Sri Thrickodithanam Mahavishnu Temple (Changanassery, Kerala)
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📍 Thirukkadithaanam (Changanassery), Kottayam, Kerala
National SignificanceThe 90th Divya Desam at Thirukkadithaanam near Changanassery is the Pandava temple established by Sahadeva, where King Rukmangada attained salvation through the power of Ekadashi fasting in just one Kadigai.
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal (Nindra Kolam)
Moolavar: Sri Athpudha Narayanan / Amrutha Narayanan (Nindra Kolam / Standing posture facing East); Utsavar: Athpudha Narayanan; Thayar: Karpagavalli Thayar; Vimanam: Punyakoti Vimanam; Theertham: Bhoomi Pushkarini; Pratyaksham: Pandava Prince Sahadeva, King Rukmangada.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal (Nindra Kolam)
Ayarkkattuvayal Kailathupady Kodunnattukunnu Road, Changanassery, Keralam 686105
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
Observing the complete waterless Ekadashi fast here delivers spiritual liberation, as granted to King Rukmangada.
Observing strict Ekadashi fasts, lighting deepams in the chuttambalam corridors.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Thrickodithanam Mahavishnu Temple (Changanassery, Kerala)
Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal Temple in Thirukkadithaanam, near Changanassery in Kottayam district, Kerala, is the 90th Divya Desam. Glorified in 11 pasurams by Nammazhwar in his Thiruvaimozhi, it is the fifth and final temple of the Pancha Pandava Sthalams of Kerala, established by the youngest Pandava brother, Sahadeva.
The name Thirukkadithaanam is derived from Kadigai (a sacred span of 24 minutes) and Sthanam (place), signifying the sanctified spot where single-minded meditation upon the Lord for just one Kadigai bestows instantaneous cosmic liberation. According to the sthala puranam, Sahadeva searched across the region for an idol of Vishnu; when he could not find one, he meditated with intense resolve, whereupon the Lord miraculously manifested out of the earth as Athpudha Narayanan (the Miraculous / Wonder-working Narayana).
This is also the sacred site of the legendary King Rukmangada, who observed unbroken Ekadashi fasts throughout his kingdom, enabling all his citizens to ascend to Vaikuntha. The temple is famous for the Deepam festival and the historic stone sculpture of a servant (Keezhkalan) carrying a plantain stem outside the wall, reminding devotees of the sacredness of temple time and duties.
Architecture & Heritage
Kerala Indigenous Architecture (Ancient Chera era; inscriptions of Chera monarch Bhaskara Ravi Varman I (10th century CE))
Punyakoti Vimanam, circular granite sanctum with intricate 11th-century mural paintings depicting Dashavatara, Bhoomi Theertham.
Vattezhuttu stone inscriptions documenting the 'Kadithanam stone treaty' protecting temple wealth.
Rituals & Traditions
Three daily pujas per Kerala Tantric system; special Ekadashi aradhana.
Vrishchika Utsavam featuring classical Panchavadyam orchestras and elephant processions.
Palpayasam, Appam, Theertham.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional Kerala attire: Men must remove shirts and wear Dhoti/Mundu; Women must wear Saree or Salwar with Dupatta.
Level stone praharams with ramp at temple entryway; easily accessible for elderly devotees.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Athpudha Narayana Perumal (Nindra Kolam)
Karpagavalli Thayar Sannidhi, Sahadeva Pandava Penance Peetham, King Rukmangada Ekadashi Memorial, Lord Sastha (Ayyappa) Shrine, Keezhkalan Sculpture (Historic Time Sentinel), Lord Ganapathi Shrine, Garudazhwar Sannidhi
Ayarkkattuvayal Kailathupady Kodunnattukunnu Road, Changanassery, Keralam 686105
How to Reach
Cochin International Airport (COK) (approx 105 km)
Changanassery Railway Station (CGY) (approx 3 km)
Changanassery KSRTC Bus Stand (approx 3 km)
