ANJAMBALAM

1. Yudhishtira-Thrichittattu, Alappuzha- Imayavarappan

2. Bheema- Thruppuliyoor, Alappuzha- Mayapran
3. Arjuna-Thiruaranmula, Alappuzha-Partha Sarathy
4. Nakula-Thiruvanvandoor, Alappuzha - Pambanayappan
5. Sahadeva-Thrikodithanam, Kottayam-Adbhutha Narayanan

The Pamba River is the third longest river in Kerala, and is considered to be Dakshina
Ganga. The Pamba originates at Pulachimalai hill, very near to Chengannur, and flows
towards the coast, merging with the waters of Thottapally (Vembanad) Lake just before
arriving at the sea. Chengannur is one of the holy sites visited by Lord Caitanya
Mahaprabhu on his southern tirtha-yatra.

The history associated with the five Pandava Temples begins following the departure of Sri
Krsna from this world, which marks the official start of Kali Yuga. Wishing to pursue spiritual
pursuits, and to become purified of the sins of killing family, friend, teacher, etc. during the
Kurukshetra war, the Pandava brothers retired from public life. They invested Arjuna's
grandson, the young Pariksit, with the King's crown. Taking Kripa as his advisor, Pariksit is
known to have performed three aswamedha yajnas under his guidance while serving as a
young king, after which he engaged in many famous pastimes as the first king of Kaliyuga.
The Pandavas, meanwhile, headed towards the south. Among other stops, they spent
considerable time at Kerala, engaged in their temple building pastimes.

1.Yudhishtira-Thrichittattu
The Mahavishnu Temple at Thrichittatt, Chengannoor (Chengannur) is one of the five Vishnu
temples associated with the five Pandava Brothers. Built by the eldest brother, Yudhisthira,
it is also the first temple devotees should visit when on parikrama to the five Pandava
Temples.

The earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the
prominent Alvar saint, Nammalvar, in circa 800 A.D. There are also stone inscriptions in the
temple which date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 A.D.), although, these
inscriptions must have appeared in later additions or renovations of the original structure.

One of the aspects of Yudhisthira's personality that is glorified in the Mahabharata is that
although he had never uttered a lie, he lied once in order to defeat his Guru, Dronacharya.
Dharmaputra (Yuddhishtra) uttered the words: ashwattaama hatah kunjaraha in an attempt
to deceive Drona, and lead him to a defenseless state in which Arjuna was able to bring
about his death. In order to purify himself of this sin, Yudhisthira underwent penance,
worshipping the Lord here at Thirichittattu by building the temple.

The Mahavishnu Temple at Thrichittatt is located close to Kottayam (Malai Naddu).

Nammalwar describes 'Chenkunrur' as a town where the smoke emanating from the Vedic
ritual yagnas fills the sky, and as a place surrounded by rich lush vegetation (of bananas
and coconuts).

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Prior to Yudhisthira's arrival at this holy site in Kerala, the imayavar (devas) came to this
place, thus the presiding Deity is referred to as Imayavarappar. The Lord's consort here is
Senkamalavalli.

Lord Mahavishnu (Imayavarappar) holds the shankh in His right hand. Lord Krsna as
Goshala Krishna and Lord Sastha are also installed here. Sadly, in 1996 the presiding Deity
was damaged in an attempted robbery. A new deity was consecrated in 1997.

The temple vimana is called Jagatjyoti Vimanam, and the theertham (holy tank) is known as
Shankha Theertham.

2.Bheema-Thiruppuliyoor
Next to the fact that this temple was founded by Bhima Pandava, one of the most famous
pastimes associated with Thiruppuliyoor is a story of the Sapta Rishis, who also reside here.
The Seven Rishis -- Atthri, Vasishtar, Kaasyapar, Gouthamar, Bharadwajar, Vishvamitra and
Jamadagni -- got the seva of Maha Visnu and Laksmi at this place, and by the arrangement
of Lord Indra, all were liberated. The story is this:

Once, Virukshadharbi, who was the son of Sibhi Chakravarthy, ruled an empire where there
was flooding, and no proper vegetation, thus the wealth and beauty of the entire empire
seemed to be decreasing. At that time the king thought that if he gave dhaanam (dakshina
meant to gain material increase) to the Seven Rishis, it would increase the wealth and
beauty of his Empire. However, the Sapta Rishis would not accept this offering,
understanding that the flood and decrease in the empire was due to some action or inaction
on the part of the King.

The king then tried to sneak an offering of dhaanam to them, by hiding some gold inside
fruit that was offered to the Rishis, but with their mystic powers, they saw this trickery, and
rejected the fruits. This caused the king to become very angry, and he then tried to kill the
Rishis by holding a yagna, produces from its fires a female demon. The Pishacha's name
was Kiruthyai, and she rose from the fire with the king's order to kill all the Sapta Rishis.

Knowing this, the Lord sent Indra to destroy Kiruthyai and to protect the Sapta Rishis.,
Indra killed the asura, and the seven Rishis got the seva of Maha Visnu here, and were thus
liberated.

