MALAINATTU KERALA DIVYA DESAMS

MALAI NATTU KERALA DIVYADESAMS sampathyajur@gmail.com

1. THIRUVITHHUKUDU ( uyyavandha perumal )

Located about 5kms South of Pattambi off the Palghat- Shoranur- Kozhikode rail route is the Uyyavantha Perumal divya desam in Thiru Vithuvakkodu (Thirumittacode in Malayalam), right on the western banks of Baratha Puzha River.

The storyPandavas in their exile are said to have stayed here and undertaken penance. Arjuna, Dharmaputra, Bheemasena and Nakula/Sahadeva created an idol each for their daily poojas at this temple.The main Moolavar deity was installed by Arjuna.

Yudishtra ( Dharmaraja Installed Idol)

Dharma Raja installed the idol to the right of the main deity as did Nakula and Sahadeva. Bheema installed the idol of Vishnu to the left of Uyyavantha Perumal.

Another story goes that Kasi Viswanathar who was impressed with a rishis penance accompanied the rishi to this temple, finding a small place for himself in the umbrella taken by the rishi. On arriving here, the rishi went for a bath at the river. After his bath, he found the umbrella broken and found a swayambu idol of Lord Shiva at this place. Later, a separate temple was built for Shiva. Hence, this place is referred to as the 5 idols temple.

BHEEMA INSTALLED TEMPLE

Festival Janmashtami ShivarathriOn the Vaikasi Mrigaseesham day- KalababhishekamIn his verse, the Kerala born Kulasekara Azhvaar praises the Vithuvakodu Lord thus:

Deity : Uyavantha Perumal South Facing Standing PostureGoddess : Vithuvakottu Valli, Padmaasini ThaayarAzhvaar : Kulasekara Azhvaar-10 paasuram

Time : 5am-1030am and 5pm-8pm

Contact : Ravichandran and Ramachandran Embranthari @ 98460 92853Address : Thirumittacode PO, Kootanad Via, Palakkad Dist 679 533

On the Chennai-Palghat-Kozhikode rail route, get down at Pattambi station (about 10kms West of Shoranur Junction). An auto from Pattambi Railway Station to this Divya Desam (about 7kms) and back will cost Rs.80-100/-.

One can combine the visit here with Thiru Navai (about 25kms from here)

2. THIRUNAVAI ( NAAVAAIMUKUNDAN )

An auspicious place for Pitru TharpanamOnly Divya Desam in Kerala with a separate Sannidhi for Thaayar

Located just under 40kms West of Shoranur on the Palghat - Kozhikode rail route is the Naavaai Mukundan divya desam in Thiru Naavaai on the Northern Banks of Barathapuzha River. On the other side of the river are temples for Lord Shiva and Brahmma. Hence this is a TriMurthy Sangamam.

The storyBoth Goddess Lakshmi and Gajendran wanted to adorn Lord Narayana with Lotus flowers. However, Gajendran could not locate the flowers and undertook prayers here to Narayana, who asked Goddess to stop plucking the Lotus flowers, thus providing an opportunity to Gajendran to adorn the lord with flowers. Goddess Lakshmi is said to have asked the Lord to provide her with an equal status at this temple. Hence, there is a separate sannidhi for the Goddess here, the only Divya Desam in Kerala.

Nava Yogi KshetramNava Yogis undertook penance at this place invoking the blessings of Lord Vishnu, who is said to have provided darshan as Mukundan. These nine yogis are said to have installed the idol at this place. Hence, this place was referred to as Thiru Naa Vaai. Locally, this place is called Thiru Navaya.

Pitru Tharpanam

Another story goes that Parasurama performed Tharpanam for his father at this place. This Kshetram is an auspicious place for performing Pitru Tharpanam and is believed to have powers equivalent to that of performing Tharpanam in Kasi.

Thiru Mangai in one of his 2 paasurams refers to Thiru Naavai Lord alongside Thiru Koshtiyur Divya Desam.

