MALAINATTU KERALA DIVYA DESAMS

MALAI NATTU KERALA DIVYADESAMS

sampathyajur@gmail.com

1. THIRUVITHHUKUDU ( uyyavandha perumal )

Located about 5kms South of Pattambi off the Palghat- Shoranur- Kozhikode rail route is the
Uyyavantha Perumal divya desam in Thiru Vithuvakkodu (Thirumittacode in Malayalam), right
on the western banks of Baratha Puzha River.
The story
Pandavas in their exile are said to have stayed here and undertaken penance. Arjuna,
Dharmaputra, Bheemasena and Nakula/Sahadeva created an idol each for their daily poojas at
this temple.
The main Moolavar deity was installed by Arjuna.
Yudishtra ( Dharmaraja Installed Idol)
Dharma Raja installed the idol to the right of the main deity as did Nakula and Sahadeva.
Bheema installed the idol of Vishnu to the left of Uyyavantha Perumal.

Another story goes that Kasi Viswanathar who was impressed with a rishis penance
accompanied the rishi to this temple, finding a small place for himself in the umbrella taken by
the rishi. On arriving here, the rishi went for a bath at the river. After his bath, he found the
umbrella broken and found a swayambu idol of Lord Shiva at this place. Later, a separate temple
was built for Shiva. Hence, this place is referred to as the 5 idols temple.

BHEEMA INSTALLED TEMPLE

Festival Janmashtami Shivarathri
On the Vaikasi Mrigaseesham day- Kalababhishekam
In his verse, the Kerala born Kulasekara Azhvaar praises the Vithuvakodu Lord thus:








Deity
: Uyavantha Perumal South Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Vithuvakottu Valli, Padmaasini Thaayar
Azhvaar : Kulasekara Azhvaar-10 paasuram
Time

: 5am-1030am and 5pm-8pm

Contact : Ravichandran and Ramachandran Embranthari @ 98460 92853

Address : Thirumittacode PO, Kootanad Via, Palakkad Dist 679 533
On the Chennai-Palghat-Kozhikode rail route, get down at Pattambi station (about 10kms West
of Shoranur Junction). An auto from Pattambi Railway Station to this Divya Desam (about 7kms)
and back will cost Rs.80-100/-.
One can combine the visit here with Thiru Navai (about 25kms from here)

2. THIRUNAVAI ( NAAVAAIMUKUNDAN )

An auspicious place for Pitru Tharpanam

Only Divya Desam in Kerala with a separate Sannidhi for Thaayar

Located just under 40kms West of Shoranur on the Palghat - Kozhikode rail route is the Naavaai
Mukundan divya desam in Thiru Naavaai on the Northern Banks of Barathapuzha River. On the
other side of the river are temples for Lord Shiva and Brahmma. Hence this is a TriMurthy
Sangamam.
The story
Both Goddess Lakshmi and Gajendran wanted to adorn Lord Narayana with Lotus flowers.
However, Gajendran could not locate the flowers and undertook prayers here to Narayana, who
asked Goddess to stop plucking the Lotus flowers, thus providing an opportunity to Gajendran to
adorn the lord with flowers. Goddess Lakshmi is said to have asked the Lord to provide her with
an equal status at this temple. Hence, there is a separate sannidhi for the Goddess here, the
only Divya Desam in Kerala.
Nava Yogi Kshetram
Nava Yogis undertook penance at this place invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is said to
have provided darshan as Mukundan. These nine yogis are said to have installed the idol at this
place. Hence, this place was referred to as Thiru Naa Vaai. Locally, this place is called Thiru
Navaya.