3-Arjuna-Thiruvaranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple

In Pasurams of Nammalvar Aranmula is refered as Thiruvaranvilai, Lord Parthasarathy as Sree
Thirukkurallappa Perumal, and Thayar (Mahalakshmi) as Padmasani Naachiyaar.

Parthasarathy Temple is situated on the left bank of the Pampa river in a beautiful village called
Aranmula. Aranmula is a small village, but is one of the destinations as specified the Discovery
channel, one would definitely like to visit. Aranmula is located in Pathanamthitta district, 9 km
west to Chengannur. Parthasarathy Temple is one among the Pancha Pandava
Temples(Thrichittat, Thirupuliyoor, Thiruvaranmula, Thiruvanvandoor and Thrikkodithanam) in
Kerala. The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is vey famous and one of the biggest in Kerala.
Aranmula is one among the 64 Brahmin gramams and Parthasarathy Temple is the Grama

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Kshetram. Lord Mahavishnu gave darsan to Lord Brahma and Vedavyasa at this place. Vishnu
revealed the knowledge of creation to Bhrama, from whom the Madhu and Kaitabha demons
stole the Vedas.

Legends of this temple is associated with Pandavas. After crowning Parikshit, Pandavas left for
piligrimage. They visited Kerala during their piligrimage. In Kerala, each of these brothers
installed idols of Lord Vishnu on the banks of the Pampa and nearby places(Thrichittat -
Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyoor - Bheema, Thiruvaranmula - Arjuna, Tiruvanvandoor - Nakula and
Thrikkodithanam - Sahadeva) and offered worship. It is said that Arjuna built this temple at
Nilackal near Sabarimala to expiate for the sin of having killed Karna on the battlefield, against
the dharma of killing an unarmed enemy. Nilakkal was a dense forest and hence it was difficult
to perform daily poojas. So the idol was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo to
this site, and hence the name Aranmula (six pieces of bamboo).

There is yet another legend associated with Parthasarathy here. On the ninth day of the battle of
Kurukshetra, the Kauravas reigned supreme under the leadership of Bheeshma, when krishna
motivated Arjuna to take initative and vanquish his foe. Upon his hesitating to do so, Krishna
jumped down in rage, and took up his Sudarsana Chakra(discus); seeing this sight Bheeshma
surrendered to him and Arjuna beseeched him not to kill Bheeshma, as it would bave been
against Krishna's vow to take up arms in his battle. It is believed that it is this image of Krishna
that is enshrined here, with a discus.

This temple has golden flag staff and has four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. The
huge beautiful eastern tower is accessed through a flight of 18 steps. Descending 57 steps
through the northern tower, one can reach the Pampa river. This temple is a perfect example for
Kerala Temple architecture and its structure is almost similar to that of Ettumanor Mahadeva
Temple.

Parthasarathy is the owner of 39 villages in and around Aranmula and people in these villages
consider Lord Parthasarathy as their protector. There are many legends associated with Lord
Parthasarathy. Some of them are acssociated with the famous Uthrattathi Vallamkali(snake boat
race) and Thiruvonathoni. The idol of Lord Parthasarathy was brought to this place from
Nilackal in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo. Several Chundan Vallams(snake boats)
accompanied the procession through Pampa river. The idol was installed in the temple on
Uthrattathi day of Malayalam month Chingam(August-September). Uthrattathi in Chingam is the
birthday of Arjuna. To celebrate these events people of Aranmula started the famous snake boat
race Uthrattathi Vallamkali.

It was a custom for the Bhattathirippad of Kattoor Mangatt Illam to offer lunch to Brahmins on
the Thiru Onam day. This had been going on for years. One particular year, no brahmins turned
up for the Onam Sadya. The Bhattathirippad prayed to Lord Parthasarathy to send a brahmin.
Later a Brahmin boy came to the Illam and Bhattathirippad welcomed him for lunch. After the
lunch as the boy was leaving, he told the Bhattathirippad "I will not come again here for lunch".
That night, Bhattathirippad had a dream and understood that the boy was none other than Lord
Parthasarathy. Lord Parthasarathy ordered him to bring rice and other material required for the
'Nivedyam' on Thiruvonam day from next year onwards. This made him decide to take

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particulars for Onam Sadya to Aranmula Temple from next year onwards. So the next year on
Uthradam day - the day before Thirvonam, Bhattathirippad went to Aranmula Temple in a small
thoni(boat) with rice and other material required for the Nivedyam. The chief priest of the
Aranmula Temple had a dream on that night. "My devotte Mangatt Bhattathiri will bring the
materials for Onasadya. You must receive him at the north gopuram. Make nivedyams with those
materials." The priest informed this to the temple authorities and they decided to send some
Palliyodams(holy snake boats) to welcome Bhattathiri. Bhattathiri reached the temple with the
materials and surprised by the warm welcome. He handed over the materials and the Deepam(oil
lamp) he brought from Kattoor Maha Vishnu temple to the priest. The priest lighted the lamps in
side the sreekovil with this Deepam and the nivedyams were prepared and offered it to the Lord.
A Kedavilakku is installed inside the sreekovil. There after it is a custom in this temple this
tradition is continued even today.

