Pithrukunnam Maha Vishnu Kshethram

Vadakkemuri, Vaikom, Dist. Kottayam.

Pithrukunnam Maha Vishnu Kshethram is a famous Hindu place of worship located at Udayanapuram, near Vaikom in Kottayam district, Kerala. It is one of the rare temples known for offering eternal salvation to ancestors and for performing Bali Tharpanam (ancestral offerings). Lord Mahavishnu is the main deity.

Although the exact year of construction is not recorded in historical documents, Pithrukunnam Maha Vishnu Kshethram is believed to be centuries old. Historians believe that the temple was established during the medieval period as part of the old agrarian settlements of the Vaikom–Udayanapuram region. This area was close to the northern border of the erstwhile Travancore kingdom, where temples were initially established under the guidance of local rulers and prominent Brahmin families known as Ooralars. The temple, which originally had wooden carvings and thatched roofs, was later renovated in several stages in the traditional Kerala architectural style. The present tiled Sreekovil, Thazhikakudam, Chuttambalam, Namaskara Mandapam and Balikkalpura are the result of these later renovations. Historically, the temple was managed by local Brahmin Ooralars, but its administration changed following the reforms introduced by Colonel Munro in 1811 during the Travancore rule. At present, the temple is under the Travancore Devaswom Board, with its daily affairs managed by the Vaikom Group, along with a Temple Advisory Committee of local devotees and the temple secretary.

The main legend behind the establishment of Pithrukunnam Maha Vishnu Kshethram is associated with a dream experienced by a deeply devoted man who lived in this area many centuries ago. It is believed that Lord Mahavishnu appeared in his dream and told him that an idol of the Lord was buried in the hill where the temple now stands. Following the Lord’s direction, the devotee and the local people searched the area and found a beautiful idol of Lord Mahavishnu. The idol was then consecrated on the hill where it was found and a temple was built there according to the rituals. Local legends also say that the hill came to be known as ‘Pithrukunnam’ because of the belief that Lord Vishnu resides here to grant eternal salvation to ancestors, or departed forefathers.

Located beside the main road, the temple has a Kerala-style entrance with a small Padippura (gateway) and a compound wall built of granite. The main feature visible from outside is the long, large Chuttambalam with a tiled roof. On the north-eastern side of the temple is a large ancient temple pond with steps, used exclusively for ancestral offerings, with a small shrine of Lord Ganesha beside it. On entering through the main entrance, the Balikkalpura, with a large Balikkallu (sacrificial stone), is seen first. Directly in front of the Sreekovil is a small Namaskara Mandapam with four pillars, featuring beautiful carvings in wood and stone.

The Sreekovil is the most important part of the temple and is built in a square shape. It has a tiled roof topped with a shining Thazhikakudam. Inside the Sreekovil is the four-armed idol of Lord Mahavishnu, holding the Shankha (conch), Chakra (discus), Gada (mace) and lotus. Ancient carvings depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu can be seen on the sides of the Sreekovil and the Mandapam, carved in wood and stone. The walls of the Chuttambalam have rows of wooden or metal lamp holders for placing earthen lamps. A granite-paved path is provided around the Sreekovil for devotees to perform Pradakshina.

Apart from the main deity, Lord Ganesha, Bhagavathi, Sastha and the Naga deities are also worshipped as the main other deities of the temple. The shrine of Lord Ganesha is located beside the ancient temple pond on the north-eastern side, which is used for ancestral offerings. Devotees pray here before performing the offering rituals. The shrine of Bhagavathi is located either inside the Nalambalam or within the main compound, while the shrine of Sastha is situated at a designated place within the temple premises. Nagaraja and Nagayakshi are worshipped at a specially arranged Nagathara on one side within the main compound.

The most important occasion at Pithrukunnam Maha Vishnu Kshethram is Karkidaka Vavu Bali, held on the new moon day in the month of Karkidakam. As ancestral offerings are given great importance here, many devotees arrive early in the morning to offer Bali to their ancestors at the temple pond. Bali Tharpanam, Tilahavanam and Payasachoore Oottu are among the main rituals conducted on the day. The annual festival is also celebrated, beginning with the Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and ending with the Aarattu (ritual bath). It is usually held during Kumbham or Meenam (February–April) in connection with the consecration day of the Lord. Special poojas, Sree Bhootha Bali, Utsava Bali, Pallivetta, Aarattu and various traditional art forms are held during the festival. Ashtami Rohini (Sree Krishna Jayanti), Vaikuntha Ekadashi and Vishu are also observed. During Karkidakam, Ramayana recitation and special rituals for ancestors are held, while during the Mandala season from the first day of Vrischikam, special lamps and poojas are offered to Sastha and Lord Mahavishnu.

Among the main offerings at the temple, rituals related to ancestral worship have special importance. Tilahavanam, performed using black sesame seeds for the peace and salvation of ancestors and Pithru Bali or Tharpanam, offered to ancestors at the temple pond, are important rituals. After the Bali Tharpanam, Payasachoore Oottu, in which rice with payasam is offered to the ancestors, is also performed. For family prosperity and to remove obstacles in life, devotees offer Palpayasam, Sahasranama Archana, Abhishekam with milk, ghee and tender coconut water and Purusha Sukta Pushpanjali to Lord Mahavishnu for relief from illness and difficulties. Ganapathi Homam and Unniyappam Nivedyam are offered to Lord Ganesha beside the pond to remove obstacles. Ayilyam Pooja and Palpayasam are offered to the Naga deities at the Nagathara for relief from Naga-related doshas and for family welfare.

The temple opens every day at 05:00 AM with Palli Unarthal, followed by Nirmalya Darshanam from 05:00 AM to 05:30 AM. Abhishekam and Usha Pooja are held at 06:30 AM, followed by Ethirettu Pooja at 07:30 AM and Ucha Pooja at 10:00 AM. The temple closes at 10:30 AM. In the evening, it reopens at 05:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 06:30 PM and Athazha Pooja at 07:30 PM. The temple closes at 08:00 PM. On special days such as Karkidaka Vavu and the new moon day, ancestral offering rituals begin as early as 04:00 AM. The usual timings may change on festival days, during eclipses and on days with special poojas.

Key highlight :-

• Located 2.5 km from Vaikom, 8 km from Thalayolaparambu and 21 km from Tripunithura.
• The nearest railway stations are Vaikom road railway station, about 13 km away and Tripunithura railway station, about 21 km away.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked near the temple.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.