Pitru Tharpanam
Another story goes that Parasurama performed Tharpanam for his father at this place. This
Kshetram is an auspicious place for performing Pitru Tharpanam and is believed to have powers
equivalent to that of performing Tharpanam in Kasi.
Thiru Mangai in one of his 2 paasurams refers to Thiru Naavai Lord alongside Thiru Koshtiyur
Divya Desam.
,



In another verse, Thiru Mangai refers to seeing the Thiru Navai Lord at Thiru Naraiyur
,
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,

Deity
: Navai Mukundan East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Malar Mangai Naachiyar
Separate Sannidhi for Goddess: Mahalakshmi
Azhvaar : Thirumangai-2 and NamAzhvaar- 11
Temple Time : 5am-11am (till 1130am on Sundays) and 5pm-8pm
Priest : Narayana Namboodari @ 0494 2603747 or 93876 34946
Festivals
10 day festival in April (14-23)
Amasavai Tharpanam Sacred here

ThiruNavai temple offers accommodation to devotees at Rs. 100/- for 2 hours

or full day deluxe rooms between Rs.200 and 500 based on the specific needs
Breakfast is available at the temple premises.
How to reach Thiru Navai (Thiru Navaya)
Take Chennai Central-Mangalore Mail and get down at Kuttipuram Station (630am arrival). A
local bus from outside the station will take you to the Divya Desam in 20minutes. Auto from
Kuttipuram Station to Thiru Navai Divya Desam will cost Rs.100-125/-.
Not many trains stop at Thiru Navaya Railway station. An auto from Navaya station to the Divya
Desam (about 2kms) will cost Rs.30-40/Thiru Navaya is about 25kms West of Thiru Vithuvakodu Divya Desam (near Pattambi)
and is about 140kms South West of Coimbatore.

3. Thiru Moozhikalam ( MOOZHIKALATHAN)

Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity
Located about 30kms North West of Ernakulam Railway Station is the Moozhikalathan Divya
Desam in Thiru Moozhikalam. The temple dates back to the Ramayana period and is a temple
dedicated to Lakshmana.
The story

Pleased with Haritha Rishis penance, Lord Vishnu initiated the Rishi with the doctrine of
attaining moksham. Hence, this place is called Thiru Mozhi Kalam. In course of time, this
became Moozhikalam.
Lakshmana Kshetram
Baratha, who came in search of Raama, was suspected by Lakshmana to have come to battle
with Raama. Lakshmana is said to have prepared himself to taking on Baratha only to be cooled
down by Raama. Having wrongly suspected his brother Baratha, Lakshmana is believed to have
come here to repent for his wrong doing.
Baratha is also believed to have come here and met with Lakshmana.
Much later and in course of time, it became a tradition here to worship Lakshmana as the
Moolavar deity.

Deity : Moozhikalathan
Goddess : Mathuraveni Thaayaar
Azhvaar : Thirumangai and NamAzhvaar- 14
Temple Time : 5am-11am, 5pm-8pm
How to reach:
This is about 32kms from Ernakulam Junction.Will take about 1 hour by car/auto.
There are buses from Alwaye(Aluva) to this temple. One can also get down at Alwaye Railway
Station to reach this Divya Desam.

4. THIRUKATKARAI (
Vamana Kshetram

Kochi ) ( KATKARAI APPAN )

Located 10kms North East of Ernakulam, close to the Science and Technology University near
Edapalli is the 1200 year old Thiru Katkarai Appan Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu displays his
Vamana Avatar to the devotees.
The story goes that Lord Kaatkarai Appan came here as a Vamana Moorthy to end the troubles
caused by King Bali. To mark this event, it is believed that Lord Vishnu visits this Divya Desam
every year on the Thiruvonam day in Aavani.
This is known as a Vamana Kshetram. Katkarai Appan is seen with Conch, Chakra and Padma
Hastam.
Bali is said to have invoked Lord Shiva every day. Hence, one can see a Paramasivan Sannidhi
to the right of the Perumal Sannidhi, with Bali seen invoking the blessings of Sivan.
Another story goes that a King tried to plant several plantain saplings but none grew into a full
fledged tree. He then decided to present the Lord Katkarai Appan with a Golden Plantain
Sapling.
Pleased with the commitment of the devotee, the Lord is said to have blessed him with a huge
number of well grown special plantain trees at this place, now referred to as Nenthram banana.

