Kalipara lies in the Trivandrum district of Kerala, India. Nearly 4 km away from Neyar dam, this peak gives an excellent view of the mountain ranges of the Western Ghats as well as the greenery of Trivandrum. I started my climb real early as my aim was set for the sunrise. As I reached, the first light flashed into the sky driving all the darkness away. The Dawn was breathtaking and it was even more beautified by fog that covered the mountain tops and valleys below. It made me feel as if on the top of the world. At a height of 3000ft, I had one of the most amazing sunrise view that I’ve ever had in my life. There is a temple situated on the top most peak of Kalipara. The ambience all around was so calm, pleasant and refreshing. “Even foreigners came there for chanting mantras and meditation”, said one of the visitors, enjoying the sunrise.
I was enlightened that the history of Kalipara takes us back in time to the period when the kings ruled over these lands. In the past, Kalipara came under the region of Karuankulam kingdom. Kottayamamburam was another place under Karuankulam kingdom where the main castle of the kingdom was situated. People who were found to be accused were taken from the Kottayamamburam (where the trial took place) to Kalipara and were sacrificed to goddess Kali. In those days, Kalipara was considered a haunted place. It was somewhere between the fall of the kingdoms and the rise of democracy, when the Kali temple turned into the Lokambika
The word “Lokambika” means Goddess of the world.
(“Loka” means world and “ambika” means goddess).
It was a swami from chinthalaya ashram that gave Kalipara its divine touch. Temples here opened only on Sunday evenings, during festivals and on some special occasions. Believers mainly visit this temple during the festive time, which is during the month of January (from 1st of vrichika to 1st of makaram in Malayalam month). The day I visited was a pournami, (full moon), which was a special day for the temple, so there was a feast/ “annadhanam” in the afternoon, at the foot of the hill. Hospitality of the people, deliciousness of the dishes and the whole peaceful atmosphere filled both my mind and stomach.
Afternoon was too hot for a climb. Temple had closed and even the people were nowhere to be seen. Curious to know more about the place I decided to approach a house nearby. It was a small house made of brick and clay. The place seemed abandoned, but soon I was welcomed by Mr. Aji, Mrs. Sandhya and their sweet boy Vishnu. I had to ask only half the question before which Aji started saying all about the place. “Believers see the goddess as the mother of the world. This temple consists of not only Goddess but also Lord Ayappa (A god from Hindu mythology).This Place would be crowded during the festival, especially during the main pongal day (one of Indian festivals), a day during which large crowd gathered together and rejoiced. Pongal takes place on 1st of Makaram (date varies in English calendars)”, said Aji inviting me to the next year fest. Our talk prolonged for hours and it was both informative and interesting. When we finished, it was late eve and sun was ready to go low. Now, I had to climb back to the peak for the best view and so, I started my journey to the top.
Sunset was mesmerizingly beautiful. I stood there watching, as the sun moved down the horizon at the far end of the long stretched green valley. Breeze passed calmly with a whispering sound as if it had many unspoken stories to narrate
Darkness had crept in the valleys and even the hilltops. Stars shined bright and the moon rose high spreading its white shade all over the place. Moonlight was all I had for sight. The place was dark and not so well lit at night (may because of the low number of guests’ visiting the place). I noticed a concrete floor which seemed to be the part of a ruin and remembered Aji saying about a lightning strike which took place 3 years prior to my visit. Lightning had destroyed almost the whole of the main temple and a new small temple was being built”.
As the darkness completely crept in, I could see lights from different far off cities and the nearby neyar dam. That was a beautiful sight which I never even planned for. Thus, Kalipara gave me a sendoff with another beautiful view. As I climbed down with my companion from the skies lighting me the way, the whole of the day passed through my mind. On reaching down, I drove off from kalipara with a self-promise to visit back again. . .
Editorial Team
