Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple /Thiru Chenkundroor Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple/ Thrichittatu Mahavishnu Temple തൃച്ചിറ്റാറ്റ് മഹാവിഷ്ണു ക്ഷേത്രം, Thrichittatt, Chengannur, Alappuzha District, Kerala.

The visit to this Sri Imayavarappan Temple at Thrichittat, Chenganur, was a part of the Malai Nadu Divya Desams visit from 10^th to 14^th June 2025, organized by Mantra Yatra (website). Thanks to Mr. Balaji Davey and his team of Mantra Yatra for the excellent arrangement and personal care.

The temple is on the banks of Thiruchitraru, a tributary of the Pampa River. This place was called Thrichittraru, Thiru Chenkundroor, and is now called Chengannur. This is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Maha Vishnu, and Mangalasasanam was done by Nammalwar (3480-3490).

வார்கடா அருவி யானை மாமலையின் மருப்புஇணைக் குவடுஇறுத்துஉருட்டி

ஊர்கொள் திண்பாகன் உயிர் செகுத்து அரங்கின்  மல்லரைக்கொன்று சூழ்பரண்மேல்

போர்கடா அரசர் புறக்கிட மாடம்மீமிசைக் கஞ்சனைத் தகர்த்த

சீர்கொள்சிற்றாயன் திருச்செங்குன்றூரில் திருச்சிற்றாறு எங்கள் செல்சார்வே

…. நம்மாழ்வார்

Moolavar  : Sree Imaya Varappan

Thayar     : Sree Chengamalavalli Nachiyar

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with a temple tank. Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are after the entrance mandapa. Balipeedam is in a mandapa, which joins with the nalambalam. Dwarapalakas are in the form of paintings at the entrance of the sanctum sanctorum

Moolavar Sree Imaya Varappan is in a standing posture with shankha and chakra, which are interchanged, which is unusual.

In pradakshinapatha, ashtadikpalakas, and saptamatrikas. In the Thiruchuttambalam/Praharam, Balarama, Sastha, Bhagavathy, Nagaraja, and Yakshi.

 Painting on the right side of the entrance to the Sanctum Sanctorum

 Saptamatrikas

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of Thiruchuttambalam, nalambalam, pradakshinapatha, Sree Kovil, Namaskara Mandapam, dwajasthambam, and balipeedam. The Sree Kovil is circular in plan. The adhistanam with upanam was built with stone. The adhistanam consists of jagathy, muppattai kumudam, and parativari. The bhitti is plain without any windows or pilasters. The bhitti was built with laterite stones and plastered. The pranala is simple and plain and emerges through the yazhi’s mouth, supported by a bhuta gana. A conical, two-tala vimanam is on the prastaram. The vimanam is called Jagajyothi Vimanam.

The namaskara mandapam has a pyramidal roof in front of the sanctum sanctorum, which is open on four sides and supported by pillars. The nalambalam has entrances on the east and west sides and forms an enclosure for the Sreekovil.   

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Nammalwar has sung Pasuram on Sree Mayapiran of this temple, the temple might have existed before the 8^th Century CE, built by the Cheras. Later, the temple received contributions from Cheras, Pandyas, Venadu, Travancore Kings, etc.

The temple is under the control of the Travancore Devaswom Board. 

LEGENDS

This is one of the five ancient temples in and around Chengannur, Kerala. These five temples are connected with the Epic Mahabharata, where the Pancha Pandavas are believed to have built one temple each.

1. Sree Imaya Varappan Temple at Thrichittatt by Yudhishthira/ Dharmaputhra,

2. Sree Mayapiran Temple at Puliyur by Bheema. To signify this, a thanda is kept in front of the temple.

3. Sree Parthasarathy/ Thirukuralappan Temple at Aranmula by Arjuna,

4. Sree Pambanaiappan/ Kamalanathan Temple at Thiruvanvandoor by Nakula and

5. Sree Atputha Narayanan/ Amrutha Narayanan Temple at Thrikodithanam by Sahadeva.

This is the place where Maha Vishnu showed his parakrama (Killing Hiranya, Hamsa, etc), Souriyam/ easiness, and bravery to the alwars.

