ANNADANA PRABHU OF VAIKOM

THE TEMPLE COMPLEX

Entering through the eastern Mahadwara, one sees the Anakottai - elephant shed first. Its fore is so spacious that it accommodates several elephants to stand in rows during Utsavas and annual festivals. The 317 foot-tall gold-plated flag staff gleams next into sight and elevates his soul. The temple tank lies adjacent to the Uttupura - the feeding shed. 

There are some peepal trees in the vast courtyard. A mini-temple enshrining the Goddesses Vanadurga lies to the southern tower of the temple, and is called Pananchikkal. She is venerated with great fervour; for, she has had a grand strange story.

It is said that during the days of Vyagrapada Maharshi, there came some calamity to the people by a certain Yakshi - a Kshudra devatha, who during her nocturnal rounds terrified humans and beasts alike with her dreadful form. The afflicted sought the help of Maharshi Vyagrapada, who in turn supplicated lord Ganesh for benign intervention to warding off the disaster.

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