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In another verse, Thiru Mangai refers to seeing the Thiru Navai Lord at Thiru Naraiyur

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Deity : Navai Mukundan East Facing Standing PostureGoddess : Malar Mangai NaachiyarSeparate Sannidhi for Goddess: Mahalakshmi

Azhvaar : Thirumangai-2 and NamAzhvaar- 11Temple Time : 5am-11am (till 1130am on Sundays) and 5pm-8pm

Priest : Narayana Namboodari @ 0494 2603747 or 93876 34946

Festivals10 day festival in April (14-23)Amasavai Tharpanam Sacred here

ThiruNavai temple offers accommodation to devotees at Rs. 100/- for 2 hoursor full day deluxe rooms between Rs.200 and 500 based on the specific needs

Breakfast is available at the temple premises.

How to reach Thiru Navai (Thiru Navaya)

Take Chennai Central-Mangalore Mail and get down at Kuttipuram Station (630am arrival). A local bus from outside the station will take you to the Divya Desam in 20minutes. Auto from Kuttipuram Station to Thiru Navai Divya Desam will cost Rs.100-125/-.

Not many trains stop at Thiru Navaya Railway station. An auto from Navaya station to the Divya Desam (about 2kms) will cost Rs.30-40/-

Thiru Navaya is about 25kms West of Thiru Vithuvakodu Divya Desam (near Pattambi)and is about 140kms South West of Coimbatore.

3.Thiru Moozhikalam ( MOOZHIKALATHAN)

Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity

Located about 30kms North West of Ernakulam Railway Station is the Moozhikalathan Divya Desam in Thiru Moozhikalam. The temple dates back to the Ramayana period and is a temple dedicated to Lakshmana.

The story

Pleased with Haritha Rishis penance, Lord Vishnu initiated the Rishi with the doctrine of attaining moksham. Hence, this place is called Thiru Mozhi Kalam. In course of time, this became Moozhikalam.

Lakshmana Kshetram

Baratha, who came in search of Raama, was suspected by Lakshmana to have come to battle with Raama. Lakshmana is said to have prepared himself to taking on Baratha only to be cooled down by Raama. Having wrongly suspected his brother Baratha, Lakshmana is believed to have come here to repent for his wrong doing.

Baratha is also believed to have come here and met with Lakshmana.

Much later and in course of time, it became a tradition here to worship Lakshmana as the Moolavar deity.

Deity : MoozhikalathanGoddess : Mathuraveni ThaayaarAzhvaar : Thirumangai and NamAzhvaar- 14

Temple Time : 5am-11am, 5pm-8pm

How to reach:

This is about 32kms from Ernakulam Junction.Will take about 1 hour by car/auto.

There are buses from Alwaye(Aluva) to this temple. One can also get down at Alwaye Railway Station to reach this Divya Desam.

4. THIRUKATKARAI (Kochi ) ( KATKARAI APPAN )

Vamana Kshetram

Located 10kms North East of Ernakulam, close to the Science and Technology University near Edapalli is the 1200 year old Thiru Katkarai Appan Divya Desam where Lord Vishnu displays his Vamana Avatar to the devotees.

The story goes that Lord Kaatkarai Appan came here as a Vamana Moorthy to end the troubles caused by King Bali. To mark this event, it is believed that Lord Vishnu visits this Divya Desam every year on the Thiruvonam day in Aavani.

This is known as a Vamana Kshetram. Katkarai Appan is seen with Conch, Chakra and Padma Hastam.

Bali is said to have invoked Lord Shiva every day. Hence, one can see a Paramasivan Sannidhi to the right of the Perumal Sannidhi, with Bali seen invoking the blessings of Sivan.Another story goes that a King tried to plant several plantain saplings but none grew into a full fledged tree. He then decided to present the Lord Katkarai Appan with a Golden Plantain Sapling.

Pleased with the commitment of the devotee, the Lord is said to have blessed him with a huge number of well grown special plantain trees at this place, now referred to as Nenthram banana.

