CHIRAKKARAMAHAVISHNU TEMPLE, KAIMANAM,PAPPANAMCODE, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA.
Introduction Chirakkara Mahavishnu Temple is a revered Hindu shrinelocated in Kaimanam, Pappanamcode, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Amirtanandayamayi Muttis on the way to the temple. The temple is on the banks of Karamana river. Itis also a temple below road level and about twelve steps has to get down toreach the temple. The temple is very neat and tidy and not very large. Dedicated to Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Siva, the temple isrenowned for its spiritual ambiance and traditional Kerala-style architecture. Thetemple is known for its serene ambiance and adherence to traditional rituals,attracting devotees seeking blessings and spiritual solace. Legend The temple belongs tothe Pandavas, heroes of the Mahabharata. The Pandavas, led by Yudhishthira, aresaid to have visited this temple during their exile, adding to its historical,cultural and spiritual significance. This temple is a perfect place to attractmany believers and explorers who come to seek blessings and participate in thetemple’s vibrant culture. History Historical records say that it was built during the reign ofthe Chola kings. After the Chola kings, the temple was ruled by the Travancorekings and fell into disrepair with no pujas at the end of the dynasty. Later, afamous Namboothiri family took over the temple and conducted the puja affairs.When financial difficulties came, they were also unable to look after thetemple affairs and the temple fell into disrepair. In 1972, when the locals took over the temple and resumed thepuja rituals, the temple spirit returned to its former state. Architecture Not a typical temple structure. The temple constructionmethod is very special. Cholaraja method of construction is adopted. Both theshrine and the Namaskaramandapam aremade of stone. Main deities Inside the Vattasanctum sanctorum is Sri Maha Vishnu and Lord Siva facing West, Garuda Devafacing Lord Vishnu and Nandi Deva facing East facing Sri Maha Deva in NamaskaraMandapam. Sub deities Along with sub-deities Subrahmanya, Ganapati, Brahmarakshas,Devi, Ayyappan, Hanuman and Naga Deities, Navagraha presence is present withinNalampalam itself. Poojas As in other Vishnu and Siva temples. Prasadam is theerthamwith flowers and sandalwood paste. Specialty It is one of the rare temples whereSree Mahavishnu and Sree Mahadeva spirits reside together in the same garbhagriha within the same sanctum. Offerings Neerajanam to Ayyappanevery Saturday, special pujas to Vishnu and Hanuman on Sundays, Ayilya Pujaevery month and special pujas on Ekadashi. Festivals The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are: Thiru Ulsavam-ThiruUlsavam at Chirakkara Mahavishnu Temple is celebrated in the Malayalam month of Medam withgreat devotion. The festival includes rituals like Thrikkodiyettu, Pallivetta,Aarattu, and various special poojas that draw large gatherings of devotees. Annualtemple festival celebrating afterkodiyettam in Choti Nakshatra in themonth of Medamasam and Kodiyirakkam in Thiruvonam Nakshatra along with Aarattu. Karkkidaka Vavubali-AtChirakkara Mahavishnu Temple, Karkkidaka Vavubali is observed with deep reverence, offering homage toancestors. On this day, devotees perform Pithrubali Tharppanam, and Thilahomamto seek blessings and peace for the departed souls, believing it bringsspiritual merit and family well-being. Karkataka Vavubali is the most special day of this temple.Thousands come here for balitharppanam . The presence of Lord Vishnu, LordMahadev and holy Karamanayar is most suitable for Balitarpanam and devoteesconsider this temple and its surroundings as holy ground for attainingsalvation. Every ritual in this temple is so great. The first day of every Malayalam month, Shashti and Pradoshaof the month, are very special Vishu, Onam, Navaratri, Janmashtami ,Siva rathri, Mandlam etcare other festivals. Temple timings Chirakkara Sri Mahavishnu Temple is open Mon–Sun 5 AM– 10 AM and 5PM to8 PM. Location: Kaimanam, about a KM before Pappanamcode while travelling from Thiruvananthapuramto Nager kovil. Contact Address: Chirakkara Sri Mahavishnu Temple, Kaimanam, Pappanamcode,Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695018 Priest- 75580 98931 Thephone number for Chirakkara Sri Mahavishnu Temple is 0471 249 2550. My note- I was a frequentvisitor to the temple. The temple was close to the Telecom training centre and quarters I lived for 13years while in Trivandrum. Compiled and posted by Gopalakrishnan,on 19-10-2025 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/1435949861.2900530.1760847709151%40mail.yahoo.com.
