Vittalapuram Panduranga perumal koil

Dakshina Pandaripuram
500 year old Vijayanagara period temple looks for support from devotees

Located 15kms east of Tirunelveli in a remote village near Seydunganallur off the Tiruchendur Highway is the 500 year old Panduranga Vittaleswarar Perumal Koil in Vittalapuram. This is one of the two ancient Panduranga temples in India and is referred to as Dakshina Pandaripuram.

With his handsome looks and ‘hands on hips’ posture, Panduranga, seen here with Rukmini and Satyabhama, steals the heart of every devotee who visits this temple.

The story goes that Lord Panduranga of Pandaripuram (Maharashtra) appeared in the dreams of Vittalaraya, the Vijayanagara Chieftain who had camped near Tirunelveli on his way to a battle against the Travancore King and expressed His desire to provide darshan in the South of India as well.

As per the instructions, Vittalaraya came to this village and found the Pandaripuram idol buried on the banks of the Porunai (Tamaraibarani) River. He installed the Panduranga idol and built this temple, a few kms west of the river, and named the village as Vittalapuram (previously called Nattarkulam).

Victory without a battle


Having obtained the blessings of Lord Panduranga, Vittalaraya continued on his campaign with his huge army and reached Suchindrum, near Kanniyakumari. In a sudden turn of events and much to his delight, the Travancore ruler agreed for a favourable settlement without entering the battle field. Happy at this quick and positive end to his campaign, and as a thanking gesture, Vittalaraya returned to the Panduranga temple in Vittalapuram. Camping here, he put in place a process and the finances for a daily six time pooja as well as the conduct of festivals round the year.

Prarthana Sthalam
It is believed that Lord Panduranga immediately fulfils the wishes of devotees who visit this temple and offer their prayers with sincerity.

Inscriptions

Though one does not find exquisite sculptures here like the ones inside Krishnapuram Venkatachalapathy temple (another Vijayanagara period – renovated- temple) located 2kms from here, there are several inscriptions relating to contributions made as well as festivities undertaken during different periods of time.

Kumbabhishekam

A temple that for centuries witnessed grand celebrations including 10 day Utsavams and processions on different Vahanams now wears a rather deserted look. With a major contribution coming in from the Sringeri Mutt and support from local people, the Kumbabhishekam was held in July this year.

Insufficient Funds
However, much remains to be done to get the temple back to its glory days. There is still renovation work to be completed including construction of compound walls. Currently, the temple does not have a permanent Bhattar. With financial support from 3-4 families here, 2 Kala pooja is being done and that with the help of a (temporary) Bhattar who comes from the nearby Alukudi Village. Only Vaikunta Ekadesi, Thiru Karthigai and Margazhi Utsavams are being celebrated. There are not sufficient funds to even purchase flowers for the Lord.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Vittaleswarar Perumal East Facing Standing Posture
Utsavar : Panduranga
Thaayar : Rukmini and Satyabhama (Separate Sannidhis)
Temple Time: 7am-12noon and 5pm-8pm

How to reach Vittalapuram

Buses every half hour between Tirunelveli and Vittalapuram temple ( Route Nos. 11A, 23B and 3G)

One can also take the Tiruchendur bound express bus and get down at Seydunganallur and reach the temple (3kms North) in an auto (Rs.30/-)

The other option is to take the Tuticorin bound bus and get down at Vasavapuram and reach the temple (3kms South) in an auto (Rs.30/-)

Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram

The full form of the Huge Sleeping Lord has to be seen from three different openings

Located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) half a km from the railway station is the 5000 year old Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Divya Desam, where the gigantic Lord Anantha Padmanabhan is seen in a Bhujanga Sayana Kolam.

There is reference in Bhagavatha Puranam of the visit to Syaananthapuram (Thiruvananthapuram) of Balarama and his stay here.

The Story
Wanting a darshan of Lord Vishnu, a Tulu Sage from Mangalore undertook penance. Pleased with his prayers, the Lord appeared before him as a small handsome child. Impressed with the child, the sage requested the child to stay with him.

Agreeing to the condition that the sage would not get angry on any count, the child lived along with the Sage. One day, while the sage was performing his pooja, the child picked up the sacred saligrama stone and began to play with it.

Angered at this gesture of the child, the sage lost his cool prompting the child to leave the place. The sage finally located the child under a tree near the Arabian Sea.

To his delight, the Lord appeared before the sage not as a child but in a gigantic form that did not stop growing. Unable to see the full form of the Lord, the sage requested to provide darshan in a form that he can see.


Lord to be seen through 3 different openings

Giving the huge size of the Sleeping Anantha Padmanabhaswamy, one is able to have the full darshan of the Lord from three different openings- Head from the Southern side, the body from another opening and the leg from a third entrance.

Please with the dedication of the Tulu sage, Anantha Padmanabhaswamy wanted the Tulu Brahmins to perform the pooja at this temple.

Another story goes that a Namboodari Brahmin, who found himself without an offering to the Lord, picked up a few mangoes from the tree and offered them to the Lord on a coconut shell. In memory of this event, the Lord is today offered mangoes on a golden coconut shell.

While the pooja service is performed by the Tulu Brahmins, the administration of the temple is by the Namboodaries.

Ramanuja's Visit and Absence of Garuda
Ramanuja made trips to Divya Desams such as Thiruvattaru and ThiruvanParisaram. From Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Garuda carried him fast that same night back to Thirukurungkudi. And to Ramanuja’s surprise, he was on top of the Thirukurungudi rock at the blink of an eye.

As a result of this event, it is believed that one does not find Garuda in the Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple.

Temple Construction

It is said that Cheraman Nayanar laid the foundation for this temple. After the poojas had stopped in the 17th Century AD and a subsequent fire at the temple led to the destruction of all the idols except the moolavar idol, Raja Marthanda Varma is credited with the complete renovation of the temple in the 18th Century AD.

He used 12000 Sacred Saligrama Stones to reinstall a new Moolavar deity.

NamAzhvaar’s Praise
NamAzhvaar praises Lord of Thiru Anantha Puram in 11 verses.

