Uravappara Temple

Sree Subramanya Swami Temple Uravappara
ഉറവപ്പാറ ശ്രീസുബ്രഹ്മണ്യ സ്വാമി ക്ഷേത്രം
Religion
Affiliation	Hinduism
District	Idukki
Deity	Kartikeya as Bala Subramanya
Festivals	Thaipooyam
Location
Location	Olamattom, Thodupuzha
State	Kerala
Country	India
Uravappara Subramanya Swamy Temple, Thodupuzha, Idukki, Kerala
Geographic coordinates	9°52′41.4″N 76°42′55.2″E
Architecture
Type	Traditional Kerala style
Specifications
Temple(s)	One
Elevation	141.68 m (465 ft)

Sree Subramanya Swami Temple, also known by the name 'Malayala Palani' (Palani of Kerala), is located in Olamattom near Thodupuzha in Idukki district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is situated at a height of 500 ft (150 m) above mean sea level. Lord Muruga presides there in the form 'Bala Subramanya'.

The legend has it that the idol here is a self-born one. Pandavas, the renowned heroes in the great Indian epic Mahabharata along with their spouse Draupadi had a sojourn here during their twelve years exile. At present, three big boulders can be seen atop of the rocks which is believed to the three stands of a rock oven used by the Pandavas for cooking purposes. When a shortage of water occurred, Bhima, the mightiest among Pandavas forcibly applied his foot on the hard rock which produced an elegant spring. There are varied opinions regarding the name 'Uravappara'. Some say that the pond produced by the force of Bhima is Uravappara. While some other believe that the temple got its name from the 'Abhishekatheertham' that flows down from the rocks.

Festivals

The annual festival of the temple is hosted in the Malayalam month of 'Makaram' (January/February). Salt and Pepper are the two important offerings to the deity.