Sree Narayaneshwaram Temple

Ponnurunni, Vyttila, Dist. Ernakulam.

Sree Narayaneswaram Temple, located at Ponnurunni near Vyttila in Ernakulam district, is a place of historical and cultural importance. Established under the direct guidance and in the presence of Sree Narayana Guru, the temple is regarded as one of the notable temples in Kerala. It stands as a symbol of Guru’s vision of equality and his message of social reform.

Sree Narayaneswaram Temple was established in the early twentieth century under the direct guidance and supervision of Sree Narayana Guru. The temple reflects the social and spiritual reform ideals promoted by Guru, including equality and the right of all people to worship without discrimination. As the temple was directly associated with Sree Narayana Guru, a dedicated Guru Peedom has been established within the temple in his memory.

The temple reflects the principles of equality and the social and spiritual reform ideas of Sree Narayana Guru. Unlike his usual practice of consecrating a Shiva Linga or a mirror, Guru instructed that Goshala Gopalakrishna, facing west, should be installed as the main deity of this temple. The installation of both Goshala Gopalakrishna and Dakshinamurthy in the same Sreekovil represents Guru’s Advaita philosophy, emphasising the unity of all forms of the Divine beyond Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. The temple was established to ensure that people of all castes and religions had the right to worship without discrimination. Animal sacrifice, the offering of meat and liquor and elaborate Tantric rituals were not adopted here. Instead, the temple follows a simple and sattvic system of worship. The temple was also designed with simple architecture that gives importance to cleanliness, natural light and proper ventilation, in keeping with Guru’s vision for places of worship.

The temple combines traditional Kerala temple architecture with the simple design principles followed by Sree Narayana Guru. A simple entrance arch leads to a spacious elephant shelter and a traditional Kerala-style Chuttambalam. The temple courtyard is spacious, clean and well maintained. Outside the main Chuttambalam, devotees can also worship the other deities, including Ganesha, Ayyappa and Sree Bhootha Nagayakshi.

The main Sreekovil, located at the centre of the Nalambalam, is one of the most distinctive features of the temple. It has the rare arrangement of four deities facing the four cardinal directions within a single Sreekovil. The main deity, Goshala Gopalakrishna, faces west, while Subrahmanya Swamy faces east, Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurthy faces south and Parvathi faces north. All four idols are made of Panchaloha and appear especially radiant in the light of the temple lamps. The temple also has a dedicated Guru Peedom and a prayer hall in memory of Sree Narayana Guru, where devotees can offer prayers before his bronze idol.

The main annual festival of the temple is held every year during the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March). It begins with the ceremonial flag hoisting and continues for ten days with special poojas, Thalappoli, Pallivetta, Aarattu and a variety of religious and cultural programmes, including classical dance performances such as Bharatanatyam. As the temple was established under the guidance of Sree Narayana Guru, Guru Jayanthi on the Chathayam star in the month of Chingam and Guru Samadhi Day in the month of Kanni are observed with special prayers, recitation of Guru’s teachings, processions and annadanam. Ashtami Rohini, the birthday of Lord Krishna, is also celebrated with special abhishekams, poojas and a children’s procession. Other important annual observances include the 41-day Mandala Pooja from the first day of Vrischikam to the eleventh day of Dhanu, Thaipooyam for Subrahmanya Swamy and Maha Shivaratri for Lord Shiva.

Devotees offer a variety of offerings at the temple for their prayers and the fulfilment of their wishes. For the main deity, Goshala Gopalakrishna, Paalpayasam, butter offering and Tulasi garlands are offered for children’s well-being, the blessing of children, good health, intellectual growth and the fulfilment of wishes. Offerings to Shiva in the form of Dakshinamurthy include Dhara, Tender Coconut Dhara and Bilva garlands for success in education, good health, peace of mind and relief from illness. Sandalwood paste and silk cloth are offered to Parvathi for a happy married life and family prosperity. Panchamrutham and Bhasmabhishekam are offered to Subrahmanya Swamy for relief from obstacles and protection from enemies. Devotees also perform Ganapathi Homam and Appam Moodal for Ganesha to remove obstacles, offer sesame oil lamps and Neerajanam to Ayyappa for relief from the effects of Shani and present Noorum Palum and turmeric powder to Sree Bhootha Nagayakshi for relief from Naga Dosha. In addition, common offerings such as Pushpanjali, lighting of lamps and Niramala are made to all the deities.

The temple is open to devotees every day from 05:00 AM to 10:30 AM and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM. The temple opens at 05:00 AM with Nirmalya Darshanam, followed by Usha Pooja at 06:30 AM. Ucha Pooja and Nivedyam are performed at 10:00 AM, after which the temple closes at 10:30 AM. It reopens at 05:00 PM and Deeparadhana is held at sunset. Athazha Pooja is performed at 07:30 PM and the temple closes for the day at 08:00 PM. Pooja timings may vary on festival days and during major celebrations such as Ashtami Rohini and the annual festival in the Malayalam month of Kumbham.

Key highlight :-

• Located about 2 km from Vyttila, 5 km from Tripunithura and 5 km from Ernakulam town.
• The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction Railway Station, located about 5 km from the temple.
• The nearest metro station is about 2 km from the temple.
• KSRTC buses are available to Vyttila. Local bus services are available to the temple. The temple can also be reached by auto-rickshaw from Vyttila.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.
• Contact number + 91 484 2301662