5/5 Midhin S. 8 months ago on Google
Kerala
has
many
historic
significance.
One
of
the
most
famous
temples
in
the
Guruvayur
region
besides
the
Guruvayur
temple
is
the
Harikanyaka
temple.
Maintained
by
the
Indian
Archaeological
Department,
the
temple
is
known
for
its
architectural
carvings.
Located
in
Ariyannur,
Harikanyaka
temple
has
a
glorious
history.
The
name
of
the
temple
translates
to
‘the
virgin
form
of
Lord
Vishnu’
as
it
is
believed
that
Maha
Vishnu
took
the
avatar
of
Mohini,
a
kanyaka
form.
Maintained
by
the
Indian
Archeological
Department,
the
temple
is
considered
to
be
built
by
Perumthachan
in
the
early
14th
century.
It
is
noted
that
Harikanyakapuram
was
the
head
of
32
surrounding
deshams.
One
of
the
main
attractions
of
the
temple
is
the
entrance
that
showcases
beautiful
carvings
from
ancient
times.
Dedicated
to
Goddess
Bhagavathy,
the
temple
organizes
a
special
festival
for
15
days
in
the
month
of
December.
The
temple
is
rich
in
architecture.
The
walls
of
the
Sreekovil
(both
at
lower
part
and
greeva)
have
niches.
In
the
mukha-mandapam,
ten
gaja-mukha
motifs
made
of
sila
are
installed.
On
the
ceiling
of
namaskaara
mandapam,
wooden
figurines
of
ashta-dikpaalakars
are
engraved
in
the
coffers.
On
its
sides
Dashavatharam,
Sreekrishnaleela.
Devasura
ganas,
palaazhi-madhanam,
flowers
and
other
motifs
are
beautifully
carved
in
wood.
On
the
ceiling
of
agra-mandapam
also
nava-graha
sthanas
are
engraved,
besides
some
carvings.
On
the
front
granite
pillars
of
naalambalam,
two
figurines
of
rishis
are
engraved.
Ganabhootas
holding
lamps
are
also
carved
on
the
two
pillars
of
the
rear.
Mural
paintings
exist
on
the
walls
of
Sreekovil,
but
have
faded.
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