Kidangoor Subramanya Temple
Kidangoor Subramanya Swami Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in Kidangoor near Ayarkkunnam in Kottayam district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is one of the renowned Subramanya temples in Kerala which is estimated to be at least 1500 years old. Location. The temple is located on Manarcaud - Kidangoor state highway, near the banks of Meenachil river. It is about 2 km from Kidangoor and 5 km from Ayarkunnam. Deity. Lord Subramanya presides here by the name 'Thrikkidangoorappan'. He is also known as 'Parighapuresan' because Kidangoor have an alternate name 'Parighapuram'. Legend. Kidangoor is one  among the 64 Nambudiri villages and was on the boundary of the Vadakkumkur and Thekkumkur kingdoms. The legend has it that the idol of Subramanya came out of the Kamandalu (an oblong pot) of sage Gauna when the water flowed out. The idol flawed along with the water and it reached the Vishnu shrine in Kidangoor. Festivals. The temple hosts its annual festival in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (i.e. February/March) which lasts 10 long days. As in many temples in Kerala, the festivities start-off with the ceremonial flag hosting ("Kodiyettu") on the Karthika day. The Aarattu (holy  bathing) is held at Chembilavu Ponkunnathu Mahadeva temple on the banks of Meenachil river. Lord Shiva who presides at this temple is considered as the father of Thrikkidangoorappan. 'Thaipooyam' in the month of Makaram and 'Skanda Shashti' are the other important festive occasions. Pilgrims from different regions comes here to perform the sacred "Shashtivrata" on the 6th day of Amavasya. Offerings. Utsavabali, Tulabharam, Kavadi, Chuttu Vilakku, Udayasthamana pooja, Muzhukappu, Panchamrita abhishekam, Pantheerazhi, Kadumpayasam are some of the important offerings.