Sree Vilwadrinatha Temple
This is one of the four major Shri Rama temples in Kerala. The other three are in Thriprayar, Kadavallur, and Thiruvangad. Bharathappuzha, the second-largest river in Kerala, flows through the temple's northern side from around 3 kilometers away, and because the temple is situated on a hilltop, the river is visible from the temple.
The Murthi (Statue) of Lord Rama in the west facing shrine is a swayambhu (self-manifested) image, that means no human intervention has ever taken place. This is the only temple in Kerala where Lord Rama has a swayambhu image. It is around 5 feet tall, and made up of a rare kind of stone, called 'Pathalanjana Sila'. On the top of the idol, Ananta lies as an umbrella. On each side of the idol, Sri and Bhumi Devis are also consecrated. Thus, it is clear that this is the form of the Lord in which sage Amalaka is believed to have got darshan. As there is a slight presence of Lord Shiva also in this idol, a lamp is always burnt on the back, thus called 'Pinvilakku'.
The Murthi (Statue) of Lord Lakshamana in the east facing shrine is around 3 feet tall, and it is also made up of 'Pathalanjana Sila'. This is one of the rare shrines in India where this brother-cum-companion of Lord Rama is constructed.
Location
Thiruvilwamala
Main Deity
Lord Sreerama & Lakshmana Swamy
Other Deities
Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappan, Lord Siva, Goddess Parvathi, Naga Deities & Brahmarakshas.
Festivals
The 'thalappoli' in the month of Medam (April–May) is the main festival.
Main Offerings
Palpayasam, Udayasthamana Pooja, Sankhabhishekam, Avil (beaten rice), Ganapathy Homam, Sahasranamarchana.
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is situated 93.1 KM from the temple.
By Rail: Ottapalam Railway Station is 11.6 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Pattambi KSRTC Bus Stand is 35 KM from the Temple.