Sree Poornathrayesa Temple:
Sree Poornathrayesa Temple, located in the heart of Tripunithura, Kochi, is one of Kerala’s most revered Hindu temples. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy (Poornathrayeesa), the deity is widely worshipped for blessing childless couples with children. The temple holds historical significance as the first of eight royal temples of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin, with Poornathrayeesa regarded as the kingdom’s national deity and protector of Tripunithura.
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| Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple of Tripunithura, Kerala sreepoornathrayeesatemple.org,. |
Annual Festivals and Celebrations
The temple is famous for its grand festivals, especially the Vrishchikotsavam, an eight-day festival held in the Malayalam month of Vrishchikam (November–December). This festival marks the beginning of Kerala’s temple festival season and draws large crowds of devotees and cultural enthusiasts. The celebration features elaborate cultural programs, including traditional Melam (percussion performances), Kathakali dance, and classical music concerts.
One of the highlights of Vrishchikotsavam is Thrikketta Purappadu, the fourth day of the festival, when the deity is adorned in a magnificent golden attire and paraded atop a richly decorated elephant, surrounded by 14 other elephants. Devotees offer their prayers in golden pots, which are brought out from the temple’s treasure vault, making it a grand spectacle.
Another significant tradition during the festivals is the visit of deities from nearby temples. Lord Shiva from Perumthrikovil Temple and Goddess Lakshmi from Eroor Pisharikovil Temple participate in the processions known as Sankara-Narayana Vilakku and Lakshmi-Narayana Vilakku, symbolizing the divine union of these deities with Lord Vishnu.
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| Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple of Tripunithura, Kerala |
Rituals and Aaraattu
The Aaraattu, or the ceremonial bath of the deity, is an important ritual during the festival. It is conducted at the pond of Chakkamkulangara Shiva Temple, located northeast of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. This ritual, which is an integral part of the festivities, is attended by numerous devotees, adding a spiritual dimension to the celebration.
Temple Architecture
Sree Poornathrayesa Temple is an excellent example of Kerala temple architecture, though much of its original wooden structure was lost in a fire in 1920. The temple was redesigned by the famed architect Sri Eachara Warrier, who rebuilt it using concrete, cleverly masked with copper plates, wooden panels, and granite tiles to maintain the traditional style. The sanctum sanctorum is adorned with large brass sheets featuring images of gods and goddesses, while the roof is covered in copper sheets. The entrances are covered with gold, adding to the temple’s grandeur.
Historical Roots
The temple’s moolasthaanam (origin) is believed to be at the nearby Poonithura Sree Krishna Temple, about 1.5 km from the current site. According to legend, the deity was relocated by a former ruler to the present temple in Tripunithura, making it a historically significant site for worshippers.
Conclusion
Sree Poornathrayesa Temple stands as a beacon of Kerala’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage. With its grand festivals, intricate rituals, and beautiful architecture, the temple continues to draw devotees and tourists, preserving its status as one of the most important religious sites in the region. Based on:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sree_Poornathrayeesa_Temple
https://www.makeheritagefun.com/vrischikotsavam-sree-poornathrayeesa-temple/
