Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple

Lying at the distance of about 10 Km to the southeast of Ernakulam, Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is the famous temple located at Tripunithura. Dotted with many beautiful temples, Tripunithura is usually referred to as the Land of Temples and Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is one of them. It is believed that Arjuna of Mahabharata had built this temple and originally the temple belonged to the Cochin Royal Family. The deity of this temple is Maha Vishnu, who is reverently also called Sree Poornathrayeesa. This temple is one of the three famous temples of Lord Vishnu in Kerala.

The idol of the Lord Maha Vishnu is enshrined here in a sitting position under the shade of five hoods of ‘Ananthan.' Unlike other Vishnu temples, this posture is believed to be unique. The folded body of the serpent serves as the seat of the Lord Vishnu. The two upper hands of the Lord hold Sudarshana Chakram (holy wheel), Sanku (conch) with a Padmam (Lotus flower) in the lower right hand. Besides the main incarnation of Lord Maha Vishnu, one can also find an idol of Lord Ganapathi on the south side of the sanctum-sanctorum. It is strongly believed that a couple who visits this temple is blessed with children.

History:

According to the legends, once there was a Brahmin, who unfortunately loosed his ten children, one after the other at the time of their birth. The Brahmin then went to Arjuna and sought the help of him. Arjuna then approached Lord Vishnu on the Brahmin’s behalf. The Lord consented to Arjuna’s prayer for the rebirth of the Brahmin’s children and also gave him the idol of Sree Poornathrayeesa. Arjuna then took the children and the sacred idol of the Lord in a chariot to the Brahmin. And in memory of this event, the temple was built.

Architecture:

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple was ruined due to fire accidents in the year 1920, but the idols were taken out safely from there. In the year 1921, it was reconstructed by the famous architect Sri Eachara Warrier. The temple is a two-storied structure in which the first floor of the Gopuram consists of a Mandapam and eight elegantly designed wooden pillars that hold the Mandapam. Visitors may witness plenty of messages about God, which is written in the stone of the temple. The Gopuram on the western side of this temple is very old, which was constructed in the 11th and 13th centuries AD. Keda Vilakku is another attraction here and as per the legend, Arjuna lit this lamp by using Gingelly oil. So, now pilgrims or visitors use Gingelly oil to light this lamp in the temple.

Festivals:

Vrishchika Ulsavam is the main festival in the Sree Poornathrayeesa temple. This takes place in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November to December) and celebrated for eight days. This festival is the biggest temple festival in the world. Besides this, there are many other festivals which are held at this temple- they are Moosari Uthsavam, Atha Chamayam, Onbathanthi Uthsavam, Sankara Narayana Vilakku, Para Uthsavam, and Uthram Vilakku. Many devotees and pilgrims all across the county visit this temple during these festivals.

Best Time To Visit Here:

This temple can be visited at any time. It is opened every day in the week. And the visiting time is from 4.30 am to 8.30 pm.

How To Reach There:

As the place is well connected with other cities of Kerala, this temple can be reached easily. Visitors can drive or take auto rickshaws or taxis to reach this temple.

By Air- The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, which is about 101 km away from the temple.

By Rail- The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Jn (South) railway station, which is about 121 km away from the temple.