Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple
Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple is one of the few Hindu temples in India dedicated to Lord Vamana. It is situated in Thrikkakara, Kochi in the state of Kerala, India. It is a center of celebrations and a place of origin for the popular Onam festival. The temple is around two millennia old and is also listed as one of the 108 Divya Desams (divine places).
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.
As per legend, a rich man who owned a plantain garden, did not get much yield from it. He donated a set of plantain to the temple, after which it started yielding as golden plantains. The groove came to be known as Nentiram Palam. The ruling king became suspicious of the change that it was his wealth in the garden and tortured a sage. The sage cursed the king. The king was afraid and in redemption, he consulted a group of sages. They suggested a thatch of bamboo and created a light with "Koraipul", a grass which helped him redeemed from the curse.
The temple complex, which is enclosed in a large area with picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Vamana. The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses the idol of Vishnu. The idol 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 the temple. There are two ponds associated with the temple, one is the Kapilatheertham located closer to the temple on the Northern side of the sanctum sanctorum and 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 idol during Onam celebrations.
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 South-west corner. The auditorium is regularly used for weddings and meeting, and for conducting the Onam feast during the festival.
Location
Thrikkakara
Main Deity
Thirukatkarai Vamanamoorthy
Other Deities
Bhagavati, Sasthavu (Lor Ayappan), Gopalakrishna, Nāga, Brahmarakshasa, Banyan-tree God (Aal-Devatha) and Yakshi.
Festivals
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 temple also observes important festivals in the Hindu calendar such as Vishu, Makara Sankranti, Navarathri and Saraswati Puja.
Main Offerings
Nivedyam, Plantain (Kathali Pazham)
How To Reach
By Air: Cochin International Airport is the Nearest Airport which is 21.1KM away from the temple
By Rail: Ernakulam Jn (South) Railway Station is the Nearest Railway Station which is 12.1KM away from the Temple
By Road: KSRTC Bus Station is 10.8KM from the Temple.