Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Thrippunithura — Attraction in Kerala

Sree Poornathrayesa temple (in Malayalam: ശ്രീ പൂര്‍ണ്ണത്രയീശ ക്ഷേത്രം) is a Hindu temple situated in Tripunithura, Kochi, the capital of the former Kingdom of Cochin, Kerala, India. The temple is considered among the greatest temples in Kerala and was the first among eight royal temples of the erstwhile Kochi Kingdom. The deity was also considered the national deity of Cochin and protector guardian of Tripunithura. The deity in this temple is Lord Vishnu, who is in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy. Lord Poornathrayeesa is known for his love of elephants. Hence more than 40 elephants participate in his Vrishchikotsavam.[definition needed] And most of the elephants are sent for the utsavam (festival) without a money return expected by the elephant owners as Poornathrayeesa is considered to be an elephant lover. Lord Ganesh, who was attracted by the holiness of the ancient Vedic village, Poornavedapuram (now Tripunithura), tried to occupy the place for himself. However, Arjuna pushed him away to the southern side of the sanctum and installed his idol there. This is different from the usual custom, where Lord Ganesh has a separate shrine at the south-western side of the inner prakaram. As the place was bounded by mustard fields, Arjuna used some mustard seeds to get oil for lighting a lamp. A Valia Vilakku is situated in front of the idol; people say that the burnt oil of this traditional lamp contains medicinal value. According to legend, it is believed that Sree Poornathrayeesa is the elder brother of the goddesses of Eroor Pisharikovil Temple and Chottanikkara Temple. It is also believed that the lord was married to a Namboothiri girl, Nangema, from Vadakkedathu Mana. During the annual temple festival occasions, deities from Perumthrikovil Temple (Lord Shiva) and Eroor Pisharikovil Temple (Lakshmi) visit here for their aaraattu and a combined pooja and procession thereafter. This is locally called Sankara-Narayana Vilakku (Shiva and Vishnu) and Laksmi-Narayana Vilakku (Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu). The Aaraattu (the holy bath of the deity) of Sree Poornathrayeesa takes place at the temple pond of Chakkamkulangara Shiva Temple, which is situated north-east of the Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple. The moolasthaanam or 'origin' is located in Poonithura Sree Krishna Temple, which is 1.5 km west of Sree Poornathrayeesha temple. The then-ruler shifted the deity from the place to the existing location. Ambalam Kathi Ulsavam is a unique festival which is observed to commemorate this incident. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple on this special day which falls in the month of Thulam. After the evening deeparadhana, they set fire to camphor arranged around the temple. All the lamps are lit and it gives off a feeling that the entire temple is on fire. However, this is not the only festival in this temple. The Vrishchikolsavam, which is in late November, is the main festival at this temple. Vrishchika Ulsavam is a festival which usually starts in November–December every year. The festival lasts for eight days, with events running 24/7. Events feature traditional folk art forms such as Ottan Thullal, Kathakali, thayambaka, Chenda melam, katcheri, maddala ppattu, kombu pattu, and kuzhal pattu. Stalls are set up in front of and behind the temple selling food and various articles. Apart from this, the temple also hosts two other main festivals and other small celebrations as well every year. The birthday of Sree Poornathrayeesha falls on "Uthram" Nakshathra of the Malayalam month Kumbham (February–March), which is preceded by Para Utsavam, where people give special offerings to the temple. Every year in August–September, there is another festival called Mooshari Utsavam in commemoration of the sculptor who had moulded the divine image of Sree Poornathrayeesan. It is believed the sculptor himself merged with the divine to give life to the amazing mould of Poornathrayeesha, which is still used in the sanctum. Lakshmi Naryana Vilakku, Uthram Vilakku and Thulam Ombath Utsavam are other main...