பேசுமின் கூச்சம் இன்றி, பெரிய நீர் வேலை சூழ்ந்து
வாசமே கமழும் சோலை வயல் அணி அனந்தபுரம்
நேசம் செய்து உரைகின்ரானை நெறிமையால் மலர்கள் தூவி
பூசனை செய்கின்றார்கள் புன்னையும் செய்தவாறே
Lord who resides by the side of the ocean at Thiru Anantha Puram is very friendly. One need not feel shy or have fear. Those who visit him and have darshan are indeed fortunate.

கெடும் இடர் ஆய் எல்லாம், கேசவா,
என்ன நாளும்
கொடுவினை செய்யும் கூற்றின்
தமர்களும் குறுககில்லார்

விடம் உடை அரவில் பள்ளி விரும்பினான்
சுரும்பு அலற்றும்
தடம் உடை வயல் அனந்தபுரநகர்
புகுத்தும் இன்றே

In the above verse, he says: All our problems will vanish the moment we visit the Lord at Thiru Anantha Puram. Even Lord Yama will stay away from us. Hence, go and visit the Lord who resides on Adhisesha.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Anantha Padmanabhaswamy, East Facing Bhujanga Sayana Kolam
Thaayar : Hari Lakshmi
Time : 4am-1230pm and 5pm-730pm
Contact : 0471 2450233
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar 11 Paasurams (3678-88)

How to reach
There are several express trains and buses from across the country to Thiruvananthapuram.

The temple is half a kilometre from the Trivandrum Central Railway Station.

One can reach the temple from the State bus stand(Nagercoil bound buses) in an auto(Rs.10/-)

Kulasekara Perumal Koil in Mannar Koil

Kulasekara Azhvaar spent the last 30 years of his life at this 1000 year old Mannar Koil and is said to have attained Moksham here
One sees several inscriptions in this historical temple dating back to the Chozha Period


Rajagopalaswamy

Located 40kms West of Tirunelveli near Ambasamudram on the banks of two rivers, TamaraiBarani and Karuna River, is the huge 1000 year old three tiered Rajagopalaswamy Kulasekara Perumal Koil in Mannar Koil. This temple is named after Kulasekara Azhvaar who spent the last years of his life performing service for the Lord at this temple.

Rajendra Vinnagaram
This place is also referred to as Veda Puri (after Veda Narayana Perumal) and Rajendra Vinnagaram(the great Chozha king who built/renovated this temple).

Big Efforts of Narasimha Gopalan Acharya
Thanks to the single handed effort of Shri.Narasimha Gopalan Acharya, who belongs to the Periya Nambi ancestry, a once dilapidated temple is now seeing truly significant renovation worth a lot of commendation. A notable aspect of this is that there has thus far been very minimal support from HR& CE for this initiative. Another point of sadness is the paltry Rs.245 paid to the Bhattar as the monthly salary at this temple.

For those who have commited their entire lives to the service of the Lord, this kind of meagre double and triple digit income is making it very difficult to sustain a reasonable life for the Bhattars of Perumal Koils in Tamil Nadu.

However, Shri. Narasimha Gopalan is not one to be undone by lack of support. His determination to seed and grow the Shenbagam flowers, which is said to be one of Lord Vishnu’s eight favourite flowers, has borne significant results in the last 3-4 years with the Northern side of the temple now full of Shenbagam trees. The fact that the number of Shenbagam flowers that one sees here cannot be seen in any other Divya Desam is testimony to the passionate service provided by Shri. Narasimha Gopalan.

In his praise of Lord Vishnu in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Kulasekara Azhvaar refers only to Shenbagam flowers and hence this flower is said to be very sacred.

Garuda alongside Utsava Deity - A Speciality
Along side the utsava deity of Rajagopalan is seen Garuda, a feature that is seen at the Srivilliputhur Divya Desam.


Kulasekara Azhvaar
Kulasekara Azhvaar who was born in Thiruvanjikalam went on to become a Chera King. During his early years, he defeated Chozha and Pandya kings and was a dominant force.

However, his devotion to Lord Vishnu led him to renounce power and to a path singing praise of the Vaishnavite Lord. After trips around several Vishnu temples, Kulasekara Azhvaar finally reached Mannar Koil, where he was taken in by the beauty of Vedanarayanan, in whom he saw the Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam. Like Srirangam, Mannar Koil too is surrounded by two rivers on either side -Tamarai Barani on the Southern side and Karuna River on the Northern side.

Staying here at Mannar Koil for over 30 years, Kulasekara Azhvaar undertook daily pooja of Lord Rama, who was his abhisheka deity, and finally attained moksham at this place. To this day, one finds the idols of this Abhisheka moorthy at this temple.

In recognition of his efforts here at Mannar Koil, this temple has come to be known as Kulasekara Perumal Koil, the only historical Perumal koil to be directly named as an Azhvaar Perumal koil.

One also finds the Kulasekara Azhvaar Sannidhi with the Holy Flag Post (Kodi Maram) dedicated to him, a speciality (for Azhvaars) not seen in any other perumal koil.

Incidentally, Vibheeshana, had also been drawn in to Lord Vedanarayanan of Mannar Koil.

கோலார்ந்த நெடுஞ் சார்ங்கம் கூனர்ச் சங்கம்
கொலை யாழி கொடுந்தண்டு கொற்ற ஒள்வாள்

கால் ஆர்ந்த கதிக்கருடன் என்னும் வென்றிக்
கடும்பரவை இவை அனைத்தும் புறஞ் சூழ் காப்ப

சேலார்ந்த நெடுங்கழனி சோலை சூழ்ந்த
திருவரங்கத்து அரவநியிர் பள்ளி கொள்ளும்

மாலோனைக் கண்டு இன்பக்கலவி எய்தி
வல்லினையேன் என்றுகொலோ வாழும் நாளே - Kulasekara Azhvaar Perumal - 654


Kulasekara Perumal- Moolavar

Historical Inscriptions
At the Rajagopalaswamy Kulasekara Perumal koil, one finds several inscriptions relating to significant contributions made by rulers dating back to the Chozha and Chera period.

Rajendra Chozha made big contributions to this temple in the 11th century AD, so much so that this place was referred to as Rajendra Vinnagaram. Later, Chera King Rajasimman donated several pieces of land to this temple. Jatavarma Chozha Pandya as well as Nayak kings also made contributions to the Mannar Koil.

There are also interesting inscriptions on the floor of the temple right at the entrance.