Deity : Katkarai Appan Standing Posture

Goddess : Perunchelva Naayaki, Vaathsalya Valli
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11( 3612-22)
Temple Time : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm
Priest : S. Venkatan @ 99952 16368 or 97475 36161
Manager : Vinod @ 94462 05706
President : Janardhan @ 0484 257 6653
How to reach Thiru Kakkara:
4kms from Edapalli railway station
An auto to the Divya Desam will cost Rs.100/- from Ernakulam Railway Station
A taxi-to and fro- from Ernakulam railway station will cost Rs.300-350/-.
There are direct buses from Ernakulam Town to this temple (Edapalli)
Moozhikalam Divya Desam is about 25kms West of here

5.THIRUVARANVILAI:
AARANMULA THIRUKURULAPPAN/ PARTHASARATHI

Ornaments forSabarimala Lord

Lord Ayyappas ornaments are kept here through the year and are taken from here to Sabarimala
2 days prior to the Mandala Vilakku during the Makara Jyothi period.








- Tiruvoimozhi 7-10-3
Nam Azhvaar in his praise of this divya desam says that the place where Lord Thiru Kural Appan
resides is Thiru Vaaran Vilai.





.....
LOCATION

: 6 kms from Chenganoor more popularly known as AARANMULA

MOOLAVAR
: THIRUKURULAPPAN/ PARTHASARATHInindra thirukkolam-kizhake thirumukha mandalam
THAYAR
: PADMASINI NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM
: PAMPA RIVER
VIMANAM
: VAMANA
PRATHYAKSHAM
: BRAHMA, VEDAVYASA
MANGALASAASANAM
;(Pasuram Nos. 3436-3446
UTSAVAM
: Makham (November)-10 days Kodietram on
Hastham, Aaratu on Sravanam Meenam (mar-Apr) Onam
6. THIRUVANVANDOOR : ( PAMBANAIUPPAN)
PANDAVA TEMPLE





, ,
,

- Tiruvoimozhi 6-1-7

LOCATION

: 4 kms north of Chenganoor

MOOLAVAR
KAMALANATHAN
THAYAR
THEERTHAM
PAPNASA THEERTHAM
VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM
MANGALASAASANAM

: PAMBANAIAPPAN ALSO KNOWN AS

: KAMALAVALLII NAACHIYAR
: PAMPA RIVER ALSO KNOWN AS
: VEDALAYA
: MARKANDEYA, NARADA
: NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos. 3227- 3236)

7. THIRUKADITHANAM: ( ARPUTHANARAYANAN TEMPLE)

(chengannachery)
Kadigai shetram - Sahadeva

"


"
"


"
"

"

LOCATION
Road-

: 2 miles to the east of Chenganachery on Thiruvallar- Kottayam

can be accessed from Chenganoor (45

minutes drive)
MOOLAVAR
NARAYANAN
THAYAR
THEERTHAM
VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM
MANGALASAASANAM
Pasurams
UTSAVAM

: ATHPUTHA NARAYANAN/ AMRUTHA

: KARPAGAVALLI NAACHIYAR
: BHOOMI THEERTHAM
: PUNYAKODI
: KING RUKMANGATHA
: NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos3502-3512)- 11
: KARTHIGAI SRAVANAM

8. THIRUVALLAVAZH (THIRUVALLA) VALLABHA KSETRAM

Prarthana Sthalam for childless couples-Performance of Kathakali

'

,




'

LOCATION
: 3 miles from Thiruvalla station-well developed
town- can be accessed from Chenganoor as it takes about 50 minutes
drive to reach this place
MOOLAVAR
: KOLAPIRAN/ THIRUVAAZH MARBAN/SRI
VALLABHA-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM
HOLDING SANKHU AND CHAKRAM IN
TWO HANDS, ONE HAND HOLDING
LOTUS AND THE LEFT HAND RESTING
ON THE WAIST
THAYAR
: VATSALYA DEVI/ THIRUKOZHUNDHU
NACHIYAR
THEERTHAM
: GANTAKARNA THEERTHAM
VIMANAM
: SATURANGA VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM
: GANTAKARNA
MANGALASAASANAM
: NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3205-3215)11 Pasurams
; THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram 18081817,2674(118)
9. THIRUPULIYUR: POPULARLY KNOWN AS KUTTANADU

