The 1200-year-old Saraswathi Temple of Avanamcode | Fusion - WeRIndia

Nestled near Kochi International Airport in Ernakulam district, the Saraswathi Temple at Avanamcode stands as a beacon of ancient spirituality and education.

This revered site, over 1200 years old, is celebrated among the 108 Durga temples consecrated by the legendary sage Parasurama.

Unique for its west-facing self-manifested Devi Vigraham, the temple’s deity is enshrined upon a partially visible rock, believed to extend deep into the earth.

On ordinary days, the deity is adorned with a Silver Golakam, transitioning to a Golden Golakam during special occasions.

The temple also houses sub-deities including Lord Siva, Lord Ganapathi, and Simha Vahanam, adding to its spiritual aura.

The Saraswathi Temple is particularly esteemed for Vidyarambham, a ceremony marking the beginning of a child’s education.

Unlike other temples where this ritual is performed exclusively during Navaratri, here, it is a daily event, drawing thousands of children to seek blessings from the Goddess of Knowledge, Saraswathi.

This temple’s significance is further highlighted by legends of Jagadguru Sankaracharya, who is said to have commenced his educational journey within its sacred walls.

Beliefs rooted in the temple’s tradition offer hope and faith to many. It is thought that offerings of a bell, pen, and a model of the tongue to the deity can miraculously enable children with speech difficulties to speak fluently.

Similarly, students struggling academically or those affected by the astrological placement of Mercury are believed to find success in studies and examinations after partaking in the temple’s special offering, Saraswathaghrutham.

The temple is not just a solitary beacon of divinity but part of a larger spiritual family. The deity has six sisters and a brother located in nearby temples, creating a sacred network of worship and belief in the region.

The Saraswathi Temple of Avanamcode is more than just a place of worship; it is a site where ancient traditions continue to nurture modern aspirations, blending spirituality with education and creating a legacy that has thrived for centuries.

Image Credit: Teacher1943, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Statue_of_Goddess_Saraswati.JPG