Location
The Alathiyur Hanuman
Temple, also known as Alathiyur Perumthrikkovil or Hanuman Kavu,
is located near Tirur in Malappuram district, Kerala, between the Ponnani
River and the Bharathappuzha River.
Deities
- Main Deity:
Lord Rama (seventh avatar of Vishnu)
- Equally Revered:
Lord Hanuman, believed to be an incarnation of Shiva and eternal devotee
of Rama
- Sub-deities:
Lakshmana, Ganesha, Maha Vishnu, Durga, Bhadrakali, Ayyappan, and Naga
deities
Temple Significance
Though Rama is the
presiding deity, the temple is popularly known as the Hanuman Temple.
Devotees believe Hanuman here listens intently to Rama’s instructions before
embarking on his mission to Lanka, symbolizing humility, devotion, and divine
strength.
History and Legends
- The idol of Hanuman is believed to
have been consecrated around 1000 AD by Sage Vasishtha, one of the
Saptarishis.
- Custodianship of the temple passed
through the Alathiyur Nambudiri clan, the King of Vettathunad,
and later the Samuthiri of Kozhikode.
- Legend says Rama gave Hanuman the
cue-word (Abhignana Vaakyam) here before sending him to Lanka in
search of Sita. Hanuman’s idol leans forward, holding a stick, as if
listening attentively.
- A unique tradition involves devotees
running and leaping across a ridge with a black stone symbolizing the
ocean, commemorating Hanuman’s leap to Lanka.
Architecture
- The temple faces east, with a two-story
copper-covered sanctum sanctorum crowned by a golden dome.
- Murals and sculptures depict episodes
from the Ramayana, including Rama’s birth, Sita’s Svayamvara,
Jatayu Moksha, and Hanuman’s exploits.
- A temple tank lies to the
north, surrounded by sacred trees like Peepal and Cluster Fig, believed to
embody Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.
- Shrines for Lakshmana, Ganesha,
Vishnu (seen as Krishna), Bhadrakali, and Naga deities are also present.
Rituals and Festivals
- Main Offerings:
- Palpayasam
to Rama
- Aval
(flattened rice) to Hanuman
- Annual Festival:
Celebrated during Pooradam, Uthradam, and Thiruvonam stars in Thulam
(Oct–Nov).
- Ramayana Month (Karkidakam,
July–Aug): Temple is crowded with devotees
reciting the epic.
- Auspicious Days:
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays are considered special for Hanuman
worship.
Beliefs
- Jumping across the symbolic ridge is
believed to bring health, longevity, wealth, and good fortune.
- Hanuman here is said to remove
sorrows and fears while fulfilling devotees’ wishes.
- Circumambulating the sacred Peepal
tree seven times is believed to grant wellness.
Temple Hours & Pooja
Schedule
Temple Timings:
- Morning: 6:15 AM – 11:00 AM
- Evening: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Daily Pooja Schedule:
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Hanuman Kuzhacha
Avil Naivedyam
- 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Hanuman Nivedyam
- 11:00 AM: Temple closes (morning
session)
- 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Deeparadhana
(evening worship)
- 7:00 PM: Temple closes (evening
session)
Getting Here
- Nearest Town:
Tirur (approx. 5 km)
- Nearest Railway Station:
Tirur Railway Station
- Nearest Airport:
Calicut International Airport (about 30 km)
- Local buses and taxis connect Tirur
and Malappuram to Alathiyur.
Tips for Visitors
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays
are ideal for Hanuman darshan.
- Participate in the jump ritual
for blessings.
- Try the traditional offerings of Aval
and Palpayasam.
- Respect temple customs—non-Hindus are
not permitted entry.
- Visit during the Ramayana month
or annual festival for a vibrant spiritual experience.