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Location:
Tirukkodittaanam
near Chenganacheri - Kerala
(Malai Naadu)
Vishnu: Amrita Narayanan
Taayaar: Karpakavalli
Theertham:Bhumi Theertham
Paasuram :Nammalwar
Vimaanam:Punyakoti Vimanam
Travel Base:Kottayam
Description Tirukkodittanam
is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected
with the Mahabharatam. (Chengannur - Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyur
- Bheema, Aranmula - Arjuna, Tiruvamundur
- Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam - Sahadeva). It is located
near the town of Changanacheri near Kottayam. This ancient temple has
been glorified by the tamil hymns (Tiruvaimozhi) of Nammalwar.
Legend
has it that this temple was built by Sahadavan of the Pandavas. It is
also believed that this village was ruled by Rukmangatan, a king of the
Solar race.
The Temple:
This temple has a vritta (circular) vimanam. Several murals (possibly
from the 17th century) adorn the walls of the sanctum, portraying images
of Shiva Tandavam, Karatarjuniyam, Vinayaka, Sasta, Yoganarasimha, Rama
Pattabhishekam, Mahisasuramardhini, Mohini, Venugopala, Anantasayanam
etc. The temple structure dates back to the 11th century. There are subshrines
to Narasimha and Dakshinamurthy here. High walls surround it and give
it the grandeur of a fort. Stones are so carefully chiseled and joined
that it is impossible to distinguish joints. There is a large 2-3 acre
tank outside the temple. On the bank of the tank, near the temple gate,
there is a big pillar on top of which is kept hanging a human figure in
granite stone, with a crown, sacred thread and a conch. This image
is related to a historic story of petty feudal warfare. Stone inscriptions
found here are of significance .
Festivals:
Deepa Mahotsavam is celebrated in the month of Vrischikam (Nov 15
- Dec 15). This festival is said to commemorate the self immolation of
Madri the mother of Sahadevan.
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