There are 13 Divya Desams in
Kerala that could be divided into three groups – 8 Divya Desams around Kochi, 3
around Thiruvananthapuram and 2 on the Shoranur – Mangalore route. All of these
Divya Desams have been praised by Namazhvar in his Tiruvoimozhi. One can have
darshan of all these 13 Divya Desams in two days, though it is better to visit
the three near Thiruvananthapuram on a separate trip.
Kutta Nattu Thiru Puliyur, Thiru
Chittaru, Thiru Varan Vilai, Thiru Van Vandur, Thiru Valla, Thiru Kadithanam (Chenganasery) can be visited in one half of the day starting at 5am at Thiru Kadithanam (Chenganasery) and ending at 11am at Thiru Chittaru or the other way around. The two Divya Desams around Kochi can be visited between 5pm and 8pm in the evening. On the next morning the two Divya Desams near Kuttipuram can be visited between 5am and 10am,
The three Divya Desams in and around Thiruvananthapuram can be visited on a separate trip between 3am /4am and 11am.
1. 1. Thiru Katkarai –
Kochi
Located 10kms North East of Ernakulam, close to the
Science and Technology University near Edapalli is the over 1200 years old
Thiru Katkarai Appan Divya Desam where the Lord
Katkarai Appan is seen with Conch, Chakra and Padma Hastham.
பெருகுமால் வேட்கையும் என் செய்கேன் தொண்டனேன்
தெரிவு எல்லாம் காவி கமழ் திருக்காட்கரை
மருவிய மாயன் தன் மாயம் நினைதொறே
Namazhvar refers to lotus flowers growing in large
numbers around the temple. He praises the location as being home to fertile
groves. He praises the Lord, Thirukatkarai appan as having lotus eyes and
beautiful lips and seen with four arms.
Katkarai Appan came here as a Vamana Moorthy to end
the troubles caused by King Bali and hence this place is referred to as Vamana
Kshetram. To mark this event, it is believed that Lord Vishnu visits this Divya
Desam every year on the Thiruvonam day in Avani. Bali is said to have invoked
Lord Shiva every day. Hence, there is a Paramasivan Sannidhi to the right of
the Perumal Sannidhi, with Bali seen invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Special Plantain Trees
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 devotional commitment, 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
The Temple is open from 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm. Contact:
Priest S. Venkatan @ 99952 16368 / 97475 36161, Manager Vinod @ 94462 05706 or President
Janardhan @ 0484 257 6653
How to reach
The temple is 4kms from Edapalli railway station. An
auto to the Divya Desam will cost Rs.150/- from Ernakulam Railway Station A
taxi-to and fro- from Ernakulam railway station will cost Rs.400-450/. There
are direct buses from Ernakulam Town to this temple (Edapalli)
2. 2. Thiru Moozhikalam
– Lakshmana Kshteram
Namazhvar in his praise refers to the Lord as being beautiful and at his radiant best. He describes the Lord as having lotus eyes and wears Tulasi garlands. He says that the flower groves of Thiru Moozhikalam give out nectar like drops. Nam Azhvaar in his opening verse of praise on this location asks the true devotees to go to Thiru Moozhikalam to invoke the blessings of the 'pot dancer'.
தூது உரைத்தல் செப்புமின்கள் தூ மொழி
Namazhvar in his praise refers to the Lord as being beautiful and at his radiant best. He describes the Lord as having lotus eyes and wears Tulasi garlands. He says that the flower groves of Thiru Moozhikalam give out nectar like drops. Nam Azhvaar in his opening verse of praise on this location asks the true devotees to go to Thiru Moozhikalam to invoke the blessings of the 'pot dancer'.
தூது உரைத்தல் செப்புமின்கள் தூ மொழி
வாய் வண்டு இனங்காள்
போது இறைத்து மது நுகரும் பொழில்
மூழிக்களத்து உறையும்
மாதரைத் தம் மார்வகத்தே வைத்தார்க்கு
என் வாய் மாற்றம்
தூது உரைத்தல் செப்புதிரேல் சுடர்வளையும் களையுமே
While the Divya Desams around Chenganur relate to the legend from Mahabaratha, this Divya Desam in Thiru Moozhikalam dates back to the Ramayana period and is a temple dedicated to Lakshmana. This is one of the four temples in this region relating to the four brothers.
Baratha, who came in search of Rama, 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. Much later, it became a tradition here to worship Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity.
How to reach
Thiru Moozhikalam is about 10kms from Angamaley off the Thrissur- Ernakulam Rail route and around 30kms from Ernakulam on the Mala Road. Buses every 15 minutes from Alwaye (Aluva) to this temple.
