Kalady In Kochi
Kalady Kochi In God's land, the
birthplace of one of the greatest Indian philosophers lies. The step is a
famous traveler center that became famous as Adi Sankaracharya's birthplace.
Located near Cochin in Kerala, Kalady is dedicated to Sankaracharya and his memory.
A step is a place that celebrates knowledge and culture. It gives utmost
importance to its history and has established itself as one of the most
important destinations for the traveler. There are two major shrines in Kalady
dedicated to the memory of Adi Sankaracharya.The only son of
Sivaguru and Aryamba, Sankaracharya is said to have completed the study of
Vedas at the age of 16 itself. He also evolved the philosophy of Advaita, one
of the Vedantic school's two principals, confirming Brahma's sole existence.
Out of the two shrines at step, one is devoted to him as Dakshinamoorthi. At
the same time, the other is dedicated to Goddess Sharada and is looked after by
the Sringeri Mutt, which is believed to be situated exactly at the same place
where Adi Sankaracharya's house once stood.
Many important
temples also surround a step, like Manickamangalam temple, Sri Krishna Temple,
and Sri Adi Sankara Keerthi Mandapam, to name a few. These are a bonus to the
traveler as they get the best religious experience out of step. The step also
has a lot of Ghats. With river bodies flowing through it and travelers around,
it is a place to attain peace and forge it. The step air is filled with
culture, history, religion, and spirituality, making it a perfect pilgrimage.The step was earlier
known as Salam. There is a heart-touching story behind this name. One day
Aryadevi, mother of little Sankaracharya, fainted while walking the 3 km
stretch for her daily bath in the Poorna River. Sankaracharya asked his
favorite deity, Lord Krishna, for aid. The Lord blessed him, saying,
"River will flow where your little feet mark." As young Sankaracharya
marked his little feet on the ground, the mighty Periyar River took its new course
following his feet.
From that time
onwards, Sasalam came to be known as step, meaning 'Feet.'
This place is
believed to have been founded by Rajasekara, a chieftain. Legend says that
Rajasekara's dreams were influenced by the Hindu god Shiva. His dedication towards
Lord Shiva is shown very evidently as he built a Shiva temple and arranged a
settlement for Brahmins. The renowned temples Sringeri Mutt and Kanchi Mutt
have branches of their temples in step. Kanchi Mutt built the Adi Sankara Kirti
Stamba Mandapam under the guidance and support of Chandrasekarendra Saraswati,
a well-known sage. The step is proud of its association with Sanskrit and has a
Sanskrit University currently run by the Sringeri Mutt.
The Legendary Ghats in
malady Kalady Kadavu: is where the
river took its turn, and Kalady was born. It is also where Sankara performed
his ancestral deity's first river bath (Aaraattu) before installing it at its
current location. The tradition continues during the festival at Sree Krishna
Temple.
Muthana Kadavu or
Crocodile Ghat is where Sankara
took Sanyas. Initially, his mother disagreed with his desire to become a
sanyasi. However, one day when he was bathing in the river Poorna, accompanied
by his mother, a crocodile caught hold of his leg, and Sankara used this
opportunity to convince his mother in his favor.
Ghat of the
Post-Funeral Rites of Mother Aryadevi is where Sankara performed his
mother's last rites. Now, this Ghat is within the temple compounds of Sree
Sringeri Mutt.
Festivals Celebrated in
Kalady
Every year, Sankara
Jayanti is celebrated for five days in April or May. Navaratri is celebrated in
September or October with music and rathostavam (a chariot festival). The Lord
of Kalady's annual festival falls on January 6 when one
performs a river bath of Lord Krishna on the holy Ghat where Kalady was born.
