Some offerings are special in kerala temples. Browse throgh this section to knwo
more about famous and special offerings of Kerala temples.
The Sree Krishna Swami temple at Ambalapuzha which is also known as "DWARAKA" is
one of the ancient temples of Kerala and in much connected with the history of Travancore.
It is needless to point out the fame of the Ambalapuzha paalppayasam. Paalppayasam
is prepared every day in a large quantity but devotees have to book their order
for getting the paalppayasam sufficiently earlier. Paalppayasam is being prepared
according to some traditional methods and unique in its taste and still thousands
of devotees conduct this offering and take the paalppayasa prasadam to different
parts of the country.
Important in many ways is the Ganapathy temple at Vazhappally, Changanassery. Not
only does this Ganapathy temple have its own "flag staff" (kodimaram-dwajam), the
eatable known as "Ganapathy Appom" is highly popular and concered sacred. The ingredients
of the appom are rice, flour, gur etc. it is prepared in pure ghee. Almost as big
as half the kernel of a coconut this appom is offered as vazhipadu and is a favourate
of devotees.
Kashayam (medicine) of Mookambi temple (North Paroor) is also one of the important
vazhipadu and the Kashayam is prepared in a traditional way with different herbs.
It also has certain miraculous power to heel up a number of illness and people from
different part of the state go over there for treatment.
Sherthala Sree Karthyayani devi temple is situated very near to the NH 47 in between
Aleppy & Ernakulam. Sherthala Thadi is a famous naivedyam offered to the Sastha
Shrine (Kavudayar) attached to the temple. The main ingredient of Thadi, are rice
powder, jaggery, coconut and other spices. Thadi is being prepared in a very peculier
manner. Dough is prepared with the above ingredients, packed in the spastic of Areacanut
leaf, and tied up. A special place infront of the Sastha's sreekovil is allotted
to make this. The sand is heated well first and the fire will be removed. The package
is then butried deep in the hot sand and baked it like the cake in an oven. The
baked thadi in tha appearance is is some what like to black halwa or some other
cakes though a bit harder. The taste of the thadi is rather unique. The miraculous
power of the thadi to please anybody is famous. Devotees have to book their order
sufficiently earlier to get this naivedyam. Sherthala eratty is also an equally
important naivedyam offered to Bhagavathy.
Kottarakkara Siva temple is one of the famous and flourishing temples of Travancore
known as Padinjattinkara temple. There are many stories connected to the origin
of this temple. The "Darusilpas" above the namaskaramandapam are marvelous. A few
yards east of this temple there is another temple known as Manikandeswaram. Though
Loard Siva, is the main deity, there also Ganapathy is more important. He is popularly
worshiped as "Ishta Devatha". The idol of Ganapathy is believed to have been made
by Perunthachan, the renowned architect and sculptor.
Kottarakkara unniyappam is one of the rarest offerings and unlike in other temples
this naivedyam is being prepared straight in front of the deity. Mahaganapathy is
always hungry and as soon as a few appams are ready, they are immedietly offered
to the deity as naivedyam. The devotees offer the appam in different ways. Udayastamana
appam offering (preparing till sunset) which is offered to Sree Ganapathy, is concered
to be the most sacred Vazhipadu. Vinayakachathurthy day is very important and devotees
from different parts of the country come and worship the lord Vinayaka. Specially
trained poojaries make this delicious appam. Though many have tried to make the
appam with the very same ingredients at other places, none could succeed in gaining
the quality and taste of the Kottarakkara Unniyappam.
