LORD RAJARAJESWARA OF TALIPARAMBA

THE SOVEREIGNITY OF THE DEITY

The linga worshipped as Rajarajeswara then is the same linga now found in Srikoil and worshipped by the devotees although the temple built by the king underwent many changes. Centuries rolled by, but its fame waxed with each succeeding century. Srirama in the Tretayuga halted the Pushpaka Viman carrying him to Ayodhya with Sita and part v to offering prayers to the potent Sivalinga. He prayed Lord Parameswar from the spot just opposite the archamurthi which lies now in Mukhamandapa, and called with the sacrosanct name of Namaskara Mandapam. 

To keep up its sanctity, no one is allowed to enter it. As the presiding deity is worshipped as Rajarajeswara, he is enjoying imperial status, conspicuously absent in many similar temples dedicated to Lord Siva. Rituals such as the offering of Naiamrit abhisheka to avail the darsan is a MUST here.

It is in consonance with the belief that the Lord is the emperor of emperors. Aren't the people seeking the audience of the highest dignitary necessarily take with them some sort of present, like Phalam, Patram, Pushpam or thoyam? Normally none is allowed empty-handed. This convention fortifies the claim of the deity for imperial status.

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