Later the Bhattathiri faced some difficulties at Kattur and decided to leave from there. Lord
allowed him to go to Kumaranalloor and told him that there His sister Goddess Kathyayani will
help him. But the condition is that Bhattathiri must reach the Aranmula temple for Thiruvonam
with materials for nivedyam. Bhattathiri agreed and went to Kumaranalloor. Mangattu Illom is
now situated at Kumaranalloor near Kottayam. Every year the Karanavar(the eldest member) of
Mangattu Illam starts his journey in a small thoni(boat) to Aranmula two days before
Thiruvonam. Bhattathiri will seek the blessings of Kumaranalloor Kathyayani Devi before
starting the journey. The thoni will move towards Aranmula through Meenachil, Manimala and
Pampa rivers. Bhattathiri will reach the Kattoor Maha Vishnu Temple on Uthradam day. The
devotees will bring the materials for Onasadya and Bhattathri will receive them. From here
onwards he travels in the famous Thiruvonathoni.The Garuda-faced Thiruvonathoni will set off
from the Maha Vishnu Temple ghats at Kattoor, after the deeparadhana. On one occasion, the
Thiruvonathoni was ambushed by scoundrels, and villagers' snake boats came to the rescue.
Thereafter, all offerings for the feast were brought by snake boats. 'Paliyodams' belonging to the
seven Palliyoda karas in the upstream of Kozhencherry will escort the Thiruvonathoni to
Aranmula with the accompaniment of Vanchippattu, verses in praise of Lord Parthasarathy. It is
a nice sight to see the thoni moving down the river Pampa without rowing. The thoni is symbolic
of Lord vishnu's Garuda. On its way, the Thirvonathoni would first get to shore at Ayiroor
madom and later at Melookara ashramam. The procession would reach Aranmula Temple by
early morning of Thiruvonam and will be received at the temple ghats. The Onasadya will be
served on the temple premises after the 'utchapuja' on Thiruvonam day.

But it is interesting that on Thiruvonam day the Karanavars(the eldest members) of four Illams in
Aranmula will not take even a drop of water. These illams were once the Ooralars(owners) of the
temple. The Aranmula Temple had land properties in nearby villages.Naranganam was such a
village. Once, during paddy harvest season, the Ooralars were measuring the harvest in a paddy
field. A poor, low caste woman waited to get some paddy as a tip. She waited until the evening
but was completely ignored by the landlords. She had been starving for days. That night, the
poor woman lay down in a field, and, by the next morning, she was dead. Thereafter, misfortunes
began to fall upon Aranmula and the landlords under the temple. It was revealed that it was the
divine curse caused by the death of the poor woman. So, it was suggested that the Karanavars of
these families must not take food and water on Thiruvonam day and feasts should be given to the
public – regardless of religion, caste, or financial status – every year.

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The Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali, the world famous water carnival is the main important
function related to this temple. The journey of the locals who used to accompany the
Thiruvonathoni in their respective Palliyodams has evolved into the Aranmula Uthrattathi
Vallamkali. This famous boat race in Pampa river will take place on Uthrattahy day in the
Malayalam month of Chingam(August-September), 4 days after Thiruvonam. Palliyodams from
39 Karas from Chennithala in the west to Ranni in the east participate in the Vallamkali. These
boats assemble since dawn and sail in pairs for about 2 hours. Though, large snake boats take
part in this festival they do not race with each other. Instead, they row in union, to the
accompaniment of songs and reach their destination together because Lord Krishna is believed to
be present in each boat. The oarsmen, wearing white dhotis with white scarfs around their heads,
row the snake boats to the rhythmic tunes of Vanchippattu. After the Vallamkali there is an
elaborate feast in the Aranmula temple.

The Palliyodams have some peculiarities when compared with ordinary snake boats or Chundan
Vallams. They are called Pallyodams because they belongs to the Lord. They are constructed so
that the head and tail project out five and three feet, respectively, above the water. Each boat
must have 64 seating compartments for 64 oarsmen, representing 64 art forms. At the head of the
boat on a raised platform are seats for four more master oarsmen who control the direction of the
boat with large oars. These four oarsmen symbolize the four Vedas. In the middle of the boat is a
platform for eight people to stand. They represent the Ashtadikpalakas (devas), who guard the
eight directions. A snake boat is about 103 feet in length. Each boat has about 4 helmsmen 100
rowers and 25 singers. The total cost of building a snake boat is about Rs 1.6 million. It takes
650 man-days to build a single snake boat.

This Vallamkali is an all-community affair and participants include members of all classes and
communities living in and around Aranmula. For peoples in Aranmula this vallamkali is more
important than Onam. All of the local people participate in the festival. And all the pilgrims who
come to Aranmula become the guests of the resident families. The festival is now being
organised under the auspices of the Palli Oda Seva Sangham, a popular organization of the boat
owners. In recent years, the festival attracts spectators from all parts of the country and from
abroad.