Avathara Sthalam of Azhagiya Manavala Jeer
This is the birth of Vaadhi Kesari Azhvagiya Manavala Jeer who provided detailed vyakanam(explanation/description) of Divya Prabandham known as ‘Panniraayira Padi’

Kaisika Puranam Event at Mannar Koil

An interesting development and a very positive one for Mannar Koil is that the pre event practice session of Kaisika Puranam for the Thirukurungudi Kaisika Ekadesi event will be held here next Saturday 21st November 2009.


Quick Facts

Moolavar : Veda Narayana Perumal East Facing
Utsavar : Rajagopalaswamy with Garuda
Gooddess : Vedavalli Thaayar and Bhuvanavalli Thaayar

Azhvaar : Kulasekara Azhvaar attained Moksham at this place

Temple Time : 7am-12noon and 5pm-7pm
Contact : PS. Narasimha Gopalan Acharya@ 04634 252874

Festivals:
Chitrai Brahmotsavam
Procession of Azhvaar in Pushpa Pallaku in Thai

How to reach Mannar Koil:
Mannar Koil is about 5kms West of Ambasamudram off the Tenkasi – Courtallam Highway.

Ambasamudram is 35kms West of Tirunelveli.
Buses every 15mts from Tirunelveli new bus stand to Ambasamudram/Papanasam.
One can reach the temple in an hour from Tirunelveli.

Car from Tirunelveli to Mannar Koil and back will cost about Rs.500-600.
Auto from Ambasamudram bus stand to Mannar Koil will cost Rs.60/-.
One can also reach the temple by local buses / mini bus service

Manimutharu Dam is about 15kms from here.
Pechiparai Dam is about 50kms from here towards South
Courtallam falls is 50kms West from Mannar Koil.

Srimushnam Bhoo Varahaswamy

This is one of the 8 Swayambu Kshetrams
Lord Narayana brought back Goddess Earth after killing Asura Hiranyaksha and appeared here in Srimushnum

Located 35kms West of Chidambaram in the Kattu Mannar Koil Taluk is the historical Bhoo Varaha Swamy temple in Sri Mushnum. Unlike typical moolavar deities in Vishnu temples, the Lord here is in the form of a small idol signifying the Varaha Avataaram. A visit even once to this temple and sincere prayers to Lord Bhoo Varahaswamy is said to help attain moksham in this lifetime, such is the power of Bhoo Varahar.

Swayambu Kshetram
Srimushnum is one of the 8 Swayambu Kshetrams in India. The others are Srirangam, Tirupathi and Vanamaamalai in South India and Saligramam, Naimisarinyam, Pushkaram and Badri in North India.

Bhoo Varaha Perumal is a Saligrama moorthy and the speciality of the temple is that there is a Thirumanjanam every day for the Lord.

The Story

Hiranyaksha, the brother of Hiranyakashipu, wanted to be a dominant force. To achieve this, he rolled over the earth and took it into the nether world, from where he ruled.

Bhoo Devi undertook penance seeking help from Lord Narayana to protect her from the Asura. Lord Vishnu took the form of Varaha (a boar), went into the sea and killed the asura. He brought back the earth on his Adisesha and appeared here as a Swayambu idol.

Legend has it that he created the Pushkarani with the sweat emanating from his body after his battle with Hiranyaksha.

Lord’s Face turned South
On his death bed, Hiranyaksha prayed to the Lord and as his final wish wanted the Lord to turn to turn in his direction. Hence Bhoo Varahan’s face is seen turned in the direction of the asura towards the South. An interesting feature of the moolavar deity at this temple is that the face, in the form of a boar, is turned towards South, while the body bearing a human shape is facing West in the direction of the devotees

Utsava Deity

Goddess was worried that people may turn away from here because of the Lord’s pig face. Hence, she undertook penance and requested him to display his handsome stature. Answering her prayers, Lord’s Utsava idol features as Yagya Varahaswamy with conch and chakra.

Prarthana Sthalam
This is a Prarthana Sthalam for childless couples. Ladies, who have bath in the Nithya Pushkarani, go around the Arasa tree 12times, offer milk and fruits to small kids and recite the Varaha Kavacham are said to be blessed with Children.

This is also a prarthana sthalam for the unmarried. Lord is also said to help devotees in the purchase of house and car.

Similar to Tirupathi
While in Tirupathi Divya Desam, one first visits Varahar before darshan of Moolavar Srinivasa perumal, here at Srimushnam, one is to visit the Srinivasa Perumal Sannidhi at the Western entrance before a darshan of Bhoo Varahaswamy.

Special Prasadam at this temple
One of the specialities at this temple is the offering of Korai Kazhangu as prasadam to the Lord

Temple Construction

While BhooVarahar is a Swayambu idol, the temple here in Srimushnum is said to have been constructed by Four Nayak kings- Achuthappa, Ananthappa, Govindappa and Kondappa Nayak.

The story goes that Ananthappa Nayak developed severe stomach pain when they camped at Rajendrapatnam, 8kms East of Sri Mushnum. He was relieved of his pains when Lord Vishnu came in his dreams and touched his stomach with his leg.

Delighted at this, he came here and constructed the temple. To this day, one can see the five fingers of the Lord below his left stomach.

Event marking Muslim-Hindu Unity
In Maasi, the Utsava deity goes on a 20 day procession to Killai and other nearby villages near Chidambaram. An interesting feature of this festival is that the Muslims in the area offer prasadams to the Lord Yagya Varaha and they take back the flower of the Lord and offer it to Allah. The Muslim devotees are said to thank Allah for having brought Varaha Swamy to their place.

Srimushnum Bhoo Varaha Swamy is the only temple that brings together such unity between Muslims and Hindus and this event continues to take place to this day.

Festivals
Brahmotsavam in Maasi
Chariot Festival in Chitrai


Quick Facts
Moolavar : Bhoo Varaha Standing Posture
Goddess : Ambujavalli Thaayar(Separate Sanndihi)
Utsavar : Yagya Varaha Swamy

Time : 730am-1230pm and 5pm-9pm

Priest : Rajagopala Bhattar/S.S.Ramanuja Bhattar
Contact : 94423 78303

Address : 41/61 South Car Street, Sri Mushnum 608 703

How to reach

Direct buses from Chennai to Srimushnam

One can take any South bound train from Chennai and get down at Vriddachalam Junction
Several buses from Vriddachalam to Srimushnam via Rajendrapatnam (about 30-45mts)

By car, Srimushnam is about 235kms from Chennai via Tindivanam-Vikravandi-Panruti-Neyveli-Vadalur and Sethiya Thope. One can reach in 4 hours.

