History And Heritage Of
ANKLESHWAR AYYAPPA TEMPLE
ANKLESHWAR SHREE AYYAPPA TEMPLE
Bharat is the originating place of Sanathana Dharma which combines individual and collective righteousness. Hindu Dharma and Hindu Religion are derived from Sanathana Dharma. Hindu Religion streamlines the way of life of a devotee to attain enlightenment. For enlightenment we need to perform Karma (work) without any attachment (Thyaga mentality). For this, Bharat as a Karmabhoomi as well as a Thyagabhoomi, the Southern part of Bharat is a rich source of spiritual and cultural wealth. Gujarat state is one of the important places among this. Two pious rivers Tapi (in Surat) and Narmada (in Bharuch) are flowing through the state of Gujarat. Ankleshwar Shri Ayyappa Temple is situated in between these two pious rivers in Bharuch district, Gadkhol panchayath, near G.N.F.C. Nauka Vihar
MESSAGE FROM PRIEST
Om Ghroom Namah Paraya Gopthre Namah
Orgin of the temple
Way back in 1985, some of the devotees started “Ayyappa Seva Samithi”. They regularly used to conduct Ayyappa pooja on January 13th, every year, though in a subdued way. This continued till 1996 and in the year 1996 land was purchased for the temple. After purchasing the land, as a customary practice to rectify any negative impact based on Vaasthu Shastra, a clear understanding on the astrological planetary positions were needed. To meet this requirement, Jyothishi Shri Krishnankutty Guptan performed “Devaprashnam” in the year 1997. During this Devaprashnam, it was observed that this place has celestial presence of Lord Vishnu and Goddess Devi and was found to be suitable for temple construction. Based on these findings under the directions of designated temple Thanthri Late Shri Azhakathu Shastrasharman Namboodiripadu, Shri Kaanippayyur Krishnan Namboothiri and Shri Kaanippayyur Kuttan Nambuthiri, who are learned temple architects, were invited to design a temple prototype. Under their stewardship, keeping in mind the cultural aspects of Kerala and concepts of Kerala Temple Architecture, a preliminary temple design was completed. In the year 1998 based on this design, work on temple construction commenced.
Pranaprathishtta
In the year 2002 on February 18th Praanaprathishtha was carried out under the guidance and supervision of Late Brahmashree Shri Azhakathu Shastrasharman Namboothirippad, who was the chief patron of Thanthra Vidya Peethom in Kerala. Hundreds of devotees witnessed and participated in that event. Shri Ayyappa Swami is the main deity of the temple. Other deities are Ganapathy, Shiva, Subrahmanya and Durga. Special places are allotted to Nagaraja and Nagayakshi.
Later in 2007, on November 21st, flag mast was consecrated. This was followed by Sapatni Navagraha on February 27th, 2012 and then Praanaprathishtha of Lord Shri Krishna on February 15th, 2013.
After the main Praanaprathishtha, construction of main entrance to temple (gopuram), a covered place to pray on front side and bhajana mandapam were completed and work on community hall was initiated, with the collective help of devotees, untiring efforts of committee members of Shri Ayyappa Seva Samithi and most importantly with the blessings of Lord Ayyappa. Temple was constructed based on Kerala architectural model and Lord Ayyappa’s vigraha made of “Panchaloha” emanating radiance give spiritual solace to all devotees who come for darshan. Moreover, devotees get a feeling reminiscing the peaceful spiritual atmosphere in Kerala temples.
