Katkaraippan Temple is situated in Kochi, Kerela. It is one of the 108 Divyadesas and is approximately 4,500 years old.The story of the temple is linked to both sections of the society. It is revered by the Saivites, as well as the Vaishnavite The temple established by Parasurama. The architecture of the temple is in a round shape signifying the Kerela Style of architecture. Lord Katkaraiappan (Appan) is the precising deity of the temple.
The court of Mahabali is at the entrance of the temple where people light lamps to worship him seeking wisdom and prosperity. Goddess Bagavathy, Sastha, Sundarayakshi, Goplakrishnan and Nagar are installed in a separate shrine outside the temple.
History of Katkaraiappan Temple
Emperor Mahabali Mahabali was born in a demon community. Despite of being a demon, he was kind and good natured and was noted for his charitable qualities. But, was very proud of himself thinking that he was too great in offering alms to others. When Lord Vishnu got to know about this trait of Mahabalai, he decided to teach him a lesson. With a view to correct him, he came in the form of a dwarf.
He sought a piece of land from Mahabali measuring three steps by his legs. Mahabali told the dwarf that since he is too small, the land he would acquire will be of no use to him and advised to ask for more. Mahabali’s Guru Shukra realized that the dwarf is none other than the Lord himself. He prevented the king to do charity. But, Mahabali ignored Guru Shukra’s advice and accepted to offer the land to Lord.
Suddenly, the Lord grew shockingly taller and started measuring earth with his steps. In the first step he acquired the earth, and the sky by the other. There was no space left to be measured further, so King Mahabali bowed down before the Lord and offered his head for the third step. The Lord pushed him below the earth and took him with himself.
Significance of Katkaraiappan Temple
Majority of people visit Katkaraippan temple to seek boon of wisdom from the Lord. Devotees offer milk porridge as nivedhana to the Lord and distribute it among the visitors of the temple.
Onam is the main festival of the temple and is observed in a grand manner in the month of Avani (September-October) for 10 days which in the past was celebrated for 28 days.