Mukhathala Sreekrishnaswamy Temple
The temple is more than 1000-year-old and is situated in the Thrikkovilvattom village on the Kollam- Kulathoorpuzha state highway side. The presiding deity in the 'Garbhagraha' (Sanctum Sanctorum) is Mahavishnu. The people at large, however, invoke the Lord as "MURARI". The Tharananalloor Namboothiris were the original ‘Thanthries’ here and now this duty is performed by the Kollur Athiyara Madom Namboothiris who belong to the 'Ettara Yogam' (Eight Namboothiri families and the Karnatha Kurup who have the responsibility for the religious rituals of the famous Padmanabha Swami Temple). The strength of the deity here is believed to be stronger than in other temples as there are no Upadevatas (subsidiary deities) enshrined here. There is only a Yakshi Amma on the northern side of the temple. Mura- hari is Lord Vishnu after the slaying of ‘Muraasuran’. The surrounding area came to be known as Mukhathala as it was the place where the ‘Mukham’ (face) and the ‘Thala’ (head) of the Asura fell.
The Mukhathala murari temple holds a unique position in the cultural history of Travancore. This famous Sreekrishnaswami temple was the prominent position under the rule of Desinganadu king.
The structure of the temple depicts the ancient architectural style of Kerala. It has got all that makes it a Mahakshetram (Great Temple). The huge outer wall has four gates opening to the four sides and the eastern door is used for entering inside the temple. The Anapanthal, the granite pathway for circumambulating the temple, the copper covered flagpole, the Balikkalpura which is unique as it never gets too hot or cold because of its structural nature, the Vilakkumadam where the lamps are fixed all around the temple, the Mandapam or the platform in front of the Sanctum Sanctorum, all these make it a special place of worship.
The temple is famous for its Thiruvabharana Ghoshayathra which is second longest after Sabarimala.
Location
Thrikkovilvattom
Main Deity
Lord Vishnu
Other Deities
No Sub Deities.
Festivals
The 10-day annual festival begins on Atham Nakshatra (Star), Ashtami Rohini (Uriyadi is another important event on the day.), Navarathri Mahotsav, Ashtami Pongal.
Main Offerings
Paal Payasam, Tulsi Mala, Usha Pooja, Panchagavya Abhishekam, Navakabhishekam.
How To Reach
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is situated at 61.2KM from the temple.
By Rail: Kollam Railway Station is 8.4KM from the Temple.
By Road: Kollam KSRTC Bus Station is 10.1KM from the Temple.