Sree Raghavapuram Temple, popularly known as “Hanumarambalam” is located at Cheruthazham near Payyanur, Kunhimangalam and Pilathara in Kannur district, Kerala. The shrine is dedicated to Bhagavan Sri Rama. Hanuman is worshipped in a separate Sreekovil or sanctum sanctorum is more famous than the main deity here. It is said that pleased with the unwavering devotion of Hanuman, Bhagavan Sri Rama and Sita gave the boon to Hanuman that worshipping Hanuman will be equal to worshipping Rama and Sita together.
The main sanctum sanctorum or sreekovil has Lakshmana and Sita
along with Bhagavan Sri Rama. The other deities worshipped in the temple are
Goddess Shiva and Mahadeva Shiva.
The temple has a chathura sreekovil (square sanctum
sanctorum), nalambalam, namaskara mandapam, bali kallu, gold-plated flag pole or
kodimaram and other Kerala temple structures. The temple maintains a pond.
There are separate shrines for Upa Devatas.
Sree Raghavapuram Temple History
Sree Raghavapuram Temple is one of the most ancient and
famous Vaishnava temples of northern Kerala. It is believed that the temple was
constructed in the 8th Century A.D. by the ruler Udaya Varman Kolathiri.
The main offering in the temple is Avil naivedyam – made from
beaten rice, jaggery, coconut shavings, honey etc. and the
taste of it is extraordinary.
For desire fulfillment or Udhishtakaryasidhi, devotees offer
Gada or mace to Hanuman. The main offering to Bhagavan Sri Rama is bow and
arrow.
Annadhanam is offered on Punartham nakshatra (Punarpoosam or
Punarvasu day) and also on all Saturdays and Sundays.
Sree Raghavapuram Temple Festival
The main temple festival is held in the month of February
for six days. It begins on Makaram 21 (February 4). Kazhcha seeveli with four
elephants and thidambu nritham are the main temple rituals. Traditional Kerala
performing arts including Kathakali are performed during the festival period.
The murti installation day is observed on Medam 16 (April 29).
Sree Raghavapuram Temple Timing
The temple is open for evening darshan from 5 PM to 8:00 PM