Sri Annapoorneshwari Temple at Cherukunnu is one of the 108
Durga Temples in Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Annapoorneshwari,
who is the goddess of food and prosperity. But the main deity worshipped in the temple is Maha Vishnu. Cherukunnu Village is located around
7 km from Pappinisseri.
Maha Vishnu is known as Kannapurathappan. The murti of Goddess Annapoorna was consecrated much later and she is known as Cherukunnil Amma.
The darshanam of both the deities is towards east.
Legend has it that Goddess Parvati once heard about the
prosperous Kolathunadu (northern Kerala) and wanted to visit the place. She
arrived on a golden ship built by Vishwakarma, the divine architect. The king
requested Goddess Parvati to bless the people of the land. Mother Goddess then
assumed the form of Goddess Annapoorneshwari and settled down in the forecourt
of the Sri Krishna Temple at Cherukunnu.
It is said that once a poor man who was hungry reached the temple
at an odd hour and asked for food. It is said that he was fed miraculously.
From that day, a custom was started in temple to keep some food ready for
untimely visitors. It continues even today.
Before closing the temple, the authorities enquire if there are
any hungry people around.
Food is served two times to devotees in the shrine every
day.
The main offering done her by devotees is Annadanam or food
donation.
As per history, the construction of the temple was started by Chirakkal Avittam Thirunal Ravivarma Thampuran on Medam 22 in Kollavarsham 1062. The temple was completed by his nephew Bharani Thirunal Thampuran. The Brahmakalasham of the temple was performed on Makaram 26 in 1067.
The murti of Mother Goddess is nearly a meter high and is
made of Panchaloha, an alloy of five metals. There is also a beautiful relief
image of Goddess Bhadrakali in the outer courtyard of the temple. The shrine of Vishnu has a gopuram.
The architecture of the temple is quite similar to the temples
in Kerala. Paintings and sculptures are the highlight of the architecture.
The 7-day annual festival in the temple begins on Vishu day. The ritual of Thidambu Nritham and elephant procession are
the major highlights of the annual festival.
The Prathistha dinam is observed on Pooyam asterism in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February – March).
The huge tempe pond, spread over 6 acres and 20 cent, is a major attraction here.