Information of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura, Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala

Sree Poornathrayeesa temple is a Hindu temple and is known to be one of the grandest temples in all of Kerala. This temple is located in Tripunithura at Kochi. This temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu and he is worshipped in the form of Santhanagopala Murthy which is one of his avatars. The temple is famed for its yearly utsavams or festivals which are celebrated with much gusto and extravagance. This temple is host to the biggest festival in all of Kochi and all of Kerala.

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Religious Significance

The temple is a highly revered one and is visited by people not only from the neighboring areas but all of Kerala. The deity worshipped here is a form of Vishnu known as Santhanagopala Murthy who is worshipped mainly by barren couples. It is believed that when childless couples who have been trying for years and failing will be blessed with children if they worship the principal deity of this temple.

The temple also hosts a number of festivals that are important in the Hindu calendar but the one that it is famed for is the Vrischika Ulasavam. This festival of Vrischika Ulasavam is held during the month of Vrischikam in the Malayalam calendar which usually falls in between the months of November and December in the Gregorian calendar. This festival is a grand one and is held for a period of eight days. The festivities are continuous or eight days without any breaks making it one exciting affair. The festival is a very colorful one with caparisoned elephants, folk dances, and worship. This festival is a well attended one by devotees and tourists coming in by the thousands.

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Mythology & History

This temple being one of the most celebrated temples in all of Kerala has its own share of myths and legends. It is believed that Lord Vishnu in flesh gave the idol of Poornathrayeesa to Arjuna, the third Pandava brother. Arjuna was given this idol by the lord when he asked for his help to get 10 Brahmin children reborn in earth. He was granted this wish after which he took the children and the idol in his chariot to hand them over to the Brahmin he was praying for. To commemorate this event a temple was constructed with the sanctum sanctorum in the form of a chariot.

Ganesha was asked by Arjuna to look for a place to install the idol and till then the idol was kept in a palace which is situated west of the temple that stands today. This palace where the idol was kept is referred to as the Poonithura Kottaram in the present day. It is said that lord Ganesha was pulled towards the village of Poornavedapuram (Tripunithura) which was an ancient Vedic village and he decided to take the village for himself. However Arjuna pushed him towards the southern side of the sanctum and installed the idol where Ganesha was planning to install his own.

According to legends it can be seen that Sree Poornathrayeesa is the elder brother of the Goddesses belonging to the temples of Chottanikara and Pishari. He is said to have married a girl named Nangema from Vadakkedathu Mana and belonged to the Namboothri clan.

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Architectural Significance

The temple that stands today has been redesigned by an architect named Eachara Warrier. The temple has a two storied gopuram in front of it and consists of a Mandapam. These Mandapams are supported by eight wooden pillars that have been carved with magnificence. The temple can be said to be designed in the classical style of Kerala architecture. There is also Villakkuram in front of the temple.