One of the two ' Puliyurs' among Divya Desams

Nam Azhvaar refers to this Divya Desam as ' Kutta Naatu Siru Puliyur' in his Tiruvoimozhi Verse
Bheema Kshetram

LOCATION
: 3 and a half miles to the west of Chenganoor
ON CHENGANOOR- MANNAR ROUTE
MOOLAVAR
: MAYAPIRAN-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM
FACING EAST
THAYAR
: PORKODI NACHIYAR
THEERTHAM
: POONUSHUNAI THEERTHAM,
PRAGNASARAS
VIMANAM
: PURUSHOTHAMA VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM
: SAPTHA RISHIS
MANGALASAASANAM
: NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3535-3545, 354011 Pasurams

THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram

2673(71)
10. THIRUCHENKUNDROOR:( THIRUCHITARU )

Dharamaraja built this temple to repent the killing of his Acharya Drona
Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11 Paasurams (3480-90)

LOCATION
THIRUCHITTRARU

MOOLAVAR
FACING WEST
THAYAR
THEERTHAM
VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM
MANGALASAASANAM
Pasurams

one km from Chenganoor popularly known as

: IMAYA VARAPPAN-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM

: SENGAMALAVALLI NACHIYAR
: SANGHA THEERTHAM, THIRUCHITTRARU
: JAGAJYOTHI VIMANAM
: LORD SHIVA
: NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3480-3490, -10

11. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
( SRI ANANDHAPADMANABHAN)

 ,



, ,

LOCATION
from Railway Station

proper Trivandrum-the State Capital-nearly 1 km

MOOLAVAR
: ANANTHA PADMANABHASWAMYBHUJANGA SAYANAM FACING EAST
THAYAR
: SRI HARILAKSHMI NACHIYAR
THEERTHAM
: MATSYA, PADMA AND VARAHA
THEERTHAMS
VIMANAM
: HEMAKUTA VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM
: LORD SHIVA, INDRA AND CHANDRA
MANGALASAASANAM
: NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3678-3688 -10
Pasurams)
In Malai Naadu Divya desams, Perumal is seen in Bhujanga Sayanam
only in two places , one is at Trivandrum and the other is at Thiruvattaru,

sitting posture in Thirupathisaaram and in the rest of 10 Malai Naadu Divya

Desams, Perumal is seen in Nindra Thirukolam.
In both the temples, Perumal can be viewed through 3 doors. The
Adikesava Perumal at Thiruvattaru is considered to be the elder brother of
Anantapadmanabha Swamy as the temple is older than
Thiruvananthapuram temple. Thiruvananthapuram temple is an exact
replica of Thiruvattaru temple. In both the temples, we have to climb few
steps to reach OOTAKKAL MANDAPAM. This Ootakkal mandapam is a
single granite slab just in front of the garbagriha , the size of which is 20 by
20 and 31/2 thick. The devotees believe that this Ootakkal was brought
by Perumal Himself. In Malai Naadu, only in these two temples, we can go
very near the garbagriha to have darshan. In other Malai Naadu temples,
though there are steps leading to garbagriha, we are not allowed to go
near the garbagriha. There will be atleast 5 feet distance between the
garbagriha and the place where we are allowed to stand. Whereas, in
these two divya desams, we can go very near the garba griham and have
darshan to our hearts content. Both the temples are patronized by
Maharajas of Trivandrum and 2 utsavams take place for 10 days in both the
temples in the months of Tula and Meenam
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND
THIRUVATTARU TEMPLES

