the Bengana kavu every second year.

Sri Vettaykkorumakan Temple

This temple is situated at Padinhattom Kozhuval, The cultural center of Nileshwar. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vettakkorumakan. Lord Sasta also worshiped here. This is considered as ancient temple of nileshwar. Lord Vettakkorumakan is the son of Lord Shiva. This temple is related to Thaliyil Shiva Temple and Mannampurath Kavu. During 'Utsav'(Annual Celebration in temple) occasion Lord Shiva will come to see his child. This special occasion is known as 'Koodikazhcha'. In ancient times this temple was with Nileshwar Rajas.

Aryakkara Bhagavathy Temple

Situated near Main Bazar. The temple's west side boundary is Nileshwaram puzha (Nileshwaram river).

Pallikkara Sree Bhagavathi Temple

The Pallikkara Bhagavathi temple is one of the important temples in Nileshwar-Pallikkara. This temple is dedicated to Vanadurga (Sree Parvathi). Vanashasthavu, Ganapathy and Narasimhamoorthi also worshiped here. There are three festivals in this temple per year. The most important one among them is "Karthikolsavam". This festival is celebrated three days in Vrischikam starting from "Thrukarthika" day. The other festivals are Nine days Pooram in Meenam and two days Kaliyattam in the same month."Thidambunritham" is performed in all three days of karthikolsavam and first and last day of pooram. The other Seven days of pooram "Thiruvayudham Ezhunnallath" is performed."Pooram Kuli" is performed in the night and it is very rare in Pooram festivals of North malabar. The last day of karthika and pooram festivals "Kottumpurathulsavam" performed and "Ezhunnallath" come from all sub temples meet Bhagavathi. The theyyams performed in kaliyattam are Vishnumoorhi, Dhandiyanganath Bhagavathi, Padarkulangara Bhagavathi, Rakthachamundi, Cheriya Bhagavathi and Anthiyanangum Bhootham. The sub temples of pallikkara Bhagavathi temple are Kottappuram Vaikunda kshethtram, Kenamangalam kazhakam, Palere keezhil vishnumoorthi kshethram, Kanathadu vishnumoorthi kshethram, Kottilangat Bhagavathi kshethram, Kunhippulikkal vishnumoothi kshethram and Achamthuruthi Balagogulam.

Arayakkil Sree Veerabhadraswami temple

This temple is about 1 km east of Nileshwar Railway station and 1.5 km from the bus stand. The Vaarshikolsavam is conducted every year with thidambunritam on the second Monday of Vrischikam (at the end of November). The devotees come to pray to the Deity, especially on Mondays. In olden days snake-bitten people came to pray and prepare Bhajana for at least twelve days and performed devotions get relief from the poison. This was the only remedy at that time. People who suffer from fits such as rabies would also pray for relief at this temple. This temple is considered[by whom?] as VISHA HAARY. The Bhasma or vibhoothi given from this temple was the medicine. The puja in this temple is prepared by the family members of Arayakkil Perikamana Illom, an ancient family that came from Badiadka 300 years ago. The Naveekarana Kalasam was conducted 9 to 14 February 2003 (1178 Makaram 26 to Kumbham 2nd) by Brahmasree Koramangalam Damodaran Nambudiri

  • Lord Veerabhadran of Arayakkil Temple
    Lord Veerabhadran of Arayakkil Temple
  • Thidampu Nrutham
    Thidampu Nrutham
  • Thidampu Nrutham
    Thidampu Nrutham

.

Suvarnavalli Vishnu Temple

Suvarnavalli Shri Maha Vishnu Temple, more commonly known as Choornnolli temple, is located in the Suvarnavalli area of Pattena. The main deity here is Lord Vishnu. The temple has attracted a lot of worshippers in recent years. The temple well does not dry up, even on the peak summer days of unusually hot years. The temple opens in the morning and evening for puja. The annual festival of Ulsavam includes Thidambu Nrutham and special pujas.

Kadanjathoor Sree Krishna Temple

This temple presents the utmost divinity with its large pond. It isonsidered to be the birthplace of Sree Krishna. The temple had a rich past before the invasion of Tipu Sultan. The temple is presently in a poor state due to neglect, but devotees expect the revival of the temple, surpassing all other Krishna temples, mainly because of its rich past.

Mannanpurathu Kavu (Chathayamangalam Temple)

Mannampurathu Kavu, also known as Chadayamangalam Baghavathi Temple, is filled with trees in the centre of the town. The temple's history is related to the notorious Mannan and his assassination by Mannampurath Baghavathi. The temple tells the story of the migration of Nair families to Nileshwar from the South. They invited a non-vegetarian priestly class to do the rituals of the temple. During the Pooram festival a large number of devotees come to the temble and worship the Thidamp and get the blessings of Kavilamma, Eruvattachan and Mailittachan.

Anjootambalam Veerkavu

This temple hosts the Movalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam, Saliya porat, and Pooram festival. This is the sacred place of the Saliya caste in and around Nileshwaram. Residents of the temple make cotton clothes.

Thattacherry Vadayanthoor Kazhakam Templ

This temple is situated behind Nileshwar Railway Station in Thattacherry where the goldsmith community lives. Mathsyavatharam, one of the ten Avatars of lord Vishnu, is worshiped here. During the Vishukkaliyattam festival in April (Medam), Palott Daivam theyyam is performed. The ornaments and attire of the theyyam are made of gold and silver.

