The most important of this village is Aruvippuram Siva Temple. Sree  Narayana  Guru built this temple in 1888 AD. The temple was on the banks of a river called “Neyyar”. It was from which the place derives its name.

Main festival:

The main festival in this temple is “Sivarathri”. The presiding deity “Lord Shiva” attracts thousands of devotees during the festival of Sivarathri. Festival is celebrated every year in the month of February or March. The festival lasts for 10 days. Various cultural programmes are conducted during this time. A caparisoned elephant carries the image of the deity in a grand procession was watched by a huge mass of people. Here the devotees are blessed with wealth and relief from various diseases.

Special homage to Ancestors:

Sree Narayana Guru was the chief architect behind the social renaissance in Kerala. Sree Narayana Guru Jayanthi is also celebrated here in a grand manner. The temple is under SNDP Trust. Another important significance of this temple is on “Karkkidaka Vavu”. It is celebrated every year on the Malayalam month Karkkidakam. Thousands of people paid homage to their ancestors by offering “balitharpanam” on the banks of the river near the temple.   

Temple Surroundings:

On the South East of Aruvippuram lies the place known as “Kodithookimala” which is about 1000 feet above the sea level. There is a cave on the top of this hill where Gurudev used to take rest and meditation. Gurumandiram is the main building on the left of the temple where Gurudev used to meet the devotees. A tiny Ganapathi temple is in between the mandiram and Siva temple. Breaking Coconuts is the main offerings here. “Sankaran Kuzhi” is the place where Gurudev obtained the holy symbol of Lord Shiva. Bhairavan Santhi had been the first priest of this temple. A school building was constructed on the right of the temple. It is an important pilgrim center where thousands of tourists visit here while visiting Kerala. A well- furnished Guest house also there for visitors. Daily Poojas, Prayers, Yoga Training, Spiritual Retreat, Sunday Classes and Discussion sessions are conducted by qualified persons and Priests. Aruvippuram Siva temple is therefore loaded with great significance which most of us admit. Sivarathri also marks the anniversary of Aruvippuram temple.     

Article Posted By : Minijayan  On June 22, 2014lView All Articles

Gurudevan's message and life are very relevant even in today's world.

Article Source :

http://www.veethi.com/articles/aruvippuram-pilgrim-center-article-3151.htm

Keywords :
Sree Narayana Guru , Aruvippuram