Dharmaputhra killed Dronacharya after telling a lie that “Aswathama was already killed”. To get rid of the sin, Dharmaputhra came to this temple after knowing that Maha Vishnu gave darshan to Shiva and saved him from Rukmanthan. Maha Vishnu gave darshan to Dharmputhra after satisfying his penance.

In another legend, Shiva gave a boon to Rukmanthan / Padmasura that whoever touches their head will be turned to ash. After getting the boon, he wants to test it on Shiva itself. Fearing Padmasura, Shiva sought the help of Maha Vishnu. Maha Vishnu took the form of Mohini, made Padmasura touch his own head, and turned him to ash. After hearing the Varaprasathi Maha Vishnu, Dharmaputhra came to this temple, did a penance on Maha Vishnu, and got relieved from sin.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, Thiruvonam, Aarattu festival (Oct- Nov), the Annual 10-day festival in the month of April – May, Vaishakha Maasa Acharanam, Gajamela in Vaishakha month (Many elephants with decoration participate in the procession), etc.

 Nammalwar Pasuram

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 05.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile number +919446050829 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

The temple is about a km from the Thrichittat Temple Junction on Kollam to Kottayam MC Road, 1.5 km from Chengannur, 5 km from Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple, 13 km from Aranmula Sri Parthasarathy Temple, 40 km from Kottayam, 48 km from Azhapuzha, and 58 km from Kollam.

The nearest Railway Station is Chengannur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple/ Thripuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple / തൃപ്പുലിയൂർ മഹാവിഷ്ണു ക്ഷേത്രം, Puliyoor, Alappuzha District, Kerala.

The visit to this Puliyur Sree Mayapiran temple at Thripuliyur was a part of the Malai Nadu Divya Desams visit from 10^th to 14^th June 2025, organized by Mantra Yatra (website). Thanks to Mr. Balaji Davey and his team of Mantra Yatra for the excellent arrangement and personal care. This place, Thirupuliyur, is known as Puliyoor and Kuttanattu Thirupuliyur, in Kutta Nadu of Malai Nadu.

This is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Maha Vishnu, and Mangalasasanam was done by Nammalwar (3535 - 45) and Thirumangai Alwar (2673-2710,70)  

கருமாணிக்க மலைமேல் மணித்தடம் தாமரைக் காடுகள்போல்

திருமார்வு வாய்கண்கை உந்திகால்உடை  ஆடைகள் செய்யபிரான்

திருமால் எம்மான் செழுநீர்வயல் குட்டநாட்டுத் திருப்புலியூர்

அருமாயன் பேர்அன்றிப் பேச்சுஇலள் அன்னைமீர்!  இதற்கு என்செய்கேனோ

 … நம்மாழ்வார் திருவாய் மொழி

பேராலித- ண்கால் நரையூர் திருபுலியூர்

ஆராமம் சூழ்ந்தவர- ண்கம்—கணம—ண்கை (70)

….. திருமங்கை ஆழ்வார் சிறிய திருமடல்

Moolavar  : Sree Mayapiran

Thayar     : Sree Porkodi Nachiyar

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with a mandapam. The east side entrance has 18 steps. A stucco image of Maha Vishnu’s reclining posture on Adishesan is on the top of the mandapam. Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are after the entrance mandapam. Unlike other temples, the balipeedam is installed not in a mandapa. A Mace (Bheema’s) is on a platform. Dwarapalakas are on both sides of the entrance to the sanctum sanctorum. Moolavar Mayapiran is in a standing posture. An elevated namaskara mandapam is in front of the temple.

In the pradakshinapatha saptamatrikas, ashtadikpalakas, and Dakshinamurthy.

In the Thiruchuttambalam/outer praharam, there are two Shiva Shrines, Ayyappan, Bheema thandam/Mace, and Bhagavathy.

Nagars

ARCHITECTURE

The temple complex consists of Thiruchuttambalam, Nalambam, pradakshinapatha, Sree Kovil, Namaskara Mandapam, dwajasthambam, and balipeedam. The Sree Kovil is circular in plan. The adhistanam was built with stone. The adhistanam consists of jagathy, muppattai, kumuda, and parativari. The bhitti is plain without any windows or pilasters. The bhitti was built with laterite stones and plastered. Maha Vishnu’s various avatars are painted colorfully on the Sree Kovil wall. The pranala is like a cannon, emerges through Yazhi’s mouth, supported by a bhuta gana. A conical, eka tala vimanam is on the prastaram. The vimanam is called Purushothama Vimanam.

