History of the place

Emperor Mahabali, was a very generous person, but also had pride in it. To cut off his pride, Lord Vishnu took Vamana avatar (a dwarf like man) and sought three feet of land. Mahabali's Guru Sukra understood the Lord's intention and advised the king to deny the request of Vamana. Mahabali feared the loss of his benefits of good deeds and promised the Lord of his request. But the Lord took his Viswaroopa form (mightiest and tallest Form), covered the earth and sky in his two feet and asked Mahabali the space for the third foot. Realising his mistake, he offered his head for the third foot and the Lord pressed on his head and pushed him to the Paadala Loka. The king requested the Lord to allow him to come to earth every year once to visit his people and bless them. As blessed by the Lord, Mahabali comes back to earth on the Thiruvonam day (Onam festival) in Avani month and bless his countrymen.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasasanam (hymns) by Nammazhwar. This is the 68th Divya desam.

Temple History, Speciality, Miracle and Greatness

The Lord Vamana faces east direction and is in standing posture under the Pushkala vimana. This temple was established by Lord Parasurama. This temple hosts a Shivalinga worshipped by King Mahabali, a great shiva devotee. Both Saivites and Vishnavites worship here. There are separate shrines for Lord Vamana (Perumal) and Lord Shiva. This is the place where the Vamana avtar took place.

Pariharam

People pray for wisdom, child boon, relief from doshas and sins.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees offer milk porridge (pal payasam) to the Lord and distribute the same as prasad.

Festival Period

10 days Thiruvonam utsav in Avani month on Hastham star day. Once this festival was celebrated for 28 days.

Dharshan Timings

IST 05:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 05:00 PM to 08.00 PM.

How to reach

Thirukakkarai is 20 km away from Ernakulam. Both train and bus facilities are available from Ernakulam.

Nearest Location

Railway Station: Ernakulam Airport : Cochin