Thrivikramangalam Mahavishnu Temple — Attraction in Kerala

Thiru Ananthapuram is home to many ancient temples and one of the oldest among them is the Thrivikramangalam Mahavishnu Temple. Hidden away in an out of the way scenic spot on the west bank of the meandering Karamana river, though well within the city limits and hardly 5 km from the central railway station or bus stand, the shrine does not get the attention it deserves from the traveller or the pilgrim.

The temple dates back to the 11th-12th C. period, and in all probability was a great example of the sculptural extravagance of the era. Unlike most other temples, what is unique here is that its construction employed some ancient techniques and materials, most of which have been eroded away by the harsh weather and lack of any conservation efforts. The Department of Archaeology has declared the temple a protected monument -- but only after most of the damage was done, and the fine carvings and murals on the sanctum walls had been irrecoverably damaged. But what remains still offers a glimpse into the past glory and grandeur of the temple.

The square sanctum is three-storeyed ('thrithala' design), with tiled roof and a granite base. But the super structure appears to be built of a rare variety of pink soft laterite type stone and stucco plaster. Most of the finely detailed carvings and almost all the murals have disappeared by now. Though some murals on the north wall had been scientifically conserved by the archaeology department, the ravages of weather have left no trace of them at present.

The chief deity is Mahavishnu in the 'Thrivikrama' aspect. The huge Vishnu idol in the 'garbha griha' is a 6 feet tall life-size one. Sub deities are Ganapathy, Sastha and Siva, with shrines adjacent to the sanctum. The wonderfully detailed carvings in stone of the fairly large 'dwarapalakas', dancers, musicians etc that have stood the test of time are noteworthy examples of the sculptural excellence of the period.

For long the temple was owned by the Koopakkara Madhom (who had tantric rights in many temples including the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple), though later it was taken over by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

For the avid traveller and pilgrim, the temple offers an unmatched experience in a calm and peaceful riverside setting so typical of the countryside of...

The Thrivikramangalam Mahavishnu Temple is a hidden treasure nestled on the banks of the serene Karamana River in Thamalam, Thiruvananthapuram. Here’s my take on this sacred abode:

Architectural Splendor: Dating back to the 11th - 12th century CE, this temple boasts intricate sculptures and awe-inspiring architecture. The three-storeyed sanctum sanctorum with tiled roofs is a visual delight.

Lord Vishnu’s Grace: The main deity, Lord Vishnu in his ‘Thrivikrama’ form, stands tall within the temple. His divine presence envelops devotees in a sense of peace and reverence.

Protected Monument: Recognized by the Archaeology Department, the temple stands as a testament to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

🚂 Distance from Thampanoor Railway Station:

Just a short 1 km journey separates the railway station from this spiritual haven. 🚌 Distance from Thampanoor Bus Station:

The temple is conveniently located 5 km east of Thiruvananthapuram Central Bus Station. 🏛️ Near Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple:

The iconic Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a mere 6 km away from Thrivikramangalam. Devotees can easily explore both temples in one divine pilgrimage In summary, Thrivikramangalam Mahavishnu Temple beckons seekers of spirituality with its ancient charm and architectural marvels. A must-visit for those yearning for...

A Timeless Sanctuary of Peace, Our pride!! Vamanamurthy temple

Visiting this ancient temple, now beautifully preserved under the care of the Archaeology Department, was a soul-stirring experience. Stepping into its serene grounds felt like stepping back in time—the quietness, the sacred energy, and the natural surroundings created an atmosphere of deep calm and reflection in my own Thrivikramangalam Mahavishnu Temple

Every stone seemed to whisper stories of devotion and history, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace just being there. It’s more than just a monument; it’s a place where time slows down and the soul feels at home. Grateful to have been born and bought in this place, and the temple is a real gem, and even more grateful for the...