The Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple in Tripunithura, Kochi, holds great significance as the first among the eight royal temples of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy, the temple is a spiritual and cultural hub, deeply intertwined with the history and traditions of Kerala. The deity is revered as the protector of Tripunithura and was once the national deity of Cochin. This temple is known for many festivals.
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The temple’s Vrishchikotsavam is an elaborate 8-day celebration in November-December, a highlight of Kerala's Ulsava season. This event is renowned for the participation of over 40 elephants, reflecting Poornathrayeesa’s fondness for them. The grandeur of the Thrikketta Purappadu on the fourth day is a remarkable display of devotion, with the deity adorned in golden jewelry and taken in procession on a caparisoned elephant. The cultural programs, which include classical performances like Kathakali, Thayambaka, and various forms of traditional music, add to the festive ambiance.
Ambalam Kathi Ulsavam is another unique festival, where the temple appears to be ablaze due to the lighting of camphor and lamps, creating a striking visual and spiritual experience.
Legend and Mythology
The legend associated with the temple is captivating. It tells the story of how Lord Vishnu helped Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers, by providing the idol of Poornathrayeesa to give life to the ten children of a Brahmin. The chariot-shaped sanctum, consecrated at a spot chosen by Lord Ganesha, reflects the temple’s rich mythological roots. This association between Vishnu and Arjuna is unique and symbolizes the power of the deity in granting life and prosperity.
The belief that childless couples are blessed with a child after visiting the temple adds another layer to its sacredness. Additionally, the connection between Sree Poornathrayeesa and nearby deities, such as Perumthrikovil’s Lord Shiva and Eroor Pisharikovil’s Goddess Lakshmi, is honored through joint rituals during festivals like Sankara-Narayana Vilakku and Lakshmi-Narayana Vilakku.
Temple Architecture
The temple's architecture is a fine example of Kerala’s temple design, despite undergoing significant changes after a fire in 1920. Sri Eachara Warrier, the renowned architect, skillfully redesigned the temple with a concrete structure, cleverly masked with traditional elements like copper sheets and wooden panels. The sanctum sanctorum is richly adorned with brass sheets depicting deities, and the entrance is covered in gold, making it a visual marvel.
The two-storied gopuram features a mandapam supported by intricately carved wooden pillars, which further highlights the temple's architectural brilliance. The redesign, while modern in some aspects, retains the spiritual essence of the original structure.
Additional Festivals
Aside from Vrishchikotsavam, the temple hosts several other festivals throughout the year. The Para Utsavam, preceding Sree Poornathrayeesa’s birthday in Kumbham (February–March), involves special offerings from devotees. The Mooshari Utsavam in August–September honors the sculptor who is believed to have merged with the divine while crafting the idol of the deity, adding a mystical touch to the temple's lore.
Other notable festivals include the Lakshmi Narayana Vilakku, Uthram Vilakku, and Thulam Ombath Utsavam, all of which celebrate the deity’s divine presence and the strong cultural traditions of the region.
For further reading:
- "Temples of Kerala: A Comprehensive Study" - A detailed guide on Kerala temple architecture and festivals.
- "Myths and Legends of India" by William Radice - A fascinating look into the mythological stories connected to temples like Sree Poornathrayeesa.
- Research papers on Vrishchikotsavam and its impact on Kerala’s cultural heritage.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sree_Poornathrayeesa_Temple
https://www.mytownblog.com/sree-poornathrayeesa-temple-history-timings
https://www.keralatourism.org/temples/ernakulam/poornathrayeesa
