THE SREE KRISHNA TEMPLE
AMBALAPUZHA
ALLEPPEY-688561
PHONE:0477 272090
PARTHASARATHY AND BALAKRISHNA
DISCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE
Among the lush green landscape and gently swaying coconut palms lies Ambalapuzha. Situated 12 KM south of Alleppey. Ambalapuzha literally means Temple River. And located here is a very special Sri Krishna Temple. So special that the sweetness can be tasted in the Paal Payasam (sweet milk porridge), the offering made to the Lord. The Lord is worshipped here as Parthasarathy the Divine charioteer of Arjuna. In this form He gave the world The Bhagavad Gita, the most revered Text of Hindus.
MAIN DEITY
The Idol is installed by Saint Vilwamangala and faces east. The Lord has a whip in one hand and
a Conch in the other and dressed in the attire of the Divine Charioteer-Parthasarathi. He is also worshipped here as Balakrishna-The Divine Child
OTHER DEITIES
Idols of Ganapathi and Nagadevatha are installed under a huge Banyan Tree in front of the Temple.Guruvayurambalam is the place where the idol of Lord Guruvayurappan was once kept for a short time. This was in 965M.E during the invasion of Tipu Sultan. (The invading army of Tipu Sultan were plundering Temples and destroying Idols and Statues .To protect the Idol it was for a brief time kept in this Temple).
FESTIVALS
There is a 10 day festival from March-April and has a large number of dance performances.
LEGEND
When Saint Vilwamangala visited Ambalapuzha Chembakasseri Raja the King of Ambalapuzha took the Saint for a river excursion. The beautiful rhythm in the boat created by the river and the oarsmen together with the serenity of the place had a magical effect on the Saint. From the banks the lilting air brought fragrances of different flowers and the divine sound of the flute. The Saint in all his awareness knew that it was Krishna. Following the sound they reached the spot to realize that the music was coming out from a Banyan Tree. The Saint had the vision of Krishna inside the Tree. He instructed the King to build a Temple and to make an enchanting statue. .When the time to install the Idol came, the Namboodhiri of Putamana Illam was called in to perform the ritual. The learned Tantri found a defect in the statue and therefore refused to continue with the ceremony. The King was extremely disappointed. The people questioned the verdict of the Namboodhiri. The enraged Namboodhiri took an iron rod and hit the statue. It broke and to the amazement of everyone around a frog jumped out of the broken statue and water started gushing out. The original idol of Parathasarathy was brought from the nearby village. It was re-installed in the Ambalapuzha Temple with the help of Saint Vilwamangala.. This happened on the Thiruvonam day of the Mithuna month in the year 769KE (1584-85 AD)
DESIGN
No info.
GENERAL INFORMATION
LOCATION
Ambalapuzha is situated 12 KM from Alleppey.The nearest railway station is Tiruvalla.The closest airport is at Kochi-76 KM.Alleppey with her back waters and canals holds a water carnival and boat race every year on Independence Day.
WHERE TO STAY
There are good lodges and hotels in Alleppey
TEMPLE MANAGEMENT AND ADDRESS.
