Overview.

Saraswathi Temple, also known as Dakshina Mookambi Temple, is situated in the picturesque village of Panachikkadu in the Kottayam district of Kerala. Unlike many Saraswathi temples that conduct rituals only during the Navaratri period, this temple offers daily worship, providing devotees with the opportunity to seek darshan (divine audience) throughout the year.

One of the notable features of this temple is the presence of beautiful creepers and an immaculate spring. The leaves of the creepers that envelop the idol are considered to be symbolic of Saraswathi leaves, further enhancing the sanctity of the shrine. The spring, which flows perpetually, never dries up even during the peak of summer. The water from the spring, which continuously touches the feet of the Goddess, is used for the temple's rituals and other requirements. There are no wells or other water sources in the vicinity, making the spring an essential and sacred lifeline for the temple.

Adjacent to the Saraswathi Temple, on its western side, lies a natural habitat teeming with exotic plants and fragrant flowers. This area is believed to be the abode of a yakshi, a female spirit known for her fastidiousness and mercurial nature. Additionally, the temple houses an idol of Brahmarakshasu, a guardian deity associated with protection and auspiciousness. While yakshi shrines can be found in other temples as well, the power and presence of the yakshi at Panachikkadu seem to be particularly prominent. The temple complex is further adorned with idols of deities such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ayyappa (Sastha), Lord Ganesha, Nagayakshi, and Nagaraja, among others, representing various aspects of divinity.

As one enters the temple premises, the first structure that catches the eye is a Vishnu temple located a few meters south of the Saraswathi shrine. Continuing further, devotees are greeted by the Saraswathi Temple nestled in a natural valley, with water dripping and flowing around the idol. Unlike traditional temples with elaborate sanctum sanctorums and grand structures, this temple features a rectangular pond-like structure carved out of a granite hillock. Lush green creeper plants of exquisite beauty thrive in and around the pond, concealing the original idol of Saraswathi. Adjacent to the original idol, an alternate idol is installed on which all the poojas (ritualistic worship) are performed.

The illustrious history of the temple, spanning over a thousand years, is mentioned in the 'Lthihyamala' written by Kottarathil Sankunni. The temple has been traditionally managed by three Brahmin families: Kizhupuram, Karunad, and Kaimukku. One of the families, Kizhupuram, has a remarkable story associated with their involvement in the temple. It is believed that a pious Brahmin from the Kizhupuram illam, disappointed by not having a male child, embarked on a journey to the holy Ganges River seeking purification and divine intervention. However, during his pilgrimage, he stayed at Mookambika Temple for a few days and fervently prayed to the Goddess. In a divine vision, the Goddess appeared before him and instructed him to return to his native place, as a woman from the Karunattillam family was pregnant and would give birth to two children. The Brahmin was instructed to adopt one of the children and raise him as his own. Following the Goddess's guidance, the Brahmin returned home, carrying a palm leaf umbrella that held the blessings and power of the Goddess. Upon reaching Panachikkadu, the umbrella became

immobile, signifying the presence of the Goddess's power. A holy Godman appeared and revealed that the umbrella contained the divine blessings. The Brahmin was instructed to perform rituals and establish the power of Saraswathi in a temple at Panachikkadu. An abandoned idol found in the vicinity, which had been worshipped by the aforementioned Godman, was chosen to manifest the power of the Goddess. To this day, the temple continues to perform rituals and poojas in adherence to the ancient traditions.

The temple holds great significance for devotees from all over India, regardless of their religious affiliations. Many people visit the temple to seek the blessings of Goddess Saraswathi and Lord Vishnu, particularly during the Vidyarambham ceremony, which marks the initiation of education for children. The ghee (clarified butter) enriched with Saraswathi Manthram (hymns dedicated to Saraswathi) is distributed to devotees, believed to enhance the intelligence and academic capabilities of children. Offerings can be made separately for Saraswathi, Vishnu, Yakshi, Rakshas, Shasta, Shiva, and Ganapathy, allowing devotees to express their reverence to the specific deities they resonate with. Daily early morning poojas are conducted for Saraswathi and Vishnu, including Saraswatha Sooktharchana (recitation of hymns dedicated to Saraswathi) and Purusha Sooktharchana (recitation of hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu). On Durgashtami, a special pooja is performed for textbooks, literary works, and "Thaliola books" containing ancient wisdom. These sacred books are returned to their owners after receiving blessings from the Goddess on Vijayadashami, signifying the completion of the educational cycle.

Over the years, the temple has attracted eminent writers, literary stalwarts, and artists such as Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma Maharaja (Dharma Raja), Kerala Varma Valiya Koyi Thampuran, A.R. Raja Raja Varma, and Ulloor, who have sought inspiration and spiritual solace through their stay and devotion in the temple. It is believed that the renowned writer A.R. Raja Raja Varma, who was mute during his childhood, miraculously overcame his speech impediment and achieved fame as a writer and orator, thanks to the blessings of the Goddess Saraswathi.

Thousands of individuals engaged in literary pursuits, arts, and music consider this temple their ultimate refuge, seeking divine intervention and guidance. With each passing day, the fame and popularity of the temple continue to grow. The three Brahmin families, along with a dedicated manager, diligently carry out the responsibilities of maintaining the temple and performing rituals. The timeless rituals and poojas conducted in the temple reflect the spiritual connection and reverence for Saraswathi, Vishnu, Ganapathy, and other deities.

Saraswathi Temple in Panachikkadu stands as a symbol of devotion, knowledge, and spiritual enlightenment. It beckons devotees from all walks of life to immerse themselves in the divine aura, seek blessings, and embrace the transformative power of the Goddess Saraswathi. The temple's serene ambiance, coupled with the perpetual flow of the sacred spring and the enchanting beauty of the creeper-laden idol, creates an atmosphere conducive to introspection, learning, and artistic inspiration. As devotees embark on their spiritual journeys within the temple's hallowed premises, they are enveloped in the sanctity and grace of Saraswathi, finding solace, wisdom, and divine guidance on their path of life's pursuits.

5:30AM – 10:30AM, 5:00PM – 7:00PM