Shri Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple Kizhakkumuri. Thrissur

The Kanadikavu Shree Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy Temple, located in Peringot-tukara in the Thrissur district, is one of the most prominent and highly revered spiritual centres. Lord Vishnumaya Swamy and various Kuttichathan manifestations are wor-shipped here. Known for its tantric traditions and special ritual practices, the temple is regarded as one of the major Vishnumaya worship centres in Kerala. Thousands of devo-tees from different parts of the state visit this temple, seeking spiritual relief and divine blessings. Special offerings, festivals, and devotional activities form the main attractions of the temple. Devotees from all walks of life, irrespective of caste and religion, visit this sacred place daily seeking solutions to their sorrows and difficulties.
Lord Vishnumaya is worshipped here as a powerful deity symbolising protection and strength. The temple is especially known for its tantric rituals and remedial offerings be-lieved to resolve various life problems such as mental distress, family issues, and negative energies. Along with daily rituals and special homams, the temple becomes extremely crowded during festival seasons.
The history of Kanadikavu Shri Vishnumaya Temple is deeply believed to be connected with Kerala’s tantric and devotional traditions. This ancient place of worship is regarded as one of the main centres of Vishnumaya and Kuttichathan worship. It is believed that the temple evolved based on ancient local beliefs and tantric practices, gradually becoming a major spiritual centre for devotees. Although the exact year of establishment is not known, the temple is believed to be more than 400 years old and is considered one of the oldest Vishnumaya worship centres.
Over centuries, continuous tantric traditions and beliefs have transformed it into a major spiritual destination. Even though several renovations and developments have taken place over time, the traditional rituals and spiritual significance of the temple remain unchanged. The temple’s spiritual activities and ritual practices hold great importance. It is believed that the temple’s growth is associated with the spiritual lineage of Brahmasree Vishnubharatheeya Swamiji and the monastic traditions connected to him. Devotees from within and outside Kerala visit the temple with the belief that Lord Vishnumaya’s blessings can remove obstacles and hardships from their lives. The temple is also well known for tantric rituals, special homams, and remedial ceremonies. It continues to preserve its traditional customs and maintains a strong spiritual presence.
According to legend, a sage named Koonamuthappan, for the welfare of all humanity, performed intense penance seeking the blessings of a powerful and easily appeasing deity. Pleased with his devotion, his family deity appeared before him. It is believed that she instructed him with the Moola Mantra and Dhyana Mantra to invoke Chathan Swamy through tantric practices. Later, as per the guidance of the Naga sages, he went to the Himalayas and performed severe penance. As a result, Vishnumaya Kuttichathan Swamy is believed to have appeared before him. He then brought the deity to Peringottukara and consecrated it in the present Kanadikavu area. This is considered the main legend related to the origin of the Kanadikavu Shri Vishnumaya Temple.
As one approaches the temple, a calm rural atmosphere combined with a strong spiritual
energy can be experienced. The first attraction is a beautifully constructed large temple pond surrounded by many sculptures. Small mandapams are located on all four sides of the pond, each containing sculptures. In the central mandala, the idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati can be seen.
A large traditional Kerala-style temple gateway leads into the temple. On both sides of the main gopuram, two large bull sculptures can be seen. Upon entering through the gateway, the sanctum is immediately visible. The sanctum is surrounded by a narrow walkway and is richly decorated in traditional Kerala style. The sanctum has a five-step structure. The wooden doors are fitted with small bells. The main deity here is Lord Vishnumaya. Adjacent to the sanctum is the shrine of Goddess Bhuvaneshwari. Nearby is a small well, and close to it are the shrines of 390 Kuttichathan deities housed in separate small sanctums. Next to this is the shrine of Goddess Bhadrakali, and under a tree nearby is the idol of Lord Ganesha. Adjacent to Ganesha are the shrines of Naga Raja and Naga Yakshi, and further ahead is a Mani Mandapam.
The most important festival of the Kanadikavu Shri Vishnumaya Temple is the Thiruvel-lattu Mahotsavam, held in the Malayalam month of Makaram. The festival begins with a Kavadi procession starting from the Thriprayar Temple. During these days, Roopakalam darshan of Lord Vishnumaya and Thirayattam performances are the main attractions.
The Thottam Pattu festival is conducted twice a year to please Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, the mother form of Lord Vishnumaya. This ritual, connected with tantric traditions, is performed with great devotion by the devotees.
In addition, the Prathishta Day festival is celebrated for three days in the month of Mithunam under the star Uthram. Special rituals and ceremonies are conducted with active participation of devotees, enhancing the spiritual significance of the temple.
Roopakalam puja is one of the important tantric rituals of this temple. In this ritual, the form of Lord Vishnumaya is drawn on the ground using natural coloured powders (Kalamezhuthu). This sacred practice is performed with deep devotion to invoke di-vine presence. Special Tuesday poojas are conducted in the temple, including Guruthi Kalasham, Shaktheya Pushpanjali, and Nivedya pooja. These rituals attract a large number of devotees.
Other important offerings include Chuttuvilakku, Niramala, Brahma Vellattam ritual, Veeth, and Pushpanjali. Online pooja booking facilities are also available for devotees who cannot visit in person, allowing them to offer prayers remotely.
The temple is open for darshan daily from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. During these hours, devotees can have darshan and participate in various rituals. Daily poojas include Roopakalam, Guruthi Kalasham, Shaktheya Pushpanjali, and Nivedya pooja, which are given special importance on Tuesdays.

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