Nestled in the Kottayam district of Kerala, the Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple of Changanassery stands as a profound symbol of ancient devotion and architectural brilliance. As one of the 108 Divya Desams—the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu—it holds a prestigious place in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, having been glorified by the Alvar saint Nammalvar between the 6th and 9th centuries.
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| Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple Changanassery,KE en.wikipedia.org |
Religious Significance and Legend
The temple’s origins are deeply intertwined with the Mahabharata. It is one of the "Pandava Temples" in the Kerala region, specifically attributed to Sahadeva, the youngest Pandava brother. Legend suggests that after the great war and the crowning of Parikshit, the Pandavas retired to the banks of the Pamba River, where each brother established a shrine.
Beyond its Mahabharata roots, the temple is known for the story of King Rukmangatha, who gifted his spiritual merits (punya) to the Devas at this site to help them reach Devaloka. The presiding deity, Athpudha Narayanan (Miraculous Narayana), is worshipped in a standing posture, depicted in the majestic Vishvarupa form—the cosmic manifestation shown to Arjuna.
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| Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple atmanirvana.com |
Architectural Splendor
A prime example of Kerala style architecture, the temple is renowned for its circular sanctum, known as the Sreekovil. This structure features a granite base and a conical roof covered in copper-plated terracotta tiles. The craftsmanship is evident in the lavish wood carvings and stucco work depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The temple complex includes a two-storeyed gopuram and a Kottupura (hall for drums). A unique feature is the Kazhuvetti Kallu, a granite statue of a man held aloft by a pillar. Local folklore describes it as a warning against corruption and bribery, purportedly representing a temple servant or a neighboring king who was punished for violating the temple’s sanctity.
Puja Rituals and Traditions
The temple follows strict Kerala tantric traditions, administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board. It is open for devotees from 4:00 am to 11:00 am and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The rituals are performed by the Thantri and Melsanthi, who are the only ones permitted to enter the inner sanctum.
A signature spiritual event is the Sravana Deepams, a monthly festival of lights that illuminates the wooden frames surrounding the sanctum. Historically, the temple was also a site for Kutakkuttu, a traditional dance performed by women holding umbrellas as an act of worship.
Today, Thrikodithanam remains a vital pilgrimage site, offering a serene atmosphere where history, myth, and art converge to celebrate the eternal presence of Mahavishnu.
https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2025/08/thrikkodithanam-mahavishnu-temple_18.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrikodithanam_Mahavishnu_Temple
https://www.keralam.me/kerala-temples/thrivikramangalam-mahavishnu-temple-temples-of-kerala
K.N.Jayaraman