For Cab to visit ThiruKatkarai and Thiru Moozhikalam, 9846043666
Baratha, who came in search of Rama, 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. Much later, it became a tradition here to worship Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity.
How to reach
Thiru Moozhikalam is about 10kms from Angamaley off the Thrissur- Ernakulam Rail route and around 30kms from Ernakulam on the Mala Road. Buses every 15 minutes from Alwaye (Aluva) to this temple.
For Cab to visit ThiruKatkarai and Thiru Moozhikalam, 9846043666
3. Thiru Varan Vilai – Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
Located about 10kms East of Chengannur Divya Desam on
the Southern banks of the Pamba river on the Pathanamthitta State Highway is
the Thiru Kuralappan Divya Desam in Aranmul, said to have been built by Arjuna.
This Divya Desam has been praised by Namazhvar as Thiru Vaaran Vilai and
symbolises Arjuna’s thanks giving gesture to his sarathy (charioteer) Krishna
who guided him through the Mahabaratha war. Arjuna undertook penance here to
repentfor the killings of his relatives, especially his brother Karna, who he
unceremoniously killed when his chariot was grounded to the earth.
Namazhvar, who refers to Thiru Varan Vilai as one of
great fame, praises the Lord as one who is seen amidst groves and surrounded by
gardens. Similar to the many of the Divya Desams in Tamil Nadu, this Divya
Desam was full of mansions that were so tall that Namzhvar visualised it as
almost touching the sky. The devotees of the time were seen worshipping the
Lord in every way possible, through
their deeds, with a good heart and by uttering pure words.
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.
The Aranmula Boat Race is a popular event and 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- a beautiful sight to watch
In March every year, the Goddess from Punnan Thottam
temple, about a km east of this temple visits the Aranmula Divya Desam and the
two are seen together for a day.
Tulabharam, an age old practice, continues to take
place at this temple.
Priest Krishna Kumar Namboodari @ 94471 16689 or 0468
2212170
How to reach
The temple is 10kms East of Chengannur. There are
buses from the Chengannur bus stand, opposite the railway station. An auto from the Chengannur Railway Station
to the Puliyoor Divya Desam will cost Rs.100/-.
ஊர் வளம் கிழார் சோலையும் கரும்பும்
பெரும் செந்நெலும் சூழ்ந்து
ஏர் வளம் கிளர் தண் பணைக்
குட்ட நாட்டுத் திருப்புலியூர்
சீர் வளம் கிளர் மூவுலகு உண்டு உமிழ்
தேவ பிறான்
பேர் வளம் கிளர்தண்றிப் பேச்சு இவள்
இன்று இப் பனை இழையே
Namazhvar refers to this place as ‘Kutta Nattu’ Thiru Puliyur as distinguished from the Sirupuliyur
பெரும் செந்நெலும் சூழ்ந்து
ஏர் வளம் கிளர் தண் பணைக்
குட்ட நாட்டுத் திருப்புலியூர்
சீர் வளம் கிளர் மூவுலகு உண்டு உமிழ்
தேவ பிறான்
பேர் வளம் கிளர்தண்றிப் பேச்சு இவள்
இன்று இப் பனை இழையே
Namazhvar refers to this place as ‘Kutta Nattu’ Thiru Puliyur as distinguished from the Sirupuliyur
(near Mayiladuthurai) praised by
Thiru Mangai Azhvaar. Bheema undertook penance at this place and created
the Puliyoor Divya Desam. Hence, this place is referred to as Bheema Kshetram. On a direction from Lord Vishnu, Indra came on a Tiger
and killed the demon at this place. Hence, this place has come to be referred
as called ‘Puli’yur.
Festivals
Makara Atham Nakshatram - Brahmotsavam
Thiruvonam Makara Sankara Nakshatram- Kavadi Aattam
The temple is located
6kms West of Chengannur Railway Station on the Mavalikera Highway. Contact Unni Krishnan Namboodari @ 99478 31069, 0479-246 4825
5. 5. Thiru Chittaru Imayavarappan Divya Desam,
Chenganur
Referred to as the Dharmaraja temple, the East facing
Imayavarappan Divya Desam in Chengannur has been praised by Namazhvar as Thiru
Chittaru temple in Thiru Chenkundroor. This
is one of the five Pandava brothers related temples in this region.
Unhappy at the death of his cousins in the Mahabaratha
war, Dharma Raja, the eldest of the Pandava brothers, came to this place and
built this temple. This is believed to be the first of the Vishnu temples built
by the Pandavas in this region.
