Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple

Introduction

Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is an ancient temple of Kerala, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located on the banks of the Bharatapuzha (Ponnani) river in the Tirunavaya town in Kerala’s Malappuram district. Here, Vishnu is worshipped as Navamukundan or Navamukunda Perumal or Navamukunda Tevar. This Lord has been glorified by the Azhwar saints in their Tamil devotional hymns that form part of the Divyaprabhandham compositions; hence, this temple becomes one among the Divya Desams, the chosen abodes of Vishnu. There are shrines for Brahma and Shiva, too, on the riverbank, and so, this is referred to as ‘Trimurti Sangama,’ the meeting point of Trimurthis, the holy trinity of supreme Gods Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva.

Temple Legends

The Navamukunda idol in worship now is believed to be the ninth to be established here by ‘Navayogis,’ a group of 9 saints. As per legends, the first 8 of these sank into the earth as soon as they were installed. The last one, too, started sinking likewise but was stopped by force at its knee level. As the exact spots where the 8 idols went down were not known, many people do the circumambulation of the place only with their knees. Thirunavaya is also accordingly known as ‘Navayogi Sthala,’ after the 9 idol-installing Yogis.

Goddess Lakshmi and elephant Gajendra were said to have worshipped the Lord in this shrine, offering lotus flowers from a nearby pond. Pleased with their devotion, Vishnu took Lakshmi by his side, while accepting the prayers of Gajendra.

The History and Architecture of Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple

The original structure of the temple suffered damages during invasions and conflicts, and the present one has been erected in the typical Kerala style of architecture.

Kshetra-Matilluka, the compound wall around the temple complex, encloses the shrines, along with the Dvaja Sthambha, the metal flag mast, and the Deepa Sthambha, the lamp post. The outer pavilion is Chuttambalam, and the main shrine and the surrounding pillared halls are known as Nalambalam. Balithara is the station to make sacrificial offerings to the deities. The sanctum sanctorum of Lord Navamukunda, called Sri Kovil, is on an elevated platform, which has to be reached by climbing 5 steps. The presiding deity is visible only up to his knees from the top and is portrayed with 4 hands, in which he holds the Panchajanya conch, Sudarshana discus, Kaumodaki mace, and the lotus flower. The idol is 6 feet tall and is facing East. There are several carvings, portraying scenes from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha. The base of this structure is built in granite, and the conical roof is of terracotta tiles, supported by a wooden structure underneath. The roofs are of 2 layers, to protect the main structure from the heavy monsoon rains. Goddess Lakshmi, as Malarmangai Nachiyar is housed in a separate Sri Kovil or shrine, with 2 hands, holding the protective Abhaya and the boon-giving Varadha Mudra postures, in them. Ganapathi and Ayyappa Swamy are also housed separately.

Temple Festivals

Mamankam is a grand festival celebrated once in 12 years. Believed to be observed from at least 8th century CE, this is celebrated on the banks of the river. The Annual Utsavam is also held during May with flag hoisting. Elephant procession, too, remains one of the important events of this temple.

Benefits of worshipping Thirunavaya Navamukunda Perumal

The riverbank here is regarded as holy as the sacred Varanasi or Kasi, and people perform ancestral worships here, similar to Kasi. The temple itself is famous for Pitru Tharpanam, the ceremony in memory of the departed ancestors when people make ceremonial offerings to forefathers like Bali Tarpana or Sradha puja. It is believed that this powerful worship can provide the departed ancestors, tranquility, and salvation while blessing the performers and their families with welfare, prosperity, peace, and joy.