Sri Srinivasa Perumal Kulasheghara Alwar Temple

Thrikulashekarapuram, Kodungallur, Dist. Thrissur.

Sri Srinivasa Perumal Kulasekhara Alvar Temple is a historic Vaishnava temple located at Thiruvanchikulam (Thirukulashekarapuram), near Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala. The temple is associated with the birthplace of Kulasekhara Alvar (Kulasekhara Perumal), one of the twelve prominent Vaishnava Alvars and the author of Perumal Tirumozhi and Mukundamala. The main deity of the temple is Sri Srinivasa Perumal, whose form is similar to that of Srinivasa Perumal at Tirupati.

The temple is about 1,200 years old. It was built by the Chera ruler Kulasekhara Alvar (Kulasekhara Varma), who ruled from Mahodayapuram (present-day Kodungallur) in the early 9th century, around AD 800–825. He was a prominent ruler of the Chera dynasty and one of the twelve Vaishnava Alvars. After the initial construction, the temple complex was further developed in the 11th century. The architectural style of the temple is one of the important examples of Chera architecture in medieval Kerala.

After the decline of the Chera Empire, the area came under the control of the Kodungallur Swarupam, the royal family of Kodungallur. Later, when the area became part of the Kingdom of Cochin, the administration of the temple came under the supervision of the Cochin royal family. Although some parts of the temple fell into disrepair over time, major restoration works were carried out in the 21st century, considering its historical importance as the birthplace of Kulasekhara Alvar. With the support of Vaishnava organisations from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, particularly under the leadership of the Kinchitkaram Trust, a new Rajagopuram and a Srinivasa Perumal shrine were constructed, followed by their reconsecration. The temple is currently under the administrative control and ownership of the Cochin Devaswom Board.

Ila, the daughter of Kulasekhara Alvar, is also known as Cherakulavalli Nachiyar. According to tradition, she was deeply devoted to Lord Ranganatha of Srirangam and eventually merged with the image of Lord Ranganatha there. In memory of this, the ‘Serthi Seva’ is held every year at Srirangam. Cherakulavalli Nachiyar is also believed to have a presence at the Thirukulashekarapuram Perumal Temple. Like several other temples in Kerala, this temple also has an Aithihyam associated with Vilwamangalam Swamiyar. According to the local tradition, Vilwamangalam Swamiyar once passed through this area and experienced the divine presence of the Lord here. He is said to have seen the Lord through his spiritual vision.

Kulasekhara Alvar had great devotion to Srinivasa Perumal, also known as Venkatachalapathy of Tirupati. He wished to become a stone or a step at the feet of the Lord so that he could always remain there. In memory of this, the stone step directly in front of the sanctum at the Tirupati temple is still known as the ‘Kulasekhara Padi’. According to tradition, Srinivasa Perumal is worshipped as the main deity at Thirukulashekarapuram, the birthplace of Kulasekhara Alvar, in memory of his devotion to the Lord of Tirupati.

The main entrance of the temple has a three-tiered Rajagopuram built in the Tamil Nadu style. The gopuram features sculptures depicting Vaishnava stories and figures of the Alvars. The name of the temple is inscribed in both Tamil and Malayalam near the top of the gopuram. Viewed from outside the outer wall, the temple combines the Kerala-style roof of the Sreekovil with the Tamil-style Rajagopuram. On entering through the Rajagopuram, a large Balipeetha and a flagstaff with an image of Garuda can be seen. Behind it is a small mandapam with an image of Garudazhvar standing with folded hands facing the Lord. The Mahamandapam and Mukhamandapam are located in front of the main Sreekovil. The pillars of these mandapams feature various carvings and are used by devotees for prayers and darshan.

The main Sreekovil is a simple square structure that combines Kerala and Dravidian architectural styles. In front of the Sreekovil is a Mukhamandapam made of granite. Its pillars feature carvings of Vaishnava symbols such as the conch and discus. The granite steps leading to the Sreekovil, known as the Sopana, have Dravidian-style yali faces and other carvings on the sides. Stone images of the Dwarapalakas Jaya and Vijaya are placed on either side of the entrance to the sanctum. A granite-paved circumambulatory path runs around the Sreekovil, with openings that allow natural light to enter. The main deity, Srinivasa Perumal, has a form similar to Lord Venkateswara of Tirumala Tirupati. The idol faces east and stands with four arms. The upper right hand holds the Sudarshana Chakra, while the upper left hand holds the Panchajanya conch. The lower right hand is in the Varada Mudra, while the lower left hand is in the Katihasta Mudra. Small images of Sridevi and Bhudevi are placed on the same pedestal on either side of the main deity. In keeping with Tamil Vaishnava tradition, the Lord is decorated daily with sacred ornaments, tulasi garlands and a yellow silk garment known as Pitambara.

