108 Divya-deshams: Thrikkakara

BY: SUN STAFF

Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple

Jan 29, 2024 — CANADA (SUN) — A tour of the 108 Divya-desams, the divine abodes of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple is situated in Thrikkakara, Kochi in Kerala. This Divya Desham is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vamana. The temple is associated with the pastime described in Bhagavata Purana of Lord Vishnu descending as Vamana Avatar to restore the authority of Indra over the heavens, as it had been taken by King Bali. Other aspects of this pastime are associated with Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Tirukoyilur and Ulagalantha Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram.

The temple complex, which is enclosed in a large area with picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Vamana. The deity is in the form of Lord Vamana preparing to place his foot on the Brahmin Asura King Mahabali. Lord Parashurama is said to have established this temple, which also houses records containing the earliest mention of the celebration of the Onam festival dating to 861 CE.

The Chuttu-vilakku (surrounding lamps) lit up during Onam

The subsidiary deities of Vamana temple are Gopalakrishna, Bhagavati, Sasthavu, Nāga, Brahmarakshasa and Yakshi. The Brahmarakshas shrine is located in the outer complex, along with a Banyan-tree god and the Sarpa Kavu. Surrounding the inner complex walls is a series of thousands of lamps called Chuttuvilakku, or 'surrounding lamps'.

There are two holy theerthams associated with the temple. One pond is the Kapilatheertham, located closer to the temple on the northern side of the sanctum sanctorum, and it is accessible only to priests. The other pond is located on the northern side outside the temple walls, and is used regularly during the aaraattu ceremonial bath of the Deity during Onam celebrations.

Vamanamoorthy idol in the Aarattu procession at Thrikkakara temple

There is also a Shiva temple beside the main Vamanamoorthy temple, which was renovated in 2014. It houses deities of Shiva, Ganesha, Karthikeya and Durga. Not much is known about the age and origin of the Shiva temple except that it underwent renovation around a hundred years ago. Apart from the shrines and ponds, the temple complex houses three stages or halls for cultural performances called Naimishaaranyam, and a temple auditorium at the southwest corner.

The main temple festival is during the Onam season, which falls on the month of August or September and is the most important event of the religious calendar here. The Onasadya or the Onam feast is held in a grand manner in the temple with people of various religions participating in it. After East India Company and Marthandavarma illegally annexed the territory from Kingdom of Kochi, the Onam festival was jointly organized by the 61 Naduvazhis (local rulers) under the leadership of the Maharaja of Travancore, till India regained independence. Communal harmony continues to be the hallmark of the celebrations, with people belonging to different religions turning out in large numbers for the Sadya in keeping with the spirit of the festival.

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