Ashtamirohini - birth day of Lord Krishna - is also celebrated here in a grand style.The famous
ritualistic mass feast, Ashtami Rohini 'vallasadya', will be held on this day. Thousands of
devotees from different parts of the State will take part in this feast and is considered as the
'prasadom' of the presiding deity. The Palliyoda Seva Sanghom (PSS) has been organising the
vallasadya on the temple premises for the past several years. Rice is served along with 32 side
dishes on the day. The vallasadya will begin in front of the holy temple mast immediately after
the utcha pooja at the temple. More than 30 Palliyodams will participate in vallasadya and the
temple premises will be packed with devotees right from the morning. The Palliyodams carrying
devotees from each kara in and around Aranmula will stage the Ashtami Rohini boat race and
will reach the temple ghats in a procession by 11 a.m. After a rousing reception they will
circumambulate the temple, chanting the vanchippattu, verses in praise of Lord Krishna, before
partaking of the vallasadya. For the vallasadya held in 2006, 3250 kg of rice had been used and
not less than 40,000 people had partaken of the feast.

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There is a subshrine for Lord Balarama near to the northern gopuram. This shrine is located in a
big pit and devotees have to step down to get the darsan of Lord Balarama. There is no other sub
deities in this temple. The Thiruvonathoni is kept in a special place near to the western Gopuram.

The 10 day long annual festival in Makaram(January-February) begins with kodiyettam on

Atham day and ends with arattu on Thiruvonam day. The malayala month of Meenam witnesses
a festival where Aranmula Parthasarathy is taken in a grand procession on the Garuda Vahana to
the Pampa river bank, where an image of the Bhagavathi from the nearby Punnamthode temple is
brought in procession for the arattu festival. Another festival celebrated here is the
Khandavadahanam celebrated in the malayalam month of Dhanus. For this festival, a replica of a
forest is created in front of the temple with dried plants, leaves and twigs. This bonfire is lit,
symbolic of the Khandava forest fire of the Mahabharata. It is from here that the sacred jewels of
Lord Ayyappa are taken in procession to Sabarimala each year in Dhanu(December).

Vallasadya is a famous offering in Aranmula Temple. On this the offered village will conduct a
boat race in the Pampa river and will have a feast at the temple. The feast will have hundreds of
items and sweets. But the peculiarity of this offering is that it's not for Brahmins and only Nairs
will attend this feast. Other main offerings are Chandanam Charthal, Pushpanjali and
Palppayasam. This temple is managed by Travacore Devaswom Board.

Like Lord Guruvayoorappa, Lord Parthasarathy also like elephants. Now there are 3 elephants in
this temple. Aranmula Valiya Balakrishnan and Gajarajan Aranmula Raghunathan were the
famous elephants of Lord Parthasarathy.

4.Nakula- Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple

Our next stop on the parikrama tour of the five Pandava Temples is the tirtha built by
Nakula Pandava -- Thiruvanvandoor Temple. It is the fourth stop along the way.
Thiruvanvandoor is a village in Chengannur taluk, near Pandanad in Alappuzha district of
Kerala. The ancient Pandava temple, known as Thiruvanvandoor Mahakshetram is situated
near the Sree Gosalakrishna Temple. In fact, the two temples are in the same large
compound.

The presiding Deity at Thiruvanvandoor is Lord Paambanaiappan, Sri Krsna/Visnu's Form

named for the Pamba River which flows by the temple.

The major event at Thiruvanvandoor is an annual festival put on by the Gosalakrishna

Temple. Called Gajamela, it focuses on a process of the Temple Elephants.

There was a debate between Brahma and Narada about creation and in the end they had a
fight and Narada left Brahma and came here and meditated on the Lord and the Lord
appeared and gave Narada all the secrets of creation.And Narada wrote Naradiya Puranam
describing the supremacy of Lord Krishna here.

5.Sahadeva-Thrikodithanam, Kottayam
Atbhutha Narayana (Lord Mahavishnu)

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There is a story behind the name Atbhuta Narayana, referring to the main idol, Lord
Mahavishnu. Once all the other siblings of Panchapandavas received the perfect featured
Mahavishnu idols except Sahadeva. A long search and tapas went in vain. The depressed
Sahadeva decided to end his life jumping to a fire pyre. Then all on a sudden a miraculous idol of
Chathurbahu Vishnu idol emerged from the fire. The idol being a great surprise, it came to be
known as Atbhuta Narayana. The main idol in the temple is supposed to be worshipped by
Sahadeva.

Kazhuvetti Kallu – The strange statue outside

Kazhuvetti Kallu at the Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu temple complex

Between the pond and the eastern entrance, near a public platform for arts and discourses, is a
strange granite statue. It is a man flat on his back, held up stiff and straight on a stone pillar about
six feet high. Only his waist rests on the pillar, rest of the body is unsupported. He holds a
shankhu (conch shell) in his left hand and wears the sacred thread indicative of the Brahmin
castes. At one time the statue wore a crown as well. The idol is a stern reminder that bribery,
cheating and dishonesty cannot be tolerated. Anybody who goes after these evils will be met
with the capital punishment, such as, that met with the man lying on the stone. Common folklore
about this stone idol has a story of jealousy, indiscretion and swift retribution.

