About Cheerappanchira
About Cheerappanchira
पाण्डलाभुवि जातोऽयं मणिमण्डपवासी शुभः॥
आर्यः केरलसंभूतः पूणाम्बलशिखेरगः॥
यः तत्र प्रकाशते नित्यं शबरीनाथ ईश्वरः॥
Pāṇḍalābhuvi jāto'yaṁ maṇimaṇḍapavāsī śubhaḥ।
Āryaḥ keralasaṁbhūtaḥ pūṇāmbalaśikheragaḥ॥
Yaḥ tatra prakāśate nityaṁ śabarīnātha īśvaraḥ॥
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Cheerappanchira Mukkalvattam
The Pandalam royal family, through the “Thirupattaya Charthu” (Royal Decree), granted the Cheerappanchira family the hereditary right to conduct the fireworks offerings at Sabarimala. This right was upheld in a legal battle.
Located in Muhamma, in the Cherthala Taluk of Alappuzha (Allepey) district, Mukkal Vettom Temple is deeply intertwined with the History of Lord Ayyappa and the ancient martial traditions of Kerala. This revered temple, associated with the Cheerappanchira family and their Kalari (martial arts school), holds a unique place in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Sabarimala devotion.
Lord Ayyappa received training in Kalaripayattu, the traditional martial art of Kerala, from the Cheerappanchira family. The family, renowned martial arts masters of the Karappuram region (around Muhamma), accepted the young crown prince of the Pandalam royal family as a disciple. Under the guidance of the family’s Mooppan (Guru), Ayyappa mastered the martial discipline.
Before departing unexpectedly for Pandalam to defend the kingdom from an invasion, Ayyappa left behind his royal emblems, revealing his true identity. His living quarters at Cheerappanchira are preserved to this day and are known as Swami Mattom.
It is believed that, it was at this divine site that Aravana Payasam became the iconic prasadam of Sabarimala. Punkodi — the manifestation of Shakti, Later known as Malikappuram Amma — once prepared a special sweet rice offering, known as Aravana, for Lord Ayyappa as an act of pure devotion. Impressed by her dedication and the simplicity of the offering, Lord Ayyappa accepted it with divine approval. Since then, Aravana Payasam has held a revered place in temple rituals. It symbolizes not only the sacred association of Malikappuram with Sabarimala but also the significance of offering with sincerity and faith. Even today, lakhs of pilgrims carry home this sacred prasadam, considered a blessing directly from the deity himself.
The sacred sword and the 'Veeralippattu' (warrior's attire) of Lord Ayyappa are preserved in the Kalari (traditional training arena). On the auspicious day of Mandala Pooja (November) and Vilakku Festival, special rituals are performed at this site. Following Makara Sankranti, the temple is ceremoniously closed. This revered temple is also known by the name Chettoor Kavu.
Travel Guide to Cheerappanchira
Plan your visit to the Mukkal Vettom Temple in Muhamma, Alappuzha. The temple is accessible via NH66, approximately 10 km from Cherthala railway station. Regular Private buses and taxis operate from Alappuzha city & Cherthala. Temple timings are Wednesday and Saturday, 5:00 AM–12:00 PM and 5:00 PM–8:00 PM.
Accommodation options include budget hotels and homestays in Alappuzha and Cherthala.
History
Aryan Keralan Varman
Ayyappa – Aryan Keralan Varman - History
Among the most divine and legendary figures to emerge from the Pandalam royal lineage is Aryan Keralan Varman, revered by millions as Lord Ayyappa.
Ayyappa incarnated into the Pandalam royal family to uphold Dharma (righteousness) in a time of rising injustice.
Ayyappa was not merely a warrior-prince deity but the living Embodiment of Satya and Nyaya – Truth and Justice —a divine guide leading humanity on the path of truth, discipline, and equality. Between 1170 and 1175 AD, it is believed that Lord Ayyappa himself envisioned and oversaw the construction of the Sabarimala temple. This sacred site was established atop the dense forested hills of Poonkavanam, on the very rock where Sabari is said to have attained moksha through her devotion to Lord Rama.
At the end of his earthly mission, Ayyappa is believed to have entered Jeeva Samadhi—a conscious meditative state leading to liberation—at the Manimandapam, where he merged with the energy of the sacred hill Poonambalamedu. His divine presence continues to guide and bless pilgrims through the sanctum of Sabarimala.
“When Adharma rises, Ayyappa descends—to restore Dharma, in silence, in strength, and in supreme grace.”