The Temple is managed by the Devasam Board
The Sri Krishna Temple
Ambalapuzha
Phone: 0477 272090
POOJA DETAILS
| | Pooja rate (Rs) | Pooja rate incl articles (Rs) |
| Ganapathy homam | 15 | 45 |
| Ashtadivya Ganapathy homam | 50 | 151 |
| Bhagavathy seva | 51 | 151 |
| Thrisathi archana | 10 | 10 |
| Sahasranama archana | 10 | 10 |
| Ashtothrarchana | 5 | 5 |
| Mudhrasjaya homam | 21 | 50 |
| Muzhukappu | 35 | 35 |
| Arakappu | 25 | 25 |
| Chandana abhishekam | 51 | 51 |
| Kalabha abishekam | 225 | 225 |
| Thulabharam | 23 | 23 |
| Choru unnu | 11 | 15 |
| Namakkaranam | 11 | 11 |
| Vidhya arambam | 11 | 11 |
| Pooja vyppu | 5 | 5 |
| ksheera dhara | 35 | 35 |
| Jala dhara | 7 | 7 |
| Thakidu pooja | 10 | 10 |
| Mala pooja | 5 | 5 |
| Para idu | 57 | 60 |
| Rudra abhishekam | 8 | 15 |
| Basura charthu | 11 | 11 |
| Raktha pushpanjali | 10 | 11 |
| Neeranjanam | 5 | 12 |
| Karuka homam | 8 | 15 |
| Paneer, milk, ghee, basmam, kumkum, tender coconut, honey, oil abhishekam | 5 | 5 |
| Vella !/4 litre | 3 | 7 |
| Sarkara payasam ¼ lt | 3 | 10 |
| Pal payasam ¼ lit | 3 | 10 |
| Idichu pizhinja payasam ¼ lit | 3 | 13 |
| Kadum payasam ¼ lit | 3` | 13 |
| Aravana ¼ lit | 9 | 30 |
| Appam ¼ lit | 3 | 3 |
| Ada ¼ lit | 3 | 3 |
| Mothakam ¼ lit | 3 | 3 |
| Namaskaram | 3 | 3 |
| Thrimadhuram | 3 | 3 |
| Chirappu | 51 | 51 |
| Adima | 25 | 25 |
| Kuthiyodam | 25 | 25 |
| Garudan Thookkam | 25 | 25 |
| Uthsava bali | 501 | 501 |
| Pushpabishekam | 225 | 225 |
| Madha parivarthanam | 500 | 500 |
| Chavirakku | 10 | 10 |
| Thalapoli | 10 | 10 |
| Kalamezhuthum pathum | 50 | 50 |
| Javahanam | 15 | 15 |
| Irattithadi | 11 | 44 |
| Thali | 7 | 28 |
| Panchamirtha abizhekam | 10 | 10 |
| Kavadi Nirappu | 15 | 15 |
| Agni kavadi | 25 | 25 |
| Suthyam | 55 | 55 |
| Kathakali | 225 | 225 |
| Kalasam | 5 | 5 |
| Nava kalasam | 45 | 45 |
| 25 kalasam | 155 | 125 |
| Satha kalasam | 500 | 500 |
| Sahasra kalasam | 5000 | 5000 |
| 108 kalasam | 25 | 25 |
| Sathrusatha kalasam | 50 | 50 |
| Guruthi | 11 | 11 |
| Kaivada guruti | 5 | 5 |
| Chathrastharu | 201 | 201 |
| Pradhal | 250 | 250 |
| Punyaham | Lakshardhana | 2 |
| | Pidipanam | 551 |
| | Vahanam ezhunalippu | 10 |
| | Ayilya pooja | 150 |
| | 7 | 15 |
| Niramala | 51 | 51 |
| Kettu nira | 10 | 10 |
| Prathima samarpanam | 10 | 10 |
| Swayamvara archana | 10 | 11 |
| Panchakaryam / ghee Jabichu kodukke | 10 | 10 |
| Theeyattu | 25 | 25 |
| Chanthattam | 640 | 700 |
| Vadamala | 10 | 10 |
| Natesa alangaram | 120 | 150 |
| Bhagyasooktha archana sathrusamhara Pushpanjali mrithyanja archana | 10 | 11 |
| Palayum kayuram nadakkuvaikkunnathinu | 5 | 5 |
| Charadu japam | 5 | 5 |
| Thadam nivedhyam | 5 | 5 |
| Vivaham | 480 | 500 |
CHENGANOR MAHADEVA TEMPLE
INTRODUCTION TO THE TEMPLE.
THE CHENGANOOR MAHADEVA TEMPLE
CHENGANOOR PO
ALLEPPEY DISTRICT
PHONE:0479 450555
SHIVA AND PARVATI
DESCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE.
This Temple is located in Chenganoor-Alleppey district and is one of the 18 Shaktipeetas in the CountryThe Shiva Linga is 3.5 feet in length and the idol of Goddess Parvati made out of Panchaloha is about 2.5 feet high and decked with dazzling jewels. Pushpanjali is one of the famous Poojas and is performed to the Goddess and done for 41 days.. Poojas are also done to ward off evil influences. Built on 6 acres of land it is one of the biggest Temple in Kerala
MAIN DEITY.