Festivals
Panguni Ashta Nakshatram 10 day Brahmotsavam
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
The temple is 1km West of the Chengannur Railway
Station. Contact Mohan Rao @ 94976 74799 or 0479 2456672
Namazhvar refers to the Pambanai Appan Temple as being
on the Northern banks of the Pamba River in Thiruvanvandur. The Lord is seen
here with Conch, Chakra, Spear and Mace. Nakula renovated the Thiruvanvandur
temple. At the Western entrance, one finds sculptures relating to Kalinga
Narthanam and Dasavatharam.
வைகல் பூண்கழிவாய் வந்து மேயும் குறுகினங்காள்
செய்கொள் செந்நெலுயர் திரு வண்வண்டூர் உறையும்
கைகொள் சக்கரத்து என் கனிவாய் பெருமானை கண்டு
கைகள் கூப்பிச் சொல்லீர் விணை யாட்டினேன் காதன்மையே
செய்கொள் செந்நெலுயர் திரு வண்வண்டூர் உறையும்
கைகொள் சக்கரத்து என் கனிவாய் பெருமானை கண்டு
கைகள் கூப்பிச் சொல்லீர் விணை யாட்டினேன் காதன்மையே
Namazhvar refers to this as a prosperous location
where paddy trees grow tall. He refers to the Lord as being ‘Wealthy’. One heard the sound of the conches at all
times. The place reverberated amidst the chants of Vedic Seers. Namazhvar
identifies the personality of the Lord as one with Discus and Conch and
describes him as one with red lips, lotus eyes and feet.
Festivals
Ashtami-Rohini Krishna Festival, 11day Festival in
Dhanur and 10 day Uthiratadhi festival in Kumbham are celebrated in a grand way
at the temple.
Contact priest Parameswaran @ 0479 2427808
How to reach:
The temple is located about 7kms North of Chengannur
and about 5kms South West of Thiruvalla on the Erimala route. Auto from
Thiruvalla bus stand will cost Rs.125/-
7. Thiruvazh Marban, Thiruvalla
At the Thiru Vazhmarban Divya Desam in Thiruvalla, the
Lord is seen in a standing posture facing the East. The sanctum is in such a
way that one cannot see the feet of Thiru Vazhmarban. The Moolavar Lord is also known by the names
of Vallabhan and Kolapiran. This place is referred to as the ‘Vallabha
Kshetram’.
Lord Vallbhan disguised
himself as a Brahmachari and killed an asura with his chakra. The Chakra is
said to have fallen at the place where the temple is situated currently. 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.
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
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 other Thiru Vazhmarban temple in Malai Naatu Divya
Desam is in Thiruvan Parisaram http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/04/thiruvazhmarban-in-thiruvanparisaram.html
NamAzhvar in his praise
refers to a large number of Areca trees and Jasmine gardens around the temple.
The Punnai, Magil and Madhavi flowers give a great fragrance to the devotees as
they make their way to the temple. Here too, Vedic recital was a regular
feature and compares their rendition to the roaring of the sea in high
waves. Namazhvar also refers to thick
smoke from Vedic sacrifices that darken the sky. Repeatedly he refers to the tall groves of
Thiruvallaval and water lilies and lotus flowers growing in the water tanks of
the temple. He also makes a mention of Sugarcane and Paddy fileds at Thiru
Valla.
Festivals
10 day Festival in Poosam
Kathakali Festival is the most popular festival at
this temple
Every Saturday morning, there is a special pooja
Contact PK Unnikrishnan Pothi/ Govindan
Namboodhari 0469 2700191
How to reach Thiruvalla:
Thiruvalla is located about 30kms South of Kottayam on
the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Kayankulam rail route. The temple is about 4kms from the
railway station. An auto from the station to the Divya Desam will cost
Rs.100/-. There are buses every10minutes
from Kottayam to Thiruvalla.
8. Thiru
Kadithanam, Chenganaseri
The Arputha Narayanan Divya Desam in Thiru Kadithanam
is one of the important Kadigai Kshetrams. 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
Namazhvar praises the Lord as one seen with Lakshmi on
his chest. He says that Vedic recital was a regular feature at Thiru
Kadithanam. Kalpa trees were abound in large numbers.
அற்புதன் நாராயணன் அறி வாமணன்
நிற்பது மேவி இருப்பது என் நெஞ்சகம்
நில் புகழ் வேதியர் நான் மறை நின்று அதிர
கற்பகச் சோலைத் திரு கடித்தானமே
Sahadeva is said to have consecrated this temple. This
is one of the special Krishna temples in India specifically dedicated for
moksham.
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 helped them conceive. 10day
festival in Virchigam and Narasimha Jayanthi are celebrated in a grand way at
the temple.
