Uravappara Temple

Uravapara is very beautiful hillock temple located in the nature rich district, Idukki of Kerala. The temple situated at Olamattom near Thodupuzha, at a height of 500 ft above sea level attracts a lot of devotees and nature lovers. The drizzling drops of snow and the cool breeze early at the morning evokes the happiest moments of a lifetime.

The presiding deity here is Lord Muruga as Bala Subramanya Swami. The temple is also known as Malayala Palani. The name comes from the very famous Subramanya Swami Temple at Palani in Tamil Nadu. The legend says that the presiding deity here is a self born one. A lot of devotees climb the rock to feel the power of Lord Muruga’s blessings wrapped in the hands of nature.

The history of the temple is linked with the five renowned brothers, the Pandavas, who are the central characters in the epic Mahabharata. The legend says that the Pandavas stayed here during their exile and used the temple premises. The three big boulders now seen at the top of the hillock is believed to be the three legs of ‘Aduppu’ (stove) used by the Pandavas in their kitchen. A small pond in the vicinity is believed to be made by Bhima, one among the Pandavas . When there was no water at that time for the Poojas, Bhima forcibly applied his foot on the rock and the pond was formed,in the shape of his foot.

This beautiful spot thus provides a wide range of amazing sights including the foot shaped pond and the three huge stones used as ‘Aduppu’. The view of sunset from the hill also amazes the visitors here. Today, Uravapara is known for its religious activities, as well as its scenic sights gifted by nature. The site is also a notable shooting location today.

The annual festival of the temple is conducted in the Malayalam month ‘Makaram’ (January/February) each year. The three days festival is celebrated starting with the ‘Kalashabhishekam’ on the day of ‘Thiruvathira’ star and ends on the day of ‘Pooyam’ star with a very important ceremony ‘Pooyam Thozhal’. The main offerings to the deity are Salt and Pepper in addition to Silver and Gold Ferms of
human beings.

The temple gets the name ‘Uravapara’ from the ‘Abhishekatheertham’ seen to be flowing down to the bottom of the rock. Some says that the pond created by Bhima is known as ‘Uravapara’ and hence the name. Olamattom is well connected with regular bus services from Thodupuzha. The nearest railway station is at Kottayam.