Both the images of the Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are enshrined in a circular Srikovil .The Shivalinga is three and a half feet high and faces east. The Linga is enveloped in a golden covering or Kavacha. This is made in the Ardhanari or half-man-half-woman form. The image of Goddess Chenganoor Bhagavati faces west and placed behind the Lord’s Garbhagriha is two and a half feet in height and made of Panchaloha .The Goddess is shown with the Varamudra on her right hand and the Abhayamudra on the left hand. The deity is decked with various dazzling jewels.
OTHER DEITIES
Near the western Gopuram there is a mini shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna.
There are also other shrines here dedicated to Ganapati,Neelasiva,Sthaleesa,Dharmashastha,Ganga and Gangadhara..
FESTIVALS.
Thriputtu Aarattu is a famous ritual conducted monthly.This is performed when the Devi has her periods.
The Deity is taken in procession on a Female Elephant during Dhanu Masam Festival (Dec-Jan).
Navrathri is another important Festival in the month of Thulam (Oct-Nov).
The Shivarathiri is observed in a grand manner in the month of Kumbam (Feb-Mar).
The Chitra Pournami is celebrated during Medam (Apr-May).
LEGENDS.
The legend from antiquity portrays the importance of the harmony shared by the Male and the Female aspect of Energies .This symbolic interpretation shows the violent turmoil when the Divine nexus is disturbed by Ahahamkhara or ego. When Daksha Prajapati the Father of Sati conducted a Pooja. He invited all the Gods except Lord Shiva. This offended Sati and the disrespect given to Her Lord and Husband was unbearable. To save Honor and maintain the code of respect for Her Lord She immolated herself through Yogic Powers .When Shiva heard about the incident He was seized with fury. He destroyed the whole clan of Daksha.Then the Lord started the dance of destruction in His fury to destroy the Universe. To stop the terrible wrath Lord Vishnu split the body of Sati which was carried by Shiva. The body fell in 18 different places.These places are known as Shakthipeethas.The reproductive organ fell in Chenganoor.The Deity here gets her monthly periods.
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TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE.
The Temple is one of the biggest in Kerala built on six acres of land. With entrances from east and west.
At the eastern entrance there is a huge three tired Gopuram or Tower.
The Temple is surrounded by a massive Prakara.The main entrance takes you to the Anakottil or the spacious elephant shed. Next to it is the Koothambalam.(Area for any cultural performance)
Right in front of the Koothambalam is the Dhwajasthambam or Flag Mast which is gold plated. Then comes the Balikalpura followed by the Mukhamandapam.
Beyond that is the circular Srikovil which has a copper roof..
The image of Lord Shiva faces east, and that of Bhagavati the Goddess faces west. The Goddess is installed behind the garbhagriha of the Lord. The wodden pillars and exteriors of the temple are adorned with beautiful carvings.
GENERAL INFORMATION.
HOW TO REACH
Chengannoor is well connected by bus and train. The nearest bus and railway stations are 2 km away from the temple. The nearest airport is 80 km away at Cochin.
WHERE TO STAY
Chengannur is a small town but one can get fairly decent accommodation there. Kottayam town is 20 km away and has many good lodges and hotels.
GENERAL
TheTemple is managed by the Devaswom board through the Administrative Officer
The Chenganoor Mahadeva Temple
Chenganoor PO
Alleppey district Kerala State
Phone – 0479 450555
POOJA DETAILS
| Ganapathy homam | 45-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Bhagavathy seva | 151-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Shanka abhishekam | 11-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Rakthapushpanjali | 25-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Jaladahara | 64-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Rudraabhishekam | 15-00 | ||||||||||||||
| ksheeradhara | 155-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Chorrunnu | 15-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Muzhukappu kizhakkenada – Devi(east) | 95-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Muzhukappu Padinjar nada(west) | 80-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Mruthunjaya homam | 51-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Karuka homam | 15-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Aiyilyam for nagaraja | 15-00 | ||||||||||||||
| Nirapara | 60-00 | ||||||||||||||
| |
KADAMPUZHA BHAGAVATHY TEMPLE.
INTRODUCTION TO THE TEMPLE.