DESCRIPTION

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

THIRUVATAARU

Perumal in Bhujanga
sayanam

Facing east

Facing west

No.of salagramams
used in vigraha

12000

16108

Lord Shiva Seen

near Perumals Thirumugam

Near Perumals Thiruvadi

Lord Brahma

Emerging from Lords

Thirunaabhi

Not seen

Dwajasthambams

Golden in front of
Only one in front of
Padmanabha swamy silver in
Kesava Perumal
frontof Krishnas sannidhi

Ootakal mandapam
measurement of stone
in front of garbagriham
wherepiligrims stand
for darshan

20 X 20-31/2 thick

18 X 25- 3 feetthick

sculptures

Garuda Hanuman

Lakshmana Indrajit

Aaratu festival
accompanied by

Thiruvonam day

Dwarapalakas

Pathanjalietc

Maharaja of Travancore

Kings
representativescarrying
royal insignia the sword

NIL

Carpenter makes a bow

leaves it in front of
thesannidhi without
looking back and next day
it is presented to the king.

12. THIRUVANPARISAARAM
Lord Vishnu appears as Rama providing darshan to New Lankan King

Birth place of NammAzhvaars mother

Varuvar Selvar VanParisarathu Iruntha En

ThirVazhMarvarku En Thiram Sollaar, Seivathu En
Uru Aar Sakkaram Sangu Sumanthu Ingu Ummodu
Orupaadu Uzhalvaan, Or Adiyaanum Ulan Enrey
LOCATION

4 Kms from Nagercoil on Nagercoil-Tirunelveli route

MOOLAVAR
: THIRUVAAZHMARBAN/
THIRUKURULAPPAN-SITTING POSTURE-FACING
EAST - 2 hands holding Sankhu, Chakram,
lower right hand in Abhaya Hastam and lower left hand placed on the
knees (Like Vijaayasana Perumal of Alwar Tirunagari but without
Adiseshan) gigantic form 9 feet
THAYAR
: KAMALAVALLI NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM
: LAKSHMI THEERTHAM
VIMANAM
: INDRA KALYANA VIMANAM
PRATHYAKSHAM
: SAPTHA RISHIS
MANGALASAASANAM
: NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3475 -1 Pasuram
UTSAVAM
: 10 days
IMP.FESTIVAL
: AADI SWATHI-the day Perumal took
Kulasekhara Alwar bodily to Paramapadam.
13. THIRUVATAARU:
( adikesava perumal )
Huge 22 feet Adi Kesavan seen in a Bhujanga Sayanam
Suns rays fall directly on the Lord for a week in the month of Puratasi and Panguni

Vattrataan Adi Vanangi, Ma Gnalap Pirapu Aruppan

Kettaye Mada Nenje, Kesavan Em Perumaanaip
Paattu Aai Pala Paadi, Pazhavinaigal Patru Aruthu
Naatarodu Iyalvu Ozhinthu Narananai Nanninamey- 3947

LOCATION

Tirunelveli-Nagercoil route 6 miles from Thoduvetti

OR
Go to Thackaley from Nagercoil and
change bus to Thiruvattaru from Thakaley
(2 hours journey)
MOOLAVAR
: ADIKESAVA PERUMAL-BHUJANGA
SAYANAM-FACING WEST
THAYAR
: MARAGATHAVALLI NAACHIYAR
THEERTHAM
: VAATARU, KADAL VAI THEERTHAM,RAMA
THEERTHAM
VIMANAM
: ASHTAKSHARA VIMANAM (ASHTANGA
VIMANAM)
PRATHYAKSHAM
: Lord Chandra, Parasurama
MANGALASAASANAM
NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3722-3732-11
Pasurams
UTSAVAM
: 10 days twice in a year during Oct-Nov,
Apr-May

Family tour to Kerala

Disclaimer: Don't expect information like name of God, sthala puranam etc about divya desams in this blog post. My intention with
regards to Diyadesam is to just give precise information about the route which is kind of not explained satisfactorily in other blog posts.
To know the spirituality part of those temples, better refer to other web pages.