Tripunithura is a temple town which is 6 km from Cochin and 20 km from Cochin air port. The palace of the erstwhile king of Cochin is situated in this town. Poornathrayeesa (Lord Vishnu) is the family deity of the cochin kings. The name actually means the “Complete God of the three Vedas”. It could also mean , “Complete God of the holy trinity , Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.”. People believe that the temple is nearly 5000 years old. The God in the temple is believed to be Santhana Gopala Murthy . It is believed that Arjuna during the Mahabaratha days promised a Brahmin to prevent the death of the yet to be born child of a Brahmin and promised to him that if he was not able to do it , he will commit suicide. When he was not able to do it, Lord Krishna helped him to recover the soul of the baby from the clutches of God of death. After this Lord Krishna gave him his idol in the form of “Santhana Gopala Murthy” . When he neared his death Arjuna gave the idol to Lord Ganapathy and requested him to find a suitable place and consecrate it. Lord Ganapathi came across the “Poorna Veda Puram” and liked it so much that he himself sat there. It seems Arjuna hearing this pushed Lord Ganapathy away and consecrated the idol of the “Santhana Gopala Murthy there”. Due to the push the Ganapathy’s idol fell facing south and even today in this unique Ganapathi temple, the idol faces the southern direction. Later a temple got built and the Cochin kings adopted it as their family deity . It seems the temple caught fire in the year 1920 and all buildings except the west Gopuram was destroyed. The main idol was saved by covering it with big earthern vessels. All the other idols as well as the main idol were later shifted to “Puthen Bunglavu(New Bungalow) and then Cochin king rebuilt the entire temple with modern building materials under the advice of the great architect Sri Eachara Warrier,. The west Gopuram believed to have been built by divine beings was left as such. It has idols with very unique beauty in a very ancient pristine form. The Idol of Sanathana Goipalan is again unique. Here Lord Vishnu instead of reclining on Adhisesha is sitting on him, with Adhisesha holding his five faces like an umbrella over his head. The sanctum sanctorum (Garbha Griham) is fashioned after a horse drawn chariot. His devotees believe that he can help us beget children and also help us protect our children from all problems. The Ganapathi idol is kept in a temple near the Palace (Poonithura Kottaram) .Lord Purnathrayeesa is believed to be the elder brother of The Chothanikkara Bhagwathy. He is also believed to have married A numboodiri lady called “Nangema” belonging to the Vadakkedathu Mana. There are several festivals which are held at this temple. Some of them are:- Moosari Uthsavam On the first 8 days of the Malayalam month of Chingam(August septemer ) there is festival commemorating the great one who sculpted the idol of Poornathrayeesa(Moosari is the metal smith in Malayalam) Atha Chamayam This is an annual festival celebrated during the onam festival in the month of Chingam (August-September) . Large number of devotees gather here, Apart from the processions there is also Pulikkali(Tiger dance) Onbathathi Uthsavam This commemorates the bringing back of the idol from Puthan Bugalavu , where the idol was shifted after the fire. This is celebrated on the 9th of the Malayalam month of Thulam (October-November).Onbathanthi means on date 9th. Vruschigothsavam This is the most important festival of the temple and it is celebrated in the month of Vruschigam (November-December) for a period of eight days. Apart from the AAna Seeveli( procession of God on elephants) a golden pot is also kept on a raised platform. People who make offerings to the pot are supposed to become lucky .Large number of programmes involving folk arts of Kerala and classical arts of South India are arranged during this festival. On the fouth day of the festival called “thrikketta...

A Divine Experience. Poornathrayeesha Temple is one of the most spiritually enriching and culturally vibrant temples in Kerala. Located in the heart of Tripunithura, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Santhanagopala Murthy) is not just a religious destination but also a historical landmark.

The temple architecture is stunning, featuring traditional Kerala-style craftsmanship with beautifully carved woodwork and a peaceful temple pond. The main sanctum radiates divine energy, and the idol of Lord Poornathrayeeshan is believed to be extremely powerful, especially for couples praying for children.

What makes this temple stand out is its rich tradition of festivals. The Vrischikolsavam is a grand celebration with caparisoned elephants, melam , and vibrant cultural programs that attract devotees and tourists from all over. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Cleanliness and discipline are well maintained by the temple authorities. Devotees are encouraged to follow traditional customs and dress modestly, which adds to the sanctity of the place.

Whether you're a devotee, a culture lover, or a curious traveler, a visit to Poornathrayeesha Temple is highly recommended. It offers not just blessings, but also a deep sense of peace and connection with Kerala's heritage

Ambalam Kathi Ulsavam is a unique festival which is observed to commemorate this incident. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple on this special day which falls in the month of Thulam. After the evening deeparadhana, they set fire to camphor arranged around the temple. All the lamps are lit and it gives off a feeling that the entire temple is on fire.

However, this is not the only festival in this temple. The Vrishchikolsavam, which is in late November, is the main festival at this temple.

Vrishchika Ulsavam is a festival which usually starts in November–December every year. The festival lasts for eight days. Events feature traditional folk art forms such as Ottan Thullal, Kathakali, thayambaka, Chenda melam, katcheri, maddala ppattu, kombu pattu, and kuzhal pattu. Stalls are set up in front of and behind the temple selling food and various articles.

Apart from this, the temple also hosts two other main festivals and other small celebrations as well every year. The birthday of Poornathrayeesha falls on "Uthram" Nakshathra of the Malayalam month Kumbham (February–March), which is preceded by Para Utsavam, where people give special offerings to the temple. Every year in August–September, there is another festival called Mooshari Utsavam in commemoration of the sculptor who had moulded the divine image of Poornathrayeesan. It is believed the sculptor himself merged with the divine to give life to the amazing mould of Poornathrayeesha, which is still used in the sanctum.

Lakshmi Naryana Vilakku, Uthram Vilakku and Thulam Ombath Utsavam are other main...