The namaskara mandapam is with a pyramidal roof in front of Sree Kovil, which is open on four sides and supported by pillars. The nalambalam has entrances on the east and west sides, forming an enclosure for the Sreekovil.   

Pranala

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Since Nammalwar has sung Pasuram on Sree Mayapiran of this temple, the temple might have existed before the 8^th Century CE, built by the Cheras. Later, the temple received contributions from Cheras, Pandyas, Venadu, Travancore Kings, etc.

The temple is under the control of the Travancore Devaswom Board. 

LEGENDS

This is one of the five ancient temples in and around Chengannur, Kerala. These five temples are connected with the Epic Mahabharata, where the Pancha Pandavas are believed to have built one temple each.

1. Sree Imaya Varappan Temple at Thrichittatt by Yudhishthira,

2. Sree Mayapiran Temple at Puliyur by Bheema. To signify this, a Mace is kept in front of the temple.

3. Sree Parthasarathy/ Thirukuralappan Temple at Aranmula by Arjuna,

4. Sree Pambanaiappan/ Kamalanathan Temple at Thiruvanvandoor by Nakula and

5. Sree Atputha Narayanan/ Amrutha Narayanan Temple at Thrikodithanam by Sahadeva.

Bheema's Mace

Saptarishis Atthri, Vasishtar, Kaasyapar, Gouthamar, Bharadwajar, Vishvamitra, and Jamadagni worshipped Perumal of this temple to attain mukti.

In another legend, Mayapiram gave darshan to Alwar in Nayaka Lakshana. Parangusa Nayagi was in love with Perumal of this temple. But her parents arranged a marriage with someone else. When the bridegroom was about to come to see her, friends told her parents that Parangusa Nayagi might have married, since Thulasi's smell came out of her body. In fact, her friends only arranged the marriage with Mayapiran, without knowing her parents.   

As per another legend, during Sibi Chakravarti’s rule, his country experienced a heavy drought. To get rid of the draught and flourish with wealth, Sibi Chakravarthy decided to give dhan/Dakshina to the Saptarishis. Since a country is experiencing a drought, it is a sin to get a dhan/Dakshina from the king, so they declined the same. The SaptaRishis ate the lotus plant since food was not available. The angered King Sibi tried to kill the SaptaRishis through the demon that appeared from the yagna, which he conducted. The SaptaRishis sought the help of Maha Vishnu. Maha Vishnu, in turn, asked Indra to save them. Indra took the form of a Tiger and killed the demon. Hence, this place is called Thirupuliyur.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, Thiruvonam, Aarattu festival (Oct- Nov), the Annual 10-day festival in April – May, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 05.00 hrs to 11.00 hrs and from 17.00 hrs to 20.00 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The mobile number +919447800291 may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This Sree Mayapiran temple at Thirupuliyur is about 3 km from Chengannur Railway Station, 5 km from Thrichittatu Maha Vishnu Temple, 14 km from Aranmula Sri Parthasarathy Temple, 41 km from Kottayam, 47 km from Azhapuzha, and 57 km from Kollam.

The nearest Railway Station is Chengannur.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Thiruvazhmarban Temple / அருள்மிகு திருவாழ்மார்பன் கோவில், Thiruppathisaram / திருப்பதிசாரம் / திருவண்பரிசாரம், Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu.

The visit to this Thiruvazhmarban Temple, Thiruppathisaram, Nagercoil, was a part of the Malai Nadu Divya Desam visit from 10^th to 14^th June 2025, organized by Mantra Yatra (website). Thanks to Mr. Balaji Davey and his team of Mantra Yatra for the excellent arrangement and personal care.

This is one of the 108 Divya Desam of Maha Vishnu, and Mangalasasanam was done by Nammalwar (3475).

