The Lakshmana Perumal temple, very ancient and glorified by the tamil hymns (Tiruvaimozhi) of
Nammalwar, one of the 12
Alwars of the 1st millennium CE, is located at Tirumoozhikkalam near
Aluva and
Kaladi. The presiding deity, Lakshmana Perumaal is a manifestation of
Lord Vishnu.
Legend has it that when Bharat came to invite Lord Ram, then in exile, to take over the reigns of the kingdom, Lakshman, suspecting Bharat's intentions, intended to kill him. Bharat's innocence was very soon revealed, and the two of them offered worship together at Tirumoozhikkalam. The name Tirumoozhikalam is said to have originated from the phrase 'tiru mozhi kalam,' meaning 'the site where sweet words were uttered.'
Inscriptions from the 11th century CE are seen in this temple. A circular vimana crowns this temple whose base is of stone, and the rest of the superstructure being laterite, stucco, and timber. The image of the presiding deity is in a damaged state. To the left of the sanctum is a door with no images inside, where worship is offered to Ram, Sita and Hanuman, acknowledging their presence.
The annual festival in the Malayalam month of Makaram is an occasion of great festivity, with performances of koothu and Koodiyaattam for a 41 day period.
