Peralassery Sree Subrahmanya Temple

Historical and specialty information for this listing.

History

The history of Peralassery Sree Subrahmanya Temple is deeply intertwined with mythology, local traditions, and Kerala’s temple culture. Though the exact construction period is unknown, the temple is believed to have origins dating back thousands of years to the Treta Yuga era. Over centuries, it evolved into an important pilgrimage center in the Malabar region. The temple became especially renowned for naga worship traditions and its sacred pond, which is believed to possess divine powers. Local belief says that the waters of the Cauvery River mystically reach the temple pond during the Thula Sankramam period, making it highly sacred for ritual bathing. The temple has remained an important spiritual and cultural center of Kannur district, preserving ancient Kerala temple architecture, rituals, and performing arts traditions.

Remarks

One of the most unique offerings at this temple is the “Bow and Arrow” offering, which is associated with Lord Rama and the temple’s legendary origin. Devotees also offer hen’s eggs and milk as part of naga worship rituals, a rare tradition seen in this temple. The stepped pond of the temple is considered one of the largest and most architecturally beautiful temple ponds in Kerala, designed in a geometrical pattern similar to ancient stepwells of North India.

According to the temple legend, Lord Rama, along with Lakshmana and Hanuman, reached Peralassery while searching for Sita during the events of the Ramayana. At this sacred place, Lord Rama felt the divine presence of Lord Subrahmanya and decided to consecrate a shrine there. Hanuman was sent to bring a suitable idol from the north, but he could not return before the auspicious time for consecration. As the muhurtham was approaching, Lord Rama removed his “Peruvala” (royal bangle or armlet), which symbolized kingship, and consecrated it as the deity. Because of this, the place became known as “Peruvalassery,” which later evolved into “Peralassery.” When Hanuman later returned with the idol and attempted to replace the consecrated bangle, a divine serpent appeared and warned him not to disturb the consecration. Since then, the temple has been associated strongly with serpent worship and Lord Subrahmanya in naga form.

Peralassery, Kannur, Karala, India