Thiru Vithuvakkodu Divya Desam

Five Idols temple near Pattambi

Located about 5kms South of Pattambi off the Palghat- Shoranur- Kozhikode rail route is the Uyyavantha Perumal divya desam in Thiru Vithuvakkodu (Thirumittacode in Malayalam), right on the western banks of Baratha Puzha River.

The story
Pandavas in their exile are said to have stayed here and undertaken penance. Arjuna, Dharmaputra, Bheemasena and Nakula/Sahadeva created an idol each for their daily poojas at this temple. The main Moolavar deity was installed by Arjuna.

Dharma Raja installed the idol to the right of the main deity as did Nakula and Sahadeva. Bheema installed the idol of Vishnu to the left of Uyyavantha Perumal.

DHARMARAJA INSTALLED IDOL

Another story goes that Kasi Viswanathar who was impressed with a rishi’s penance accompanied the rishi to this temple, finding a small place for himself in the umbrella taken by the rishi.

On arriving here, the rishi went for a bath at the river. After his bath, he found the umbrella broken and found a swayambu idol of Lord Shiva at this place. Later, a separate temple was built for Shiva. Hence, this place is referred to as the ‘5 idols’ temple.


BHEEMA INSTALLED TEMPLE

Festivals

Janmashtami
Shivarathri
On the Vaikasi Mrigaseesham day- Kalababhishekam

Azhvaar Praise

In his verse 692, the Kerala born Kulasekara Azhvaar praises the Vithuvakodu Lord thus:

வெங்கந்தின் களிர்டர்த்தாய்
விற்றுவக் கோட்டம்மானே
எங்கு போ யுய்கேனுன்
இணையடியே யடையள்ளல்லால்

எங்கும் போய்க் கரை கானா
தெறிகடல் வாய் மீண்டேயும்
வங்கத்தின் கூம்பேறும்
மாப்பறவை போன்றேனே

Quick Facts

Deity : Uyavantha Perumal South Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Vithuvakottu Valli, Padmaasini Thaayar
Azhvaar : Kulasekara Azhvaar-10 paasurams (688-697)

Temple Time : 5am-1030am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Ravichandran and Ramachandran Embranthari
Tel No. : 98460 92853
Address : Thirumittacode PO, Kootanad Via, Palakkad Dist 679 533

How to reach:

On the Chennai-Palghat-Kozhikode rail route, get down at Pattambi station (about 10kms West of Shoranur Junction)

An auto from Pattambi Railway Station to this Divya Desam (about 7kms) and back will cost Rs.80-100/-.

From Coimbatore, one can reach this place by driving(about 110kms) via Palghat, Ottapalam, Shoranur and Pattambi. Very Good road

One can combine the visit here with Thiru Navai(about 25kms from here)

Thiru Navai Divya Desam

An auspicious place for Pitru Tharpanam
Only Divya Desam in Kerala with a separate Sannidhi for Thaayar

Located just under 40kms West of Shoranur on the Palghat - Kozhikode rail route is the Naavaai Mukundan divya desam in Thiru Naavaai on the Northern Banks of Barathapuzha River.

Tri Murthy Sangamam
On the other side of the river are temples for Lord Shiva and Brahmma. Hence this is a TriMurthy Sangamam.

The story
Both Goddess Lakshmi and Gajendran wanted to adorn Lord Narayana with Lotus flowers. However, Gajendran could not locate the flowers and undertook prayers here to Narayana, who asked Goddess to stop plucking the Lotus flowers, thus providing an opportunity to Gajendran to adorn the lord with flowers.

Goddess Lakshmi is said to have asked the Lord to provide her with an equal status at this temple. Hence, there is a separate sannidhi for the Goddess here, the only Divya Desam in Kerala.

Nava Yogi Kshetram
Nava Yogis undertook penance at this place invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have provided darshan as Mukundan. These nine yogis are said to have installed the idol at this place. Hence, this place was referred to as Thiru ‘Naa’ ‘Vaai’. Locally, this place is called ThiruNavaya.

Pitru Tharpanam
Another story goes that Parasurama performed Tharpanam for his father at this place. This Kshetram is an auspicious place for performing ‘Pitru Tharpanam’ and is believed to have powers equivalent to that of performing Tharpanam in Kasi.

Azhvaar Praise

Thiru Mangai in one of his 2 paasurams refers to Thiru Naavai lord alongside Koshtiyur Divya Desam.

“கம்ப மா களிறு அஞ்சிக் கலங்க, ஓர்
கொம்பு கொண்ட குறை கழல் கூத்தினை
கொம்பு உலாம் பொழில் கொட்டியுர்க் கண்டு பொய்
நம்பனைச்சென்று காண்டும் நாவாயுலே” -1856

In another verse, Thiru Mangai refers to seeing the Thiru Navai Lord at Thiru Naraiyur

“தூ வாய புள் ஊர்ந்து வந்து, துறை வேழும்
மூவாமை, நல்கி, முதலை துணித்தானை
தேவாதிதேவனை, செங்கமலக் கண்ணானை
நாவாய் உளானை நறையூரில் கண்டேனே”- 1520

Quick Facts

Deity : Navai Mukundan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Malar Mangai Naachiyar
Separate Sannidhi for Goddess: Mahalakshmi

Azhvaar : Thirumangai-2(1520,1856) and NamAzhvaar- 11 (3634-44)
Temple Time : 5am-11am (till 1130am on Sundays) and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Narayana Namboodari
Tel. No. : 0494 2603747 or 93876 34946

Festivals

10 day festival in April (14-23)
Amasavai Tharpanam Sacred here

Accommodation


ThiruNavai temple offers accommodation to devotees at Rs. 100/- for 2 hours
or full day deluxe rooms between Rs.200 and 500 based on the specific needs

Breakfast is available at the temple premises.

How to reach Thiru Navai (Thiru Navaya)

Take Chennai Central-Mangalore Mail and get down at Kuttipuram Station (630am arrival).
A local bus from outside the station will take you to the Divya Desam in 20minutes.

