Thiruvalvaazh

Thiruvalvaazh
Sri Kolapira Perumal

Sri Kolapira Perumal Temple

Thiruvalvaazh Sree Vallabha temple is one of the 108 divya desam temples situated in Tiruvalla,Kerala.

There are many legends associated with this temple. Sreevallabha temple has been glorified by Alwars and many other ancient works. It is considered to be the vallabha kshethram mentioned in Garuda Puranam and Matsya Puranam.

There was a demon who was also the leader of Lord Shiva's Siva Ganangal, was fierce and gave Narabali (human scarifice) for Siva.Lord Siva asked him not to do this and asked him to worship Lord Narayanan. He also said by worshipping him, he can get salvation and can attain Paramapadham. The chief of the Ganas, who was a staunch saivate, changed to Vaishnavam and started chant the Ashtakshara Mantram, "Om Namo Narayanaya". At the same time he stopped worshipping Lord Siva and tied two small bells on his ears to avoid hearing Shiva's name or his mantram "Om Nama Shivaya". He then became to be known as 'Kanda Karnan' (Bells on his ears)

Though not wanting to hear the mantram of Lord Shiva he was really thinking about him and at the same time he was devoted towards Sri Narayana by chanting the Ashtakshara mantram, "Om Namo Narayana". He eventually attained the paramapadham. To show the unity of Saivam and Vaishnavam, in this sthalam Thiru Neeru (Vibhoodi) is given as the Prasadham to the devotees,which is not a normal practice in Vaishnava temples.

As per another legend, there lived an illiterate woman called Antharjanam (later to be known as Sankaramangala thenmai). She is a great devotee of Sri Narayanan. She used to observe fasting during ekadasis and after the fasting she used to feed brahmacharis(bachelors). Once she was waiting to offer food to a brahmachari, a demon named Tholakasuran stood in front of her home seeing that no brahmacharis could enter and get food from her. Sankaramangala then prayed to Sriman Narayana. Perumal took the form of a brahmachari and fought with the asuran and killed him. Perumal in the disguise of brahmacahri and ate the food Sankaramangala offered him.Sankaramangala realised that he is none other than Sri Narayana and she asked him to remove the vastram over his chest. In the bare chest she could see the figure of Periya pirati and she realised that he is Sri Narayana himself. As he came as a brahmachari he is also called as "Sri Vallabhan".

Inside the praharam

The temple is built in the silent and picturesque land on the banks of Manimala river, covers an area of around 8.5 acres.

The sanctum is round shaped and you can see big eight feet'sangu' and 'chakram' in front of the moolavar.Sreevallabha murthy is a massive 7 feet tall and is situated at a height of 10 feet. We can see the Sudarsana murthy on the rear side of the sanctum facing west. Unlike usual yantra form, here Sudarsana murthy appaeras in eight handed human form bearing sangu (conch), chakram(disc), gada (mace), padma(lotus), pasha(rope), ankusam (hook), musala(pole), and dhanush(bow). No other temple is known to have both lord Vishnu and lord Sudarsana under same roof. There are numerous 'Paavai vilaku' statues on the inside wall of the praharam.

  The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Vallabaswamy also known as Sri Kola Perumal and Thiruvazhmaarban. The majestic idol of Perumal is in Nindra thirukkolam (standing posture) facing the East and is seen bearing a lotus in right hand, chakra in right upper hand, Sangu (conch) in left upper hand and his left hand kept on his waist. Prathyaksham for Kanda Karnan.

Thayaar The Thaayar of this sthalam is Selva Thirukkozhundhu Naachiyaar also called as Vaathsalya Devi.

Mangalaasasanam The temple is revered by the verses of Nammalwar

Temple location The temple is around 5 kms from Tiruvalla railway station which is between Kollam and Ernakulam .

Temple Timings The temple is open from 4:00 AM till 12:00 noon and from 5:00 pm till 8:30 pm

How to reach? The temple is around 5 kms from Tiruvalla railway station and easily accesible either from Chengannur or Changanassery. There are plenty of local autos from the station to the temple.

Where to Stay? There are some budget hotels here for staying.
Contact Sree Vallabha murthy Temple,
Sree Vallabhapuram,
Kizhakummuri,
Thiruvalla,
Kerala 689102
Phone: 0469 270 0191

Useful data
State: Kerala
District:Pathanamthita
Famous for: Pilgrimage,commercial
Languages: Malayalam
Best Season: Throughout the year.
Weather: Summer 33-39°C, Winter 16-28°C . Heavy seasonl rains from June till August
Altitude: Sea level