வருவார் செல்வார் வண்பரிசாரத்து இருந்த  என் 

திருவாழ்மார்வற்கு என்திறம் சொல்லார் செய்வதுஎன்

உருவார் சக்கரம் சங்குசுமந்து இங்குஉம்மோடு 

ஒருபாடுஉழல்வான் ஓர்அடியானும் உளன்என்றே.  

−நம்மாழ்வார்-மூன்றாம் திருவாய்மொழி.

When Nammalwar was at Alwar Thirunagari under meditation inside the tamarind tree ponthu, he composed this Pasuram. He expressed his wish for his devotees to tell about him to Thiruvazhmarbam, his birthplace.

Moolavar  : Sree Thiruvazhmarban, Thirukuralappan

Utsavar    : Sree Srinivasa Perumal with Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Thayar     : Sree Kamalavalli Nachiyar

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east with an entrance. Stucco images of Maha Vishnu with Sreedevi, Bhudevi, Sree Rama with Sita, Lakshmana, and Andal are on the top of the entrance. The temple tank is in front. Dwajasthambam, Balipeedam, and Garudan are after the entrance. Dwarapalakas are after the Dwajasthambam, at the entrance of the mukha mandapam. Moolavar is in a sitting posture, holding the shankha and Chakra in the upper hands.

In the inner praharam, Vinayagar, Garudan, Vibeesanan, Hanuman, Ramar, Sita, Lakshmana, Kulasekara Alwar, Agasthiyar, Viswaksenar, Natarajar, and Nammalwar.

ARCHITECTURE

Moolavar is made of stucco mixed with medicinal herbs and sugar. Hence, no abhishekam will be conducted, and only oil kappu will be done. The temple consists of the sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam, and maha mandapam. The sanctum sanctorum is on a prati bandha adhistanam with jagathy, muppattai kumudam, and prativari. The bhitti starts with vedikai. The pilasters are brahmakantha pilasters with kalasam, kudam, lotus petals mandi, palakai, and pushpa pothyal.

The prastaram consists of valapi and kapotam, with nasi kudus. One tala vimanam, greevam, and sigaram are above the prastaram. The sigaram is of dravida style. The vimanam is called Indra Kalyana Vimanam.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

This place was called Thiruvanparisaram and is now known as Thirupathisaram. This is the birthplace of Nammalwar’s mother, Sree Udaiya Nangai. Nammalwar was born, and she prayed to Maha Vishnu of this temple. It is believed that Nammalwar was the incarnation of Viswaksenar, the Chieftain of Maha Vishnu. Hence, it is presumed that the temple has existed since the 8^th Century.

Kulasekara Alwar had done the thirupani to this temple. The Dwajasthambam, compound wall, and vahanas for utsavas were contributed by him. 

LEGENDS

As per the legend, Maha Vishnu took the Narasimha avatar and killed Hiranyakasipu for his devotee Bhakta Prahalad. Even after killing Hiranyakasipu, his anger didn’t subside. To calm down Narasimha, Maha Lakshmi embraced, and Bhakta Prahalad also prayed. Maha Vishnu gave a place to Maha Lakshmi on his chest. Thiru- Maha Lakshmi, Vazh- lives, Marban- Chest. Hence, the Moolavar of this temple is called Thiruvazhmarban. Maha Lakshmi is on Maha Vishnu’s left chest, which is a unique feature of this temple. Due to the above reasons, there is no separate sannidhi for Thayar.

Thiruvaazhmarban is believed to be equivalent to Tirupati Venkatachalapathy. Hence, those who couldn’t go to Tirupati can also offer here.

Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, Vibeesana, and Hanuman sannidhi are in the ardha mandapam. As per the legend, after witnessing Ramar’s Pattabhishekam, on the way, Vibeesana came to this place and worshipped Thiruvaazhmarban. Vibeesana expressed his wish to see once again the Pattabhisheka Kolam Maha Vishnu. To his request, Maha Vishnu gave the Rama avatar darshan to Vibeesana in this temple.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, special poojas are conducted on Vaikunta Ekadasi, Ramanavami, Nammalwar’s birth Nakshatra days, etc.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open from 05.30 hrs to 10.30 hrs and from 17.30 hrs to 19.30 hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS

The temple staff, Sethuram's mobile numbers +919894011365 and +919443579993, may be contacted for further details.