Auto from Kuttipuram Station to Thiru Navai Divya Desam will cost Rs.100-125/-

Not many trains stop at Thiru Navaya Railway station. An auto from Navaya station to the Divya Desam (about 2kms) will cost Rs.30-40/-


Thiru Navaya is about 30kms West of Thiru Vithuvakodu Divya Desam(near Pattambi)
and is about 140kms South West of Coimbatore.

Thiru Moozhikalam

Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity

Located about 30kms North West of Ernakulam Railway Station is the Moozhikalathan Divya Desam in Thiru Moozhikalam. The temple dates back to the Ramayana period and is a temple dedicated to Lakshmana.

The story

Pleased with Haritha Rishi’s penance, Lord Vishnu initiated the Rishi with the doctrine of attaining moksham. Hence, this place is called Thiru ‘Mozhi’ Kalam. In course of time, this became Moozhikalam.

Lakshmana Kshetram

Baratha, who came in search of Raama, was suspected by Lakshmana to have come to battle with Raama. Lakshmana is said to have prepared himself to taking on Baratha only to be cooled down by Raama. Having wrongly suspected his brother Baratha, Lakshmana is believed to have come here to repent for his wrong doing.

Baratha is also believed to have come here and met with Lakshmana.

Much later and in course of time, it became a tradition here to worship Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity.

Quick Facts

Deity : Moozhikalathan
Goddess : Mathuraveni Thaayaar
Azhvaar : Thirumangai and NamAzhvaar- 14

Temple Time : 5am-11am, 5pm-8pm

How to reach:

This is about 32kms from Ernakulam Junction.Will take about 1 hour by car/auto.

There are buses from Alwaye(Aluva) to this temple. One can also get down at Alwaye Railway Station to reach this Divya Desam.

Sundara Perumal Koil near Papanasam

Abhimana Perumal for KallAzhagar and Oppiliappan

Located about 8kms West of Kumbakonam is the historical several centuries old temple of the handsome Soundara Raja Perumal in Sundara Perumal Koil near Papanasam.

The Story

Cursed by a rishi, Indra was struck with an illness. To relieve himself from the curse, he came here and undertook penance under the Vanni Tree in Sundara Perumal Koil. He was to donate pumpkins to Brahmins but when he could not find a Brahmin, it is believed that Lord Vishnu disguised himself as a Brahmin and appeared here before Indra.

Later, Lord Vishnu is said to have provided darshan to Indra as Soundara Raja Perumal and relieved him of his curse.

In a thanking gesture, Indra is said to have installed the idol of Soundara Rajan and built this temple.

Special Abhimana Perumal


According to the puranas, Soundara Raja Perumal is said to be the Abhimana Lord for Pulla Bhoothangkudi Ramar, Azhagar Koil Lord and Oppiliappan.

There is a separate sannidhi at this temple for 18 step Karuppiah(similar to Azhagar Koil) who acts as the security for this temple.

There are also separate sannidhis for Vishwaksena, Yoga Narasimha, Kannan, Anjaneya, Azhvaars and Garuda.

Festivals


Puratasi Navarathri is the only big festival at this temple. On Vijayadasami, Sundara Raja Perumal goes out on his only street procession of the year.

It is said that E. Rangaswamy Moopanar is personally involved to make sure that this procession is a grand one.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Soundara Rajan East Facing Standing Posture

Goddess : Soundara Valli-Separate Sannidhi

Utsavar : Sundara Rajan

Time : 630am-12noon and 4pm-830pm

Priest : Sundara Raja Bhattar

Tel No. : 94446 56944

How to reach Sundara Perumal Koil

Buses between Kumbakonam and Thanjavur stop near the railway level crossing at Sundara Perumal Koil ( about 2kms West of Swami Malai and 5kms East of Papanasam). The temple is about 1/2km from the bus stop.

Car from Kumbakonam will cost about Rs.200-250/-

ThiruKatkarai Divya Desam near Kochi

Vamana Kshetram


Located 10kms North East of Ernakulam, close to the Science and Technology University near Edapalli is the 1200 year old Thiru Katkarai Appan Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu displays his Vamana Avatar to the devotees.

The story goes that Lord Kaatkarai Appan came here as a Vamana Moorthy to end the troubles caused by King Bali. To mark this event, it is believed that Lord Vishnu visits this Divya Desam every year on the Thiruvonam day in Aavani.

This is known as a Vamana Kshetram. Katkarai Appan is seen with Conch, Chakra and Padma Hastam.

Bali is said to have invoked Lord Shiva every day. Hence, one can see a Paramasivan Sannidhi to the right of the Perumal Sannidhi, with Bali seen invoking the blessings of Sivan.

Special Plantain Trees


Another story goes that a King tried to plant several plantain saplings but none grew into a full fledged tree. He then decided to present the Lord Katkarai Appan with a Golden Plantain Sapling.

Pleased with the commitment of the devotee, the Lord is said to have blessed him with a huge number of well grown special plantain trees at this place, now referred to as ‘Nenthram banana’.

Festivals

Onam is the biggest Festival at this temple


Quick Facts

Deity : Katkarai Appan Standing Posture
Goddess : Perunchelva Naayaki, Vaathsalya Valli
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11( 3612-22)
Temple Time : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : S. Venkatan @ 99952 16368 or 97475 36161

Manager : Vinod @ 94462 05706

President : Janardhan @ 0484 257 6653


How to reach Thiru Kakkara:

4kms from Edapalli railway station
An auto to the Divya Desam will cost Rs.100/- from Ernakulam Railway Station
A taxi-to and fro- from Ernakulam railway station will cost Rs.300-350/-.

There are direct buses from Ernakulam Town to this temple (Edapalli)

Moozhikalam Divya Desam is about 25kms West of here.

Thiru Vanvandur Pambanai Appan temple

‘Naradiya Puranam’ was created here at this temple

Located about 7kms North of Chengannur and about 5kms South West of Thiruvalla on the Erimala route, on the banks of the Pamba River is the Pambanai Appan Divya Desam in Thiruvanvandur.

The Story
Cursed by Brahmma in the course of a heated argument, Sage Narada undertook penance invoking Lord Vishnu to relieve him from the curse.

Narada is said to have got the boon, from Vishnu, of being the one to disperse and spreading ‘truthful wisdom’ in this world.