The ruler of Chembakaserry kingdom was a renowned Nambuthiri Brahmin who took pride in
the prosperity of his own kingdom and Sri Krishna temple. Since temples were then considered
keystones to a kingdom's spiritual and temporal well-being, the King decided to embarrass the
rulers of Nanrulainattu (capital-Thrikodithanam) by making a deliberate, untimely visit to the
famous Vishnu Temple. He arrived in Thrikodithanam after the Seiveli puja (the last ceremony
of the day) and after the temple had closed. It is considered very inauspicious to open a temple
after the gods are put to rest, but still, the King forced an entry by bribing a caretaker. When the
rulers of Nanrulainattu discovered this indiscretion, they were furious. The caretaker was
beheaded and, soon, the Chambakaserry king too fell ill and died. So this stone figure was
installed near the temple entrance to deter any future offenders and to remind everybody of the
consequences of disturbing the gods. Another version of the story lays the blame on the king of
Ambalapuzha for this surreptitious Darshan.[3]

Sreevallabha Temple
The idol of Maha Vishnu or Sree Vallabha was sculpted by Viswakarma at the behest of Lord Krishna and
was given to Satyaki at the end of Dwapara Yuga. Towards the end of Dwapara Yuga, Lord asked Garuda
to keep the idol in safe custody and accordingly Garuda kept it in Netravati river which flows from
Karnataka to Kerala. Later, the royal consort of Cheraman Perumal - the emperor of Kerala had a dream
that the idol of Krishna was lying on the bed of Netravati river. All efforts were taken to search the idol.
At last the idol was discovered from the Bhadra Hrada of Netravati river in B. C 59 with the joint effort of
the Tulu Brahmins and the local potties (Malayala Brahmins or Nampoothiries). Cheraman Perumal built
a temple at Thiruvalla to install the idol.

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Addressing lord Sreevallabhan by names Kolapiran, Thiruvazhmarvan and Sundarayan. The most
highlighted construction of the temple is the Garuda dhvaja sthambam or flagstaff of Garuda,the
majestic eagle mount of lord Vishnu. This monolithic structure is completely built from black granite and
elevated 53.5 feet above the ground with its lower end touching water table.[15] Constructed in 57 BC,
this structure was also built in a single night along with the outer wall. And an amazing fact is that no
black granites can be found in an area ten miles around the temple. A 3 feet massive idol of Garuda is
placed on the top of it facing the main sanctum. Since this flagstaff started slanting and reached its
current position, a three tiered copper roofed construction has been made all around it to prevent
further slanting. West to this, currently used golden flagstaff can be seen. At the time of installation of
the dwaja, Garuda appeared himself at the top of the dwaja. This dwaja till remains as a wonder. Later
the dwaja slanted. So a structure called Garuda Madam was constructed to support the dwaja. It was
designed by the legendary Perumthachan. He made a 3 feet high panachaloha Garuda Vigraha (idol) to
install on the top of the dwaja. This was the original dwaja of this temple and later a separate golden
dwaja was installed in between Garuda Madam and the balikkalppura on 14th May 1970.

Sree Vallabha Temple is a mahakshetra with five poojas and three sheevelis daily. The pooja style is
based on Pacncharatra Samhitha especially on Durvasa Samhitha. Worship protocol is called Purusha
Narayana Pooja. Poojas for Lord Sudarsana is according to Ahirbhudhnya Samhitha. for the first and
second poojas (usha pooja and ethrutha pooja) Lord Sree Vallabha is worshipped in Bbrahmachari
Bhava, for third and fourth poojas(pantheerady pooja and ucha pooja) Lord is worshipped in gruhastha
Bhava and for fifth pooja (athazha pooja) He is worshipped in Sanyasi Bhava. After athazha pooja Lord's
idol will be decorated with a Kavi Mundu and a long thulasi garland. For ucha pooja nivedyam, there
must be truppuli, erisseri, parippu, upperi and uppu manga. After athazha pooja a ritual called
Pallikkuruppu for Lord Sree Vallabha and Lakshmi Devi will be held at Palliyara and closes the doors of
the temple. It is believed that Sage Durvasa will perform Ardhayama pooja for sree Vallabha in the
midnight. In the morning poojas begins after Palliyyunarthal at Palliyara.

Sreevallabhan is portrayed as bearing a lotus in right hand, chakra in right upper hand, sankha in left
upper hand and his left hand kept on his waist (kati hastham).[13] This 7 feet tall massive idol is situated
at a height of 10 feet in such a way that one has to bend his body to see it and its top and bottom
cannot be seen. Along with this idol other idols of Vishnu, Lakshmi, Dakshinamurthy, Varaha and
Sreebali bimbam or procession idol of Sreevallabhan are also there. Unlike usual yantra form, here
Sudarsana is installed in eight handed human form bearing sankha (conch), chakra(disc), gada,
padma(lotus), pasha(rope), ankusa (hook), musala(pole), and dhanu(bow).[12] No other temples are
known to enshrine lord Vishnu and lord Sudarsana under same roof.

