Thrikkakara Vamana Moorthy Temple - 108 Divya Desam

This Thrikkakara temple complex is enclosed in a large area in picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to lord Vamana. Constructed in Kerala style architecture, the temple is glorified in the early medieval Tamil saints from the 6th to 9th centuries AD. The legend describes that lord Vishnu descended as ‘Vamana’ to restore the authority of Indra, the king of heaven, as it had been taken by a demon named Mahabali. Mahabali was the grandson of Prahlada, a renowned Vishnu devotee. But, he was not generous with the people and did severe penance to conquer the world. Unable to contain his arrogance, the divine souls went on to request the help from lord Vishnu.

It was lord Vishnu, who himself disguised as Vamana (little boy as a Brahmin) carrying a wooden umbrella, went to the king to request three pieces of land. Mahabali consented, against the warning of his teacher, who understood that it was the lord himself. Lord Vishnu revealed his identity to stride over the three worlds. He stepped from heaven to earth in 2 steps. King Mahabali, unable to fulfill his promise, offered his head for his third step. Lord Vishnu blessed the king with immortality for his humility and obliged him to visit his land (Kerala) once in a year, which is famously celebrated as ‘Onam’. In giant form, Vamana is known as ‘Trivikrama’.

Onam celebration, which is observed by the entire Malayalam community, begins at the Thrikkakara temple and continues for 10 days. The temple complex is enclosed in a large area in picturesque surroundings. The temple also houses the earliest mention of the celebration of the Onam festival dating to 861 AD. There are two ponds associated with the temple. The temple complex also houses three stages for cultural performances. The auditorium is regularly used for weddings and meetings and most importantly for conducting the Onam feast during the festival. This temple is one among the 108 divya desam temples of Vaishnavism.