Our complete family ( My parents, 3 sisters, 3

brother-in-laws, 1 nephew and 3 nieces) went for a trip to Kerala from April 16 to April 19, 2011. Our
plan was to see some divyadesams and a hill station. So we decided on Thirunaavai,
Thiruvithuvakkodu, Thirumoozhikalam, Thirukaatkarai for divyadesams and Munnar for hill station.
We chose Thrissur as the starting place. A 12 seater A/C tempo traveller was already booked at the
Rate of Rs. 2500 rent per day with max 100 Kms and Rs. 14/- for every extra Km. It is bit costlier than
usual but the condition of vehicle and the behavior of driver were worth that money. It was an
advantage that Guruvayoor can also be covered in our trip.
4 peoples started from Bangalore and rest all started from Chennai on Apr 15th night to Thrissur
through train. Room was already booked in Hotel Elite international, Thrissur at the rent of Rs. 1350/for AC room. The rooms were pretty decent and the best part about that hotel was that there was a
restaurant named "Hotel Bharath" near Elite hotel which serves good vegetarian food.
Day 1 (Apr 16, 2011)

We started to Guruvayoor at 10AM and reached Guruvayoor at 11AM. Guruvayoor is just 30 kms
away from Thrissur. Guruvayoor temple timings: 3AM to 1PM; 4:30PM to 8PM. Since being a
weekend (saturday) I was expecting a heavy crowd. But the crowd wasn't too much on that day. We
stood in the queue and some how managed to have dharshan by 1PM; well it seems 2 hrs is not a big
time these days in Guruvayoor.
We had planned to see Thirunaavai and Thiruvithuvakkodu on the same day. But all the Kerala
divyadesams will usually close by 11AM and will be opened only at 5PM. So we took rest for few
hours in a accomodation maintained by Brahmin association near Guruvayoor temple.

We started from those rooms at 3PM and reached Thiruvithuvakkodu at 4:15PM. Thiruvithuvakkodu is
near Pattambi and Shoranoor. Do a search for "Tirumittacode Siva Temple" in google maps and you
will know the exact location of temple. I was surprised how a Vaishnava divya desam was named as
Siva temple.Actually there are 4 Vishnu idols in that temple believed to have been established and
worshiped by Panja Paandavaas (one by Dharmar, one by Beema, one by Arjuna and one by Nakula
and Sahadeva together) after Mahabaratha war out of which Arjuna's pradhishtamoorthy is
considered to be an important moorthy and it is present behind Kaasi Viswanathar (Siva) idol and
hence the temple might have been named as Siva temple in maps. This also explains the silliness of
Veera Vaishnavites and Veera Shaivites who fight :)
Then we started to Thirunaavai at 5:45 PM and reached the temple at 7PM. Compared to other Malai
naattu divya desams which we saw, Thirunavaai (Thirunavaya) is relatively famous and the temple
won't be closed early. Search for "Thirunnavaya Navamukunda Temple" in Google maps.
Thiruvithuvakkodu and Thirunaavai are 40 Kms apart. After seeing Tirunavaya temple, we returned
back to Thrissur Hotel.
Day 2 (Apr 17, 2011)

We checked out from Hotel Elite, Thrissur and

started to Ernakulam at 8AM. Since we started early, we were able to see Thirumoozhikalam and
Thirukatkarai before 11AM, the closing time of those temples.
Thirumoozhikalam is near Angamaly (Thrissur-Ernakulam route). While coming from Thrissur, one has
to take a right near Karukutty (40Kms from Thrissur). To know the exact location of the temple, search
for " Prakkadavu Panchayath Office, Kurumaseri, Kerala" in google maps. Actually the temple and
Panchayath office are adjacent.
While coming from Thrissur to Ernakulam, one has to take left after Little flower Engineering institute,
Ernakulam and travel for 3 Kms to reach Thirukatkarai temple. Search for "Thrikakkara temple" in
Google maps to know the exact location of temple.