HOW TO REACH

This temple at Thirupathisaram is about 2 km from Nagercoil bypass road, 5 km from Nagercoil Railway Station, 21 km from Kanyakumari Railway Station, and 31 km from Thiruvattaru, the next Malai Nadu Divya Desam.

The nearest Railway Station is Nagercoil.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple / Sri Mahadevar Temple / திருவஞ்சிக்குளம் மகாதேவர் கோயில் / திருவஞ்சைக்குளம்மகாதேவசுவாமி கோயில், திருவஞ்சிக்குளம், Thiruvanchikulam, in Kerala State, India.

This is the 266^th Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and the only sthalam in Malai Nadu. This place was called Thiruvanchaikalam during the Sundarar period and is now called Thiruvanchikulam. It is believed that “Cheralam” has turned to Keralam. This is the birthplace of Vaishnavite Alwar Kulasekara Alwar and Perumkothaiyar also known as Cheraman Perumal Nayanar and KazhaRRarivar. This is the Mukthi sthalam to Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar.

In Periyapuranam, Sekkizhar records that, Sundarar came to this temple a second time and prayed to Lord Shiva to take him back to his abode, Kailash.

வாழி மாதவர் ஆலாலசுந்தரர்

        வழியிடை அருள்செய்த

ஏழ் இசைத் திருப்பதிகம் இவ்

        உலகினில் ஏற்றிட ஏறிமுந்நீர்

ஆழிவேந்தனாம் வருணனுக்கு

        அளித்திட அவனும் அவ் அருள்சூடி

ஊழியின் தனி ஒருவர்தாம்

        திருஅஞ்சைக் களத்தில் உய்த்து உணர்வித்தான்

It is believed that this was the last hymns sung by Sundarar, on Thiruvanchikulam Lord Shiva. Sundarar mentions Cheraman Perumal as Perumkothaiyar in his hymns. From Thiruvanchikulam, he also sang hymns mentioning to unforget  Lord Shiva of Thiruvarur.  

முடிப்பது கங்கையும் திங்களும் செற்றது மூவெயில்

நொடிப்பது மாத்திரை நீறெ ழக்கணை நூறினார்

கடிப்பதும் ஏறுமென் றஞ்சு வன்திருக் கைகளால்

பிடிப்பது பாம்பின்றி இல்லை யோஎம் பிரானுக்கே

.... சுந்தரர் முடிப்பது கங்கை எனும் பதிகம்

பொன்னும் மெய்ப்பொரு ளும்தரு வானைப்

        போக மும்திரு வும்புணர்ப் பானைப்

பின்னை என்பிழை யைப்பொறுப் பானைப்

        பிழையெ லாந்தவி ரப்பணிப் பானைப்

இன்ன தன்மையன் என்றறி வொண்ணா

        எம்மா னைஎளி வந்தபி ரானை

அன்னம் வைகும் வயற்பழ நத்தணி

        ஆரூ ரானை மறக்கலும் ஆமே

.... ( சுந்தரர் திருஅஞ்சைக்களத்தில் இருந்து திருவாரூரை நினைத்துப்பாடியது.

Sundarar returned back once again, 2^nd time  to Thiruvanchikulam after the Darshan of Lord Shiva of Avinashi (Thirupukoliyur) and Thirumuruganpoondi. When Cheraman Perumal Nayanar went to take a bath in the river, Sundarar alone went to the temple and sang this last Hymns in front of Lord Shiva, before proceeding to Mount Kailash (Thirunodithan Malai). 

எந்தம்அடி கள்இமை யோர்பெருமான் எனக்கென்றும் அளிக்கும் மணிமிடற்றன்

அந்தண்கட லங்கரை மேல்மகோதை அணியார்பொழில் அஞ்சைக் களத்தப்பனை

மந்தம்முழ வுங்குழ லும் இயம்பும் வளர்நாவலர் கோன்நம்பி ஊரன் சொன்ன

சந்தம் மிகுதமிழ் மாலைகள்கொண்டு அடிவீழவல் லார்தடு மாற்றிலரே.