Lord Vishnu provided darshan in his full form. Delighted at this sight, Narada is said to have created the ‘Naradiya Puranam’, an extensive document comprising of 25000 verses.

Pandava Temple


As seen in the other stories relating to Divya Desams around Chengannur, the Pandava brothers visited these temples and created a temple each in this region. One of the younger Pandava brothers, Nakula, renovated the Thiruvanvandur temple. Lord is seen here with Conch, Chakra, Spear and Mace.

At the Western entrance, one finds sculptures relating to Kalinga Narthanam and also Dasavatharam.

Festivals

Ashtami-Rohini Krishna Festival
11day Festival in Dhanur
Uthiratadhi 10day festival in Kumbham

Quick Facts

Deity : Paambanai Appan, Kamalanathan West Facing standing posture
Goddess : Kamalavalli Nachiyar
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11 Paasurams (3227-37)

Temple Time : 5am-1130am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Parameswaran @ 0479 2427808


How to reach Vanvandur:

About 7kms North of Chengannur Divya Desam and about 5kms South of Thiruvalla
An auto from Thiruvalla bus stand will cost Rs.75/-

It is best to take a taxi from Chengannur or Changanacheri to visit the 6 Divya Desams around this place. It will cost. Rs.600/- to visit all the 6 temples and will take about 5 hours if you start at 5am either from Chengannur or Changanacheri.

Thiruvazh Marban in Thiruvalla

Vallabha Kshetram


Located about 30kms South of Kottayam on the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Kayankulam rail route is the Thiru Vazhmarban Divya Desam in Thiruvalla. Interestingly, the sanctum has been constructed in such a way that one cannot see the feet of the Standing Thiru Vazhmarban.

The Moolavar Lord is also known by the names of Vallabhan and Kolapiran. This place is referred to as the ‘Vallabha Kshetram’.

The other Thiru Vazhmarban temple in Malai Naatu Divya Desam is in Thiruvan Parisaram
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/04/thiruvazhmarban-in-thiruvanparisaram.html

Historical Reference

One can find a number of historical inscriptions inside the temple. There are references to the Thiruvalla Lord in Garuda Puranam and Matsya Puranam.

The Story

A spinster who used to undertake Ekadesi penance at this place was constantly disturbed by an asura. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Vallbhan disguised himself as a Brahmachari and killed the asura using his chakra. The Chakra is said to have fallen at the place where the temple is situated currently.

At the end of her penance, she found the Lord’s chest being blocked by the Brahmachari and immediately realised that the Lord had himself come down here to protect her from the Asura. She requested the Lord to stay put here displaying his handsome form.

It is believed that the Lord here protects all the devotees from evil forces.

Another story goes that KandaaKarnan, a Shiva devotee, undertook penance invoking Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Vishnu appeared before Kandaa Karnan and provided him darshan as Vallabhan.


Prarthana Sthalam for childless couples-Performance of Kathakali


Childless couples who offer their sincere prayers at this temple are said to be blessed with children. As part of this prayer, it is a tradition to organise Kathakali to invoke the blessings of Lord Vallabhan. Another tradition is that the Lord is presented with 12000 ripe bananas, half of which is distributed to the devotees.

In centuries gone by, ladies were allowed inside the temple only on a couple of specific occasions in the year but this is no more the case.

Thirumangai Azhvaar Praise

Thirumangai Azhvaar, who has not sung praises of too many of the Malai Naatu Divya Desam Lords, has dedicated 10 verses to Thiruvalla Lord and has referred to the Lord as ‘ Valla Vaazh’.


'உருவின் ஆர்பிரவி சேர் ஊன் பொதி நரம்பு
தோல் குரம்பையுள் புக்கு
அருவி நோய் செய்து நின்று,
ஐவர் தாம் வாழ்வதற்கு அஞ்சினா யேல்

திருவின் ஆர வேதம் நான்கு ஐந்து தீ
வேல்வியோடு அங்கம் ஆறும்
மருவினார் வல்லவாழ் சொல்லுமா வல்லை
ஆய் மருவு நெஞ்சே'

Festivals

10 day Festival in Poosam
Kathakali Festival is the most popular festival at this temple

Every Saturday morning, there is a special pooja at this divya desam similar to the one at Thiruvanparisaram.

Quick Facts

Deity : Thiru Vazhmarban, Srivallapan Kolapiran East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Selva Thirukozhunthu Nachiyar, Vaathsalya Devi
Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (1808-17, 2674(118) and
NamAzhvaar(3205-15) – 22Paasurams

Temple Time: 5am-1145am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : PK Unnikrishnan Pothi/ Govindan Namboodhari

Contact number : 0469 2700191

How to reach Thiruvalla:

By train:

Thiruvalla is about 15 minutes by an express train from Kottayam. Get down at Thiru Valla Railway station. The temple is about 4kms from the railway station. An auto from the station to the Divya Desam will cost Rs.40-50/-

By bus: Buses every 5-10minutes from Kottayam on the Thiruvalla route.

Thiru Kadithanam in Chenganacheri

This is one of the three Kadigai Kshetrams in India
Sahadeva created the Krishna Idol and built the Arputha Narayana temple


Located 4kms east of the Chenganancheri Railway Station (Kottayam-Kayankulam rail route) is the Arputha Narayanan Divya Desam in Thiru Kadithanam. This is one of the three important Kadigai Kshetrams in India, the other two being Thiru Kadigai in Sholingur and Thiru Kandam(Kadinagar) in Devapriya(North).

Stay here for one Kadigai and attain Moksham

Legend has it that those who visit the Arputha Narayana Perumal Koil in Changanachery and stay here for at least one Kadigai (24minutes) will be liberated from all sins/curses. Also read http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/03/sholingur-narasimha-at-thiru-kadigai.html

NammAzhvaar's praise of Arputha Narayanan of ThiruKadithaanam in his verse 3735:

"அற்புதன் நாராயணன் அறி வாமணன்
நிற்பது மேவி இருப்பது என் நெஞ்சகம்
நில் புகழ் வேதியர் நான் மறை நின்று அதிர
கற்பகச் சோலைத் திரு கடித்தானமே"

Pandava Brother created the temple

This is one of the five temples amongst the Kerala Divya Desams in this region that dates to the Mahabaratha time. Sahadeva, one of the Pandava brothers, is said to have consecrated this temple. This is one of the special Krishna temples in India specifically dedicated for moksham.

