The only one Garuda Temple in Kerala it is in Triprangode on Chamravattom Road near Thirur of Malappuram district. The temple is known as Vellamassery Garudan Kavu Temple. Close to this one lies a Mahavishnu temple where the deity is in Koorma avatar. It is said it is the only Garuda temple in India in his flying form in this country.
The temple complex was initially small but was later expanded substantially. The sannidhis of Sankara Narayana and Lord Shiv which faces the direction east were built later. On the left of Lord Garuda, deities such as Veettekkaran and Kartha Veeryarjunan are found. Deities like Vishnu and Sankara Narayanan have separate Namaskara Mandapa. The shrine of Lord Vishnu has a balippura to its south. The shrines of Sri Sastha, Devi Bhagavathy, Lord Ganapthy and Devi Bhadra Kali are found in the western direction. The shrine has a gopuram at the west and a deepasthambham within. A large temple pond is situated south of this temple. Daily pooja for the deities are performed here.
The temple doesn’t impose restrictions on the devotees visiting the temple, unlike many other temples of this region and is open to everyone. Thereby the temple signifies that it doesn’t discriminate people based on any criteria like caste, creed, color, gender, etc, just like the Garuda that flies high above in the skies over everyone without any discrimination.
In order to obtain immunity from snake bite, the devotees offer snakes for the Garuda. This is because the snakes are known to be the natural food for the Garuda (eagle). This ritual involves the throwing of hundreds of snakes kept on earthenware pots from the Gopuram by the devotees. The snakes are unhurt and alive when they land.Since this snake offering ritual is in practice for several centuries now, it is obvious that this region should have been thickly infested with snakes, while hardly any snakes are visible here. There has not been a single instance of snake bite, despite the presence of many snakes in the region, not even when being carried by devotees during this ritual. Thus, this stands as a proof to the divine power of this temple and its deity.
The Mandala period falling between mid November to mid December, is considered the most significant period of worship in this temple. The 12th and 13th day of the Malayalam month ‘Dhanu’ is regarded auspicious. The Garuda Temple, Triprangode, serves as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kerala and continues to be a place of devotion and reverence for Hindus in the region.