Deity : Katkarai Appan Standing PostureGoddess : Perunchelva Naayaki, Vaathsalya ValliAzhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11( 3612-22)Temple Time : 5am-11am and 5pm-8pm

Priest : S. Venkatan @ 99952 16368 or 97475 36161

Manager : Vinod @ 94462 05706

President : Janardhan @ 0484 257 6653

How to reach Thiru Kakkara:

4kms from Edapalli railway stationAn auto to the Divya Desam will cost Rs.100/- from Ernakulam Railway StationA taxi-to and fro- from Ernakulam railway station will cost Rs.300-350/-.

There are direct buses from Ernakulam Town to this temple (Edapalli)

Moozhikalam Divya Desam is about 25kms West of here

5.THIRUVARANVILAI: AARANMULATHIRUKURULAPPAN/ PARTHASARATHI

Ornaments forSabarimala Lord

Lord Ayyappas ornaments are kept here through the year and are taken from here to Sabarimala 2 days prior to the Mandala Vilakku during the Makara Jyothi period.

- Tiruvoimozhi 7-10-3

Nam Azhvaar in his praise of this divya desam says that the place where Lord Thiru Kural Appan resides is Thiru Vaaran Vilai.

..... LOCATION : 6 kms from Chenganoor more popularly known as AARANMULAMOOLAVAR : THIRUKURULAPPAN/ PARTHASARATHI-nindra thirukkolam-kizhake thirumukha mandalamTHAYAR : PADMASINI NAACHIYARTHEERTHAM : PAMPA RIVERVIMANAM : VAMANAPRATHYAKSHAM : BRAHMA, VEDAVYASAMANGALASAASANAM ;(Pasuram Nos. 3436-3446UTSAVAM : Makham (November)-10 days Kodietram on Hastham, Aaratu on Sravanam Meenam (mar-Apr) Onam

6. THIRUVANVANDOOR : ( PAMBANAIUPPAN) PANDAVA TEMPLE

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- Tiruvoimozhi 6-1-7

LOCATION : 4 kms north of ChenganoorMOOLAVAR : PAMBANAIAPPAN ALSO KNOWN AS KAMALANATHANTHAYAR : KAMALAVALLII NAACHIYARTHEERTHAM : PAMPA RIVER ALSO KNOWN AS PAPNASA THEERTHAMVIMANAM : VEDALAYAPRATHYAKSHAM : MARKANDEYA, NARADAMANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos. 3227- 3236)

7. THIRUKADITHANAM: ( ARPUTHANARAYANAN TEMPLE) (chengannachery) Kadigai shetram - Sahadeva

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LOCATION : 2 miles to the east of Chenganachery on Thiruvallar- Kottayam Road- can be accessed from Chenganoor (45 minutes drive)MOOLAVAR : ATHPUTHA NARAYANAN/ AMRUTHA NARAYANANTHAYAR : KARPAGAVALLI NAACHIYARTHEERTHAM : BHOOMI THEERTHAMVIMANAM : PUNYAKODIPRATHYAKSHAM : KING RUKMANGATHAMANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram Nos3502-3512)- 11 PasuramsUTSAVAM : KARTHIGAI SRAVANAM

8. THIRUVALLAVAZH (THIRUVALLA)VALLABHA KSETRAM

Prarthana Sthalam for childless couples-Performance of Kathakali

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LOCATION : 3 miles from Thiruvalla station-well developed town- can be accessed fromChenganoor as it takes about 50 minutes drive to reach this placeMOOLAVAR : KOLAPIRAN/ THIRUVAAZH MARBAN/SRI VALLABHA-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM HOLDING SANKHU AND CHAKRAM IN TWO HANDS, ONE HAND HOLDING LOTUS AND THE LEFT HAND RESTING ON THE WAISTTHAYAR : VATSALYA DEVI/ THIRUKOZHUNDHU NACHIYARTHEERTHAM : GANTAKARNA THEERTHAMVIMANAM : SATURANGA VIMANAMPRATHYAKSHAM : GANTAKARNAMANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram3205-3215)- 11Pasurams ; THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram 1808-1817,2674(118)