.....சுந்தரர்

நஞ்சைக் களத்துவைத்தநாத எனத்தொண்டர் தொழ

அஞ்சைக் களஞ்சேர் அருவுருவே.

.... திரு அருட்பா

Moolavar  : Sri Mahadevar /  Sri Anjaikalatheeswarar

Consort    : Sri Umaiyammai

Some of the salient features of this temple are….

The temple faces east and devotees used to enter through the western entrance since this is very convenient from the national highway. Kerala-style Rajagopuras are in all four directions. On the east Gopuram entrance on one side images of Elephants are entering into this temple on one side and on the other side they are in the opposite direction ie they are going out. Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal’s images are along with the Elephants. Stone kuthuvilakku and Dwajasthambam (about 60 feet tall) are in front of the sanctum sanctorum. The images of Asthavidyeshwaras are on the Dwajasthambam. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of the Sanctum sanctorum. The moolavar is about 4 inches tall, mostly hidden under flower decoration. Avudayar is not Visible. It was told that the Raja of Cochin tried to reinstall the Shiva Linga but the same was abandoned, after  realizing the Moolavar was of swayambhu. As per the Temple’s website, Moolavar was brought from Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. Ambal is in the main sanctum, hence there is no separate sannidhi for Ambal. There are no Koshta murtis. Yoga Narasimhar is on the Vimana. Natarajar in this temple was worshiped by Cheraman Perumal and on the base there is an inscription too.   

In praharam Brangiradi, Palliyarai Shiva, Parvati, Bhagavathi, Lord Parameshwara, Pradosha Nayagar, Saptamatrikas, Rishabam, Nandikeshwara, Unni Deva, Ayyappa, Hanuman, Nagas and Naginis (Yakshi), Nataraja, Durga Bhagavathy, Sri Pasupathi, Nadakkal Shiva, Subramaniya, Ganga, Konakkal Shiva, Kottarathil Shiva, Cheraman Perumal, Sundarar and Dakshinamurthy. All the deities' names are written in Tamil along with Malayalam language.

ARCHITECTURE

The temple was built with Kerala architecture. The temple consists of a rectangular Sanctum sanctorum, an ardha mandapam, and a Mukha mandapam. The main sanctum is on a padabandha adhisthana. Koshta niches are provided on the sanctum wall, but there are no Koshta murtis. A Two thala vimana is over the sanctum sanctorum. There is a 16 pillar mandapa called Namaskara mandapam. The Doors and doorways are carved exquisitely with reliefs of Elephants, various Gods, and goddesses. Murals depicting the epic Ramayana are also carved on the sanctum & Palliyarai walls.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

Sundaramurthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal were close friends. A portion of the temple was built by King Cheraman Perumal who ruled this place with Kodungallur as capital.

Dutch attacked the temple in 1670 CE and two gopurams were pulled down. As per the traditional stories the sword Zamorin, believed to be given by Cheraman Perumal was also destroyed/burnt out.  

Tipu Sultan of Mysore also invaded this place and looted gold jewelry and fine Copper plating. They were made to flee by the Travancore army of Dalawa Keshavadas Pillai. The Namaskara mandapa inscription records that the temple was destroyed by “Sasthra Bahya”. The temple was rebuilt by Paliath Achan the traditional Chief minister of of Kochi Kingdom / Perumpadappu Swaroopam in the year 1801 CE. The Inscription in Sanskrit reads as..

Yah; kaschid sastra baahyoyam adaha duhithai,

Karayaitwva tathaadha

Kale devadhiramyam dhruvamihanilayam,

Madabhupanjyatham

Govinda Paliyeso Girisamabhinavee

karayan vanjulesam

Nyakshenonnagdha soukhyam kalithakhada

sasrabhikshikthakhya dattha" 

The above inscription records that one Govinda, The Paliyesa, being Commanded by the Maata Bhoopathi (Cochin Ruler) restored the temple of Vanjulesha, desecrated some time by a Sashastra Baahya or heretic. The reconstruction took place in 1801 CE and heretic desecration likely refers to the Mysorean invasions in the latter half of the 18^th Century.

Another 1831 CE inscription on the Adhisthana of Chutru Mandapa records that the King Rama Varma of Cochin the Deepa Mandapa was constructed by his minister to Lord Shiva also called Vanchulesha. Another Vattezhuthu inscription records the gift of a Garden/Nandhavanam.