SREE KADAMPUZHA BHAGAVATHI TEMPLE
KADAMPUZHA-676553
MALAPPURAM DIST.
PHONE:0494-615790
BHAGAVATHY
DISCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE
Kadampuzha is a small village in Mallapuram district and known for the Bhagavathy Temple.The uniqueness of this Temple is the absence of the Idol .The intense Divine Energy of the Goddess was consecrated by Adi Shankara in a small hole. In fact it was so intense The Saint installed Lord Narasimha facing south and Lord Sudarsana facing north to sustain the force. Only then were people able to access the Divine Mother and worship her. The Temple Is closed after 6 pm.
THE MAIN DEITY
The Pooja for the main Deity is done in a Garbhagriha in the Sanctum Santorum. There is no Idol of the Goddess. Instead the Poojas are performed through the hole where the Goddess was consecrated by Adi Shankara and is about 6 cm in diameter. A Thidambu’ made of Panchaloha is placed to represent the Goddess.
OTHER DEITIES.
On either side of the Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum Poojas are performed to Lord Ganesha and Mahavishnu. As there are no Idols representing them the Poojas are done by Sankalpa (Imagining the Divine Presence). Outside the Sanctum Sanctorum the Idol of Lord Narasimha and Sudarsana is installed on a raised platform. To the north of the temple is Goddess Naga Kanya . Outside the Prakara near the southern entrance is Shasta (Ayyappa idol).
FESTIVALS
After a Deva Prasana done in 1974 it revealed that no Festivals should be conducted here. However to commemorate the event of the manifestation of the Goddess in this spot which is said to have taken place here, the Karthika day in Vrishchika Month (Nov – Dec) is observed as Prathishta Dinam or installation day. The Poomoodal (covering with flowers) is the most important ritual to honor the goddess. The Poomoodal ceremony is booked in advance. .Only one family is allowed to worship at that time and this ritual done only one day in a year ,bookings have been made for this offering up to the year 2016.
LEGEND
Adi Shankara in his quest for reality and truth traveled far and wide searching for Gurus and learning from the Unlimited Knowledge bestowed on all by Mother Nature.The Saint through meditation had awakened his spiritual perceptions. His Divine Vision had opened. Lord Shiva wanted to test Shankara’s spiritual ability. So He sent his consort Goddess Parvati to show her presence. As She approached, Adi Shankara could see the glow coming from the East. The powerful glow did not allow the Saint to get close. The Saint contemplated on the Goddess and prayed for Her Darshan. The glow began to diminish and disappeared into a hole in the ground. It was Goddess Kirata Parvati in her Twarita Bhava (expression of speed). He worshipped that spot after covering the hole with a leaf. As the disciples found the power to be too intense, the saint installed Lord Narasimha facing south and Lord Sudarsana facing north to sustain the power so that devotees could offer Poojas. What is strange is that both these Deities are in a single Idol. Only Adi Shankara could have consecrated them on the same idol .Since than the Goddess has been showering her Divine Blessings to all her devotees.
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
There is no Idol inside the Sanctum Sanctorum and there are no Ornamental Towers (Gopuras or Enclosures) as in other Major Temples.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Several buses ply to Kadambuzha from Calicut which is 50 km away. The nearest railway station is at Kuttipuram which is 11 km from the Temple. There are buses from railway station to the Temple regularly. The nearest airport is at Calicut.
WHERE TO STAY?
In Calicut there are several good hotels and lodges for accommodation.