The Kulasekhara Alvar shrine is located to the north of the main Srinivasa Perumal Sreekovil, facing east. Along with the image of Kulasekhara Alvar, images of Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman, whom he worshipped, are also installed here. The Vedavalli Thayar shrine, dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, is located in the south-western corner of the main Sreekovil, facing east. The Andal shrine is situated in the north-western corner of the temple, while the Udayavar shrine of Sri Ramanujacharya, the preceptor of the Vishishtadvaita school of philosophy, is located within the northern enclosure. Images of Chakrathalvar (Sudarshana Chakra) and Narasimhamurti are installed on the western side of the main Sreekovil. A Garuda Mandapam with an image of Garudazhvar standing with folded hands facing the Lord is also located between the Rajagopuram and the main temple entrance, directly behind the flagstaff.

One of the main festivals of the temple is Kulasekhara Alvar Jayanthi, also known as Avatharikotsavam. The birthday of Kulasekhara Alvar is celebrated on the Punarpoosam star day in the Tamil month of Masi, which falls during Kumbham–Meenam (February–March). Special rituals and recitations are held on this occasion, with Vaishnava scholars and devotees from Tamil Nadu taking part. Vaikuntha Ekadashi, which falls during Dhanu–Makaram (December–January), is another important day at the temple. Many devotees visit the temple for darshan of Srinivasa Perumal on this day. Tiruppavai recitations and special poojas are held at the shrines of Andal and Srinivasa Perumal throughout the 30 days of Dhanu (December–January). During Navaratri (September–October), special decorations and Lakshmi poojas are conducted at the Vedavalli Thayar shrine.

One of the main offerings at the temple is the offering of different types of Perumal Pongal, following the tradition of the Tirupati temple. These include Chakkara Pongal, made with jaggery and ghee and Ven Pongal, made with ghee and black pepper. Puliyodarai (tamarind rice), Daddhiyodana (curd rice), Lemon Pongal, Turmeric Pongal and Ellodarai are also offered to the Lord. Thirumanjanam, a special ritual bathing of the Srinivasa Perumal idol with milk, rose water and sandalwood paste, accompanied by the chanting of mantras, is another important offering. As part of the Vaishnava tradition, tulasi garlands are offered to Srinivasa Perumal and Kulasekhara Alvar. Devotees can also offer Pitambara (yellow silk garments) to the Lord and special clothes to Sridevi, Bhudevi and Vedavalli Thayar. Sahasranama Archana, in which the thousand names of the Lord are recited while offering tulasi leaves or flowers, is also performed here.

The daily pooja rituals at the temple begin at 05:00 AM with the recitation of Suprabhatham. A Tamil/Sanskrit Suprabhatham is recited to wake the Lord, following the tradition of Tirupati. Vishwaroopa Darshan takes place at 05:30 AM, followed by the daily Archana at the shrines of the Lord and the sub-deities at 06:00 AM. At 08:30 AM, Thirumanjanam (ritual bathing) is performed for the main Perumal idol using milk, rose water and sandalwood. The Uchapooja and offering of food take place at 10:00 AM, when offerings such as Chakkara Pongal and Puliyodarai are presented to the Lord. The morning darshan ends and the temple closes at around 10:30 AM. The temple reopens at 05:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 06:30 PM, including camphor Aarti and special prayers. At 07:30 PM, the Ardhayama Pooja and Tiruppavai recitation, with the singing of Andal’s verses, are held. At 08:00 PM, Ekanta Seva is performed, during which the Lord is taken to the resting chamber, followed by the closing of the temple. The general darshan timings are usually from 05:00 AM to 10:30 AM and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM. These timings may change on special days such as Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Kulasekhara Alvar Jayanthi, as well as during festivals.

Key highlight :-

• Located 12 km from North Paravur, 16 km from Irinjalakkuda and 40 km from Guruvayur.
• 22 km from Irinjalakkuda railway station.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.
• Contact number +91 6238095039.