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Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple

The Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple, also known as the Thrichittattu Mahavishnu Temple, is located in Thrichittatt, Chengannur, Kerala. Revered as one of the 108 Divya Desam temples, this sacred site is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also referred to as ‘Thirucchenkundroor’. The temple is celebrated in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, a key Vaishnava canon, with devotional songs composed by the azhwar saint Nammazhwar. Recognized as one of the five ancient temples in Chengannur, Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple holds a significant place in the region's religious history. It is also connected with the legends of the Mahabharata, one of the major Sanskrit epics of ancient India.

Timings

Morning: 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM & Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The earliest references to the Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple can be found in the hymns composed by the great Alvar saint Nammalvar around 800 AD. Stone inscriptions within the temple date back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD). In contemporary times, the temple is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board under the Government of Kerala. Although there are no historical records specifying the exact date of the temple's construction, local legend suggests that it was built by the Devas.


Sthalapuranam :



The temple is commonly referred to as "Thirucchittraaru" by the locals and is also known as the "Perumal Temple" or "Vishnu Temple."

According to legend, the Perumal took the Mohini Avatara to protect Lord Shiva from the demon Padmaasuran. Padmaasuran, the son of the demon Sugan, received a boon from Lord Shiva that anyone whose head is touched by his head would be turned to ash. Fueled by the desire to kill Lord Shiva, Padmaasuran sought the help of Sriman Narayanan. Despite attempts by divine beings like Rambai, Oorvasi, and Thilothamai to distract him, Padmaasuran remained focused on his goal.

In response, Sriman Narayanan assumed the enchanting Mohini form and appeared before Padmaasuran. Captivated by Mohini's beauty, Padmaasuran eagerly followed her instructions to bathe in the tank (Pushkarani). As he applied oil to his head, his own touch transformed him into ash. Thus, Sriman Narayanan, in his Mohini form, saved Lord Shiva and affirmed his presence.

The deity of this temple, Imayavarappan, is depicted in the standing posture (Nindra Thirukkolam) facing west. This deity is associated with the Mohini Avatar and is believed to offer blessings in the role of a father figure (Appan).

To emphasise the equality of Lord Shiva and Sriman Narayanan, a large Shiva temple is also present at this site. The temple's significance is further highlighted by the fact that Dharman, driven by remorse for his actions during the Bharatha war (Mahabharata), dedicated himself to the construction and worship at this temple. During the war, Dharman had loudly proclaimed the death of Ashwathaman, causing Dronacharya to die from grief. Feeling guilty about this deception, Dharman sought redemption through his work on this temple, honouring Imayavarappan and seeking spiritual atonement.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest clothing that covers the shoulders and legs. Avoid revealing or inappropriate attire to show respect for the sacred environment.
  2. Follow Rituals Respectfully: Participate in the temple’s rituals and customs with reverence. Observe the local practices and follow the instructions given by the temple priests or staff.
  3. Remove Footwear: Always remove your footwear before entering the temple premises. This is a common practice in Hindu temples to maintain cleanliness and respect.
  4. Maintain Silence: Keep noise levels low within the temple to maintain a serene and respectful atmosphere for worship and meditation.
  5. Respect the Deity: Approach the deity with reverence and avoid touching or climbing on the sanctum or deity’s pedestal. Follow the prescribed rituals for offerings and prayers.
  1. Avoid Photography: Refrain from taking photographs inside the temple unless explicitly permitted. Photography is often restricted to preserve the sanctity of the space and respect the privacy of worshippers.
  2. No Eating or Drinking: Do not consume food or beverages within the temple premises. Eating or drinking inside the temple is generally prohibited to maintain the sacredness of the environment.
  3. No Plastic Use: Avoid bringing or using plastic items within the temple. The temple adheres to eco-friendly practices, and the use of plastic is discouraged to support environmental conservation.
  4. Avoid Loud Conversations: Refrain from engaging in loud or disruptive conversations. The temple is a place of worship and reflection, and maintaining a peaceful environment is crucial.
  5. Don’t Disregard Instructions: Always follow the guidelines and instructions given by the temple authorities or priests. Disregarding these instructions can disrupt the sanctity of the rituals and practices.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire such as dhoti or mundu.

For Women: Dress in sarees or salwar kameez.

How to reach

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By Air: The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, located about 123 kilometres from Chengannur.

By Rail: Chengannur Railway Station is the closest railway station, well-connected to major cities in Kerala and other parts of India.

By Road: The temple is easily accessible by road and is situated close to Chengannur town in Kerala.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Pamba River: The Pamba River is a significant river near Chengannur, flowing through the region and providing vital water resources. It is one of the major rivers in Kerala, important for irrigation and religious practices.
  2. Manimala River: Another important river close to Chengannur, the Manimala River is a tributary of the Pamba River. It contributes to the region's agricultural and ecological balance.
  3. Achankovil River: The Achankovil River, flowing through the southern part of Kerala, is also relatively close to Chengannur. It plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem and agriculture.


Cities:

  1. Alappuzha: Approximately 34 kilometres from Chengannur, Alappuzha (also known as Alleppey) is a well-known city in Kerala famous for its backwaters, houseboat cruises, and picturesque landscapes.
  2. Kottayam: About 40 kilometres from Chengannur, Kottayam is an important city in Kerala, known for its educational institutions, religious sites, and as a significant centre for the Malayalam language and literature.
  3. Thiruvalla: Located around 15 kilometres from Chengannur, Thiruvalla is a prominent town known for its cultural heritage and significant religious institutions, including the famous Sreevallabha Temple.
  4. Pathanamthitta: Approximately 50 kilometres from Chengannur, Pathanamthitta is a town renowned for its pilgrimage sites, including the famous Sabarimala Temple, and its scenic beauty.
  5. Kochi: About 90 kilometres from Chengannur, Kochi (Cochin) is a major port city and commercial hub in Kerala, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and important trade and tourism centres.