Thiruvattar occupied an important position from the early period
onwards. During the ninth century A D, this place was an important
religious center of Vaishnavism. It was a buffer state between Panday, Ay
kings, Cholas and Venad Kings. The first ruler of Travancore, Marthanda
Varma and his able minister Ramayyan Dalawa gave much importance to
Thiruvattar temple. During the time of Marthanda Varma Nawab of Arcot
invaded Thiruvattar, but with the help of God Adhikeasava of Thiruvattar,
the place Thiruvattar was safe from foreign invasion. THUS PERUMAL
VAISHNAVISM WAS MAINTAINED BY THOSE LINEAGE KINGS OF KERALA WHICH IS
HISTORY, THAT I WROTE EARLIER ALSO.
Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple in Tamil
Nadu, India. It is surrounded by three rivers called the Kothai, the
Pahrali {ALSO SPELT AS PAKROLI RIVER IN CONNECTION WITH THE KUMARI KANDAM,
WHICH SHOWS THE ANCIENT TIME} and the Thamirabarani (ANOTHER OLDER RIVER
FOUND RIGHT FROM VALMIKI RAMAYANAM) . It is hard to give an exact date and
year when this temple was founded but according to Tami hymns it can be
dated from the 7th and 8th centuries C.E. (HOWEVER MANY HAD SPELT THE AGE
OF THIS TEMPLE AS2500 AND OLDER)
Marthanda Varma inherited the throne of Travancore formerly known
as Venad, from King Rama Varma, his uncle. He had to face opposition from
Ettuveetil Pillamar, so they decided to kill him. Marthanda Varma destroyed
both the feudal nobles and his cousin six years later. He was assisted by
his able minister Ramayyan Dalawa (ALSO SPELT AS DALAWAI RELATED TO TENKASI
TIRUNELVELI ORIGIN) . Ramayyan Dalawa was born in Ervadi (ERVADI), a
village In the district of Tirunelveli. When he was six years old his poor
father gave up his native village and came to Aruvikarai, near Thiruvattar
when he lived at Aruvikkarai, near worshipping the Adhi Keasa of
Thiruvattar daily. He was appointed as palace Rayasamarma. Marthanda Varma
had to face serious troubles on his eastern frontier. In 1740, Chanda sahib
and Arcot invaded and looted temples like Suchindram and Thiruvattar. They
invaded Thiruvattar temple and carried away the Archana Bimba of the Lord.
Later the Nawab of Arcot returned the idol and made an offering of a gold
cap and plate. Associated to this episode, the 21 days Thiru Allah Pooja
was conducted in this temple. The Dutch army landed at Colachal on 10th
February, 1741. Before moving to the battle at Colachal, Marthanda Varma
proceeded on the 10th June to Thiruvattar and placed sword before the deity
of Adhi Kesava of Thiruvattar and received it back from the priest of
Thiruvattar temple and offered 500 panams(cash) as kanikkai(donation) to
deity.
Maharaja appears to have conducted the war in person, the
victory of Marthanda Varma raised the prestige of Travancore. Karthika
Tirunal Rama Varma(1758-1798) Karthika Tirunal Rama Varma also known as Dharma
Raja . Amma Veedu has received great importance from his rule. It was
famous as the house of the wife of the king. The male members of these
families were called tampi and women were called Thakanchi and Kochamma. It
indicated the position of the Tampi families as relatives of the Royal
house of Travancore. Their families never had the fortune to sit on the
royal throne.
Swathi Tirunal (1829-1847) Swathi Tirunal was a great lover of music
and a musician himself. He composed more than 400 musical compositions.
Swathi Tirunal also hailed the Adhi KESAVA Perumal in Tiruvattar temple. He
married Thiruvattar ammachi Panapillai amma Srimathi Narayani Pillai
Kochamma of the Thiruvattar Amma Veedu family. Sri Mulam Tirunal(1885-1924)
Sri Moolam Tirunal has a record of the many-sided progress of Thiruvattar.
He focused keen interest upon the development of education, communication.
