Triprayar Sastha

Lord Bala Sastha at Triprayar Temple; He is one among our family deities. During the course of time, the idol was totally damaged and the Lord gave us(our Family) the opportunity to rebuilt the temple structure and re-cast a new idol.

Triprayar Temple, located in Thrissur district is one of the important temples dedicated to Lord Rama. Originally the presiding deity of this temple Srikovil was Sastha, (who is in the southern side of the courtyard now). Let me brief the story.

The history of the temple dates back to Ramayan Era. During Rama's exile, Ravana abducted Seetha. Rama was totally dejected on this blow and wandered fitfully through the jungle: he was searching for Seetha everywhere. As per the instructions of Jatayu, thereafter the brethren went towards the south. There he met Sugriva and Hanuman. Sugriva deputed his army in search of Seeta. Slowly passed the days of waiting. Rama started grieving for Sita. At this juncture, Rama arrived here (at Triprayar) and worshipped Lord Sastha.  Rama understoos the importance of thid placr and camped here and sincerely worshipped Sastha for many days and Lord Sastha favoured him, since Hanuman could find Seetha. Hanuman rushes back to Triprayar and declares "Drishta Seetha" - "Kanden Seethayai" -Seen Seetha. An emotional Rama hugs Hanuman, declaring him dear to him.

( In the mandapa opposite the sanctum sanctorum, Hanuman is believed to be present though there is no image as such. Devotees generally bow before the mandapa imagining the presence of Hanuman there before worshipping Sri Rama.  Firing of kadinas(Vedi Vazhipaadu), which is an important offering here, is to commemorate the return of Hanuman after the search of Sita, with the words, "Drishta Seeta"-seen Sita )

With the arrival of Hanuman, and because of the vital episode of Ramayana. Lord Sastha wanted Rama to be the main deity thereafter and so moved to the south in the present location. Now Thriprayar Thevar (Rama) is the presiding deity of the temple. 

It is to be noted that Lord Sastha of this temple participated in Arattupuzha Pooram, one of the important festivals of central Kerala - this happened even before the installation of Lord Rama. 

This Sastha is always my favorite temple. I have a feeling that this Sastha is one among our family and have a personal attachment with Him.This temple may not be an architectural wonder,but for me it has no parallel because the God I pray to lives there.