Nammazhvaar praises the Thiru Kadithanam Lord as under in his verse 3730 in Naalayira Divya Prabhandham:

"கோயில் கொண்டான் திருகடிதானத்தை
கோயில் கொண்டான் அதனோடு என் நெஞ்சகம்
கோயில் கொள் தெய்வமெல்லாம் தோழா வைகுந்தம்
கோயில் கொண்ட குடக்கூத்த அம்மானே"

King Rukmangatha, who belonged to the Surya Dynasty is said to have passed on the fruits of his Ekadesi penance to the Devas and sent them back to their abode (Deva Logam).

Narasimha Sannidhi


There are separate Sannidhis for Narasimha (on the Western side behind the Arputha Narayana Sannidhi), Krishna and Chandra.


‘Festival of Dance’ to Conceive

There was a festival of dance here at this temple. The belief was that ladies dancing with buckets on top of their head and undertaking prayers to Lord Arputha Narayanan would help them conceive.

PeriAzhvaar has made a reference to the above ‘dancing’ in one of his famous verses:

"குடங்கள் எடுதேற விட்டுக் கூத்தாட
வல்லவேன் கோவே மடங்கொள் மதி
முகத்தாரை மால் செய்ய வல்ல வெண் மைந்தா"

Other Festivals

Karthigai Deepam

10day festival in Virchigam

Narasimha Jayanthi

Quick Facts

Deity : Arputha Narayanan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Karpagavalli
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11 (3502-12)

Temple Time : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Vasudevan Namboodari

Tel No. : 94972 22107 or 0481 2435711

How to reach Chenganacheri

This Divya Desam is located about 4kms East of Chenganacheri in Thiru Kadithanam
Many express trains on the Kochi-Kottayam-Trinvandrum stop at Changanacheri.
(Chennai-Trivandrum Express arrives here at 445am and Chennai Trivandrum mail arrives at 8am)

An auto from the Chenganacheri Railway Station to the Divya Desam will cost Rs.50/-

Chenganancheri is about 2 hour drive from Ernakulam. Buses every 5 minutes on the Kottayam- Chenganacheri route.

Best to have food/lodging at Kochi

One can start the Divya Desam trip here with Thiru Kadithanam and end with Chengannur. The other option is to start with Chengannur and end with Chenganachery

Thiruchittaru Imayavarappan Divya Desam in Chengannur

Dharamaraja built this temple to repent the killing of his Acharya Drona

Located about 1km West of the Chengannur Railway Station (Ernakulam-Kottayam-Kayankulam rail route) is the East facing Imayavarappan Divya Desam in Chengannur, a temple that dates back to the Mahabaratha period.

This Chengannur Divya Desam is better known as the Dharma Raja temple. This temple is also referred to as the Thiru Chitraru Vishnu temple in Thiru Chenkundroor.

There are 5 other Divya Desams in Chengannur-Thiruvalla-Chenganacheri region near Kottayam, referred to as ‘Anju-Ambalam’ (Five Temples of Pandavas). It is important to note that most of the Divya Desams in this region close at 11am. Hence, one has to plan the trips starting very early in the morning around 5am.


The story

An asura, who had obtained lofty boons from Lord Shiva troubled the Devas at this place. Lord Subramanya is said to have come here and killed the asura.

Unhappy at being the cause of the death of his Guru Drona(by announcing the death of Aswathama, 'the elephant'),Dharma Raja, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, came to this place and undertook penance to get peace of mind. He is said to created the idol and built this temple. This is believed to be the first of the Vishnu temples built by the Pandavas in this region.

Another story goes that Imayavars (Devas) undertook penance at this place invoking the blessing of Lord Vishnu. Hence, the Lord here is referred to as ‘Imayavar Appan’.

Festivals

Panguni Ashta Nakshatram 10 day Brahmotsavam
Thiruvonam Nakshatram Aaratu (last day Utsavam) - The Lord goes on a procession to the Pamba River for an Abhishekam

Ashtami-Rohini- Birthday celebrations of Krishna

Dasavatharam Utsavam- The Lord gets decorated in different avatarams. On the last day, he takes on the Mohini Avataram

January -7 day Sapthaham Festival- During this Utsavam, Bhagavatham Parayanam takes place every day

Quick Facts

Deity : Imayavarappan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Shengamalavalli
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11 Paasurams (3480-90)

Temple Time : 530am-10am and 5pm-730pm

Priest : Mohan Rao (quite unlike a priest, this person has a moustache-and no beard)

Telephone number : 94976 74799 or 0479 2456672

How to reach Chengannur:

Chengannur is located about 120kms South of Ernakulam (Kochi) and about 20kms North of Kayankulam on the Kottayam- Kayankulam/ Kollam (Quilon) rail route. It is just 90minutes away from Ernakulam by most of the super fast express trains that ply on the Thrissur-Kottayam-Kayankulam-Trivandrum rail route.

The Imayavarappan Divya Desam is at walking distance from the Chengannur Railway Station

6 Divya Desams- Half a day car trip

One can start off the visit to the 6 Divya Desams from either this Divya Desam or from Puliyur (Bheema Kshetram).

It is better to take a taxi from the Chengannur Railway Station and cover the 6 Divya Desams in one half of the day. The taxi to cover Puliyoor, ThiruChittaru, Aranmula (Parthasarathy Temple), Thiruvan Vandur, Thiruvalla (Vallabha Kshetram) and Changanacheri will cost Rs.600/-.

For car pick up from outside the Chengannur Railway Station, contact: Driver Mohan @ 99466 73868.

Staying Facilities

It is best to stay in Kochi and cover these 6 Divya Desams and the 2 Divya Desams around Kochi( Thiru Moozhikalam and Thirukatkarai) in one day.

Location of the 6 Divya Desams in the Kottayam region

1. Puliyoor- 6kms West of Chengannur on the Mavelikara Highway

2. ThiruChittaru - 1km West of Chengannur Railway Station

3. Aranmula- 10kms East of Chengannur on the Pamba river banks

4. Thiru Van Vandur- 6kms North of Chengannur Divya Desam and 4Kms South West of Thiruvalla

5. Thiruvalla- 10kms North of Chengannur and 10kms South of Changanacheri

6. ThiruKadithaanam- 20kms South of Kottayam (Northern most of these 6 Divya Desams)

Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula Thiruvaaranvilai

Arjuna created the Parthasarathy idol as a thanks giving gesture to Lord Krishna
Lord Ayyappa’s ornaments for the Sabarimala Makara Jyothi Festival are taken from here

Located about 10kms East of Chengannur Divya Desam on the Southern banks of the Pamba river is the Thirukuralappan Divya Desam in Aranmula. This Divya Desam is referred to as Thiru Vaaran Vilai and symbolises Arjuna’s thanks giving gesture to his sarathy (charioteer) Krishna who guided him through the Mahabaratha war.