9. THIRUPULIYUR: POPULARLY KNOWN AS KUTTANADU

One of the two ' Puliyurs' among Divya DesamsNam Azhvaar refers to this Divya Desam as ' Kutta Naatu Siru Puliyur' in his Tiruvoimozhi VerseBheema Kshetram

LOCATION : 3 and a half miles to the west of Chenganoor ON CHENGANOOR- MANNAR ROUTEMOOLAVAR : MAYAPIRAN-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM FACING EASTTHAYAR : PORKODI NACHIYARTHEERTHAM : POONUSHUNAI THEERTHAM, PRAGNASARASVIMANAM : PURUSHOTHAMA VIMANAMPRATHYAKSHAM : SAPTHA RISHISMANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3535-3545, 3540- 11 Pasurams THIRUMANGAI ALWAR (Pasuram 2673(71)

10. THIRUCHENKUNDROOR:( THIRUCHITARU )

Dharamaraja built this temple to repent the killing of his Acharya Drona Azhvaar : NamAzhvaar- 11 Paasurams (3480-90)

LOCATION one km from Chenganoor popularly known as THIRUCHITTRARUMOOLAVAR : IMAYA VARAPPAN-NINDRA THIRUKOLAM FACING WESTTHAYAR : SENGAMALAVALLI NACHIYARTHEERTHAM : SANGHA THEERTHAM, THIRUCHITTRARUVIMANAM : JAGAJYOTHI VIMANAMPRATHYAKSHAM : LORD SHIVAMANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3480-3490, -10 Pasurams

11. THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ( SRI ANANDHAPADMANABHAN)

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LOCATION proper Trivandrum-the State Capital-nearly 1 km from Railway StationMOOLAVAR : ANANTHA PADMANABHASWAMY-BHUJANGA SAYANAM FACING EASTTHAYAR : SRI HARILAKSHMI NACHIYARTHEERTHAM : MATSYA, PADMA AND VARAHA THEERTHAMSVIMANAM : HEMAKUTA VIMANAMPRATHYAKSHAM : LORD SHIVA, INDRA AND CHANDRAMANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3678-3688 -10 Pasurams)

In Malai Naadu Divya desams, Perumal is seen in Bhujanga Sayanam only in two places , one is at Trivandrum and the other is at Thiruvattaru, sitting posture in Thirupathisaaram and in the rest of 10 Malai Naadu Divya Desams, Perumal is seen in Nindra Thirukolam.

In both the temples, Perumal can be viewed through 3 doors. The Adikesava Perumal at Thiruvattaru is considered to be the elder brother of Anantapadmanabha Swamy as the temple is older than Thiruvananthapuram temple. Thiruvananthapuram temple is an exact replica of Thiruvattaru temple. In both the temples, we have to climb few steps to reach OOTAKKAL MANDAPAM. This Ootakkal mandapam is a single granite slab just in front of the garbagriha , the size of which is 20 by 20 and 31/2 thick. The devotees believe that this Ootakkal was brought by Perumal Himself. In Malai Naadu, only in these two temples, we can go very near the garbagriha to have darshan. In other Malai Naadu temples, though there are steps leading to garbagriha, we are not allowed to go near the garbagriha. There will be atleast 5 feet distance between the garbagriha and the place where we are allowed to stand. Whereas, in these two divya desams, we can go very near the garba griham and have darshan to our hearts content. Both the temples are patronized by Maharajas of Trivandrum and 2 utsavams take place for 10 days in both the temples in the months of Tula and Meenam

