Puliyur Divya Desam Chengannur

One of the two ' Puliyurs' among Divya Desams
Nam Azhvaar refers to this Divya Desam as ' Kutta Naatu Siru Puliyur' in his Tiruvoimozhi Verse
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.

Nam Azhvaar's reference in Tiruvoimozhi

Nam Azhvaar in his Tiruvoimozhi verse differentiates this Puliyur from the one in the Chozha region in Tamil Nadu by referring to this Divya Desam as Kutta Naattu Thiru Puliyur. He praises Maya Piraan as one who stands resplendent  like a pearl mountain with striking eyes, chest and beautiful lips.

 கரு மாணிக்க மலைமேல் மணித் தடம்
தாமரைக் காடுகள் போல்
திருமார்பு வாய் கண்  கை உந்தி
கால் உடை ஆடைகள் செய்ய பிரான்

திருமால் எம்மான் செழு நீர் வயல்
குட்ட நாட்டு திரு புலியூர்

அரு மாயன் பேர் அன்றிப் பேச்சு இலள்
அன்னைமீர் இதற்க்கு என் செய்கேனோ

Festivals

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

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Maya Piran East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess   : Por Kodi Nachiyar
Azhvaar   : NamAzhvaar - 11
Temple Time : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm
Priest : Unni Krishnan Namboodari @  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)