The Story
The Pandavas who visited different Divya Desams in Kerala built one temple each in these Divya Desams in the Chengannur- Changanacheri area. These temples (Divya Desams) are now popularly referred to as ‘Anj-Ambalam’ by the devotees here.

The Parthasarathy Perumal Koil in Thiruvaaranvilai in Aranmula was built by Arjuna, who came here at the end of the Mahabaratha war to undertake penance repenting for the killings of his relatives, especially his brother Karna, who he unceremoniously killed when his chariot was grounded to the earth.

Brahmma is also said to have undertaken penance at this place wanting to have darshan of Lord Vishnu in his Vamana Avataram and as a thanking gesture for having secured back the Vedic Scriptures from the asuras.

Tulabharam, an age old practice, continues to take place at this temple and one can see the big Tulabharam hanging as one enters the temple from the eastern side.

Ornaments for Sabarimala Lord

Lord Ayyappa’s ornaments are kept here through the year and are taken from here to Sabarimala 2 days prior to the Mandala Vilakku during the Makara Jyothi period.

Aranmula Boat Race

An annual boat race takes place at the Pamba River which runs right next to the Aranmula Divya Desam.

Festivals

10 day Brahmotsavam in January

Big Pushpa Abhishekam in May

12 day Kalapam Festival in November when the Lord is decorated completely with Chandanam is a beautiful sight to watch

In March every year, the Goddess(Devi) from Punnan Thottam temple, about a km east of this temple visits Lord Parthasarathy at the Aranmula Divya Desam and the two are seen together for a day.

Quick Facts

Deity : Thiru Kural Appan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Padmasini Thaayar
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11(3436-46)

Temple Time : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Krishna Kumar Namboodari

Contact telephone number : 94471 16689 or 0468 2212170

How to reach Aranmula:

10kms East of Chengannur. There are state transport buses to this Divya Desam from the Chengannur bus stand, opposite the railway station. One can reach the temple in about 30minutes by bus.

Taxi to cover 6 Divya Desams

It is better to take a taxi from the railway station and cover the 6 Divya Desams in one half of the day. The taxi to cover Puliyoor, Thiru Chittaru, Aranmula, Thiruvanvandur, Thiruvalla and Changanacheri (Arputha Narayana Perumal) will cost Rs.600/-.

It will take about 20minutes by car to reach the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple from Chengannur Thiruchitraru Divya Desam. Almost the entire stretch runs alongside the Pamba river.

For car outside the Chengannur Railway Station, contact: Driver Mohan @ 99466 73868.

Puliyur Divya Desam near Chengannur

Bheema Kshetram
Indra went on a Tiger to destroy the demon

Located 6kms West of Chengannur Railway Station on the Mavelikera State Highway is the Maya Piran Divya Desam in Thiru Puliyur. This is one of the two ‘Puliyur’ Divya Desams, the other one being Sirupuliyur in Kollumangudi near Mayavaram.

The Pandavas are said to have visited the Divya Desams in Kerala and each of the five Pandava brothers are believed to have built one temple in this region (around Chengannur). Bheema undertook penance at this place and created the Puliyur Divya Desam. Hence, this place is referred to as Bheema Kshetram.

With the five Pandavas creating five temples, these temples have now been come to be referred to as ‘Anj Ambalam’ ( Five Pandava temples) to folks in this area.

The Story
King Sibhi’s son Vrishadarbi faced personal illness and his kingdom experienced drought. He wanted the Saptha Rishis to help him out of his troubles, in return for which he promised to fill their coffers. Unhappy with this move to tempt them with money, the Rishis not only refused the money but also decided against helping him out.

Not to be outdone, and angry with their refusal to relieve him of his problems, he undertook a yagna out of which appeared demon whose task it was to kill these Rishis.

Fearing for their lives, the Rishis invoked the blessings of Vishnu, who directed Indra to protect them. Indra came on a Tiger and killed the demon. Hence, this place is called ‘Puli’yur.

Lord Vishnu provided darshan as well as moksham to the Saptha Rishis.

Festivals

Makara Atham Nakshatram - Brahmotsavam
Thiruvonam Makara Sankara Nakshatram- Kavadi Aattam

Quick Facts

Deity : Maya Piran East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Por Kodi Nachiyar
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11(3535-45), Thirumangai Siriya Thiru Madal-2673(71)
Temple Time : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Unni Krishnan Namboodari
Contact telephone number : 99478 31069, 0479-246 4825

How to reach:

Chengannur is on the Ernakulam-Kottayam- Kayankulam rail route and is about 40kms South of Kottayam.

From Chennai, one take the 2695 Trivandrum Express (5am arrival) or 2623 Trivandrum Mail (820am arrival) to Chengannur.

An auto from the Chengannur Railway Station to the Puliyur Divya Desam will cost Rs50/-

Taxi to cover 6 Divya Desams

It is better to take a taxi from the railway station and cover the 6 Divya Desams in one half of the day.

The taxi to cover Puliyur, Thiru Chittaru, Aran Mula, Thiru Van Vandur, Thiruvalla and Changanacheri (Arputha Narayana Perumal) will cost Rs.600/-.

For car outside the Chengannur Railway Station, contact: Driver Mohan @ 99466 73868.

A few additional points to note

Almost all the Divya Desams in Kerala open at 5am and close by 11am.
They don’t open again until 5pm

Shirts(for men) are not allowed inside these Divya Desams
It is better for men to wear a Veshti and for women to wear saree

The priests in these Divya Desams are non talkers. Hence, do not expect any chatting up with the priests

Those wanting to visit these Divya Desams in and around Chengannur/Thiruvalla should ask for ‘Anj Ambalam’ if they want any directions
(Divya Desams/Azhvaars/108 temples are not references easily understood in these places)