After lunch, we went to Cochin beach with the intention to go for boating. But unfortunately, there was
some strike on that day and boats were not operating. But it is also good in one sense that we could
reach Munnar on time (7:30 PM) since Cochin boating got skipped. We started to Munnar at 3PM.
Cochin to Munnar is a 130 Km journey. The roads are kind of narrow and we can feel that the vehicle
is gradually climbing up. Kothamangalam-Adimaly-Munnar (70 Km stretch) is a treat to watch with
falls, tea estate etc on the way. I have already been thrice to Munnar but I had taken either Devikulam
route or Chinnar route but I had never traveled through Kothamangalam route.

As far as I know, there are only 2 pure vegetarian restaurants

Hotel Annapoorna and Hotel Saravana Bhavan (it is not a branch hotel of Chennai Saravana Bhavan)
in Munnar. We had dinner on Apr 17 at Annapoorna and rest all of the time had food only at Saravana
Bhavan. Saravana Bhavan is definitely the best Vegetarian restaurant in Munnar. Saravana Bhavan is
present in proper Munnar town (M.G Road).
We stayed in Hotel Munnar inn. Rooms were pretty decent and the advantage was that it was in town;
so we need not walk long to get something or have food. But it may not be advisable for people who
would like to have a silent environment since you will be hearing some vehicle sound even during
night times. We paid was Rs. 1900/- per day as rent.
Kerala Divya Desams
85. Thiruvananthapuram - Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Location: Thiruvananthapuram city limits, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
1 km from the Thiruvananthapuram bus stand/railway station.

Note: Both gents and ladies will have to wear white vaste/dhothi inorder to enter inside the
temple. White dhothi is available for rent at the temple entrance at the right hand corner. However,
we advise that you use your own. Ladies can wrap the white dhothi on top of the saree. White
dhothi for rent is very expensive and there is no fixed pricing and they do cheat.
Cell phones and cameras are strictly not allowed inside the temple and those need to be kept at
the locker at the right hand corner of the temple entrance. The locker is very expensive and they
do cheat in terms of pricing as there is no fixed pricing. We advise you to drop your cell phones,
cameras, shoes, chappal and luggage in your vehicle itself and be safe.
Travel Base: Thiruvananthapuram
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------86. Thiruvaaran Vilai - Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple
Popularly called as Aranmula temple.
Location: Aranmula temple, Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
Aranmula is 12 kms from Chengannur bus stand on the Chengannur - Kozhenchery Road.
Travel Base: Chengannur
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------87. Thirupuliyoor - Sri Maayapiran Perumal Temple
Location: Thirupuliyoor near Mavelikara, Chengannur, Alappuzha, Kerala.
From Chengannur, travel towards west direction to Mavelikara (do not go to Mavelikara). This
temple is 7 kms from Chengannur.
Travel Base: Chengannur
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------88. Thirucchenkundroor - Sri Imayavarappa Perumal Temple
Location: Chengannur, Alappuzha, Kerala
Thirucchenkundroor is 4 kms from Chengannur bus stand.
From Chengannur travel 2 kms on the national highway towards Changanassery until you see an
over head railway track. Immediately after the railway track, take a left turn and drive straight.
Travel Base: Chengannur
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------89. Thiruvanvandoor - Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal Temple
Location: Chengannur, Alappuzha, Kerala
Thiruvanvandoor is 8 kms from Chengannur bus stand.
From Chengannur, travel towards Chengannassery for 7 kms on the national highway until you see
a tower which houses pigeons on your left hand side of the road. From this junction left turn and it
is 1 km to the temple.
Travel Base: Chengannur
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------90. Thiruvalvaazh - Sri Kolapira Perumal Temple
Location: Tiruvalla near Chengannur or Chengannassery, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
From Chengannur, travel north towards Chengannassery up to Tiruvalla and then left turn at
Tiruvalla junction. From that junction temple is 2 kms in the west direction.
Travel Base: Chengannur
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91. Thirukkadithaanam - Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal Temple

