Sri Thrikkakara Appan Perumal Temple is one of the few temples in India dedicated to Lord Vishnu.The temple is around two millennia old.It is also listed as one of the 108 Divya Desams.
Shrine’s History
The temple houses lithic records of historic significance, and it finds mention in many of the hymns sung by the Tamil Vaishnavite Alwars, particularly Nammalvar who lived 5000 years back. It is the center of celebrations and place of origin for the popular Onam festival of Kerala.The temple is around two millennia old.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The Bhagavata Purana describes that Vishnu descended as the Vamana avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by Mahabali, a benevolent Asura King. Bali was the grandson of Prahlada, the son of Virochana. King Mahabali was generous, and engaged in severe austerities and penance and won the praise of the world. With the praise from his courtiers and others, he regarded himself as the all-powerful in the world. Vamana, in the guise of a short Brahmin carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three paces of land. Mahabali consented, against the warning of his guru, Sukracharya.
Vamana then revealed his identity and enlarged to gigantic proportions to stride over the three worlds. He stepped from heaven to earth with the first step, from earth to the netherworld with the second. King Mahabali, unable to fulfil his promise, offered his head for the third. Vamana then placed his foot and gave the king immortality for his humility. In worshiping Mahabali and his ancestor Prahláda, he conceded sovereignty of Pátála, the netherworld. Some texts also report that Vamana did not step into the netherworld, and instead gave its rule to Bali. In giant form, Vamana is known as Trivikrama. The legend is associated with the temple and also with Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoyilur and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram.
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Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple complex, which is enclosed in a large area in picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Vamana.The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses the idol of Maha Vishnu.The idol is in the form of Lord Vamana preparing to place his foot on the Asura King Mahabali.Lord Parashurama is said to have established the temple.The temple also houses records containing the earliest mention of the celebration of the Onam festival dating to 861 A.D.The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Ernakulam is connected to the North-South Corridor National Highway System via the four-lane National Highway 47, provides access to the nearby cities such of Thrissur, Palakkad and Coimbatore. NH 47 provides two main exit points at Edapally and Vytilla to the Ernakulam city.
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction Railway Station which serves with trains for major cities and there is also a small railway station at Edappally.
By Air
The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport which is about 27 kilometres away from the city.
Shrine Timings
05:00AM to 11:00AM and 5:00PM to 8:00PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Onam Festival August or September
Extra Information About this Shrine
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