After third sreebali, Lakshminarayana pooja is done as a part of the Sleeping ceremony and sanctum-
sanctorum is closed keeping necessary articles for a pooja inside for Sage Durvasa[13] along with
Saptarishi[7] who come at midnight daily for ardhayaama pooja. Sage Durvasa is believed to perform
always naivedya also and hence prasanna pooja is open and naivedyam is done closed contrary to other
kerala temple tradition.

In 1997, famous poet and former head-priest Vishnunarayanan Namboothiri was removed from the post
as he had crossed the sea in order to address the Millennium Conference on Integration on Science and
Consciousness, in Britain which resulted in religious sacrilege evoking the wrath of his own community
since it was against temple customs.[20][21][22] And only after a series of penance, he was allowed to
continue in his post.[23][24] The priests strictly should take bath in Jalavanthy before entering the temple
and they shall never use sacred ash or vibhoothi, only sandal paste is to be used. The chief priest should

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be of 50 years old, married and should never be the one whose family has got hereditary rights for
worshipping any Shiva temple.[12] In every three years, priests can be changed. Also the priests entering
Sreevallabhan’s shrine are restricted from entering even other shrines in the temple.

Offerings

The main four offerings are Paala Namaskaaram, Kathakali, Pantheerayiram and Kesadipaadam
Garland. Paala Namaskaaram[13] is actually a part of the third pooja around 10:45 am and is
serving food with specific dishes to the Lord and Brahmins in areca nut palm leaves as Sreedevi
Antharjanam served the same to the Lord. Before doing 108 Paala Namaskaaram daily was a
ritual in the Temple and now due to scarcity of Brahmins it is reduced to only one,[12] that too
done by devotees as an offering. It needs to book for it at least a couple of years in advance to get
the date. As told, Kathakali is daily played in the night as an offering[14] and main stories played
are Duryodhana Vadham(annihilation of Duryodhana), Santhana Gopalam(story of Arjuna),
Kuchela Vrutham(story of Kuchela) Sreevallabha Vijayam(glory of Sreevallabhan) and
Thokalaasura Vadham(annihilation of Thokalaasura). Santhana Gopalam is famous for getting
children for those who don’t have children, DuryodhanaVadham against enemies, Kuchela
Vrutham to remove poverty and the two others to fulfil all wishes.[5] Pantheerayiram is offering
12,001 bananas through a special ritual[11] to the Lord as banana was the first offering to the deity
soon after installation. It is a heavily expensive one and usually done at Pantheeradi Pooja.
Kesaadipaadam garland is a flower garland measuring approximately 15 feet and the deity will
be adorned with it during third and fourth pooja.[1] And there are numerous other offerings which
should be done during specific poojas only.[6]

Ascend of Sreevallabhan’s idol to the earth

Before creation, while being in deep meditation at the origin of universe, Viratpurusha appeared
to Brahma. Brahma understood the Lord as he could and later on continued worshipping Purusha
in an idol created by Vishvakarma from energy concentrated out of extreme power and
vehemence of Purusha. Upon request by Samudradeva (god of water) lord Brahma advised
worship protocol of Purusha to him and handed over the idol. Later goddess Adi Parashakti takes
birth as Samudradeva’s daughter in the name Sreedevi (lakshmi,shree). Sreedevi worshipped the
very same idol and lord Vishnu promised to marry her while she comes out during churning of
the milky ocean in Krita yuga. This eventually made Vishnu to be known as sreevallabhan (sree-
lakshmi, vallabhan-husband) and the goddess incorporated her power also to the idol. Later
Vishnu married Lakshmi as he promised.

Tapasya of sage Durvasa

After the churning of milky ocean, sage Durvasa was upset due his own wrathful nature which
led to the whole incidents. He sought advice of his father, lord Shiva who directed Durvasa to
lord Brahma for getting the knowledge of Parabrahmam. Brahma advised the same as he did to
Samudradeva and asked him to worship the Lord. Durvasa along with 63 disciples reached the
Earth and found a suitable place and named it as Mallikavanam (forest of jasmines). Durvasa did
tapas beneath jointly growing mango and sacred fig.[11] Later in treta yuga the Lord appeared to
the sage. As lord Vishnu appeared, water sprouts rushed out of earth and Durvasa washed the

9
Lord’s feet with it. Pleased with the sage’s devotion, Vishnu promised to be present at the spot
forever on a condition that the sage should do his service whenever he appear in a form that can
be visualized by all. (The spot where Durvasa meditated is south-west to the temple[2] and the
water sprouts turned into a tank, Jalavanthy)

Khandakarnan and his bells

In spite of being son of lord Shiva, Khandakarnan was a horrible ogre who used to sacrifice
animals to please Shiva and never missed any chance to humiliate Vishnu.[4] He had a pair of
bells as ear rings so that he can hear only the name of Shiva what he used to chant always. As he
didn’t get salvation even after long time, he asked Shiva for its reason. Shiva decided to teach
him both Shiva and Vishnu are same advised him to worship Vishnu.[4] Directed by Durvasa,
Khandakarnan reaches Mallikavanam. There he took bath in Jalavanthy and threw away his ear
rings and got a new pair so that he can hear only the name of Vishnu thereafter. During Dvapara
Yuga, Vishnu appeared in front of him as Sreevallabhan and he got salvation.[3] By this,
Jalavanthy became famous by the name Khandakarna Theerthem.

