Sree
Hanuman Temple
(
Cochin Thirumala
Devaswom )
Sree
Hanuman, a great devotee of Sree Rama, an eternal celibate and an unparalleled
Karma Yogin is regarded as the very embodiment of Bhakthi ‑pure and
selfless love of God. Devotees seek His blessings for , cure, for strength,
for success. He, the unfailing friend, companion and source of strength,
blesses them all.
In
the south East corner of the main temple situates the shrine dedicated to
Vajradehi Hanuman. How the Hanuman vigraha came into the hands of the temple
authorities of Cochin is an interesting piece of history. Saraswath Brahmins
who left Goa to escape from Portuguese persecutions and settled down here in
the 16th century became prominent merchants. Educated and conversant with the
Portugues and Dutch languages they were indispensable as interpreters.
The
Portuguese had plundered a
Hanuman temple near
Rameswaram and the booty with the idol was taken to their ship. Their interest
being limited to gold and other valuables, they were about to throw the idol
over board. Shri Kalaga Prabhu, a distinguished personality, who was on board
the ship tactfully took possession of the idol and. upon reaching Cochin
presented it to the temple.
