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Thirunavaya – Navamukunda – Temple, Timings, History, Dress Code, Online Booking

Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple:

Thirunavaya Temple (Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple) is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Navamukunda in Thirunavaya, central Kerala, on the northern bank of the Bharathapuzha (River Ponnani) (Narayana-Vishnu).

Thirunavaya Temple History: 

Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil collection of hymns by the Vaishnava Alvars, praises the temple. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped at Thirunavaya as Navamukunda Perumal. There is no pond or well at the temple, so all rituals are performed with river water. Tavanur is a Trimurti sangama due to the presence of Cherutirunavaya Brahma – Siva Temples across the Ponnani River.The river bank in the temple is considered as holy as Kasi, and the ritual offering practices for forefathers (bali tarpan/sradha puja) are similar. The associated pratishthas are Ganapati (Adi Ganesa/Gajendra), Lakshmi (“Malarmangai Nachiyar ”), and Ayyappa Swami. Unlike most other Narayana-Lakshmi temples, this one has a separate sri kovil for Goddess Lakshmi.

From at least the 8th century AD, the temple was the site of the Mamankams, a 12-year festival. The temple was attacked and destroyed during Sultan of Mysore Tipu’s invasion of Kerala in the 18th century AD, and again in 1921 during the Mappila Rebellion. The current Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple structure is built in the indigenous Kerala Temple Architecture style.

The Thirunavaya temple (Malappuram Division, Grade: Sp) is currently managed by Samutiri of Kozhikode (Zamorin of Calicut) as the managing trustee under the Malabar Devaswom Board of the Government of Kerala. 

Thirunavaya Temple Timings: On all days except holidays, the temple is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Thirunavaya Temple Legend:

The Vishnu is known as “Navamukunda Perumal/Tevar” because it is thought to be the ninth idol to be installed in the temple by a group of nine Hindu yogis known as “Navayogis.” The first eight idols sank into the ground as soon as they were placed there, and the ninth sank to its knees before being forced to stop. Because the location of the sunken idols was unknown, devotees performed pradakshina on their knees. This practice was not limited to Alvancheri Tamparakkal and Tirunavaya Vaddhyans. Formalized paraphrase Thirunavaya is also referred to as “Navayogisthala.”

According to legend, goddess Lakshmi and Gajendra, the elephant king, worshiped god Vishnu here with lotus flowers from a nearby lake; because the two devotees used the same source, the supply dwindled, and Gajendra appealed to Vishnu, who took Lakshmi by his side on the same throne and accepted Gajendra’s worship.

Thirunavaya Temple Architecture:

The current Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is constructed in the Kerala Temple Architecture style, which is practically universal among Kerala temples.

The temple’s exterior walls encircle the sanctum.

All of the temples within the temple are encircled by a rectangular wall called kshetra-matilluka, which is pierced by gateways. A metal plated flag-post (dhwaja stambha) and a deepasthambham (light post) are positioned axially to the Thirunavaya temple tower leading to the central sanctum. Within the temple walls, Chuttambalam is the outer pavilion. The center temple and its adjoining hall are housed in the nalambalam, a rectangular edifice with pillared halls and corridors.

There is a raised square platform called namaskara mandapam with a pyramidal roof between the entrance of nalambalam and the sanctuary. Thevrapura, the kitchen where offerings to the Navamukunda are prepared, is located to the left of the namaskara mandapam as you enter. Balithara is an altar where ritualistic offerings are made to demi-gods and celebratory deities. The Navamukunda idol is housed in the principal temple known as Sri Kovil. It is located on a raised platform with a single door accessible through a five-step staircase. Dvarapalakas, or guardian deities, are shown on both sides of the doors.Only the main priest, tantri, and the second priest, melsanti, are allowed to enter the sri kovil, according to Kerala customs.

The center Thirunavaya Temple has a square plan with a granite base, laterite superstructure, and terracotta tile conical roof supported from the inside by a wooden frame. The roof is built on two layers to protect the inner structure from monsoon rains. The temple’s roof and parts of the pillars are covered in ornate wood and plaster sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics. Around the sanctum’s perimeter are a number of wooden frames that house a variety of lamps that are lit for special occasions.

The idol of Navamukunda is only depicted above the knee, with the rest of the statue hidden underneath the earth. Behind the statue in the sanctum is said to be a bottomless, unknown hole. The Navamukunda statue is 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall, built of stone, and covered in pancha loha. The statue is in a standing position, holding the Panchajanya conch, lotus flower, Kaumodaki mace, and the terrifying Sudarshana discus in his four hands. The idol is oriented eastward.

In the Thirunavaya Temple, Goddess Lakshmi has her own sri kovil. Sri kovil is located in the northwestern corner of the nalambalam, to the left of Navamukunda, with the idol facing east. The idol has only two hands, which are in the varada abhaya mudra.

Thithi or Pinda pradhanam or Pitru Tharpanam:

The pitru tharpanam of this temple is well-known. Like most temples in Kerala, one must pay a fee at the ticket counter, which is usually around 100 rupees, and then take a dip in the river (males must wear mundu, dhoti, or veshti) and present the tharpanam in their wet garments. The temple will give all of the required puja supplies. The wet clothing must be changed after the rite is completed. Pants and other non-Indian attire are absolutely prohibited at the temple. Men must wear dhotis and have their shirts removed.

Thirunavaya Temple Dress Code:

The Nava Mukunda temple is located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River ( also known as Nila). A typical Kerala temple, with a quiet and calm atmosphere that provides a wonderful spiritual experience.

There is a dress code in place: Mundu is necessary, and males must remove their shirts before entering the temple. The temple is well-kept.

Thirunavaya Temple Accommodation

The temple management is responsible for providing lodging. Here you will find reasonably priced lodging. There are both private rooms and shared dormitories available. Reservations can be made in advance by contacting the temple administration.

Thirunavaya Temple Online Booking:There is a online booking system available in temple website https://www.thirunavayatemple.in

Thirunavaya Temple Images:

Thirunavaya Temple Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple

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