Kerala is home to lots of well-known Vishnu temples, like the Padmanabhaswamy temple at Thiruvananthapuram and the equally popular Guruvayur temple. At Padmanabhaswamy temple, Vishnu is sleeping in the Ksheersagar peacefully as a lotus grows out of his navel. At Guruvayur, he is the four-armed Vishnu holding his four Ayudhas– Shankha or Conch, Sudarshan Chakra or disc, Kaumudiki Gada or mace, and Padma or lotus flower.

At Kochi, I would fulfill his Vamana avatara, whose story is so rooted in the land of Kerala. And, it is the only temple dedicated to him in Kerala.

Legend of Vamana Avatara

Legend goes that the Devatas lost their kingdom to the Asura King Mahabali. Being the grandson of Prahlada, an ardent enthusiast of Vishnu, he ruled righteously with compassion. His individuals liked him. But the Devatas desired their kingdom back, and they asked for Vishnu to help them out. Vishnu can be found in the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin holding an umbrella, when Mahabali was performing a Yagna. After the Yagna, when it was time to get the Dakshina, Vamana requested land that he could cover with his 3 actions. Despite being cautioned by his Expert, Mahabali concurred.

This is when Vishnu took a giant type and covered the earth and Swarga with his 2 steps, and asked where to keep the 3rd step. Mahabali used his head, and he was sent to Rasatala– one of the netherworlds, to rule there. Sri Vamana Moorthy temple at Thrikkakara is thought to be standing at the exact spot where this took place.

However, Mahabali might go back to fulfill his individuals when a year. This is how the festival of Onam was born. Yes, Onam is the event of Mahabali visiting his land once a year.

Sri Vamana Moorthy Temple at Thrikkakara

I was visiting just before Onam, and there might not have been a much better location to feel the festivity than going to the ancient temple devoted to Vamana Avatar of Vishnu. This Vamana Moorthy temple at Thrikkakara is the epicentre of the Onam festival in Kerala. Temple records suggest at least 1200+ years of unbroken custom of commemorating Onam. Yes, Onam is the biggest festival of this temple in addition to the state of Kerala.

from where he was sent out to Rasatala when Vamana put his foot on his head. So, this is where his yearly homecoming is commemorated the most. Spread across 10 acres, I would always remember this temple as being more horizontal than vertical, unlike many other temples that have high structures. There are huge grounds around the temple where you can quickly walk and feel the spiritual aura of the space. The area provides a lot of peace and tranquillity, even when there are lots of people going to the temple. One questions if it indeed portrays the vastness of Mahabali’s heart.

The temple architecture is normal of Kerala temples with red slanting roofing systems and walls with wooden panels criss-crossing to produce a grid-like effect. At the entrance, you see a tall deepa stambha in metal, which would look lovely when it is lit in the evening.

Garbhagriha

In the garbhagriha of the primary temple is a Murti of Vamana. It portrays him as he prepares to keep his foot on the head of Mahabali as his third action. The temple is believed to have actually been established by Parashurama, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, whose footprint can be seen across the Konkan coast. The story of Vamana avatar comes alive when you stand in front of this Murti, and of course, you can see it inscribed on the walls of the temple. Kerala Tourist site informs me that these inscriptions are at least 2500 years old. Other than this there are vigrahas of Devi as Bhagavati, Sashtha– the boy of Shiva and Vishnu as Mohini, Gopala Krishna, and Naga.

Naimisharanya

Within the compound, I was pleasantly amazed to see the entertainment of Naimisharanya in the type of cultural spaces of the temple where performances occur. With vast open area and ample nature, I think Naimisharanya is the appropriate name, reminiscent of the spiritual forest where countless rishis lived to pursue understanding as soon as upon a time.

There is an old Banyan tree, and near to it is the temple of Brahmarakshasa.

The wall of lamps that goes around the temples in Kerala is always intriguing. I have actually seen the lights burning at a couple of temples, and they create such a raw energy around the temple. As if a wall of fire is safeguarding everybody present there.

Onam Celebrations

10-day Onam festival of the temple is commemorated in the Malayalam month of Chingam, or when the Sun remains in Leo zodiac. At the temple, it is marked by the hoisting of the ritualistic flag. Every day, the divine being is impersonated among the 10 avatars of Vishnu. Throughout the 10 days, there are efficiencies of dances, singing, poetry recitation, and musical performances like Panchvadyam.

The last two days of the celebration see grand processions with temple elephants taking the deity around the temple complex, pausing at each of the four entryways.

The last 2 days also see the omnipresence of Onam Sadya– a grand feast of Kerala food on a Banana leaf that is now popular across the country. Countless individuals show up from all strolls of life to take part for this feast. If you take place to be in Kochi around Onam, do taste it.

This temple is a lot a part of Onam that at all other locations, the icons of Vamana and Maveli (Mahabali) are called Trikkakara-Appan, describing the divine being here.

108 Vishnu Forehead

Vamanamoorthy temple is among the 108 Vishnu temples discussed as Divya Desams by the poet saints Alvars, making it highly sacred for the Vishnu followers.

Athachamayam is a grand procession as part of the Onam events. In the days of royal dynasties, individuals utilized to go from Thirupunithara to the Vamana Moorthy temple at Thirukakkara.

Days before Onam, you likewise see the eagerness with which Mahabali is awaited by the descendants of his kingdom to this day. Onam constantly advises me that your generosity and kindness will constantly be remembered, even across eons and across generations.

Blissful Experience

Kerala temples are very clean and properly maintained. I liked walking this temple, soaking in the divine aura and the festive vibes of Onam. The architecture never ever lets you forget you remain in Kerala.

Travel Tips for Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple in Kochi

Temple is finest visited morning. You can quickly spend an hour here.

No photography is allowed within the temple properties.

It can be quickly done on a journey to Kochi.