Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Kottayam – The Temple

Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple, Kottayam – The Temple

Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Kshetram, alias Adbhuta Narayanan Temple, is one of the five Pancha-Pandava temples in Kerala and among the 108 Vishnu temples in India. The temple is built in Kerala style architecture. The temple has a two storied gopuram or a gateway tower, with the upper storey having wooden trails covering the Kottupura, the hall of drum beating during festivals. A rectangular wall around the temple, called Kshetra-Madilluka pierced by the gateways, encloses all the shrines of the temple.

The metal plated flag post or Dwajasthambam and the Deepasthamba, the light post, are located axial to the temple tower leading to the sanctum. Chuttuambalam is the outer pavilion located within the temple walls. The sanctum and the associated hall is located in a rectangular structure called Nallambalam that has pillared halls and corridors.

Sanctum (Sree Kovil):

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/10/thrikodithanam-mahavishnu-temple-kottayam-sanctum.html

Naalambalam (Space around the Sanctum):

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/10/thrikodithanam-mahavishnu-temple-kottayam-naalambalam.html

Belipura (Sacrificial Chamber):

A raised doorway leads out of the Nallambalam on the eastern side. A large, granite sacrificial platform – Beli-kall is the focal point in this chamber. On the wooden ceiling are carved delicate figures riding elephants. The central portion is dominated by a Devi flanked by two big lotuses. An eternal oil lamp of recent origin hangs at the center of this chamber.

Dwaja Sthamba (Flag Mast):

A tall, gold-plated flag-mast rests on a square granite base. An engraving on the base-stone indicates that the first mast was the offering of a devotee named Kannakukeralan Krishnan in the year 1024 AD. The previous teak flag-mast (replaced recently) was the contribution of Kondur Kocchukrishnan Pillai (a famous scholar & Kathakali dancer) in the year 1849 AD.

Circumbulatory Path:

A ceremonial pathway surrounds the Nallambalam buildings. It’s about three feet wide, made of rough cut granite slabs and laid out in straight lines to form a rectangle around the Nallambalam. On the North-Eastern side this pathway curves outwards to accommodate a large well. A few meters on either side of the pathway are kept free of weeds and filled out with river-gravel.

A number of trees and shrubs dot the vacant areas of the compound. Arayaal or Peepul (Ficus religiosa), Peeral or Banyan Tree (Ficus bengalensis), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Champa or Temple Tree (Plumeria rubra) and Sacred Basil (Thulasi) are the more prominent ones. A very old Jackfruit tree (affectionately called Ammachi-Plavu – Grandmother Tree) near the eastern entrance is of special significance. During the festival season, temple priests offer prayers under its ancient, knotted trunk before beginning the ceremonies.

Kazhuvetti Kallu:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/10/thrikodithanam-mahavishnu-temple-kottayam-kazhuvetti-kallu.html

Entrances:

There are two entrances/exits to the east and west of the temple complex. The eastern gate is the main entrance. Both the gateways are large enough to allow caparisoned elephants to pass through. The upper floor of the gateway has a small loft space for the guards, musicians etc. The temple office is located near the eastern entrance. A “modern” concrete elephant shed has also been constructed here recently.

Boundary Walls:

The temple wall is in itself an artistic masterpiece. About 15 feet high and 335 x 347 feet long, the wall gently curves outwards like an elephant`s forehead. Built of laterite blocks smoothened, arranged and stuck together expertly without lime or cement, this wall continues to amaze architects and builders. The wall is believed to have been built in 700 AD and predates most of the structures within the complex. But no one is quite sure who the original builders were. According to folklore, Bhoota-ganangal (beings of the nether world) built this wall in just one night. Laterite blocks for the wall are said to have been excavated from the area occupied by the temple pond.

Other Shrines:

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2018/10/thrikodithanam-mahavishnu-temple-kottayam-other-shrines.html

Ambala Kulam:

The temple pond is located near the Eastern entrance. It occupies an area of about 50X50 meters. A fleet of steps lead to the pond and a cement partition separates bathing area for women and men. Elders believed that the pond is called Pancha-Theertham because it was formed by the amalgamation of five sacred water sources, each possessing a distinct hue. Apparently, two of the sources on the northern side have now ceased to be. The temple pond is also a pilgrimage spot in itself. Devotees from Thamizakam (the term for South India during the Sangam age) used to take back sacred water from the Pancha-Theertham.

Subramanya Temple:

There is small Temple for Lord Subramanya Swamy outside the temple walls, towards south-eastern side. Folklore has it that this is the oldest place of worship in the area. It is considered inappropriate for devotees visiting Thrikodithanam temple to depart without praying at Subramanya Temple.