He introduced important departments in Tiruvattar. A magistrate court was
constructed; it functioned from 1897 due to the lack of facilities; it was
shifted to another place. A middle school was established in 1897 at
Thiruvattar, it is Malayalam Medium School. The construction of a bridge
was registered in 1897. In 1898. Sri Mulam Tirunal appointed Krishna Swamy
Rao as Diwan of Travancore W. Jopp was appointed as the chief engineer and
P. Subramania Iyer was appointed as the assistant engineer for the
construction of Thiruvattar bridge, completed in the year 1900. {AND IAM
PROUD OF MY UNCLE MOTHER’S BROTHER AS DIWAN LATER WHEN SIR CP RAMASAMY IYER
WAS THERE; HISTORY OF KERALA VARMA RULINGS WERE PURE DASA ATTITUDE TO
PADMANABHAN ONLY} Maharaja arrived at Thiruvattar on 11th February 1900. On
23rd June, regulation was made for opening a British Post Office. Diwan
Krishnamurthy Iyer has forwarded his request to Maharaja’s command.
Maharaja sanctioned the opening of a British Post Office on 25th June 1900.
History of Adikesava Perumal Temple The word “Adikesava”
literally means “the foremost friend” and according to one of the legends Swami
Adikesava defeated a demon called Kesi whose wife decided to pray to two
rivers: the Ganges and the Thamirabarani. And this prayer created a huge
destruction. The demon’s wife surrendered to the Lord in the end but the
formation of the three rivers had already made a circle which is known
under the name of Thiruvattar. Another legend depicts this story in a bit
different way: It says that Kesi, who saw her brother defeated, wanted to
avenge the defeat along with her friend Kothai, who took the form of a
river and surrendered the river on all sides with an intention to submerge
it but the mother earth named as Goddess hoomi upheld the temple, which is
why the temple is found located at a height of about 55 feet from sea
level. The rivers were cursed by Perumal but since they repented for their
action, Perumal forgave them and then took a dip at the place where the
rivers meet the Arabian Ocean, which is still celebrated even today as
the “Panguni
Utsavam” where Perumal comes and enact this act of forgiveness for his
curse.
Speciality of Adikesava Perumal Temple: Thiruvattar Adikesava
Perumal Temple is an excellent specimen of artistry from the Kerala blend,
it epitomizes the will power. The Udaya Marthanda hall which is found in
front of the temple illustrates the very sophisticated marriage procession
of Lord Ganesha, which is vividly described in various Puranas. The
speciality of this temple is that the two idols of Adikesava and
Padmanabhan face each other. The Supreme Lord, who is actually Vishnu or
Narayana and is one of the trinities of Hinduism, is seen resting on his
snake couch. Even Lord Shiva can be seen present at that place.
Festivals of Adikesava Perumal Temple: Though there are several
festivals associated with this temple, the most famous ones are the ones
which are called Perunthamirthu,Kalpa, Kalpa Pooja. This takes place in the
month of Thai is celebrated for about 12 days. Saturday's festival in the
month of Puratasi. The festival of Thiruvonom in the month of Avani is
worth mentioning.
Adikesava Perumal Temple Dress Code Below
general statement as per high court order Men should wear a “dhoti or
pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants and shirts” to temples and women
should wear “a sari or a half saree or churidar with upper cloth.” Children
could wear “any fully covered dress.” Requesting the entire tourist to
abide by the dress code rules to avoid disappointment.
Adikesava Perumal Temple Phone Number Contact the temple using this
number 04652 241270 Adikesava Perumal Temple Address Arulmigu Adikesava
Perumal Temple, Tiruvattar, Thiruvattar, Kalkulam (TK), Kanyakumari
(dt)–629171, Tamilnadu.
K RAJARAM IRS 30425
On Tue, 29 Apr 2025 at 07:16, 'gopala krishnan' via KeralaIyers <
[email protected]> wrote:
> *ADIKESAVA PERUMAL TEMPLE,NEAR MARTHANDAM, KANYAKUMARI
> DISTRICT-TAMILNADU-COMPILED*
>
> Dear friends,
>
> Today my posting is about the AadiKesava Perumal temple at Tiruvattar, in
> Kanyakumari District of Tamilnadu. The temple is closely related to
> Padmanabhaswamy temple, Trivandrum. I have visited the temple while working
> in Nagerkovil during 1977’.
>
> Nostalgia- I had a co- lecturer from Tiruvattar, while working at
> Trivandrum Telecom centre during 1991-1996. He had Malayalam as 2nd
> language in his degree from Madras University. He is settled in Trivandrum
> now.
