Chinganchira, a nature temple is situated in Kollengode in Palakkad district in Kerala. The idols are enshrined beneath the banyan tree. The whole temple area has roots both in the ground and hangs exposed to the air. The trees spread paved the way to arising new trees. Since the trees are encircled, there is no particular architecture.
The shrines of Shiva and Parvati, in their hunter form (Kattalan) as Karuppuswami and Velamma are the worshipped idols. The Nelliyampathy hills, water embankment (chira), and mango orchard surrounds the temple. It is believed that the Karuppuswamy is descended from the hills thereby idol facing the south. According to the natives, the two large banyan trees is said to be dated back to 2000 years old. In addition to primary idols, self-born (Swayambhu) can be found nearby. Seven Kanyakamar and Pambu (snake god), which are located on the side, guard and serve the major idols.
RITUALS
A number of unique rites are performed. Poojas are performed to achieve both child (Thottil Matrika Samarppanam) and home (Bhavana Matrika Samarppanam). To get rid of omen, Thattam Nivedhyam and Navagraha Pooja are performed. Goat and hen sacrifices and cookery are the primary rituals. A temple bell (Ghanta) is hung on the tree roots by achieving an employment opportunity. It is referred to as Manikettal. During the Valakappu occasion, Tamil Nadu devotees come here to pray and offer bangles.
DEVOTIONAL DINING
The rite begins with the kanyakamar receiving raw rice and banana secured in a banyan leaf. A stone beneath other tree is used for the sacrifice of a goat or rooster. The entire family prepares the meals alongside relatives. This strengthens their bonds. Peradi Muthappan, a mystical stone idol beneath the tree, is granted the prepared meals and alcohol. The believers consume the meals right after all these rituals.
FESTIVALS
Festivals are held according to the Malayalam calendar. It includes Balidharpanam presented during the day of Karthikavavu (July and August). In the months of August and September, Pongala is held at Makam Nakshatram (star constellation pattern). A Saraswathi Yagam is held on the first Sunday of Kumbham (February and March) to help children succeed academically. It is performed by students, according to the instructions given.
The Ekalavya Asrama Trust supervises the temple for the last 15 years. The nature temple, surrounded by banyan trees, offers a sacred space for devotees to connect with nature and find serenity.
The writer is from Palakkad, Kerala, pursuing a degree in Archaeology and Museology. She has gained hands-on experience in archaeological fieldwork through an excavation project at Padta Bet, Gujarat, conducted by the University of Kerala. She aims to contribute to the field of archaeology, bridging the gap between past and present.
Dr Janki Thaker