Kamalanathan Temple, Thiruvanvandoor, Alappuzha, Kerala
Kamalanathan Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Thiruvanvandoor Village in Alappuzha District of Kerala. Presiding Deity is called as Paambanaiyappan / Kamalanathan and Mother is called as Kamalavalli Nachiyar. Constructed in the Kerala style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam mentioned in Nalayira Divya Prabhandhams. The temple is situated on the banks of the Pampa river, is one among the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, having close links with the legend of Mahabharata. The temple is administered by Travancore Devaswom Board of the Government of Kerala.
Legends
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History
Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alvar saints - Nammalvar, in circa 800 AD. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD). This temple dates back to the period of Kulasekhara Perumal. Much of the present structure dates back to the 14th century CE and was renovated by the Travancore kings (Moolam Thirunaal) in early 20th century.
The Temple
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Temple Opening Time
The temple remains open from 04.00 am to 11.00 am and 05.00 pm to 08.00 pm.
Festivals
The annual Thiruvaimozhi festival is celebrated in commemoration of Nammazhwar, the saint poet of 8th century. The annual 51-day festival to commemorate the installation of idol of Krishna is concluded with Gaja Mela, where a parade of 21 caparisoned elephants is held. The floats depict depicting Puranic themes and are accompanied by music players playing Mayuranrithom, Krishnanattom, Karakom, Nadhaswaram, Panchavadyam, and Pancharimelam. A team of Pancharimelam performers offer rendition during the event. During the evening Kathakali performers where artiste perform various historic themes. A traditional Kudamaattom’ performance by the Paramekkavu team from Thrissur was a major attraction at the Gaja Mela.
Religious Significance
It is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the legend of Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Pandava princes, after crowning Parikshit as king of Hastinapura left on a pilgrimage. On arriving on the banks of river Pamba, each one is believed to have installed a tutelary image of Krishna; Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudishtira, Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple by Bheema, Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple by Arjuna, Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple by Nakula and Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple by Sahadeva.
Literary Mention
It is one of the 108 Divyadesam shrines of Lord Vishnu and is glorified in the Divya Prabhandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. Nammalvar, one of the great Azhvar saints had 10 Paasurams extolling the greatness of the Lord Vishnu here.
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about 100 meters from Thiruvanvandoor Bus Stop, 6 Kms from Chengannur, 6 Kms from Chengannur K.S.R.T.C Bus Station, 6 Kms from Chengannur Railway Station, 7 Kms from Thiruvalla, 10 Kms from Puliyoor, 34 Kms from Kottayam, 39 Kms from Alappuzha and 124 Kms from Cochin International Airport. The Temple is well connected to Chengannur in turn Chengannur is well connected to other parts of Kerala in all means of Transport.
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