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND THIRUVATTARU TEMPLES

DESCRIPTIONTHIRUVANANTHAPURAMTHIRUVATAARU

Perumal in Bhujanga sayanamFacing eastFacing west

No.of salagramams used in vigraha1200016108

Lord Shiva Seennear Perumals ThirumugamNear Perumals Thiruvadi

Lord BrahmaEmerging from Lords ThirunaabhiNot seen

DwajasthambamsGolden in front of Padmanabha swamy silver in frontof Krishnas sannidhiOnly one in front of Kesava Perumal

Ootakal mandapam measurement of stone in front of garbagriham wherepiligrims stand for darshan20 X 20-31/2 thick18 X 25- 3 feetthick

sculpturesGaruda Hanuman DwarapalakasLakshmana Indrajit Pathanjalietc

Aaratu festival accompanied byMaharaja of TravancoreKings representativescarrying royal insignia the sword

Thiruvonam dayNILCarpenter makes a bow leaves it in front of thesannidhi without looking back and next day it is presented to the king.

12. THIRUVANPARISAARAM

Lord Vishnu appears as Rama providing darshan to New Lankan King

Birth place of NammAzhvaars mother

Varuvar Selvar VanParisarathu Iruntha EnThirVazhMarvarku En Thiram Sollaar, Seivathu EnUru Aar Sakkaram Sangu Sumanthu Ingu UmmoduOrupaadu Uzhalvaan, Or Adiyaanum Ulan Enrey

LOCATION 4 Kms from Nagercoil on Nagercoil-Tirunelveli routeMOOLAVAR : THIRUVAAZHMARBAN/ THIRUKURULAPPAN-SITTING POSTURE-FACING EAST - 2 hands holding Sankhu, Chakram, lower right hand in Abhaya Hastamand lower left hand placed on the knees (Like Vijaayasana Perumal of AlwarTirunagari but without Adiseshan) gigantic form 9 feet

THAYAR : KAMALAVALLI NAACHIYARTHEERTHAM : LAKSHMI THEERTHAMVIMANAM : INDRA KALYANA VIMANAMPRATHYAKSHAM : SAPTHA RISHISMANGALASAASANAM : NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3475 -1 PasuramUTSAVAM : 10 daysIMP.FESTIVAL : AADI SWATHI-the day Perumal took Kulasekhara Alwar bodily to Paramapadam.

13. THIRUVATAARU: (adikesava perumal)

Huge 22 feet Adi Kesavan seen in a Bhujanga Sayanam Suns rays fall directly on the Lord for a week in the month of Puratasi and PanguniVattrataan Adi Vanangi, Ma Gnalap Pirapu Aruppan Kettaye Mada Nenje, Kesavan Em Perumaanaip Paattu Aai Pala Paadi, Pazhavinaigal Patru Aruthu Naatarodu Iyalvu Ozhinthu Narananai Nanninamey- 3947

LOCATION Tirunelveli-Nagercoil route 6 miles from Thoduvetti OR Go to Thackaley from Nagercoil and change bus to Thiruvattaru from Thakaley (2 hours journey)MOOLAVAR : ADIKESAVA PERUMAL-BHUJANGA SAYANAM-FACING WESTTHAYAR : MARAGATHAVALLI NAACHIYARTHEERTHAM : VAATARU, KADAL VAI THEERTHAM,RAMA THEERTHAMVIMANAM : ASHTAKSHARA VIMANAM (ASHTANGA VIMANAM)PRATHYAKSHAM : Lord Chandra, ParasuramaMANGALASAASANAM NAMMALWAR (Pasuram 3722-3732-11 PasuramsUTSAVAM : 10 days twice in a year during Oct-Nov, Apr-May

Family tour to KeralaDisclaimer: Don't expect information like name of God, sthala puranam etc about divya desams in this blog post. My intention with regards to Diyadesam is to just give precise information about the route which is kind of not explained satisfactorily in other blog posts. To know the spirituality part of those temples, better refer to other web pages.

