- Location: Ponnani, Kerala
- Main Deity/Deities: Lord Vishnu
- Major Attraction: A ten day long festival.
- Timings: 5.00 am to 07.00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free
Thirunavaya Temple, a sacred place located near Bharathapuzha River, is an ancient temple that is devoted to Lord Vishnu and other deities. The temple got its name from the nearby pilgrimage center called Thirunavaya of Malappuram district.
The famous Mamankam Festival used to take place in the temple premises. This particular festival was celebrated in the form of martial arts which was performed by suicide squads. The temple’s history is as old as 6000 years and as an art connoisseur, you would love to have a glimpse of the magnificent sculptures that form part of the sanctum.
Thirunavaya Temple houses images of Lord Vishnu’s ten incarnations, these images illustrate the famous incidence of Lord Shiva blessing Arjuna (one of Pandavas) and giving him Pashupatastra. In earlier days, the temple used to be the witness of Cultural events organized by Malabar rulers. These shows take place once in 12 years.
An annual festival that is carried for ten days is organized at the temple complex. This special event is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Kodiyettam and Arattu are the main features of this festival. The celebrations are carried out with the colorful performances of Kathakali, Krishnanattam, and Mohiniyattam, the popular dance forms of Kerala.
Legend of the Temple
According to a legend, the eight idols of the Nava Mukundan which were installed by the saints in Thirunavaya Temple disappeared. A ninth one was placed whose lower half portion sank in water. It is because of this reason the sacred image of Nava Mukundan is shown only upto knees.
Weather
Kerala experiences a tropical climate, so Thirunavaya generally has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. The region is characterized by high humidity and receives significant rainfall during the monsoon season, which typically occurs from June to September. The best time to visit in terms of weather is during the relatively cooler and drier months of December to February.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Thirunavaya Temple is during the winter months from December to February when the weather is more pleasant and suitable for exploring the temple and its surroundings.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Calicut International Airport, which is approximately 43 kilometers away from Thirunavaya. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
- By Train: The Thirunavaya Railway Station is well-connected to other parts of Kerala and India. It is the closest railway station to the temple, making it a convenient option for travelers.
- By Road: Thirunavaya is well-connected by road. You can reach the temple by bus or hire a taxi from nearby towns and cities. The temple is about 8 kilometers from Tirur, which is a major transportation hub in the region.
