Haripad

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
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district = Alappuzha
state_name = Kerala
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Haripad, is a town in Alappuzha District, Kerala, India, located between Alappuzha and Kollam on National Highway 47. There are eighteen Hindu temples there and more than 30 more in the surrounding countryside. The most famous temples are Subrahmanya Swami Temple and the Mannarashala Nagaraja Temple. Haripad is close to the Arabian Sea, and connects via the National Highway with Mavelikkara and Thrikkunnappuzha.

Temples

The name Haripad is derived from 'Harigeethapuram', which indicates a Vaishnava culture. Haripad is also known as "Kshethrangalude Nagaram,ക്ഷേത്രങ്ങളുടെ നഗരം " or 'Town of Temples'. In and around Haripad there are more than 85 temples. To name most of them:

ubrahmanya Temple

Sree Subrahmanya Swamy temple at Haripad is one among the three oldest temples of Kerala. Daily a number of devotees come to this holy shrine. It is believed that the temple was established even before the advert of ‘Kaliyuga'. It is one of the most prestigious centres of pilgrimage in South India,fact|date=October 2008 and is an excellent example of Southern architecture. The image of the deity with four arms is also the biggest of the kind.fact|date=October 2008 It is believed to have been originally worshipped by Parashurama.fact|date=October 2008 The temple was destroyed by fire in 1921. It was rebuilt with the anakottil (elephants head), kuttambalam, and a big tank. There are two legends connected with the origin of this temple. One is based on the story mentioned in the ‘Skandapurana' and the other is related to the payippad Snake-boat race.

Several annual festivals are celebrated in this temple the Avani Utsavam in Chingom (August- September), Markazhi Utsavam in Dhanu (November- December), Chitra Utsavam in Medom (April-May), Kartika in Vrischikam (November- December) and Taipuyam (January- February). Kavadiyattam dance with Kavadi is the most important offering here. Kavadi is a bow-shaped wooden structure decorated with tapestry and peacock feathers carried on the shoulders of pilgrims as an offering to God Subrahmanya.

The Subrahmanya Temple in Haripad is built in the ancient Kerala style of architecture. It is believed that when the new temple was nearing completion, one of the trustees had a dream about finding the idol of Subrahmanya. Following his directions the four-armed idol was found in the river near Pathiramanal island and brought to Haripad. In commemoration of this event a snake boat regatta is held on the Payippad River every Chingom (August-September) during the three-day Payippad Jalotsavam festival. [ [http://www.alappuzhatourism.com/htm/boat.htm "Snake Boat Races" Alappuzha Tourism] ;] The Chithira festival takes place at the temple in Medom (April-May) and includes a procession with a golden peacock throne. Haripad Temple renovated by Ambakkattu Kottaram of Karichal. Ezhikkakathu Jn also very popular. In addition to three " kodiyetams" " thrikkarthika" in vrichikam also celebrated. In this festival all devotees surround the temple will light karthika deepam ( lighting lamp ) and giving "karppora azhi" ( fire by karpooram, a sacred chemical )by government agencies, say excise department and fire works by police authorities.

Mannarasala Temple

The famous Nagaraja temple "Manarasala" is situated near to Haripad. Nestled in a forest glade, like most snake temples, the Mannarasala Temple has over 30,000 images of snakes along the paths and among the trees, and is the largest such temple in Kerala. Women seeking fertility come to worship here, and upon the birth of their child come to hold thanksgiving ceremonies, often bringing new snake images as offerings.

Evoor Sreekrishnaswamy Temple

The ancient Sreekrishnaswamy temple at the place Evoor is in about 5 KM away from Haripad town . This temple had originated in the presence of Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself.
Evoor temple is one of the most important 26 Mahavishnu shrines in the world . It is linked to ‘Khandava-dahanam’ (burning of Khandava forest), described in ‘Mahabharata’. The remains of burnt trees being widely found here, confirm this . Further evidence are, nearby ‘Mannarasala’ and ‘Pandavarkavu’ temples.The great Kanva Maharshi (one of the top 7 Rishis) , had been living at Evoor . ‘Kannamangalam’ (Kanva-mangalam) is nearby. His ‘Ashrama ’ (hermitage) later became a temple. Evoor Krishnaswamy’s yearly ‘Arattu’ (ceremonial bath) is held in this temple’s tank .

Surrounding area

Anary

Anary is a typical village which is situated 3.5 km from Haripad. There are 5 temples out there. Both Pampa and Achankoil river flows through Anary and its separated to two areas because of this rivers.

Chingoli

Chingoli is an urbanised village which lies near Haripad town. A prominent attraction here is the Kavilpadikkal Devi temple. The deity here is revered by the residents. Chingoli lies in close proximity to the NTPC power station

Pilapuzha,Nelpurakkadavu

Nearly 1 1/2 km from Haripad K.S.R.T.C Bus Stand,Here you can see the "Vilakkumaram"( Light Pole) of 19th century.The remainings of "Nelppura"(Rice Depot)were still there.The P.W.D Rest House and Office of the P.W.D Asst.Exe.Engineer(Roads) are situated here.

Veeyapuram

6 km. from Haripad is Veeyapuram where the rivers Pamba and Achankovil flow together.

Kumarapuram

Basically located between Haripad Town and Karuvatta.Kavarattu temple, Mundolil temple and Pathiramkulangara temple are the major landmarks.Alight here for going to Koottamkaitha and other coastal areas near K.Kaitha.Connected to rest of the places with frequent Private bus and KSRTC services. 1.5 km to Manarasala temple and 1 km to Haripad Subrahmanya Temple.

Location : Travel a 2 km along NH-47 towards North from Haripad Town.Auto Fare: Around 30/- from Haripad Town.Bus Fare : Minimum charge. (All KSRTC going towards Alleppey and some Private Bus service)

Karichal

Karichal is 4 km. from Haripad. Karichal and Payippad is divided by Achankovil river. The famous Payippad Jalotsavam is conducted in Achankovil river, locally known as 'Payippaattu Aaru'. This three day water festival can be viewed from the river banks at both Karichal and Payippad. The snake boat of Karichal known as "Karichal Chundan" won many trophies at Alleppey Nehru Trophy Boat Race' and is known to all Boat Race lovers for its high ranking performance and agility.

Nangiarkulangara

The T. K. Madhava Memorial College is located in nearby Nangiarkulangara. It was started as a junior college in 1964 by the Sree Narayana Trusts. It had 2700 students in 2007 and offered degrees in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, Economics and Commerce (Business).

Government

Haripad is the headquarters of Karthikappally Taluk (township). [ [http://alappuzha.nic.in/kartikappally_taluk.html Official website of Karthikappally Taluk, Alappuzha District, Kerala, India] ;]

Infrastructure

Haripad is one of the major railway station in the Coastal Railway Line connecting Kayankulam Junction to Ernakulam Junction via Alappuzha. Haripad Town is very old and well planned.Fact|date=February 2007 The city centre includes the all governmental offices of the Karthikappally Taluk. The city centre also has a very good marketFact|date=February 2007, 3 cinema theatres, 2 secondary schools and 3 primary schools. There are 9 more schools outside the city centre.

Economy

The large National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) plant at Kayamkulam is situated near to Haripad. There is also a good railway station in Haripad. The temples in the area are a significant source of tourism.

Notes

External links

* [http://www.haripad.com Haripad.com] - A website that helps you to explore Haripad
* [http://alappuzhaonline.com/snake-boat-races-alappuzha.htm snakeboat races] - snake boat races in HaripadArun Chand [[e-mail]] - You quries can mail to this id .