Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple

Introduction

Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple is a Kerala Divya Desam. This has been glorified in the Tamil Divyaprabhandham hymns of the Azhwar saints, and hence, has been counted among the 108, especially sacred abodes of Vishnu, hailed as Divya Desams. This temple is located in Thiruvanvandoor, in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. This temple is dedicated principally to Lord Krishna, perhaps the greatest incarnation of Vishnu, where he is enshrined as Paambanaiappan. It is believed that this is one among the 5 Vishnu shrines built by the Pandava princes in Kerala and hence remains closely connected with the Mahabharatha epic. And Nakula is said to have constructed this temple. This remains one of the important pilgrim centers of Kerala.

Temple Legends

As per mythology, the 5 Pandavas, after the bloody Kurukshetra war and crowing Arjuna’s grandson Parikshith as the king of Hastinapura, came down to present-day Kerala on a pilgrimage. There, each of them is said to have installed an idol of Krishna, their friend, philosopher, and guide, and established a temple for him on the banks of the Pampa river. And the Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple was so set up by Nakula. As the temple lies quite close to Pamba, the deity is said to be called Paambanaiappan. Another Legend connects this temple with sage Bhrihu. Lord Vishnu is believed to have shown him, his magnificent Vishvaroopa form here, and the grateful sage established this temple.

The Architecture of Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple

The temple structure is in the typical Kerala architectural style. The temple complex containing many shrines in it has a two-storied entrance tower, while Kshetra-Madilluka, the rectangular compound wall, is running around the complex. The Dwajasthambam, the traditional flag mast, and Deepasthambham, the lamp post, are located opposite the main shrine. While the outer pavilion Chuttuambalam is inside the compound walls, Nallambalam, with its corridors and pillared halls, contains the central shrine. The sanctum sanctorum or the central shrine called the Sreekovil has a circular design and lies on a raised platform that has to be reached through a flight of steps. The presiding deity Paambanaiappan can be worshipped in the sanctum in a standing posture facing west. He is believed to have appeared for sages Naradhar and Markandeyar. The roof above the sanctum is Vedhalaya Vimanam. The temple roof and the pillars in the halls contain rich wooden and stucco sculptures and carvings that depict scenes from epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The 18th-century paintings can also be seen in the walls.

Temple Festivals

Thiruvaimozhi festival is celebrated in memory of saint Nammazhwar, who has sung hymns in praise of this deity. Festival in commemoration of the installation of Srikrishna idol is also celebrated for 51 days, at the end of which a parade of 21 decorated elephants is held. The float festival is also a grand celebration, when hundreds of small lamps are floated in the Pamba river, amidst a variety of music and dance performances.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord of Thiruvanvandoor Temple

The Lord here is believed to possess many mystical powers, which is said to be felt by the people who worship him with piety. It is also believed that devotees can get relief from problems that arise, among other things, regarding finances, health, education, vocation, life partner, and enemies, with the Lord’s blessings.