GENERAL
The Temple opens at 6.30 am and closes at 1 pm. It reopens at 3 pm and is closed by 6 pm. The Temple affairs are managed by HR & CE through an Executive Officer. An Embarandiri does the pooja here. Temple address:
Sree Kadampuzha Bhagavathi Devaswam
Kadampuzha – 676553
Malappuram District-Kerala State
Phone: 0494 615790
POOJA DETAILS:
| 1001 Archana | Rs.500-00 | 101 Archana | Rs.50-00 |
| 501 Archana | Rs.250-00 | 51 Archana | Rs.25-00 |
| 201 Archana | Rs.100-00 | 21 Archana | Rs.10-00 |
VAZHIPADU AND RATES
| Muttarukkal | 0-60 | Payasam | 5-00 |
| Rakthapushpanjali | 1-50 | Appam | 10-00 |
| Dehapushpanjali | 1-00 | Katinapayasam (250 ml) | 20-00 |
| Thriklalpooja | 10-00 | Chooroon | 5-00 |
| Vilakkumala | 1-00 | Thrimadhuram | 3-00 |
| Nryvillakku | 2-00 | Kettunira | 2-00 |
| Ganapathi Homam | 6-00 | Niramula | 300-00 |
| Mala pooja (Malayidal) | 1-00 | Poonaoodal (no booking) | 251-00 |
| Sadana pooja | | One day pooja | 501-00 |
| | | Kedavilakku | 25-00 |
GURUVAYUR-LORD KRISHNA
INTRODUCTION TO THE TEMPLE
THE ADMINISTAR
GURUVAYUR 680 101
KERALA STATE
TEL:0487 556660
LORD KRISHNA
DISCRIPTION OF THE TEMPLE
Guruvayoor is 31 km from Trichurr town. The greatness of the Temple is mainly because of the unique charm of the idol enshrined in the Sanctum Sanctorum.The Idol is said to be carved out of Patalanjana sila and therefore is very sacred. It was installed by the Guru of the Gods Brihaspati and Lord of the Wind - Vayu,to be worshipped by devotees for salvation.Hence the name Guruvayurappan.The Deity is considered as the Divine Healer.The first feeding of rice to children is done here.(Anna Prasna)
MAIN DEITY
The Idol of Lord Guruvayoorappan is enshrined in the Sanctum Sanctorum.The Idol with a captivating countenance and an infectious smile has four Hands and stands facing east.The Upper Hands carries the Conch) and Disc.In the lower Right Hand the Lord carries the Lotus and the Mace in the Left Hand.
OTHER DEITIES.
Behind the main shrine there is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Vinayaka. In the northeast there is a temple of Goddess Bhagavathi. There is also a Shasta (Ayyappa) temple in the southeast corner.
FESTIVALS
The Annual Festival is conducted In the month of Kumbha (Feb-Mar) It goes on for ten days.A colorful elephant race is held. Hundreds of Elephants run through the street to finally reach the final finishing line-The Temple.
Next is Vishu which is in Meda Masam (usually on the 14th April) Devotees throng the Temple on the previous night to have the Darshan of the Lord on the dawn of Vishu Day
.Ashtamirohini the Birthday of Lord Krishna which falls in the Chingam month (Aug-Sept) is celebrated with great fanfare.
LEGEND
According to the Puranas the Idol at Guruvayoor was first worshipped by Sri Mahavishnu. He handed it over to Brahma the creator. Kashyapa was given this by Brahma. Kashyapa in his next birth as Vasudeva worshipped the Lord together with his wife Devaki..Then it was worshipped by their Son Lord Krishna Himself. Before leaving the earth Krishna instructed his devotee Udhava to hand over the idol to Brihaspati and Vayu so that it could be placed in a suitable place where everyone could come and worship.
Both Brihaspati an Vayu searched everywhere to find a suitable place.They reached the present temple spot and saw Lord Shiva doing penance. Shiva advised them to to install the Idol.and moved to a nearby place called Mammiyoor along with His consort. Thereafter Brihaspati and Vayu installed the idol for regular worship as per the injunction of the scriptures.Hence the name Guruvayupura or Guruvayur..
TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE
The Temple is surrounded by high walls.There are Two Towers on the Eastern and Western sides.On entering the Eastern Tower one reaches the Ballikallu dedicated to Brihaspati and Vayu.Right in front of it is the Dhwajasthamba.There is a Koothambalam on the south eastern corner which is meant for entertainment.In the vast courtyard there are several rooms for storing, cooking etc.Opposite to the Main Temple is Vathilmadom.Next to it there is a big Mandapam.Which leads to the Sanctum Sanctorum.
General Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
HOW TO REACH
Guruvayoor is 31 km from Trichur. There is a railway and bus station which is 1 km away from the temple. The nearest airport is at Cochin, 115 km away.
WHERE TO STAY
The temple administration has provided lodging facilities near the temple. Apart from that several good lodges and hotels are available in Guruvayoor.