Our complete family ( My parents, 3 sisters, 3 brother-in-laws, 1 nephew and 3 nieces) went for a trip to Kerala from April 16 to April 19, 2011. Our plan was to see some divyadesams and a hill station. So we decided on Thirunaavai, Thiruvithuvakkodu, Thirumoozhikalam, Thirukaatkarai for divyadesams and Munnar for hill station.

We chose Thrissur as the starting place. A 12 seater A/C tempo traveller was already booked at the Rate of Rs. 2500 rent per day with max 100 Kms and Rs. 14/- for every extra Km. It is bit costlier than usual but the condition of vehicle and the behavior of driver were worth that money. It was an advantage that Guruvayoor can also be covered in our trip.

4 peoples started from Bangalore and rest all started from Chennai on Apr 15th night to Thrissur through train. Room was already booked in Hotel Elite international, Thrissur at the rent of Rs. 1350/- for AC room. The rooms were pretty decent and the best part about that hotel was that there was a restaurant named "Hotel Bharath" near Elite hotel which serves good vegetarian food.

Day 1 (Apr 16, 2011)

We started to Guruvayoor at 10AM and reached Guruvayoor at 11AM. Guruvayoor is just 30 kms away from Thrissur. Guruvayoor temple timings: 3AM to 1PM; 4:30PM to 8PM. Since being a weekend (saturday) I was expecting a heavy crowd. But the crowd wasn't too much on that day. We stood in the queue and some how managed to have dharshan by 1PM; well it seems 2 hrs is not a big time these days in Guruvayoor.

We had planned to see Thirunaavai and Thiruvithuvakkodu on the same day. But all the Kerala divyadesams will usually close by 11AM and will be opened only at 5PM. So we took rest for few hours in a accomodation maintained by Brahmin association near Guruvayoor temple.

We started from those rooms at 3PM and reached Thiruvithuvakkodu at 4:15PM. Thiruvithuvakkodu is near Pattambi and Shoranoor. Do a search for "Tirumittacode Siva Temple" in google maps and you will know the exact location of temple. I was surprised how a Vaishnava divya desam was named as Siva temple.Actually there are 4 Vishnu idols in that temple believed to have been established and worshiped by Panja Paandavaas (one by Dharmar, one by Beema, one by Arjuna and one by Nakula and Sahadeva together) after Mahabaratha war out of which Arjuna's pradhishtamoorthy is considered to be an important moorthy and it is present behind Kaasi Viswanathar (Siva) idol and hence the temple might have been named as Siva temple in maps. This also explains the silliness of Veera Vaishnavites and Veera Shaivites who fight :)

Then we started to Thirunaavai at 5:45 PM and reached the temple at 7PM. Compared to other Malai naattu divya desams which we saw, Thirunavaai (Thirunavaya) is relatively famous and the temple won't be closed early. Search for "Thirunnavaya Navamukunda Temple" in Google maps. Thiruvithuvakkodu and Thirunaavai are 40 Kms apart. After seeing Tirunavaya temple, we returned back to Thrissur Hotel.

Day 2 (Apr 17, 2011)

We checked out from Hotel Elite, Thrissur and started to Ernakulam at 8AM. Since we started early, we were able to see Thirumoozhikalam and Thirukatkarai before 11AM, the closing time of those temples.

Thirumoozhikalam is near Angamaly (Thrissur-Ernakulam route). While coming from Thrissur, one has to take a right near Karukutty (40Kms from Thrissur). To know the exact location of the temple, search for "Prakkadavu Panchayath Office, Kurumaseri, Kerala" in google maps. Actually the temple and Panchayath office are adjacent.

While coming from Thrissur to Ernakulam, one has to take left after Little flower Engineering institute, Ernakulam and travel for 3 Kms to reach Thirukatkarai temple. Search for "Thrikakkara temple" in Google mapsto know the exact location of temple.

After lunch, we went to Cochin beach with the intention to go for boating. But unfortunately, there was some strike on that day and boats were not operating. But it is also good in one sense that we could reach Munnar on time (7:30 PM) since Cochin boating got skipped. We started to Munnar at 3PM.

