Dakshina Mookambika Temple is a renowned Saraswati temple in North Paravur, Ernakulam. The main deity in the temple is Goddess Saraswati, and the sub-deities are Ganapathy, Subrahmanyan, Mahavishnu, Yakshi, Hanuman and Veerabhadran.
As stated in legends, Thampuran ruler of Paravur was an aficionado of Goddess Mookambika. He visited the Kollur sanctuary in Mangalore to pay praise to the Goddess. When he became old, his well being declined and he could never visit Kollur. The Goddess appeared to the devotee and requested him to construct her venerated image close to his royal residence so that he could have day by day darshan of her.
Thampuran fabricated a sanctuary at Paravur and introduced the Goddess. Navratri celebration is observed here with grandeur. On Durgashtami, books are organized before Goddess Saraswathy, and on the morning of Vijayadashami, Ezhuthinirithu is arranged at an exceptional mandapam. The celebrations are carried out from 4 am – 11 am.
“Sree Vidhya Manthra Pushpaanjali”, “Saraswathy Pooja”, and “Mookambika Kashayam” are the main offerings in the temple. Mookambika Kashayam prepared traditionally using herbs, is considered as a sacred medicine used to enhance wisdom.
The beautifully constructed sanctum sanctorum – sreekovil – in Dakshina Mookambika Temple is in the middle of a lotus pond. A concrete bridge directs the devotees to the Sreekovil Nada where they offer their prayers. The Pathmatheertham around the Sreekovil is brimming with water always and is well maintained.
After offering prayers, devotees cross another bridge and go to the southern side of the Pathmatheertham. Kanni moola Ganpati is at the south-west corner of the Padmatheertham. Holy shrines of Lord Subrahmanya, Lord Krishna, Lord Hanuman and Lord Veerabhadran are situated at the four corners of the temple. A shrine devoted to Yakshi is present at the south-west corner. Besides this, a Ganapathy temple is also present near the temple pond.
Navarathri Mandapam with classical concerts during the nine days of Navratri days is seen in the Dakshina Mookambika Temple. Nine days of dance and music make this festival a glorious celebration. Celebrated during September-October, thousands of devotees are seen paying a visit to the temple. Kids are initiated into the world of learning on the “Vidyarambha Mandapam” of the temple on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami.
Apart from the Navarathri, a 10-day Annual Festival is celebrated in the month of Makaram, i.e. between January-February.