Seethadevi Lavakusha Temple Pulpally

Kerala, Wayanad, Thiruvananthapuram

Sitauted at Pulapally, Wayanad, Seethadevi Lava Kusa Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. The temple also have idols of Lava and Kusa, children of Sita. The temple was constructed by Pazhassi Raja in the 18th century. Pazhassi Raja managed the temple for many years and later the management of the temple came in the hands of Kuppathode family. Even now a member of this family is designated as the trustee for the management of the temple. At present, the temple is under the management of Malabar Devaswom Board.

Legend

According to the legends, it is believed that the Sita Devi lived at this place after she was abandoned by Lord Rama. Sage Valmiki gave shelter to Sita Devi. Sita Devi gave birth to Lava and Kusa. According to the legends, Sita Devi disappeared in the earth at this very place.

Architecture

The main sreekovil houses idol of Goddess Sita and is faced east. Sreekovils of Lava and Kusa face west and there are sub-shrines for Vettakorumakan, Ganapati and Subrahmaniyan. There are some wood carvings of gaja-mukha and nandi-mukha on the Thalachil sub-shrine dedicated to Kiraathamoorthy.

Darsan Info

On festival days, kaazhcha sreebali is held on caparisoned elephants with musical accompaniments at 10 am and 4:30 pm

Darsan Dresscode

Kerala traditional dress

Culture

The culture of Wayanad, mainly, can be related to the tribal culture. This place is home to a huge population of Adivaasis or tribal people. Some of the main tribes that live here include Adiyars, Paniyas, Kurumas, Kattunaikar and Kadans along with a few other ones. The adivasis also have a legacy of arts and crafts. This includes music, dances, ornamentation and handicraft that draw inspiration from natural themes, motifs and materials. The Kurichyas of Wayanad have a martial tradition. They constituted the army of Pazhassi Raja who engaged the British forces in several battles. The descendants of those warriors are still expert archers. The skill of Kurichya archery has also been noted on occasion.

Wayanad has many temples. Though Adivasis are in the Hindu fold, primitive forms of worship still prevail among them. Ancestral worship and offerings to propitiate the spirits of ancestors are still prevalent.

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Temple Rituals

In Sree Pulpally Murikkanmar Devaswam, Murikkanmar (Munikumaranmar) children of sage are also having the same importance of Seethadevi (Chelattilamma or Jadayattamma). other deities are Thalachil Ayyappan, Vettakkoruvan, Ganapathi, Subramanyan and Nagam

Special Rituals

Besides the main temple, there are smaller shrines. Chedattinkavu, is the original Seetha temple situated 1km away towards south from the main Seetha temple. According to the legend, when Rama happened to meet Seetha after aswamedha, he wanted to take her and the two sons to Ayodhya. But the hesitant Seetha prayed to mother earth to swallow her. When she was sinking down, Rama caught her locks of hair that broke suddenly and she disappeared. Thus Seetha is worshiped here as 'chedattilamma'. Lava and Kusha,the two loving sons of Seetha are also propitiated here by the devotees. the facade of the temples embellished by wooden carvings and it adds to the architectural beauty. Karimkali temple is also a kilometer away from the main temple. Bommadhan Thara is where the Wayanadan Chetty community worship Lord Shiva. Sri Valmeeki Asramam is 4 km away from the main temple. Another important place connected to Seetha temple is Vellattuthara.