Thiru Moozhikalam Lakshmana Kshetram

Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity

Located about 30kms North West of Ernakulam Railway Station is the Moozhikalathan Divya Desam in Thiru Moozhikalam. The temple dates back to the Ramayana period and is a temple dedicated to Lakshmana.

Nam Azhvaar in his opening verse of praise on this location asks the true devotees to go to Thiru Moozhikalam to invoke the blessings of the 'pot dancer'.

He describes the Lord as one who wears Tulasi garland.

எம் கானல் அகம் கழிவாய் இரை தேர்ந்து 
இங்கு இனிது  அமரும் 
செங்கால் மட நாராய் திருமூழிக்களத்து உறையும் 

கொங்கு ஆர் பூந் துழாய் முடி எம் 
குடக்கூத்தர்க்கு என் தூதாய் 
நும்  கால்கள்  என் தலைமேல் கெழுமீரோ நுமரோடே 

The story
Pleased with Haritha Rishi’s penance, Lord Vishnu initiated the Rishi with the doctrine of attaining moksham. Hence, this place is called Thiru ‘Mozhi’ Kalam. In course of time, this became Moozhikalam.

Lakshmana Kshetram
Baratha, who came in search of Raama, was suspected by Lakshmana to have come to battle with Raama. Lakshmana is said to have prepared himself to taking on Baratha only to be cooled down by Raama. Having wrongly suspected his brother Baratha, Lakshmana is believed to have come here to repent for his wrong doing.

Baratha is also believed to have come here and met with Lakshmana.

Much later and in course of time, it became a tradition here to worship Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity.

Quick Facts

Deity : Moozhikalathan
Goddess : Mathuraveni Thaayaar
Azhvaar : Thirumangai and NamAzhvaar- 14

Temple Time : 5am-11am, 5pm-8pm

How to reach:

This is about 32kms from Ernakulam Junction.Will take about 1 hour by car/auto.

There are buses from Alwaye(Aluva) to this temple. One can also get down at Alwaye Railway Station to reach this Divya Desam.