Location: Thirukkadithaanam near Changannassery, Kottayam, Kerala
Thirukkadithaanam is 3 kms from Changannassery bus stand in east direction.
Changannassery is south of Kottayam 19 kms.
Changannassery is north of Chengannur 23 kms.
Travel Base: Chengannur
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------92. Thirukkaatkarai - Sri Kaatkarai Appa Perumal Temple
Location: Thirukkaatkarai or Thirukakara near Edappalli, Ernakulam, Kerala
Thirukkaatkarai is 1 km from Edappalli junction in the east direction near college campus.
On the National Highway number 47 from Ernakulam Thrissur travel north until you reach
Edappalli and then right turn at the second traffic signal. Ernakulam Edappalli is 10 kms.
Travel Base: No need for accomocation/stay. Visit this temple while travelling from Chengannur
towards Thrissur.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------93. Thirumoozhikkalam - Sri Moozhikkalathaan Perumal Temple
Location: Moozhikkulam near Aluva, Angamali, Neumbassery or Cochin Air Port, Ernakulam,
Kerala.
Moozhikkulam is 11 kms from the Neumbassery or Cochin International Air Port from National
Highway 47 in the west direction.
Travel Base: Thrissur. Travel from Thrissur to Chengannur
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------94. Thiruvithuvakkodu - Sri Uyyavantha Perumal Temple
Location: Thiruvithuvakkodu near Kootupata, Pattambi, Palakkad, Kerala
From Thrissur, travel to Thiruvithuvakkodu via Guruvayur or Shoranur up to Pattambi and then to
Kootupata Thiruvithuvakkodu. From the road, temple is around 1.5 kms village road. The temple is
on the river shore.
Travel Base: Thrissur. Travel from Thrissur towards Guruvayur, Pattambi.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------95. Thiru Naavaay - Sri Naavaay Mugundha Perumal Temple
Location: Thiru Naavaay near Kuttippuram, Edappal, Pattambi, Guruvayur or Shoranur, Thrissur,
Malappuram, Kerala
From Thrissur you can reach Thiru Naavaay via Guruvayur, Edappal, Kuttipuram, Thiru Naavaay.
From Shoranur via Pattambi, Kuttipuram, Thiru Naavaay.
Travel Base: Thrissur. Travel from Thrissur towards Guruvayur, Kuttipuram.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Andhra Pradesh Divya Desams
96. Thirupathi - (Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh) - Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple
Location: Tirumala near Thirupathi, Chittor, Andhra Pradesh.
You can reach Thirupathi from two directions.
From Bangalore via Kolar, Palmaner, Chittor, Thirupathi.
From Chennai via Tiruttani, Puttur, Thirupathi.
Visit Govindarajulu temple at Thirupathi first before going to Tirumala.

At Tirumala, before having Sri Srinivasa Perumal dharshan, first visit Sri Varaha Swamy Perumal
which is behind the tank and then visit Sri Srinivasa Perumal.
After visiting Tirumala, do visit Alamel Mangapuram at Thiruchanur.
Travel Base, Thirupathi and Tirumala
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------97. Thiru

Singavel

Kundram

(Ahobilam,

Andhra

Pradesh)

Sri Nava Narasimhar Temple

Location: Ahobilam near Allagadda, Nandyal, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
From Thirupathi, travel towards Cuddapah, Allagadda, Ahobilam or From Kurnool via Nandyal,
Allagadda, Ahobilam
Travel Base: Ahobilam or Nandyal
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gujarat Divya Desam
98. Thiru Dwaraka (Dwaraka, Gujarat) - Sri Kalyana Narayana Perumal Temple
Location: Dwaraka near Rajkot, Jamnagar, Gujarat
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Uttar Pradesh Divya Desams

99. Thiru Ayodhi (Uttar Pradesh) - Sri Ramar Temple

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------100. Thiru Naimisaranyam (Uttar Pradesh) - Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------101. Thiruvaaipadi (Aayarpadi) - Sri Navamohana Krishna Perumal Temple
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------102. Thiru Vadamathura (Govardhanesan) - Sri Govardhana Nesa Perumal Temple
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