Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple

Introduction to Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple

The Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple is an ancient temple located in Peringottukara, Thrissur district, Kerala. It is the ancestral temple of the Thiyyar community and is otherwise called Peringottukara Devasthanam.

Shree Vishnumaya Swamy

Shree Vishnumaya is akin to Sastha, Muruga or Vinayaka. However, this Sivanandana (the child of Shiva and Parvati) is not commonly worshipped by all. Devotees who expect an extraordinary result in their endeavors worship Shree Vishnumaya ardently. His devotees say that Vishnumaya can be easily pleased and is very humane.

Legend of Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple

According to the legend, a sage named Koonamuthappan believed that humans must have the blessings and presence of a powerful deity for their well-being. So, he performed a severe penance to please his familial deity.

The deity was pleased and appeared before him. Koonamuthappan requested the deity to bless him with the Mantra that would enable him to please and possess Chathan Swamy, the son of Shiva. As per his request, the deity blessed him with the Moola Mantra to make Vishnumaya Swamy appear before him. She also gave him the Dhyana Mantra to worship him daily.

Then, Koonamuthappan went to the Himalayas and started performing severe penance. Vishnumaya Swamy appeared before him, and Koonamuthappan and the deity returned to Peringottukara. After reaching Peringottukara, he consecrated and installed Vishnumaya Swamy, where the Kanadi family now exists.

The Architecture of the Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple

This 400-year-old temple displays the Kerala architectural style. Sree Velumuthappan Swamy, the founder of the Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple, consecrated and installed the idol of Vishnumaya Swamy. At the entrance, a 31-foot-high eagle statue is followed by a 51-foot-high Vishnumaya statue. There is a temple pond behind the statue of Vishnumaya.

The principal deity of the Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple is Shree Vishnumaya and 390 Kuttichathans. The deity's divine vehicle is the buffalo, whose statue is opposite the temple. The idol of Shree Vishnumaya is in the golden-roofed sanctum.

The sub-deities are Bhadrakali, Kukshikalpam, Bhuvanaeswari, Ayyappan, Brahmarakshas, Nagaraja, and Nagayakshi. Devotees' main offerings to the deity are Roopakalam, Niramala, Brahmavellattu Karmam, Chuttuvilakku, Veethu, Divasapooja, Guruthi, and Pushpanjali.

The Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple follows the traditional Vishnumaya cult. The priests perform Poojas in the Dravidian style with utmost devotion. The temple welcomes all, irrespective of caste and creed. Unni Swami is the present chief priest who follows his ancestors.

Festivals in the Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple

Thiravellattu, Kalamezhuthupattu and Thottampattu are the important festivals of the Kanadikavu

Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple.

Thiravellattu: The temple celebrates Vishnumaya Swamy's birthday as Thiravellattu. Devotees believe that their prayers will be fulfilled on this auspicious day. So, hordes of devotees throng the temple for special prayers on this special occasion. The idol of the founder, Sree Velumuthappan, is brought along with the idol of Vishnumaya Swamy from the Kushikalpam. The Thiravellattu festival lasts for nine days.

Thottampattu: After the completion of Thiravellattu, the Thottampattu festival will be held to please Mother Bhuvaneswari Devi, the mother of Vishnumaya.

Kalamezhuthupattu: Before Swasthika Poojas, Kalamezhuthupattu programs are held in Midhuna (June-July) and Thula (Oct-Nov) months. On these auspicious days, devotees visit the temple, make offerings, and perform Poojas. Collecting the dust from the kalam and worshipping it at a holy place in the house is auspicious, as it can bring prosperity and eliminate evil spirits.