>
> Hope a divine reading.
>
> Gopalakrishnan 29-4-2025.
>
> Introduction
>
> The Adikesava Perumal Temple is located in Thiruvattar, Kanyakumari
> district, Tamil Nadu, India and is *one of the 108 Divya desams*, the
> holy sites of Hindu Vaishnavism in existing Tamil hymns from the seventh
> and eighth centuries C.E.
>
> The temple is one of the historic thirteen Divya Desams of Malai Nadu. The
> temple is a picturesque setting *surrounded on three sides by rivers
> namely, (River Kothai, River Pahrali and River Thamirabarani)*
>
> *It was the Rajya Temple and Paradevatha shrine of Erstwhile Travancore
> kings*.
>
> Since Lord Vishnu resides here in a reclining position, and is surrounded
> by rivers, the temple is called as *"The Srirangam of Chera Kingdom".*
>
> It is considered the 76th of the 108 Vaishnava shrines . It is also one of
> the 13 hill shrines
>
> Legend
>
> According to the legends, Lord Brahma performed a Yaga which he was not
> supposed to do without his wife Saraswathi Devi. As a result of
> Saraswathi’s anger, two demons named Kesan and Kesi emerged out of the
> sacrificial fire, to trouble the world. The issue was elevated to lord
> Vishnu for a solution.
>
> Following an almighty battle, Lord Vishnu in the form of Kesava Perumal
> defeated Kesan. The Lord made him as a serpent bed and settled there. The
> lady demon Kesi, who had seen her brother Kesan defeated, wanted to avenge
> the lord. With her friend Kothai, they both took the form of rivers and
> surrounded the lord with the intention to submerge him. Bhoomi Devi (the
> earth Goddess) came to rescue the lord raising him quite above from the
> terrain. *Today, the temple is surrounded by the rivers Parali and Kotha
> with the temple around 50 feet above the land. *Thus, the formation of
> the rivers made in a circle came to be known as Thiruvattaru.
>
> The temple was consecrated by Parasurama and is admired by Veda vyasa in
> the sections which deal with temples in Padma Purana.
>
> History
>
> As per the stone inscriptions which dates back to 779 KE the temple is
> established in the Treta yuga. The Adikesava temple is also where Chaitanya
> Mahaprabhu, founder of the Gaudiya Vaishnava movement, discovered the lost
> manuscript of the Brahma Samhita.
>
> This temple is also older than the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in
> Thiruvananthapuram. The Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram
> was built on the basis of the structure and architecture of this temple.
>
> On 10 June 1741, Anizham Tirunal Marthanda Varma, the then ruler of
> Travancore, before going for the Battle of Colachel offered 908 panams,
> yataghan, and silk on the feet of Lord Adikesava and prayed for victory.
>
> Architecture
>
> *The temple architecture is a fusion of Dravidian and Kerala styles of
> architecture*, with wooden pillars, doors and roofs. The Temple is
> surrounded by a thirty-feet-high fort wall. The outer corridor stand on 224
> stone pillars. The adjacent forward facing mandapams includes sculptures
> and art works *which depicts events from Ramayana. *
>
> *It also portrays Gods and Goddesses from Hindu mythology including Shiva,
> Parvati and Sri Krishna etc.*
>
> Main deities
>
> Adikesava Perumal, Maragathavalli Thaayaar
>
> The Lord is lying on His snake couch and has to be *viewed through three
> doors*. We could see Lord Shiva near Lord Adikesava Perumal inside the
> sannidhi. Deepalakshmis are many but none resembles the other. The
> Otraikkal Mandapam (single stone hall), made of a single stone 3 feet
> thick, is a marvel. Oorthuva Thandavam, Venugopala, Rathi, Manmatha,
> Lakshmana and Indrajit are all excellently carved. The temple is also
> renowned for its murals.
>
> The composite columns of Virabhadra, holding a sword and a horn, are
> found be additions by the Vijayanagara kings in the early 1500s.
>
> The temple complex includes a sastha temple behind which stands the
> Ksetra pala and Balikkal. It also includes Sree Bali Prakaram and the
> Yanaikottil.
>
> Other deities are located in the south-western corner, the flag mast is
> located at the west at the Sree Balippura. As per the stone inscriptions in
> the pedestal of the flag mast it was renovated by Sree Moolam Thirunal Rama
> Varma VI in 1071 KE.
>
> The granite entrance of the Chitra Sabha includes sculptures of the Dwara
> Palakas known as Jaya and Vijaya.
>
> Sculptures of *Lakshmana and Pathanjali Tandava* carved to the left of
> Sabha Mandapam while that of *Indrajith and Muralidhara and Kalabairava*
> are carved to the right.
>
> The image of the chief deity in his sayana posture is sculpted on the
> wooden entrance door. Vattezhuthu inscriptions of Shilpa Shastra are found
> in adjacent walls. It also includes details about the 11th century Chola
> King Rajendra Chola.
>
> Sculptures of Rati and Manmadan is found opposite Udaya Marthanda
> Mandapam.
>
> The epic scenes Vinayaka Kalyanam, Bharata War and deities Varuna,
> Niriyati, Yama, Kubera, Indra, Agni, Brahma and Monks in penance are
> sculpted in a row above the Mandapam. A variety of mural painting are found
> along the walls of the inner prakarams.
>
> A secret passage leading to the Palace is found beneath the west of the
> inner prakarams which is covered with a large stone slab.
>
> *Going by extant legends, the temple is closely associated with the famous
> Sree Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Thiruvananthapuram
> Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy temple deity lies in the direction as to see
> the Thiruvattar Adi kesava deity*.
>
> The main deity was originally covered with gold kavachams in which
> diamonds and other precious stones were embedded which the Kerala kings had
> presented to the temple.
>
> There is also a small shrine for Lord Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy near the
> river and opposite to the Adikesava Perumal Temple.
>
> *The priests are from Kerala thulu potties and the processions to the lord
> are done as per their norms*
>
> Connection with Travancore kingdom
>
> The entire present day Kanyakumari District formed part of erstwhile
> Travancore Kingdom. Up to Marthanda Varma, all kings ruled the erstwhile
> Venad Kingdom (which was expanded by Marthanda Varma to form
> Thiruvithaamkoor) from Padmanabhapuram in Kanyakumari District. *It was
> Dharma Raja, the nephew and successor of Marthanda Varma, who shifted the
> capital to Thiruvananthapuram.*
>
> Padmanabhapuram Palace, the erstwhile royal abode of Travancore Kings,
> is still preserved in all its glory and is situated at Padmanabhapuram in
> Kalkulam Taluk of Kanyakumari District. *King Marthanda Varma was a
> staunch devotee of Lord Adikesava and used to worship at the temple before
> all the major war campaigns undertaken by him.*
>
> The presiding Deities of Thiruvananthapuram and Thiruvattar had a deep
> connection which reflects in the quantitative measurement of commodities
> utilised etc. The Perumals of Thiruvattar and Thiruvananthapuram remain
> closely bound to each other with this closeness being mirrored not only in
> festivals which coincide, special days, and many rituals, but also in their
> structural patterns, including the Ottakkal Mandapam.
>
> *In both cases the Moola Vigrahas are of Katu-Sarkara and are containing
> Salagramas*. The strong affiliation of the Venad kings to both
> Thiruvattar and Thiruvananthapuram temples in their privileges and
> responsibilities provide ample evidence of enduring interconnections.
>
> Devotees can also see Lord Shiva seated next to Aiyan Aadikesava Perumal
> inside the sanctum.
>
> Although many Deepalakshmi lamps are placed here, each one is different
> and not the same.
>
> Festivals and prasadhams
>
> Festivals
>
> Vaikuntha Ekadashi, Krishna Janmashtami
>
> Vaikunta Ekadesi is celebrated with pomp and glory. Paal Payasam (Milk
> Kheer), Aval and Appam are delicious prasadams at this temple. The pujas
> are done in the same manner as that of the Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple,
> Thiruvananthapuram.
>
> Other major festivals are Avani Thiruvonam (in Onam), Aippasi,
> Panguni festival, Kalpa Puja in the month of Thai (held for 10 days),
> Vaikuntha Ekadashi in the month of Margazhi.
>
> Pasurams
>
> Alvar saint Nammalvar had sung 11 pasurams in praise of Adi Kesava Swamy
> in the 6th Thiruvai mozhi. There are Three temples related to Adikesava
> Perumal Temple.
