Travel through time to India’s ancient past and visit the legendary Oachira Parabrahma Temple. This awe-inspiring temple has stood the test of time for over 2000 years, and pilgrims from all over India flock to this sacred site in Oachira, Kerala. Venture into a world of mesmerizing spirituality, breathtaking architecture, and deep-rooted traditions as you witness the religious devotion that has persisted for centuries.
It is dedicated to Parabrahma, the supreme god of Hinduism, and is known for its unique style and annual festivals like the Vrichikam Festival and Ochira Kallakettu. In this blog post, we will explore the history and origins of Oachira Temple and uncover its hidden historical significance. So, read on to discover more about this unique temple!
1. Overview of Oachira Parabrahma Temple.
Oachira Temple is located in Oachira, Kerala, and was built by the king of Travancore in the 12th century AD. It has been a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India since its foundation, mainly because of its unique style, unlike any other temple in India. Oachira Parabrahma Temple is dedicated to the supreme god of Hinduism, Parabrahma. Every year, on the day of Makar Sankranti, lakhs of pilgrims visit Oachira Temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the deity.
2. History and Origins of Oachira Temple.
Oachira Temple has a history and origins that date back several centuries. It is believed that Raja Rama Varma, the king of Travancore in the 12th century AD, built the temple. Oachira Temple is also associated with Oachirakali, an ancient ritual battle between two teams annually at Oachira Temple. This ritual battle is believed to have been created by Arjuna, one of the Pandavas from the great Hindu epic, the Mahabharata.
3. Historical Significance of Oachira Parabrahma Temple.
Oachira Parabrahma Temple holds a unique and vital place in Hindu mythology. According to the Puranas, the Oachira Temple is where Parabrahma descended on earth and created Oachirakali. Oachirakali is an ancient ritual battle still observed today at Oachira Temple. This ritual battle is believed to represent the cosmic struggle between good and evil and reminds us always to choose the path of righteousness. Oachira Parabrahma Temple also has religious significance since it is where devotees offer prayers and seek blessings from the deity.
4. Oachira Kalakettu Festival.
Oachira Kalakettu is an annual festival that takes place at Oachira Temple. This festivity is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm by the devotees of Oachira Temple, who come from all over India to participate in it. During the Oachira Kalakettu Festival, two teams engage in mock battles using wooden sticks and shields. The Oachira Kalakettu Festival is also celebrated with various cultural activities, such as folk songs, dances, and plays.
4. Erupathettam Onam Festival.
Oachira Temple is also famous for the Erupathettam Onam Festival, held annually in August. A procession of floats carrying images of Parabrahma and other gods is taken around Oachira during this festival. This festival is celebrated with great vigour and enthusiasm by the devotees of Oachira Parabrahma Temple. 5. Oachira Padanilam. Oachira Padanilam is a saturated field near Oachira Temple, where the annual Ochirakali ritual battle occurs. Oachira Padanilam is an integral part of Oachira’s culture and heritage and is believed to have been created by Arjuna from the Mahabharata. Oachira Padanilam is filled with water during the Ochirakali festival, which adds to its charm.
6. Oachira Kali.
Oachira Temple is famous for Oachira Kali, an annual ritual battle in Oachira Padanilam. Oachira Kali is considered an essential and ancient form of martial art and is believed to have been created by Arjuna in the Mahabharata. Oachira Kali involves two teams of men armed with wooden sticks and shields who engage in mock battles. Oachira Kali is believed to represent the cosmic struggle between good and evil, and it serves as a reminder for us always to choose the path of righteousness. Oachira Kali is celebrated with great vigour and enthusiasm by the devotees of Oachira Parabrahma Temple.
7. Unique Features of Oachira Temple.
Oachira Temple is one of the few temples in India where no idols are worshipped. Oachira Temple is an example of religious acceptance, as it welcomes devotees from all religions and castes. Oachira Temple also has two unique prayer places known as Oottupura, which have a long history. Oachira Temple is also home to Oachirakali, an ancient ritual battle symbolizing peace and unity. Oachira Parabrahma Temple also has several important festivals, such as Oachira Kalakettu and Erupathettam Onam Festival, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm by devotees from all over India.
8. How to Reach the Oachira Temple.
Oachira Temple is located in Oachira town, Kerala, India. Oachira town boasts fantastic accessibility, with various transportation options available by land, rail, and air. Are you travelling by plane? Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is conveniently located just a scenic 60-kilometre drive from the revered Oachira temple.
The closest railway station to Oachira temple is Oachira railway station, which is just 2 km away. Oachira is also well connected by road, and several buses regularly fly from Thiruvananthapuram to Oachira temple.
9. Conclusion.
Nestled in the heart of India lies the magnificent Oachira Parabrahma Temple, a sacred site steeped in ancient history and revered by many. With its rich heritage and spiritual significance, this temple stands tall as a testament to the divine power that has drawn devotees from far and wide for countless generations. Oachira Temple symbolizes religious acceptance, welcoming devotees from all religions and castes.
Oachira Temple has several unique features, including Oottupura prayer places and Ochirakali ritual battles. Oachira Parabrahma Temple is home to several important festivals, such as Oachira Kalakettu and Erupathettam Onam Festival, which are celebrated with great enthusiasm by devotees from all over India. Oachira Temple is easily accessible by road, rail, and air, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Indian culture and heritage.