TEMPLE ADDRESS
The Temple is managed by the Guruvayoor devaswom through the administrator
The Administrator
Guruvayoor Devaswom
Guruvayoor 680 101
Tel: 0487 556660
POOJA DETAILS
| 1 | Palpayasam | 10-00 |
| 2 | Neipayasam | 10-00 |
| 3. | Sarkarapayasam | 10-00 |
| 4. | Rice nivedyam | 7-00 |
| 5 | Appam | 10-00 |
| 6 | Ada | 10-00 |
| 7 | Avil | 5-00 |
| 8 | Thrimaduram | 5-00 |
| 9 | Butter neyvedyam | 6-00 |
| 10 | Sugar and plantain | 5-00 |
| 11 | Undamala | 20-00 |
| 12 | Thirumudimala | 10-00 |
| 13 | Nirmala | 75-00 |
| 14 | Annaprasam (Choroon) | 10-00 |
| 15 | Bhagavathi Azhal | 7-00 |
| 16 | Butter after japam | 2-00 |
| 17 | Kelikkayyu | 2-00 |
| 18 | Archana purushasooktham | 2-00 |
| 19 | Archana ashtotharam | 3-00 |
| 20 | Archana sahasranamam | 4-00 |
| 21 | Alankaram with kalabham (6 ball) | 1800-00 |
| 22 | Kalabham (1 ball) | 300-00 |
| 23 | Kalabham ( 1 packet) | 5-00 |
| 24 | Ghee lamp | 1-00 |
| 25 | For lighting the lamps in the Sreekovil with ghee | 200/1870-00 |
| 26 | Thali pooja | 2-00 |
| 27 | Oil abhishekam (1/4 litre) | 15-00 |
| 28 | Malar nivedyam (1/4 litre) | 2-50 |
| 29 | Marriage | 100-00 |
| 30 | Ashtapathi (one chapter) | 2-00 |
| 31 | Geetha (one chapter) | 2-00 |
| 32 | Bhagavatham (one chapter) | 2-00 |
| 33 | Bhagavatha sapthaham | 750-00 |
| 34 | Narrayaneeyam (one dasaka) | 2-00 |
| 35 | Gayathri Neiapam | 0-60 |
| 36 | Ganapathi archana | 2-00 |
| 37 | Sastha archana | 2-00 |
| 38 | Lalitha sahasranama | 3-00 |
| 39 | Palada Prathaman | 70-00 |
| 40 | Irattipayasam | 70-00 |
| 41 | Namaskaram (approximate) | 4000-00 |
| 42 | Athazam (approximate) | 4000-00 |
| 43 | Udayasthamana pooja (for booking | 15000-00 |
| 44 | Ahassu | 1000-00 |
| 45 | Illumnation | 12500-00 |
| 46 | Illumination in the Bhagavathi temple | 950-00 |
| 47 | Krishnattam | 1500-00 |
| 48 | Malayidal for sabarimala | 1-00 |
| 49 | Kettunira for sabarimala | 1-00 |
| 50 | Thulabaram (thattil panam) | 1-00 |
| 51 | Anayoottu | 4000-00 |
| 52 | Gopooja | 250-00 |
| 53 | Gopreethi | 10-00 |
| 54 | Maintenance of elephants | Any amount |
| 55 | Airoopam | Any amount |
| 56 | Prasada oottu | Any amount |
| 57 | Vehicle pooja Two wheeler / three wheeler Four wheeler / jeep/car etc | 250-00 50-00 100-00 |
| 58 | Vidyarambham | 1-00 |
| 59 | Saptha Sudhi abhishekam | 202-00 |
| 60 | Saptha Sudhi abhishekam (minimum) | 2-00 |
| 61 | Vedarayanam | 500-00 |
| | | |
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
Tulabharam : Substances equal to the weight of the devotee is offered.
Annaprasana : The first feeding ceremony of the child.
Chittuvalakku : The outside of the Temple is decorated with lamps.
Vaakachartu : The ceremonial bathing before decorating the Idol.
Udayastamana pooja :The Pooja from sunrise to sunset.
Alroopan : Offering small images of God in gold or silver.This is done to ward off defects in the various limbs of the body.