Cochin to Munnar is a 130 Km journey. The roads are kind of narrow and we can feel that the vehicle is gradually climbing up. Kothamangalam-Adimaly-Munnar (70 Km stretch) is a treat to watch with falls, tea estate etc on the way. I have already been thrice to Munnar but I had taken either Devikulam route or Chinnar route but I had never traveled through Kothamangalam route.

As far as I know, there are only 2 pure vegetarian restaurants Hotel Annapoorna and Hotel Saravana Bhavan (it is not a branch hotel of Chennai Saravana Bhavan) in Munnar. We had dinner on Apr 17 at Annapoorna and rest all of the time had food only at Saravana Bhavan. Saravana Bhavan is definitely the best Vegetarian restaurant in Munnar. Saravana Bhavan is present in proper Munnar town (M.G Road).

We stayed in Hotel Munnar inn. Rooms were pretty decent and the advantage was that it was in town; so we need not walk long to get something or have food. But it may not be advisable for people who would like to have a silent environment since you will be hearing some vehicle sound even during night times. We paid was Rs. 1900/- per day as rent.Kerala Divya Desams85.Thiruvananthapuram - Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy TempleLocation:Thiruvananthapuram city limits, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala1 km from the Thiruvananthapuram bus stand/railway station.Note:Both gents and ladies will have to wear white vaste/dhothi inorder to enter inside the temple.White dhothi is available for rent at the temple entrance at the right hand corner.However, we advise that you use your own.Ladies can wrap the white dhothi on top of the saree.White dhothi for rent is very expensive and there is no fixed pricing and they do cheat.Cell phones and cameras are strictly not allowed inside the temple and those need to be kept at the locker at the right hand corner of the temple entrance.The locker is very expensive and they do cheat in terms of pricing as there is no fixed pricing.We advise you to drop your cell phones, cameras, shoes, chappal and luggage in your vehicle itself and be safe.Travel Base: Thiruvananthapuram-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------86.Thiruvaaran Vilai - Sri Parthasarathy Perumal TemplePopularly called as Aranmula temple.Location:Aranmula temple, Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, KeralaAranmula is 12 kms from Chengannur bus stand on the Chengannur - Kozhenchery Road.Travel Base:Chengannur-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------87.Thirupuliyoor - Sri Maayapiran Perumal TempleLocation:Thirupuliyoor near Mavelikara, Chengannur, Alappuzha, Kerala.From Chengannur, travel towards west direction to Mavelikara (do not go to Mavelikara).This temple is 7 kms from Chengannur.Travel Base:Chengannur-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------88.Thirucchenkundroor - Sri Imayavarappa Perumal TempleLocation:Chengannur, Alappuzha, KeralaThirucchenkundroor is 4 kms from Chengannur bus stand.From Chengannur travel 2 kms on the national highway towards Changanassery until you see an over head railway track.Immediately after the railway track, take a left turn and drive straight.Travel Base:Chengannur-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------89.Thiruvanvandoor - Sri Paambanaiyappa Perumal TempleLocation:Chengannur, Alappuzha, KeralaThiruvanvandoor is 8 kms from Chengannur bus stand.From Chengannur, travel towards Chengannassery for 7 kms on the national highway until you see a tower which houses pigeons on your left hand side of the road.From this junction left turn and it is 1 km to the temple.Travel Base:Chengannur-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------90.Thiruvalvaazh - Sri Kolapira Perumal TempleLocation:Tiruvalla near Chengannur or Chengannassery, Pathanamthitta, KeralaFrom Chengannur, travel north towards Chengannassery up to Tiruvalla and then left turn at Tiruvalla junction.From that junction temple is 2 kms in the west direction.Travel Base:Chengannur-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------91.Thirukkadithaanam - Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal TempleLocation:Thirukkadithaanam near Changannassery, Kottayam, KeralaThirukkadithaanam is 3 kms from Changannassery bus stand in east direction.Changannassery is south of Kottayam 19 kms.Changannassery is north of Chengannur 23 kms.Travel Base:Chengannur-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------92.Thirukkaatkarai - Sri Kaatkarai Appa Perumal TempleLocation:Thirukkaatkarai or Thirukakara near Edappalli, Ernakulam, KeralaThirukkaatkarai is 1 km from Edappalli junction in the east direction near college campus.On the National Highway number 47 from Ernakulam Thrissur travel north until you reach Edappalli and then right turn at the second traffic signal.Ernakulam Edappalli is 10 kms.Travel Base:No need for accomocation/stay.Visit this temple while travelling from Chengannur towards Thrissur.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------93.Thirumoozhikkalam - Sri Moozhikkalathaan Perumal TempleLocation:Moozhikkulam near Aluva, Angamali, Neumbassery or Cochin Air Port, Ernakulam, Kerala.Moozhikkulam is 11 kms from the Neumbassery or Cochin International Air Port from National Highway 47 in the west direction.Travel Base: Thrissur. Travel from Thrissur to Chengannur-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------94.Thiruvithuvakkodu - Sri Uyyavantha Perumal TempleLocation:Thiruvithuvakkodu near Kootupata, Pattambi, Palakkad, KeralaFrom Thrissur, travel to Thiruvithuvakkodu via Guruvayur or Shoranur up to Pattambi and then to Kootupata Thiruvithuvakkodu.From the road, temple is around 1.5 kms village road.The temple is on the river shore.Travel Base:Thrissur. Travel from Thrissur towards Guruvayur, Pattambi.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------95.Thiru Naavaay - Sri Naavaay Mugundha Perumal TempleLocation:Thiru Naavaay near Kuttippuram, Edappal, Pattambi, Guruvayur or Shoranur, Thrissur, Malappuram, KeralaFrom Thrissur you can reach Thiru Naavaay via Guruvayur, Edappal, Kuttipuram, Thiru Naavaay.From Shoranur via Pattambi, Kuttipuram, Thiru Naavaay.Travel Base:Thrissur. Travel from Thrissur towards Guruvayur, Kuttipuram.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Andhra Pradesh Divya Desams96.Thirupathi - (Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh) - Sri Srinivasa Perumal TempleLocation:Tirumala near Thirupathi, Chittor, Andhra Pradesh.You can reach Thirupathi from two directions.From Bangalore via Kolar, Palmaner, Chittor, Thirupathi.From Chennai via Tiruttani, Puttur, Thirupathi.Visit Govindarajulu temple at Thirupathi first before going to Tirumala.At Tirumala, before having Sri Srinivasa Perumal dharshan, first visit Sri Varaha Swamy Perumal which is behind the tank and then visit Sri Srinivasa Perumal.After visiting Tirumala, do visit Alamel Mangapuram at Thiruchanur.Travel Base,Thirupathi and Tirumala-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------97.Thiru Singavel Kundram - (Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh) -Sri Nava Narasimhar TempleLocation:Ahobilam near Allagadda, Nandyal, Kurnool, Andhra PradeshFrom Thirupathi, travel towards Cuddapah, Allagadda, Ahobilam or From Kurnool via Nandyal, Allagadda, AhobilamTravel Base:Ahobilam or Nandyal-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Gujarat Divya Desam98.Thiru Dwaraka (Dwaraka, Gujarat) - Sri Kalyana Narayana Perumal TempleLocation:Dwaraka near Rajkot, Jamnagar, Gujarat-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Uttar Pradesh Divya Desams

99.Thiru Ayodhi (Uttar Pradesh) - Sri Ramar Temple-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------100.Thiru Naimisaranyam (Uttar Pradesh) - Sri Devaraja Perumal Temple-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------101.Thiruvaaipadi (Aayarpadi) - Sri Navamohana Krishna Perumal Temple-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------102.Thiru Vadamathura (Govardhanesan) - Sri Govardhana Nesa Perumal Temple-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------