Earlier known as 'Aripad' (the place of rice), this historically and religiously town is located about 15 km from Alleppey. Located between Alappuzha and Kollam on National Highway 47, this small town is popularly known as 'the Town of Temples' in south India. With 18 Hindu temples inside the town and over 30 in the surrounding areas, Haripad draws countless devotees every year.
Earlier, Haripad used to serve as the centre of administration for Karthikappally Taluka. It was from here that rice was supplied to the king's family. Among all the popular tourist destinations in India, Haripad is known as the land of famous musicians, writers, film directors and artists.
Standing tall for over 3500 years, this prestigious shrine was consecrated by Lord Parasurama. It is one among the three oldest temples of Kerala and is believed to be established even before the advert of ‘Kaliyuga'. The temple is an excellent example of Southern architecture. Even the image of the deity with four arms is also the biggest of its kind.
As the legend goes, when the temple was about to be completed, one of the trustees had a dream about the huge idol of Lord Subrahmanya. Following the directions seen in dreams, he found the four-armed idol in the river near Pathiramanal island.
The temple hosts a number of festivals, which are celebrated with full vigor and enthusiasm. Avani Utsavam in Chingom (August-September), Markazhi Utsavam in Dhanu (November-December), Chitra Utsavam in Medom (April-May), Kartika in Vrischikam (November-December) and Taipuyam (January-February) are a few of them.
People perform Kavadiyattam dance in the temple as an offering to the Lord.
