Historic Thiru Kachamkurissi Temple Payyallur, Kollengode South, Palakkad

Thiru Kachamkurissi Mahavishnu Temple is an ancient and well-known Vaishnava temple located about 4 km from Kollengode town in Palakkad district, Kerala. The main deity is Lord Mahavishnu, accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhoomi. The deity is also worshipped as Lord Sri Rama, the seventh incarnation of Mahavishnu. Revered as Thiru Kachamkurissi Perumal, Mahavishnu is enshrined in a majestic royal form. The temple stands between the rivers Ikshumathi and Gayathri, both of which are mentioned in the Puranas. Because of its sacred importance and long-standing religious tradition, the temple is regarded as being comparable to the famous Srirangam Temple in Tamil Nadu.

The history of Thiru Kachamkurissi Mahavishnu Temple dates back to the Perumal rule of the Chera kings. With a history of over 1,000 years, the temple was one of the major Vaishnava centres of worship in medieval Kerala. Located on the eastern frontier of the Perumpadappu Swaroopam and near the Tamil Nadu border, the temple reflects a blend of Kerala and Tamil architectural styles and cultural traditions. Historically, the temple was under the protection of the Vengunad Swaroopam and the Kollengode royal family. The rulers of Kollengode served as the temple’s hereditary trustees and protectors, maintaining it as an important place of worship for the prosperity of their kingdom. The sacred wooden idol and the ancient Ramayana mural paintings around the Sreekovil highlight the temple’s rich history and heritage. Today, the temple is administered by the Malabar Devaswom Board, while the hereditary trustees from the Kollengode royal family continue to participate in its ritual and administrative affairs.

The main legend of Thiru Kachamkurissi Mahavishnu Temple is associated with Sage Kashyapa. It is believed that Sage Kashyapa performed intense penance on Govinda Mala in the Western Ghats, near the temple. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Mahavishnu appeared before the sage in a majestic seated form on Anantha, accompanied by Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Bhoomi. At the sage’s request, the Lord remained there and the idol was consecrated in the same form in which He appeared. According to tradition, the place was originally known as Kashyapankurissi, meaning the place where Sage Kashyapa performed penance. Over time, the name gradually became Kachamkurissi. Another legend states that the temple’s sacred wooden idol was carved by Sage Kashyapa from the wood of the sacred tree that held the pot of Amrita during the churning of the Ocean of Milk.

Another unique feature of the temple is that devotees cannot see Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhoomidevi directly. Instead, they are viewed through the reflections in mirrors placed on either side of the Sreekovil. This tradition symbolises the divine majesty of Lord Mahavishnu and the sacred presence of the two goddesses. According to another legend, Sage Kashyapa performed a great Soma Yaga at this temple and Lord Mahavishnu Himself appeared to protect the sacred ritual. As part of this tradition, the sacred Soma creeper required for Soma Yaga is still ceremonially taken from the temple grounds with due permission whenever the ritual is performed in Kerala.

The temple is set in a beautiful natural setting and faces east. On entering through the eastern gateway, devotees first come to the spacious elephant shelter, which houses the Panchaloha flagstaff topped with Garuda. The flagstaff was consecrated in 2016. Beyond it stands the Balikkalpura with its large sacrificial stone, beautifully carved wooden sculptures and images of Brahma, the Ashta Dikpalakas and scenes from the Puranas. Along the pradakshina path are the sacred naga grove in the south-west, where Anantha is worshipped as the Naga Raja, the ancient Kushtham Kuzhi pond on the western side and the Oottupura on the north, where free meals are served on special occasions. Water from the nearby Kokkarani Well is used for the temple’s abhishekam and offerings.

The temple’s main architectural feature is its circular Sreekovil, a fine example of traditional Kerala temple architecture. The conical roof, covered with copper plates and crowned with a finial, adds to its grandeur. The entrance to the sanctum is guarded by finely carved stone Dwarapalakas, while the outer walls are decorated with centuries-old Ramayana mural paintings. The main deity is a rare sacred wooden idol of the four-armed Lord Mahavishnu, seated majestically on Anantha and holding the conch, discus, mace and lotus. Another unique feature of the temple is that Goddess Sridevi and Goddess Bhoomidevi cannot be seen directly. Instead, devotees view them through the reflections in mirrors placed at special angles inside the Sreekovil, making this one of the temple’s most remarkable architectural features.

In addition to the main deity, the temple has several other deities. Kannimoola Ganapathi, located at the south-west corner of the main Sreekovil, is also known as Rameswaram Ganapathi, as He is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Sri Rama. A separate Sreekovil on the southern side, outside the Nalambalam, houses Lord Dharma Sastha facing east, while Lord Mahadeva is enshrined facing west at the north-west corner. The sacred naga grove within the temple grounds has shrines dedicated to Naga Raja and Naga Yakshi. As the main deity is seated on Anantha, naga worship holds a special place in the temple’s traditions.

The temple’s main festival is the ten-day annual festival held during the Malayalam month of Medam (April–May). The celebrations begin with the ceremonial flag hoisting and include special poojas, Sahasra Kalasabhishekam, Kazhcha Seeveli and traditional performances such as Panchavadyam, Thayambaka, Melam, Sopana Sangeetham, Kathakali and Chakyar Koothu. The festival concludes with Palli Nayattu on the ninth day and the ceremonial Aarattu in the temple pond, followed by the lowering of the temple flag on the tenth day. Other important observances include Vishu, Ashtami Rohini, Thiruvonam, Navaratri, Vidyarambham on Vijayadashami, the annual consecration day in the month of Mithunam, Ramayana recitation during Karkidakam and Deepavali Amavasya in the month of Thulam. In addition, Thiruvonam star day and Ekadashi are observed every month with special poojas and offerings.

The temple offers a variety of rituals and offerings. Paal Payasam, tying a cradle and Annadanam are among the most important offerings, performed by devotees praying for children and family well-being. Vennai Nivedyam is offered for good health, especially for children, while Chathussatham is performed for relief from hardships and negative influences. Sahasranamarchana and Purusha Sooktharchana are conducted for the fulfilment of wishes, long life and family prosperity. Offerings to the other deities include Ganapathi Homam and Appam Moodal for the removal of obstacles, Neeranjanam and Ellu Payasam to Lord Dharma Sastha, Dhara and Koovala Mala to Lord Mahadeva for good health and well-being and Noorum Paalum and Ayilyam Pooja to the naga deities for relief from naga doshas.

The temple opens daily at 5:00 AM with Nirmalya Darshan. This is followed by Usha Pooja at 5:30 AM, Pantheeradi Pooja at 8:30 AM and Ucha Pooja at 10:00 AM. The temple closes after the morning rituals at 10:30 AM. It reopens at 5:00 PM, followed by Deeparadhana at 6:30 PM and Athazha Pooja at 7:30 PM. The temple closes for the day at 7:40 PM. Pooja timings may vary on festival days and during special occasions such as Mandala Kalam, Ramayana Month, Ashtami Rohini and Vishu.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery