Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple at Haripad (Alappuzha dist) is one of the oldest temples of Kerala devoted to Lord Subrahmanya. Popularly known as Dakshina Palani ( Palani of south), the temple continues to attract millions of devotees ever year.
A sprawling temple complex with golden flag pole, which also includes two ponds and well enclosed by a 7 ft tall stone
fencing with monster Banyan trees of dizzying heights and dancing peacocks makes it quite impressive. It is believed that the temple was established even before the advert of Kaliyuga. This holy shrine is built in the ancient Kerala style architecture and it shines as an invaluable gem embedded in the crown of Onattukara.
The Chathurbahu vigraha (four handed idol) which had been worshipped by Lord Parasurama was deposited in a lake was later discovered at Kandanalloor in Govindamuttom backwaters. Pullamvazhi Namboothiri, Kizhakkulam Potti, Chengarapalli Potti, Kaipallil Moothathu,Thazhur Potti, Ambakkattu Nayanmar, Madasseri Variyar were the landlords of the region at that time. During their periods Haripad was known as Eakachakra. The landlords dreamt of the existence of idol and together with the people they came to the place and found the idol where a whirl in the river was seen with sacred flowers twirling in tandem. They took the idol to a ferry near by and is called Nallupura kadavu.
The idol was brought through waterways for consecration in the temple. In its memory, people celebrate Vigraha Labdhi Jalotsavam (Festival in waters). This is carried out for three days after Thiruvonam in Payipattaaru (Payipadu backwaters). As the idol installation was about to begin, a saint appeared and did the installation as well as the Kalashabhishekam, and was believed to be none other than Lord Vishnu (also called as Hari) himself so that Eakachakra village came to known as Harigeethapuram and later shortened as Haripad. The deity, Lord Subrahmanya was thus revered as Harigeethapurathappan.
The idol was brought through waterways for consecration in the temple. In its memory, people celebrate Vigraha Labdhi Jalotsavam (Festival in waters). This is carried out for three days after Thiruvonam in Payipattaaru (Payipadu backwaters). As the idol installation was about to begin, a saint appeared and did the installation as well as the Kalashabhishekam, and was believed to be none other than Lord Vishnu (also called as Hari) himself so that Eakachakra village came to known as Harigeethapuram and later shortened as Haripad. The deity, Lord Subrahmanya was thus revered as Harigeethapurathappan.
Around a century back, making all the devotees sad, the temple caught fire. In order to protect the golden flag pole from the fire, it was cut down and kept in a safe place.The Koothambalam which is existing now is saved from the fire by the strenuous efforts of the people. In that fire the temple was destroyed completely. The temple which is seen now was built during the period of Sree Chithira Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja. Edavakkattu architects rebuilt the temple like now. The Golden Flag which was cut off in 1096 was reinstated 58 years back from now.
Important festivals of the temple are Aavani festival in the malayalam month of Chingam, Margazhi festival in the malayalam month of Dhanu and Chithira festival in the malayalam month of Medam. The mahanivedyam is Idichu Pizhinja Payasam and pradhananivedyam is Thulapayasam. Milk, Oil, Panineeru (Rose water), Karimbu neeru (Sugarcane juice), Ghee, Sarkara (jaggery), Ilaneeru (Tender Coconut water) and Honey are used for abhishekam (holy bath). Similarly Pushpabhishekam (flower), Bhasmabhishekam (ash), Kalabhabhishekam (Paste of Sandalwood, Kasthuri etc.) are also offered to the deity.
