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Thrichittattu Temple – Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple near Chengannur in Kerala

Thrichittattu Mahavishnu Temple is located around 2 km northwest of Chengannur town in Kerala. The temple is associated with Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Thrichittatt  temple was constructed by Yudhishtira, the eldest of the Pandava brothers. The shrine is also one among the 108 Divya Deshams – Thiruchengannoor (108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu as per Vaishnava tradition).

The 10-day annual festival in the temple ends with arattu on Thiruvonam nakshatra day in Meena masam (March - April).


Thrichittattu Temple Story

Lord Vishnu is worshiped here as Imayavarappan. It is believed that the murti worshiped in the temple was first offered prayers by Devas or celestial beings. Imayavar means Devas.

As per 108 Divya Desham concepts, Vishnu worshiped here is known as Devathideva Perumal.

There is no murti of Goddess Lakshmi in the temple. But the divya desham concept mentions the presence Goddess Lakshmi in the shrine as Raktapankaja Valli.

In the Mahabharata war, Dronacharya was invincible. To kill him Yudhishtira uttered the lie that Ashwathama, his son died. After hearing the words from the mouth of Yudhishtira, Drona put his weapons down. Dhrishtadyumna used this opportunity and cut off the head of Dronacharya.

Yudhishtira carried the remorse of lying for a long period. It is believed that he did penance at Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple for the sin. He installed the murti and offered prayers to it here.

Unique Maha Vishnu Murti

The main murti worshiped in the shrine is Vishnu in standing posture. It is made using Krishna Shila. The unique aspect of the murti is that it holds conch in right hand instead of the discus or chakra.

Subsidiary deities worshiped in the temple are Ganesha, Sastha and Goshalakrishan.

Goshalakrishan has a separate quite big shrine in the temple complex. He is offered special pujas. Special rituals are observed during festivals.

The temple pond is known as Shankha Theertha.

The temple has a large Nalambalam and Namaskara Mandapam. Wooden carvings are another noteworthy feature. The sanctum sanctorum is round and is made out of huge stones.

The most important festival observed in the shrine is Ashtami Rohini (August or September).

Thrichittatt Mahavishnu Temple Timings
Morning Darshan Time – 4 AM to 11:00 AM
Evening Darshan Time – 5 PM to 8 PM

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Five Temples Built By Pandavas near Chengannur in Kerala