- Location: Thirty four kilometers from Kollam, Kerala.
- Main Deity/Deities: Universal God
- Major Attraction: Festival of lights
- Timings: 06:00 AM to 08:00 PM
- Entry Fee: No entry fee
Absence of any idol is the distinctive feature of Oachira Temple. The only deity that preside in the temple premises is the universal God or Parabrahma who is believed to be omnipotent and has universal appeal. The temple is one of the most sacred places of the state and being the very ancient temple, it is among the famous worshipping places.
Lying on the border separating Alappuzha and Kollam districts, the temple is stretched over an area of 36 acres.
Attractions of the Temple
Oachira Vrischikam: It is an important festival of Oachira Temple. You can have a glimpse of this significant event in the month of either December or January.
Oachirakkali: It is another popular ritual that is celebrated in the month of June that attracts a large number of tourists. This particular ritual involves martial arts; the participants take part in mock fighting. This war exercise was earlier part of practice of the soldiers belonging to Kayamkulam Raja. There were about 52 different Karas of which these soldiers were part of. They used to congregate at Oachira and practiced war related activities. During the reign of Raja, soldiers took blessings of Nambudiri Brahmins who were experts of Dhanurvidya or science of war and Smriti Shastras.
Irupathettam onam: This Festival of cattle involves building of gigantic structures of bulls, these structures are called Eduppu Kala. Then these man-made pieces are made to pull the wheels and ar carried to Oachira Temple. There are in total 50 bull images that are involved in the festivities.
History of the Place
There are several incidents and beliefs that can be linked to the name “Oachira”. According to some people, the word has been derived from another word “Omkarachira”. Some others say that the original word was “Vechoochira” which means Shiva. But there are no evidences to support these.
Observation by two British officials says a different story. Corner and Ward, did a survey in the area of Travancore. According to this 19th century survey, there was a large ground called Padanilam at the center of which there was a reservoir of water. This pond or chira was the bathing place of the soldiers and also acted as a supply to the war-horses. This chira was under the control of Kayamkulam Raja who was popularly called Odanattu also. Raja was, at that particular time, was at Krishnapuram that was at a short distance from Padanilam. It is because of this reason that the temple came to be known as Oachira, a corrupted form of Onattukara.
Another unique feature of Oachira Temple is that unlike other temples, prayers are not performed inside any chamber or sanctum. It is because of the fact that the temple premises are not covered by any structures. As you will see, devotees pay offering to the universal god under trees which have been preserved from an ancient time.
Weather in Oachira
Oachira enjoys a tropical climate, typical of coastal regions in Kerala. The weather here is characterized by two main seasons:
- Monsoon (June to September): Oachira experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. While the lush green surroundings become even more vibrant, this may not be the best time for outdoor activities or temple visits due to the frequent rains.
- Post-Monsoon/Winter (October to February): This is the ideal time to visit Oachira Temple. The weather during these months is pleasantly cool and dry, making it comfortable for exploring the temple and its surroundings.
- Summer (March to May): Summers in Oachira can be hot and humid. While the temple remains accessible, the scorching heat may make outdoor visits less enjoyable.
Best Time to Visit Oachira Temple
The best time to visit Oachira Temple is during the post-monsoon and winter months, which span from October to February. During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable temple visit. The lush greenery and the serene atmosphere enhance the spiritual experience, making it an ideal time for pilgrims and tourists alike.
How to Reach Oachira Temple
- By Air: The nearest major airport to Oachira is the Trivandrum International Airport, located approximately 110 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use public transportation to reach Oachira. The drive from the airport to Oachira takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- By Train: Oachira has its railway station, Oachira Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India. Trains from cities like Trivandrum, Kochi, and Kollam have regular services to Oachira. Once you reach Oachira Railway Station, the temple is easily accessible by local transportation, including auto-rickshaws and taxis.
- By Road: Oachira is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in Kerala. You can reach Oachira by bus or hire a taxi or cab from nearby cities like Kollam, Trivandrum, or Kochi. The road journey to Oachira provides an opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of Kerala’s coastal landscapes.
[Also Read: Popular Hindu Temples in Kerala]