Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple
Tirunavaya Temple is an ancient temple situated on the Northern banks of Bharathapuzha/Nila River (Bharatha River). The temple is dedicated to dedicated to Navamukundan (Narayana-Vishnu). Tirunavaya is also known as called "Navayogisthala". The last and major renovation with the reconstruction of Sanctum Sanctorum was done by the legendary PERUMTHACHAN under the direction of the Vettath Raja about 1300 years back. The unique construction of the sanctum sanctorum is a wonder as the sun rays fall directly on the murti of Vishnu in Sreekovil on the morning of the Vishu day (1st day of the Malayalam month Medam) and the 1st day of the 1st day of the Malayalam month of Kanni.
It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to god Vishnu, who is worshipped as Navamukunda Perumal at Tirunavaya. The temple has no pond or well, and water from the river is used for all rituals. The presence of Cherutirunavaya Brahma - Siva Temples across the River Ponnani at Tavanur makes it a Trimurti sangama. The river bank in the temple are considered as holy as Kasi and the ritual offering practices for forefathers (bali tarpana/sradha puja) are similar to the ones done there.
History has it that The Vishnu in this temple is called "Navamukunda Perumal/Tevar" as it is believed that the idol was the ninth one to be installed in the temple by a group of nine Hindu yogis known as "Navayogis". The first eight idols sank into the Earth as soon as they were placed there and the ninth sank to its knees before it was forcibly stopped. As the location of the sunken idols were not known, devotees used to make pradikshina on their knees. Even Alvancheri Tamparakkal and Tirunavaya Vaddhyans were not exempted from this practice.
According to the legends, goddess Lakshmi and Gajendra, the king of the elephants, worshiped god Vishnu here with lotus flowers from a lake nearby; with the two devotees using flowers from the same source, its supply dwindled, and Gajendra appealed to Vishnu, who took Lakshmi by his side on the same throne and accepted worship offered by Gajendra.
Location
Thirunavaya
Main Deity
Lord Maha Vishnu
Other Deities
Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ayyappa & Aadi Ganesha
Festivals
The temple is famed for the historic Mamankam festival (a grand celebration that occurs once every twelve years). The 10-day annual festival begins on the Vishu Sankramana day.
Main Offerings
Lakshmi Narayana Puja, Samvadasooktham Pushpanjali, Appam, Karukamaala, Bhagyasooktham Pushpanjali, Saraswatha Pushpanjali, Mangalyasooktha Pushpanjali, Malar Para, Ayyappanu Chuttuvilakku (Orukku), Neeranjanam, Shanidosha Pooja, Thaamara Maala, Paal Paayasam.
How To Reach
By Air: Calicut International Airport is 42.8 KM from the Temple.
By Rail: Kuttipuram Railway Station is located 7.3 KM from the Temple.
By Road: Tirur Bus Stand Complex is located at 11 KM from the Temple.