Journey of Sreevallabhan’s idol

Soon after the construction of Dvaraka, Samudradeva gifted many precious things including
Sreevallabhan’s idol to Krishna. Krishna handed it over to his friend Satyaki saying “there is
nothing in the world for Vishnu pooja like Sreevallabhan’s idol. Worshipping Vishnu directly
and worshipping this idol are the same always. It has got the power to wash away even sins
accumulated through ages”.[11] Satyaki asked Krishna’s permission for building a temple and
celestial architect Vishvakarma constructed the biggest temple in Dvārakā. Sage Vedavyasa
installed the idol and Durvasa advised worship protocol. During end of dvapara yuga Sathyaki
handed over the idol to Garuda and asked to keep it safe for the use of humans in Kali yuga.
Garuda went to Ramanaka island and worshipped it there. Worship of the idol made Garuda free
from all his curses. When the time for Garuda to leave the earth reached, he had hidden the idol
in the Bhadra deep of Netravati River (in present-day Dakshina kannada dist., Karnataka)[13]

Annihilation of Thokalasuran

Mallikavanam became a human settlement before thousands of years and emerged out as a high-
profile spiritual and educational centre with enormous wealth and human power.[10] At that time
only Brahmin families were not less than 3000 and Sankaramangalath illam enjoyed top status
among them. But Sankaramangalath Illam faced risk of extinction as only an old lady and her
younger son Narayana Bhattathiri lived there. Bhattathiri married Sreedevi Antharjanam against
dreams of others that they will get his wealth too by making their daughters getting married with
him. Sreedevi Antherjanam had all good qualities but illiterate. Since literacy was a mandatory
for Brahmins and even women were well versed in Sanskrit, being illiterate was a matter of
humiliation and envious Brahmins never missed a chance to humiliate Antharjanam to which she
never paid any attention.[5] As the couple had no children even long after marriage, they started
Ekadasi vrata for the same. The method adopted by Antharjanam for this was the most difficult
one which made her to leave food and sleep also and she made her servant Sreedevi and her son

10
Mukundan to follow the same.[10] Since they were too wealthy Antherjanam started giving food
to anyone at any time which only increased the wrath of orthodox Brahmins.

Humiliation of Antharjanam and miracle

As time passed, Bhattathiri died and Antherjanam was left all alone in the world. Since she
regularly performed the Ekadasi vrata, she became a good devotee of Vishnu.However she was
deeply troubled by the fact that she was unable to do ekadasi as she could not read
panchangam(astrological calendar) and that others would humiliate her illiteracy if she were to
ask them. But she somehow found an ekadasi day and to mark the days, she would keep a pebble
in a pot each day so as to know when 15 days had passed.[10] But many times the actual ekadasi
day was either a day earlier or a day later than the one she thought due to the change in the
appearance of the moon. This brought on more humiliation and people began associating all sorts
of stubborn acts with her name. But one day, to everyone's shock, two astrolegers confirmed the
day to be ekadasi at Sankaramangalath Illam while it was dasami at every other place.[12]
Astonished by this incident, people understood and accepted the unconditional devotion of
Antherjanam and started calling her “Sankaramangalathamma” or “Chankrothamma” with
respect.This lead the whole village to perform Ekadashi vrata on the same days Antharjanam did.

Troublesome Thokalasura and Yakshi

After many years Mallikavanam was attacked by a dreadful Asura called Thokalaasuran who
looted every one and was fond of eating young human flesh.[11] At the same time a yakshi
(vampire) also reached western road to the village attacking everyone who come by that way.[17]
This made many to leave the place and outsiders to avoid the place. Being too aged,
Antharjanam couldn’t go anywhere. But it became very difficult to find a brahmachari (Brahmin
boy who is under his deeksha after samavartanam) and thus doing paarana (final, most important
event of ekadasi. Washing feet of brahmacharis and serving food to them) also became difficult.
One day Antharjanam couldn’t find any brahmachari and she cried in front of her idol of Vishnu
requesting not to break her custom that she had been following from many years. By the time a
young brahmachari reached there and asked food. Antharjanam became glad to see him and
asked him to come after bath since she needed to complete rituals of Ekadasi. Discarding all
warnings given by Antharjanam, the young man stepped towards the river where Thokalaasuran
lived. There happened a big fight between both. Finally the golden pole with the brahmachari
turned into Sudarshana chakra and he killed Thokalasuran and his crew.[10][11][17] After this,
brahmachari washed his chakra in water and installed the Shivalinga worshipped by
Thokalaasuran on a hill top. Reaching the northern entrance of the village, he conquered and tied
hands of yakshi. After installing an idol of Durga on the rock with what he covered the well in
which Yakshi was put, the Brahmachari requested Goddess Mahamaya to protect Mallikavanam
from all other tree directions.[17]