Rev. Dr. Hermann Gundert records that the copper plate was issued by the Chera King to Knai Thoma, the leader of Syrian Christian emigrants in 345 CE, which was unearthed on the North Entrance Gopuram of this temple. The copy is available in the British Museum.

Sri Kashi mutt Sri-la-Sri Kasi vasi Arul Nandhi Thambiran established an endowment of “Thevara Parisu Arakattalai” and Rs 5000 was gifted for the same. Also established an endowment of conducting Maheswara Pooja for which Rs 7000 was gifted to this temple.

The temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

LEGEND:

Parasuraman worshiped Lord Shiva of this temple to get relief from the sin caused by to killing of his mother.

There is a story behind the friendship between Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal. Cheraman Perumal was the King of this region and a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva. Once he gave high respect to a dhobi, with the washing sand all over the body, considering him as Lord Shiva’s devotee. He used to spend more time doing pooja to Lord Shiva. At the end of the pooja, he used to hear Lord Shiva’s anklet sound as an acceptance of his prayer. One day he didn’t hear the sound, immediately after the prayer. But heard a little late and heard the divine voice of Lord Shiva, that he was listening to Sundara’s hymns, that’s why he came late. This creates eagerness to meet Sundarar. Cheraman Perumal started his Pilgrimage to Chidambaram and met Sundarar at Thiruvarur. They became friends and Sundarar came to Thiruvanchikulam twice to meet Cheraman Perumal.

It is believed that from this place/temple, Sundarar was called back by Lord Shiva to Mount Kailash on a white elephant on Aadi month Swati nakshatra day and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar also followed him on a white horse and chanted “Om Namah Shivaya” mantra in its ears.

It is believed that Lord Shiva is living here along with Parvathi, Karthikeyan, and Ganapathy, hence there is no separate sannadhi for Devi Parvati.

There is a Platform on the way to the temple called “Yanai vantha Medai – யானை வந்த மேடை”. It is believed that the White elephant came from Kailash to take back Sundarar. 

It is believed that to get a good spouse and Child boon Devotees used to participate in the Palliyarai Procession, to reunite separated couples in Thambathi / Dampathi Pooja, etc.  

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from 5 times a day, regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted pradosham, Amavasya, Pournami, Somavaram (Mondays), Fridays, Dampathi pooja (to get reunited after separation) and on three annual festivals, of which 10 days Vaikasi pournami Brahmotsavam festival that falls in the Tamil Month, Vaikasi ( May – June ) and Maha Shivaratri are celebrated in a grand manner.

Aratu festival is being conducted in the Arabian Sea which is about 6 km from the temple.

It was said that the images of Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal are kept at the Bhagavathy Amman Temple which will be brought on Adi Swathi festival day ( July – August ). This was celebrated by the Coimbatore Sekkizhar Thiru Koottathar. During that time abhishekam will be conducted in the mandapa for Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal and will be taken in procession on Elephant and horse Vahanas to Thiruvanchikulam. Even though Kerala-style pooja (Thanthrikam) is conducted regularly, on this day poojas will be done as per Tamil Nadu Agama. Elephant race is also conducted on this occasion.   

Ekadasa Rudram, Sangu Abhishekam/Conch Abhishekam, and Mruthyunjaya homam are also conducted.

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TEMPLE TIMINGS 

The temple timings are between 05.00 Hrs to 11.00 Hrs and 17.00 Hrs to 20.00 Hrs.

CONTACT DETAILS 

The Temple office may be contacted over Land line 0480- 2812061 for further details.

Temple website: https://thiruvanchikulammahadevatemple.org/pages/view/mahadeva-temple-history

HOW TO REACH  

The routes,  I followed are given below.

Chennai – Irinjalakuda (By Allepy Express) – Irinjalakuda - Kodungallur – Thiruvanchikulam by bus – and to the temple by auto – Kodungallur Bhagavathy Amman temple – Irinjalakuda Koodalmanikyam Temple – Irinjalakuda – Chennai (Alleppey Express).

Nearest Railway station is Irinjalakuda.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---