Cheerma Kavu

Natives worship Sree Kurumba Bagavathi to cure chicken pox and other communicable diseases.

Sree Muthappan Temple Nileshwar

An elder member of the Koroth family regularly visited the place now known as the Muthappan temple. He was a famous scholar and got the title Ezhuthachan for his commendable achievement as a teacher. He drank madhu (toddy), the liquor fermented from coconut sap, a kind of intoxicating drink. Before drinking his madhu, he poured a few drops of madhu on a nearby jackfruit tree as an offering for the god Muthappan. He regularly repeated the practice. Several years after the death of the scholar the natives experienced serious troubles and called upon an astrologer for assistance. The astrologer revealed that as a result of the regular practice of giving madhu to the tree, the god Muthappan started residing there. After the death of the scholar, he no longer got madhu, and in a fit of pique, began creating disturbances. Then the natives erected a Muthappan temple there. The Koroth family got the right of koymma (patron) of the temple. The divine jackfruit tree stood in the miidle of the temple since 1993. The growth of the tree demolished the earlier structure. The newly erected temple is situated in the place where the jackfruit tree stood.

Shaasta Temple

This temple represents Sabarimala, and people who go on pilgrimage to Sabarimala often do rituals here. Like Sabarimala, the temple is located in a dense forest and there is a small stream flowing nearby. Although the temple was consecrated in 2005, an older temple was on the site that had a rich past but fell into neglect over the millennia. This temple has a link with the Saasthamangalam Chathothappan Temple dedicated to Shiva located nearby.[1]

Saasthamangalam Chathothappan Temple

This temple is dedicated to Chathothappan (Lord Shiva). Although the current temple has only been in existence for about 20 years, the temple has a rich history. The original temple at the site was built 3,000 years ago and the temple fell into disrepair a few times. In the recent past, remains of the old temple including Vigrahams (idols) were found.[2]

Muchilot Bhagavathi Temple Puthukai

Muchilot Bhagavathi is one of the most popular deities worshipped in northern Kerala. There is a practice for providing food to thousands of devotees in connection with Muchilot Bhagavathi. A highly decorative figure of Muchilot Bhagavathi attracts devotees and people of aesthetic sense. In Cherukunnu and Kannapuram Muchilot Bhagavathi Theyyam is performed annually. Other places of worship the Muchilot Bhagavathi Theyyam is only performed at intervals ranging from several years to twelve years. At Kayyur, near Nileshwaram, the ceremony was performed in January 2008 after an interval of 47 years. Ramanthali, near Payyanur, also hosted the Muchilot Bhagavathi Perumkaliyattam in January 2008. The Perumkaliyattam at Muyyam near Taliparamba was held in December 2007.

Pallikkara Sree Kuruvat Chodachan Madam Vettaykkorumakan Temple

Sree Kuruvat Chodachan Madam is dedicated to Lord Vettaykkorumakan and Oorpazhashi Daivam. According to the myth, Vettaykkorumakan and Oorpazhashi Daivam came in this place as nair soldiers. They are guided by Pallikkara Karnamoorthi to Kuruvat Chodachan Valiyaveedu. Vettaykkorumakan daivam placed his sword in Kannikkottil of Kuruvat Chodachan Valiyaveedu. According to his wish the Valiyaveedu is converted to "Madam" and sword as "Prathishta" by Kuruvat Nambiars. The temple is owned by Kuruvat Nambiar Family, who are the most ancient Nair family in North Malabar. This temple is managed by "Kuruvat Achan" also known as "Kuruvat Valiya Kurup" in Nileshwar. The family take decisions from this temple while taking other positions assigned for Kuruvat tharavadu by Chirakkal and Nileshwaram Rajahs like Thaliyil Kodimarathin Keezhil Karyam Parayunnavar in Thaliyil Temple, Kottathu mathilakath swaroopakaryam parayunnavar in Kottam Vettaykkorumakan Temple, Elayadath Karyampara Avakashi and Kuruvat Menokki Nair in Kammadam Bhagavathi Temple. The annual festivals in this temple are "Puthari Kaliyattam" in Vrishchikam and "Ayillyam" in Makaram. The main festival "Thira Kaliyattam" performs in each five years. In puthari kaliyattam the vellattam of "Oorpazhashi daivam" performed several days. Vettaykkorumakan, Oorpazhashi, Valooran daivam, Kannikkkorumakan, Vishnumoorthi,Angakkulangara Bhagavathi, Raktha Chamundi, Puliyoor Kali, Pulikkandan, Veerar Daivangal, Gulikan, Nagarajavu,Nagayakshi and Vanadevathas are worshiped here.

Cheranathala Sree Vishnumoorthi temple

Cheranathala Sree Vishnumoorthi temple is one of the most popular temple in Nileshwar. Kaliyattam (Theyyam kettu) is performed annually.

Naramkulangara Sree Mahavishnu Temple

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Nileshwaram.
  1. ^ "Kerala goes to vote, actress Kavya Madhavan in trouble". Retrieved 6 July 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ terra, Jus. "Kavya". DC. Retrieved 9 May 2012.
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