The temple is 4kms east of the Chenganancheri Railway
Station (Kottayam-Kayankulam rail route)
Contact
Vasudevan Namboodari @ 94972
22107 or 0481 2435711. An auto from the Chenganacheri Railway Station to the
Divya Desam will cost Rs.100/-
9. Thiru Vithuvakkodu - Five Idols temple near
Pattambi
On the western banks of Baratha Puzha River, off the
Pattambi – Guruvayur highway is the Uyavantha Perumal Divya Desam at Thiru Vithuvakkodu.
The Lord has been praised by Kulasekara Azhvar. Arjuna, Dharmaputra, Bheema 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 on Southern side as did Nakula and
Sahadeva. Bheema installed the idol of Vishnu on the Northern side.
Pleased with a rishi’s prayer, Kasi Viswanathar found
himself a small place in the umbrella of the rishi. After his bath, the rishi
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.
Festivals
Janmashtami, Shivarathri are celebrated in a grand
way. Kalababhisekam is presented on
Vaikasi Mrigaseesham
The temple is about 5kms South of Pattambi off the
Palghat- Shoranur- Kozhikode rail route
Contact Ravichandran and Ramachandran Embranthari
@ 98460 92853
How to reach:
An auto from Pattambi Railway Station to this Divya
Desam (about 7kms) and back will cost Rs.150/-.
10. Thiru
Navai
Only Divya Desam in Kerala
with a separate Sannidhi for Thaayar
On the Northern Banks of Barathapuzha River is the Navai
Mukundan Divya Desam, praised by Thiru Mangai Azhvar and Namazhvar. The Lord is seen in an East Facing Standing
Posture. On the other side of the river are temples for Lord Shiva and Brahmma.
Hence this is said to be a Tri Murthy Sangamam
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 Yogis undertook penance at this place and are
said to have installed the idol at this place. Hence, this place was referred
to as Thiru ‘Naa’ ‘Vaai’.
Parasurama performed Tharpanam for his father at this
place. Hence, this Kshetram is auspicious for performing ‘Pitru Tharpanam’.
Azhvaar Praise
Thiru Mangai in one of his 2 paasurams refers to Thiru
Navai Lord alongside Koshtiyur Divya Desam and Thiru Naraiyur Naachiyar Koil.
“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 Azhvar 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
Festivals
10 day festival in April (14-23)
நிறுத்தும் மனத்து ஒன்றிய சிந்தையினார்க்கு
வெறித்தன் மலர்ச் சோலைகள் சூழ்
திரு நாவாய்
குறுக்கும் வகை உண்டுகொலோ கொடியேற்கே
Contact Narayana Namboodari 0494 2603747 or 93876
34946
How to reach
Thiru Navai is about 30kms West of Shoranur on the
Palghat - Kozhikode rail route. 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.200/-
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/-. Accommodation is available here opposite the temple.
7 comments:
Thank you for the post. It was useful during my recent visit. My journey was as follows:
1st day afternoon: Covered Trivandrum. There is a museum near temple depicting Travancore king's history and it was very nice. Annaporana hotel ~400 metres from temple (near Pazhavangadi Ganapathi Temple) serves very good vegetarian food.
2nd day 1st half (can cover in 4 hours and better to start at 5AM): Chengannur temples.
Stayed at hotel offshore square. Hotel is clean and they offer rooms on hourly basis too. There is a hotel Aryaas in the ground floor and they serve good Veg menu.
Availed auto of Venu Gopalan Nair 9400952177 through driver Selvan. Auto fair Rs.1200-1400.
For taxi one can reach Selvan through 9495873541. For Indica they charge Rs 2200.
Other drivers of interest are: Mohan 9946673868, Anoop 9446279788, 8547763079
2nd day 2nd half: Took auto from Aluva station and visited 2 divya desams. Auto fare 1000 Rupees.
Did you cover all malai nadu divvya desams? In how many days?
We had the opportunity to visit all 13 malainadu divya desam. We started from Chennai to Nagercoil. Morning we took local bus to Thiruvattar and came back. Evening went thiruvan parisaram. Stay in Nagercoil. Next day morning 6am left for Trivandrum by car. Plenty of buses there. We reached temple. Bought Rs 500 ticket. Had V good darshan. Proceeded same day to alapuzha. Stayed in hotel. Next day morning took car went to thiruchittaru, thiruaranmula, thirupuliyur, Thiruvanvandoor. Evening Thiruvalla and thirukadithanam.
Next day afternoon took a car went to ernakulam. Thirukatkaraiappan is in the city of ernakulam. Then went to thirumozhikalam. About 25 kms from ernakulam.
Alapuzha boat and beach visited.
From alapuzha went to Trichur by train. Visited Guruvayur. Afternoon went to thirunavay and on the way back thirumittacode. Came to Coimbatore and flew to Chennai.
Very useful information given
Good Infermation, Prabhu Thank you
Thanks for your block was very useful
Thank u so much sir
Very informative
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