Vadakkancherry
Overview
A unique temple in the Palakkad Agraharams with a elevated platform temple - reminding us of the Mada-Koil or raised temples of Kotchenga Chola.
Location
Location: The Vadakkencherry village is located about 33 Kms from the Palakkad railway station and off the Salem-Kochi highway.
Address: HFPM+G3Q, Gramam, Vadakkencherry, Kerala 678683
Temple Timings:
5.00AM TO 9.30AM
5.00PM TO 7.30PM
History
The temple has been in existence since the 1600's. The current temple structure dates to the 1970's. The main village street is divided into two retta(two) theruvu and otta(one) theruvu. The Main Lakshmi Narayana Perumal Temple is situated in the upper platform of the village at the end of the retta theruvu, facing east as per vasthu sastra. The most important festival is Navaratri, with festivities peaking on Ekadasi day (11th day) in a grand celebration.
Lord Naryana (Vishnu) and Goddess Lakshmi are as Lakshmi-Narayana.
The sub shrine in the Lakshmi Narayana perumal temple is the Simhanada Bhagavathy. The Devi is Naadha Swaroopini .
The Ganapathy temple is in the northen end and behind it the Grama Kulam (temple pond belonging to the village)
Deities
Primary deity: Sri Lakshmi Narayana Swamy
Other deity in the same temple: Simhanada Bhagavathy
Separate temple for: Sri Mahaganapathy
Videos
Photo Gallery
Utsavams
EKADASHI VILAKKU
NAVARATRI UTSAVAM - ELEPHANT PROCESSION during all the days of navaratri
Vahanas
Sesha Vahana
Adimakkavu
MANAPULLI KAVU
Kodikkatu Kaavu Bhagavathy
Parakkatu Kaavu
Cherunettury Bhagavathi
Angadipuram Thirumandhamkunnu Bhagavathy
Uthrali Kaavu
Other Agraharam Information
Total homes in the Agraharam: 110
Number and % of Brahmin homes: 101 or about 92%
Number and % of homes retaining traditional look: 95%
Does the village have a brahmana samooham: Yes there is a samooham and Kalyana Mantapam called Lakshmi Narayana Hall
Does the village temple have a temple car (theru): No
When was the last ashtabandhana kumbabhishekam done: 2009
Contact Information
V.RGANESH :PRESIDENT : 9809971535
V.LSIVARAMAKRISHNAN :SECRETARY : 9496019142
V.A.VENKITARAMAN :TREASURER : 9447252841
Email:teamvgbs@gmail.com
Well Known Elders from the Agraharam
Mother of Vivek Ramaswamy
Bramhasri Dharmaraja Vadyar
Sri Krishnan Vadyar
Ganapathy Iyers Grandson Vivek Ramaswamy
Advocate Muthuswamy
Food and Catering
GAYATRI SWEETS AND FOODS
CEYLON CATERING
VAITHU'S KITCHEN
SWAMI'S MESS
Hall for functions and Lodging
NAIMISHARANYAM-NEAR TEMPLE
SEETHA RAMA KALYANA MANDAPAM - 9895970737
Bank Accounts for sending Kanikkai, donation or vazhipadu
Author's Notes
Vadakkencherry Agraharam - 100 Agraharams Project
As a kid I never understood the difference between Vadakkencherry and Wadakkancherry until I visited them much later. I wonder why the name 'Cherry/cheri' came to use? The word means hamlet in Tamil. However an amateur historian in the online portal 'Medium' says that 'ncheri' means Divine in Egyptian. 'The region of Kerala was possibly engaged in trading activities from the 3rd millennium BCE with Arabs, Sumerians and Babylonians. Phoenicians, Greeks, Egyptians, Romans, and Chinese were attracted by a variety of commodities, especially spices and cotton fabrics.'
All across the land of Cholas one can see Kochchenga Chola’s Maada koils or elevated platform temples. It is a wonder to see a similar temple on an elevated platform in a 'Palakkad Agraharam'.
The Simhanada Bhagavathy is the personification of sound - Nada Roopini - and much like the goddess in Tharekkad.
I am learning new things with every agraharam. Each has its uniqueness. Here in Vadakkencherry a special offering is made to Ganapathy rice, curd and milk - that is what the melshanti / pujari tells us. If I heard it right it is called Chirappu.
The Agraharam has retained great character and kept most of its homes traditional. There is great camaraderie with the residents. I love the huge gathering during the shoot.
If you need more context about the Agraharam - remember the name Vivek Ramaswamy, the Entrepreneur and a Republican. His roots are in this Agraharam.
Radhe Krishna
Sriram(Hari), 100-Agraharams Project
Rama Bhagavathar Charitable Trust
July 5, 2024