Back to Results
Temple Image

Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple

The Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple, located in Thiruvanvandoor in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, is a significant Divya Desam, one of the 108 sacred abodes of Vishnu celebrated in Tamil Divya Prabandham hymns by the Azhwar saints. Dedicated primarily to Lord Krishna, revered here as Paambanaiappan, the temple is noted for its connection to the Mahabharata epic. It is believed to be one of the five Vishnu shrines established by the Pandava princes in Kerala, with Nakula traditionally credited for its construction. As a prominent pilgrimage site, the Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple remains an important spiritual centre in Kerala.

Timings

Morning 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM & Evening 5.00 PM to 8.00 PM

Entry Fee

No entry fee is charged

The Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple is one of five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, linked with the Mahabharata legend. According to tradition, after crowning Parikshit as king, the Pandava princes undertook a pilgrimage and each installed a Krishna deity along the banks of the Pamba River. Yudhishthira established the Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple, Bheema the Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple, Arjuna the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Nakula the Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple, and Sahadeva the Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple.

The temple's deity, Paambanaiappan, derives his name from the nearby Pamba River. Another legend attributes the temple’s consecration to sage Bhrigu. The earliest references to the temple are found in the hymns of Alvar saint Nammalvar, dating back to around 800 AD, and stone inscriptions suggest its origins in the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD). The temple is open daily from 4 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm and is managed by the Travancore Devaswom Board of the Government of Kerala.


Sthala Puranam :



The Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple, also known as the Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple, is located in Thiruvanvandoor, Alappuzha District, Kerala. Revered as one of the 108 Divya Desam temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it holds a special place in the spiritual landscape of Kerala.

This temple is one of five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area connected with the Mahabharata legend. According to tradition, after crowning Parikshit as king of Hastinapura, the Pandava princes embarked on a pilgrimage along the banks of the Pamba River, each installing a Krishna deity at a different location. Yudhishthira established the Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple, Bheema the Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple, Arjuna the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Nakula the Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple, and Sahadeva the Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple.

The temple's deity, Paambanaiappan, is named after the nearby Pamba River. Another legend attributes the temple's consecration to sage Bhrigu. The temple is thus considered one of the five temples built and worshipped by the Pandavas.

References to the temple appear in the hymns of the Alvar saint Nammalvar, dating back to around 800 AD, and stone inscriptions suggest its origins in the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD).

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to Your Ishta Devata: Begin your pilgrimage by offering prayers to your chosen deity for guidance and blessings.
  2. Contact the Temple Information Centre: Reach out for inquiries about temple details, rituals, and Pooja arrangements to ensure a smooth visit.
  3. Reserve Travel and Accommodation: Book your travel and lodging well in advance to avoid last-minute issues and ensure a comfortable stay.
  4. Bath and Wear Clean Clothes: Maintain personal hygiene and wear clean attire before entering the temple to show respect to the sacred space.
  5. Focus on the Divine: Concentrate on the God and Goddess inside the temple, setting aside worldly distractions during your visit.
  6. Maintain Silence and Recite Mantras: Observe silence and silently recite your Ishta Mantra to enhance your spiritual experience.
  7. Observe Customs and Traditions: Follow ancient customs and traditions specific to the temple to honour its cultural and religious practices.
  8. Respect Religious Sentiments: Show respect for the religious sentiments of others and the temple's sacredness.
  9. Deposit Offerings in the Hundi: Place your offerings in the designated hundi, ensuring they are given in the proper manner.
  1. No Non-Worship Visits: Avoid coming to the temple for reasons other than worship and spiritual practice.
  2. No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited within the temple premises to maintain its sanctity and cleanliness.
  3. No Alcoholic Drinks: Consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden in the temple to uphold its sacred environment.
  4. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Refrain from bringing or consuming non-vegetarian food within the temple grounds.
  5. No Mediators for Darshan: Do not seek or use intermediaries for a quick Darshan, as it may cause inconvenience to others.
  6. No Weapons: Carrying weapons is not allowed inside the temple to ensure safety and respect for the sacred space.
  7. No Headgear: Remove helmets, caps, turbans, and hats before entering the temple premises as a mark of respect.
  8. No Sastanga Pranama in Sanctum: Avoid performing Sastanga Pranama (full prostration) inside the Sanctum Sanctorum to maintain decorum.
  9. No Prolonged Sparsa Darshanam: Do not take excessive time during Sparsa Darshanam (touching the deity) in the Garbhagriha to respect others waiting.
  10. No Spurious Prasadams: Do not purchase prasadams from unauthorised vendors outside the temple.
  11. No Encouragement of Beggars: Avoid encouraging beggars within the temple to maintain the sanctity and order of the premises.
  12. No Spitting or Nuisance: Do not spit or create disturbances within the temple area to keep the environment clean and peaceful.

Dress Code

For Men: Wear traditional attire such as dhoti or trousers with a shirt or kurta; avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless shirts. Remove headgear like caps or hats before entering the temple.

For Women: Dress modestly in traditional attire such as sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts; avoid wearing revealing or short clothing. Ensure that shoulders and legs are covered and remove any headgear before entering the temple.

How to reach

Open in Google Maps ↗

By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is approximately 125 kilometres from the Thiruvanvandoor Temple, offering the nearest major air travel option.

By Rail: Chengannur Railway Junction is about 6 kilometres from the temple, providing convenient access for those travelling by train.

By Road: Travellers can reach Thiruvanvandoor from Chengannur and nearby towns using buses or private vehicles, with well-connected road routes.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers:

  1. Pamba River: The Pamba River, one of the holiest rivers in Kerala, flows near the Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple. This river is significant in Hindu mythology and is associated with several temples in the region. The proximity of the Pamba River is believed to enhance the sanctity of the temple, and it plays a role in various temple rituals.


Cities/Towns:

  1. Chengannur: Thiruvanvandoor is near the town of Chengannur, which is an important cultural and religious centre in Kerala. Chengannur is known for its ancient temples and is one of the five towns connected with the Pandava legends.
  2. Alappuzha: The district headquarters, Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is located a bit farther from the temple. It is famous for its backwaters and is a major tourist destination, adding to the accessibility of the temple for pilgrims and visitors.
  3. Thiruvalla: Another nearby town is Thiruvalla, which is known for its cultural heritage and is also a significant hub for several other ancient temples in the region.