>
> Tiruvattar-name
>
> This town got its name Thiruvattaru because the Paraliyaru River flows
> around the feet of Adi Kesava Peruman, who has a school in the middle of
> this town. The place where the Paraliyaru River , which originates in
> Maramalai and flows towards the west , and the Kodaiyur River, which flows
> towards the northeast, merge and form a single river again is called
> "Muavatru Mugam" (three + river + face). Thus, it finally merges into the
> Arabian Sea.
>
> Sangam period
>
> Since Nammalvar refers to the temple deity of this village as 'Vattar', it
> is clear that the ancient name of this village was Vattar . Therefore, it
> can be understood that the Sangam king Vattar Ezhiniathan was from this
> village. Nammalwar has blessed this place with 11 songs. One of these songs
> is "I will worship the feet of Narana, who has arisen with the name of
> Adikesavan, by singing the hymns of the Lord, instead of being with the
> ordinary people who live a simple life and eat and sleep."
>
> Nammalvar, the greatest of the Azhwars, has composed 11 pasurams in praise
> of Aadikesava Swamy.
>
> Special features of the temple
>
> This temple is built in the Chera Nadu style. All men entering the temple
> must remove their shirts to show respect to the Lord. *The idol of the
> Lord, which is immersed in the Arithuyil with the Aadishedan as a bed, is
> 22 feet long*. It is said to be a Chatusakkarai Padimam made of 16,008
> Salagrama stones. There are three permanent gates in the sanctum sanctorum.
> The three parts of the Thirumugam, Thirukkaram and Thirupadham can be seen
> at each entrance. In the Thirumugam permanent gate, you can see the face
> immersed in the Arithuyil, the outstretched left hand, Aadishedan and
> Garudazhvar. In the Thirukkaram gate, you can see the right hand showing
> the Chinmudra and the five arms including the conch chakram. It is the
> tradition of this temple to worship the Thirumugam, Thirukaram, and
> Thirupadham in the same order. The main gate of this temple faces west.
>
> Inscriptions
>
> There is a Tamil inscription on the flagpole in this temple. In addition,
> the inscription mentions the reigns of the following kings.
>
> Kulasekara Perumal - AD 644-659 Veeramarthandavarma - AD 510-519
>
> Veerakerala Varma - AD 519-550 Sempaladitta Varma - AD 612-645
>
> Unni Kerala Varma - AD 734-753
>
> Temple Timings
>
> Thiruvattar Adikesava Perumal Temple is open from 5 AM to 11:30 AM. From 5
> PM to 8 PM.
>
> Dress Code
>
> For Men: “dhoti or pyjama with upper cloth or formal pants without
> shirts”.For Women: “a saree or a half saree or churidhar with upper
> cloth.”For Children: “any fully covered dress.”
>
> Administration
>
> After state reorganisation, the temple was handed over to Tamil Nadu H&RCE
> Dept.
>
> Location of the temple
>
> The temple is within walking distance from the Thiruvattaru bus stand.
> There is also a notice board indicating the route to the temple. The
> geographical coordinates of this temple, located at an altitude of *about
> 50 meters above sea level. *
>
> Address:
>
> Temple Road, Kul. sekharam, Thiruvattaru, Tamil Nadu 629171.Phone: 094425
> 77047
>
>
>
> --
> On Facebook, please join https://www.facebook.com/groups/keralaiyerstrust
>
> We are now on Telegram Mobile App also, please join
>
> Pattars/Kerala Iyers Discussions: https://t.me/PattarsGroup
>
> Kerala Iyers Trust Decisions only posts : https://t.me/KeralaIyersTrust
>
> Kerala Iyers Trust Group for Discussions:
> https://t.me/KeralaIyersTrustGroup
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "KeralaIyers" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to [email protected].
> To view this discussion visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/keralaiyers/484109057.2029342.1745936161954%40mail.yahoo.com
> <https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/keralaiyers/484109057.2029342.1745936161954%40mail.yahoo.com?utm_medium=email&utm_source=footer>
> .
>
--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
"Thatha_Patty" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email
to [email protected].
To view this discussion visit
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZorrGSKQxqyFsWorZOH%2BYdf4j196vrNe049xrYCnuZiC5A%40mail.gmail.com.
