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Origin/History :-
The Sri Uyyavantha Perumal Temple, also known as the Anjumoorthy Koil, is located in Thiruvithuvakkodu, Kerala. The temple's history is associated with several key figures and historical contexts.
- Builder: The temple is traditionally believed to have been constructed by the Chera dynasty, which ruled parts of Kerala. However, the specific details about the exact individual or the precise time of construction are not well-documented. The Chera dynasty's contributions to temple architecture and construction are well-recognized in the region, and many temples from this period reflect their patronage.
- Historical Context: The Chera dynasty was known for its support of Hindu temples and religious institutions. The construction of temples was often part of their broader efforts to promote religious and cultural activities. The Uyyavantha Perumal Temple is an example of this patronage.
- Architectural Style: The temple features traditional Kerala temple architecture, including wooden structures and intricate carvings. This style is characteristic of the temples built during the Chera period.
- Cultural Significance: The temple has been an important centre of worship and cultural activity in Thiruvithuvakkodu. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, and the deity is revered by devotees for protection and blessings.
- Preservation: Over the centuries, the temple has undergone various renovations and restorations, preserving its historical and architectural integrity.
- Upon entering the Sri Uyyavantha Perumal Temple in Thiruvithuvakkodu, you first encounter a separate shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Behind this, you will find the main shrine for Uyyavantha Perumal, also known as “Abhaya Pirathan,” who is revered for his protective grace (Abhayam) towards his devotees. This deity is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva, known as “Aabhathsagaayar” (where Abhath means danger and Sagayar means one who helps in times of danger).
- The temple is renowned for its connection to the legendary king Ambareesha, the son of Nabhakanan, who was a devout Vishnu devotee. During a period of intense penance, Ambareesha desired a vision of Sriman Narayanan rather than Indra. Impressed by Ambareesha’s devotion, Sriman Narayanan appeared before him in his true form and blessed him with various boons.
- A notable story from Ambareesha’s life involves his strict observance of fasting (Viradham) on Ekadashi. After giving 60 cows as charity, he ended the fast by performing a ritual (Paarayanam) on Dvadasi. When the sage Durvasa, who was to receive the offerings, delayed his arrival, Ambareesha, unable to wait, took a small amount of water to conclude the fast. Angered by this, Durvasa sent a demon to attack Ambareesha. With the aid of Vishnu’s discus (Chakram), Ambareesha defeated the demon, leading Durvasa to feel remorse and bless him.
- Ambareesha requested that Uyyavantha Perumal grant him the divine vision of the deity in all directions. In response, Uyyavantha Perumal manifests in all four directions: the central deity is worshipped by Dharma, the westward deity by Arjuna, the leftward deity by Bhima, and the rightward deity by Nakula and Sahadeva. This makes Uyyavantha Perumal a focal point of worship for all the Pandavas.
- The temple is also considered a Mukthi Sthalam (place of liberation) for Ambareesha. Similar to the temple at Thiru Chitrakoodam, where the deity appears in a Vyuha (divine manifestation) form, Uyyavantha Perumal is in a standing posture (Nindra Thirukkolam) here, while the deity at Thiru Chitrakoodam is in a reclining posture (Pallikonda Thirukkolam). Both temples are associated with significant epics: Thiru Chitrakoodam with the Ramayana and Thiruvithuvakkodu with the Mahabharata.
- Thirumangai Alwar has composed hymns in Sankarabharanam raga praising the deity at Thiru Chitrakoodam, and similarly, Kulasekara Alwar has composed hymns in the same raga for Uyyavantha Perumal.