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''' Elamgulam Sree Dharma Shastha Temple''' is a Hindu temple in [[India]], located in the state of [[Kerala]]. It is situated in the village of [[Elamgulam]] in [[Kottayam district]]. The annual festival conducted by the temple, with about 15 elephants, namely ''Gajamela'', makes it famous among the state. Thousands of pilgrims participates in this festival.<ref>[http://www.festivaldays.in/festival/-thiru-utsavom-2016-elangulom-sree-dharma-shasta-temple Thiru Utsavom 2016]</ref> | ''' Elamgulam Sree Dharma Shastha Temple''' is a Hindu temple in [[India]], located in the state of [[Kerala]]. It is situated in the village of [[Elamgulam]] in [[Kottayam district]]. The annual festival conducted by the temple, with about 15 elephants, namely ''Gajamela'', makes it famous among the state. Thousands of pilgrims participates in this festival.<ref>[http://www.festivaldays.in/festival/-thiru-utsavom-2016-elangulom-sree-dharma-shasta-temple Thiru Utsavom 2016]</ref> | ||
[[File:Elamgulamgajamela.png|thumb|Gajamela at the temple]] | |||
==History== | |||
The worship of [[Shasta (deity)|Sastha]] forms part of the ancient history of south India.The deity here is believed to be 800 years old. The written history is available since the temple management came under the [[Edapally royal family]]. Post-monarchy, the temple was managed by local landlords and [[Nair Service Society]] (NSS) Karayogam until 1978 when it was transferred to a broad committee with members from various Hindu sects. | |||
[[File:Elamgulamtempleold.jpg|thumb|.]] | |||
In 2018, as part of a major renovation, the ''Chuttambalam'',the outer structure surrounding the sanctum sanctorum([[Garbhagriha]]) within the temple walls, was removed. After 5 years, in January 2023 the new temple entirely made of stone, wood and [[copper]] was inaugurated with ''Brahmakalashabhisheka''.Built to sustain for ages, the temple in its new avatar itself is a milestone in the history of the village. | |||
[[File:Elamgulamtemple2023.jpg|thumb|Temple in 2023]] | |||
==Architecture== | |||
Until 2018, the temple structure was made of bricked walls and clay tile roofs supported on wooden battens. During the major renovation, the walls of ''Chuttambalam'' and sub deities were completely made of ''Krishnashila''(Black natural stone).The roofs are covered with [[copper]] sheets and the ''Balikkalpura'' 's ceiling has carvings on wood and the entablature has layers and the corners have dragon shapes spectacularly painted. | |||
[[File:Elamgulamtemp.jpg|thumb|A view of the Balikkalppura from temple courtyard]] | |||
The ''Aanakkottil''(a structure found in the courtyards of temples across [[Kerala]]) has 10 enhanced pillars with each pillar having projected standalone [[Dashavatara]](the 10 incarnations of lord [[Vishnu]]) sculpture beautifully mural painted. The temple compound walls are built in ''Aanappalla'' style(the vertical cross section of the wall resembles an elephant viewed from its back) which is an ancient style found in temples. | |||
[[File:Aanakkottil.jpg|thumb|Aanakkottil of the temple]] | |||
==Gajamela== | |||
On the last day of the temple festival,''Gajamela'' is usually conducted in the East ''Panthal''(pavilion) of the temple followed by famous ''Aanayoottu''. Elephants are given [[rice]] balls mixed with fruits and nuts. | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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==External links== | ==External links== | ||
* [https://www.facebook.com/Elamgulam-Sree-Dharma-Sasta-Temple-322014331178636/ Official Facebook] | * [https://www.facebook.com/Elamgulam-Sree-Dharma-Sasta-Temple-322014331178636/ Official Facebook] | ||
* [https://youtube.com/watch?v=9TDLbTb1OVw&feature=youtu.be/ A video of Gajamela conducted in 2007] | |||
* [https://elamgulamsreedharmasasthatemple.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral/ Temple Website] | |||
{{Hindu temples in Kerala}} | {{Hindu temples in Kerala}} | ||