Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Kottayam – Sanctum (Sree Kovil)

Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Kottayam – Sanctum (Sree Kovil)

There are four steps of polished black granite lead to the entrance of the Sreekovil. On either side of the curving side walls to these steps are carved dance forms in Kudam Koothu (pot dance) and Kudai Koothu (umbrella dance). These elements of Nrithya (dance) element of Bharata Natyam shows that dance had attained a high degree of excellence even by about 1100 AD. A small platform above the steps forms the Mukha-mandapam. This small niche is used by the priests to distribute Prasadam to the devotees. Musical instruments like the Edakka and Chenda are also hung in this niche, when they are not in use.

The sanctum called Sreekovil, houses the image of the presiding deity. It is on an elevated platform with a single door reached through a flight of five steps. Either sides of the doors have images of guardian deities called Dwarapalakas. As per Kerala rituals, only the main priest called Thantri and the second priest called Melshanthi alone can enter the Sree Kovil. The central shrine has a circular plan with the base built of granite, superstructure built of laterite and conical roof made of terrocata tile supported from inside by a wooden structure.

The lower half of Sree Kovil consists of the basement, the pillar or the wall, called Stambha or bhithi and the entablature called prasthara in the ratio 1:2:1, in height. Similarly, the upper half is divided into the neck called Griva, the roof tower called shikhara and the fonial kalasam (made of copper) in the same ratio. The roof projects in two levels to protect the inner structure from heavy rains during monsoon. The roof of the temple and some of the pillars have lavish wood and stucco carvings depicting various stories of ancient epics, Ramayana and Mahabharatham.

The outer walls around the sanctum have a series of wooden frames housing an array of lamps, which are lit during festive occasions. The temples have paintings on its walls dating back to early 18^th century. The oldest stone inscriptions in Thrikodithanam temple are found on the base-stones. In all, there are 13 inscriptions and almost all are in the Vattezhuthu Tamil script. The Sreekovil was renovated in circa 1100 AD. Mural paintings on the walls are only about 400 years old.

The presiding deity in the temple is Athpudha Narayanan, who is also named as "Amirutha Narayanan". Mother is called as Karpagavalli. The presiding deity is sported in standing posture facing the east direction. The image of the presiding deity is 6 ft. (1.8 m) tall. Krishna is in Vishwaroopa pose, the one he depicted to Arjuna during the Mahabharatham war. Lord has four arms holding the Shanku (conch-shell), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace) and Padma (lotus-bloom). It is sculpted out of an unusual black stone called Aanjana-kallu.

The idol is placed in such a manner that a devotee entering the Nallambalam can catch a glimpse only if she or he bows down. Separate idols are also present for Seiveli (processions) and for Archana (floral worship). Of special interest is a second idol of Laxmi-Narayana or Bhama-Narayana, enjoying the status of the main idol. However, unlike the main idol, it is not fixed to a spot and journeys forth on specific days of the festival.  The Vimanam, the roof the sanctum is called Punniya Koti Vimaanam. It is exceptional because of the unusual number of Divinities that reside in a single enclosure, each receiving his individual share of worship and attention.