Installation of Sudarshana

Later the young man with five other brahmacharis reached Sankaramangalath illam.
Antharjanam completed all rituals and served food to them in areca nut leaves as the rakshasa
had destroyed all banana plantains. Goddess Lakshmi disguised as a housewife entered the scene

11
and served thrippuli (a kind of pickle) to the brahmachari.[10] Knowing Thukalasuran had been
murdered by the brahmachari, people came there to visit him and requested show them his
Chakra to salute. Brahmachari installed it in human form with eight hands facing west on the
raised land east to them and advised for its daily worship. Sreedevi Antharjanam decided to build
a temple there and asked Pathillathil Pottimar to be the administrators.[10] The gathered people
paid their oblations to the Chakra and prostrated in front of it. Then the brahmachari removed his
uthareeyam (dess covering his chest) showing his chest adorned with Sreevatsam and goddess
Lakshmi residing there, for Antharjanam to be confirmed that he was lord Vishnu only and on
showing his Viswaroopam, Anthajanam, her servant and servant’s son got salvation by merging
with Him. This incident happened on 2998 BC[9][11] and thereafter Mallikavanam became famous
as Chakrapuram. Fvive brahmachari came along with the Lord were sage Durvasa and his
desciples. The place where Thukalasuran lived is now known as Thukalassery, where he has
been killed as Konnakkulangara, where brahmachari washed his Chakra as Chakrashaalana
kadav, where he installed Durga’s idol as Thiru Erankavu and three abodes of Mahamaya around
the area as Aalumthuruthy, Karunaattukaavu and Padappaad. The Sankaramangalath illam is still
well preserved outside the temple near to its western gate and is considered as the place of origin
of the temple. Hence any custom followed in the temple starts here only.[17]

Installation of Sreevallabhan’s idol

Around 3000 years after this incident, King Cheraman Perumal visited the temple and his wife
Queen Cherumthevi expressed her wish to build a shrine for Vishnu also attached with it
rebuilding the whole structure.[11] They ordered a Vishnu’s idol from Tamilakam after the temple
construction. One night the Queen had a dream in which Garuda disguised as a Brahmin
informed her about Sreevallabhan’s idol and asked to install it there. With the help of Garuda
and Tulu Brahmins, Cheraman Perumal brought the idol to Chakrapuram for installation. But
during installation ceremony, the idol didn’t fit to its peetham or seat, the priests felt something
supernatural and everyone came out near Jalavannthy. Then they heard celestial instruments
being played and chanting of vedic hymns from inside. As they rushed and opened altar door,
they saw the idol installed at right place with blazing light everywhere and a couple of bananas
in an Areca nut palm leaf in front of the idol. Two celestial beings came out of the sanctum-
sanctorum and disappeared on eastern bank of Jalavanthy and they were Durvasa and
Vedavyasa.[17] Thereafter Chakrapuram had been renamed as Sreevallabhapuram. The idol that
King ordered had been installed at Sree Krishna temple, Malayinkeezhu, Thiruvananthapuram.
Sreevallabha temple had been built by Uliyannoor Perumthachan, the architectural legend. The
temple wall and Garuda dhwaja were completed in a single day in 57 BC by the crew of the
Lord.[12] Perumthachan had made a panchaloha idol of Garuda which is currently seen over
Garuda dhwajam. Soon after the installation, Garuda tried to fly and perumthachan stopped it by
cutting its one wing by throwing his axe. The present copper flag is built there where Garuda had
fallen during this incident.

Ban for women

After an incident of a woman getting salvation inside the shrine, ladies were more attracted to the
temple. A series of inauspicious events happened after a lady who had been enchanted by beauty
of the handsome idol entered the sanctum-sanctorum to marry the Lord[1][11] and the

12
administrators decided to ban women from entering the temple after an astrological counseling.
But on request, they agreed to allow women twice a year during Thiruvathira of Dhanu month
and Vishu in Medam[13] when the Lord will be dressed up with mud, ashes, torn clothes etc. to
look ugly. The ban was removed in 1968.

Vilwamangalam and Nammalvar

One early morning, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar visited the temple while Kathakali was being
played outside. Swamiyar was astonished for not feeling the presence of the Lord inside. As he
reached outer aanakkottil, he saw a young Brahmin watching kathakali and recognised him as
none other than the Lord. Suddenly lord Sreevallabhan disappeared into the temple saying
Swamiyar disturbed him while He was enjoying Kathakali, his favourite. Thereafter Kathakali
became an important offering and is being played regularly in the temple.[14] And too, to
Nammalvar, Sreevallabhan appeared as Padmanabha sleeping in the ocean of milk, Sree
Chakrapani, Infant Krishna showing all worlds in his mouth and Vamana who asked three feet
land to King Mahabali.

Karunattukavu Sree Krishna Swamy Temple is Located in Kavumbhagom ,

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