This article is about the Stala puranam of Thiruvallavazh (Thiruvalla) Diyva desam located in Kerala. Travel details to this divya desam can be read from the travelogue section of anudinam.
Located about 30kms South of Kottayam on the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Kayankulam rail route is the Thiru Vazhmarban Divya Desam in Thiruvalla. Interestingly, the sanctum has been constructed in such a way that one cannot see the feet of the Standing Thiru Vazhmarban.
The Moolavar Lord is also known by the names of Vallabhan and Kolapiran. This place is referred to as the ‘Vallabha Kshetram’.
One can find a number of historical inscriptions inside the temple. There are references to the Thiruvalla Lord in Garuda Puranam and Matsya Puranam.
A spinster who used to undertake Ekadesi penance at this place was constantly disturbed by an asura. Pleased with her prayers, Lord Vallbhan disguised himself as a Brahmachari and killed the asura using his chakra. The Chakra is said to have fallen at the place where the temple is situated currently. At the end of her penance, she found the Lord’s chest being blocked by the Brahmachari and immediately realised that the Lord had himself come down here to protect her from the Asura. She requested the Lord to stay put here displaying his handsome form. It is believed that the Lord here protects all the devotees from evil forces.
Another story goes that KandaaKarnan, a Shiva devotee, undertook penance invoking Lord Vishnu. It is believed that Vishnu appeared before Kandaa Karnan and provided him darshan as Vallabhan.
Childless couples who offer their sincere prayers at this temple are said to be blessed with children. As part of this prayer, it is a tradition to organise Kathakali to invoke the blessings of Lord Vallabhan. Another tradition is that the Lord is presented with 12000 ripe bananas, half of which is distributed to the devotees. In centuries gone by, ladies were allowed inside the temple only on a couple of specific occasions in the year but this is no more the case.
Thirumangai Azhvaar Praise
Thirumangai Azhvaar, who has not sung praises of too many of the Malai Naatu Divya Desam Lords, has dedicated 10 verses to Thiruvalla Lord and has referred to the Lord as ‘ Valla Vaazh’.
‘உருவின் ஆர்பிரவி சேர் ஊன் பொதி நரம்பு
தோல் குரம்பையுள் புக்கு
அருவி நோய் செய்து நின்று,
ஐவர் தாம் வாழ்வதற்கு அஞ்சினா யேல்
திருவின் ஆர வேதம் நான்கு ஐந்து தீ
வேல்வியோடு அங்கம் ஆறும்
மருவினார் வல்லவாழ் சொல்லுமா வல்லை
ஆய் மருவு நெஞ்சே’
10 day Festival in Poosam. Kathakali Festival is the most popular festival at this temple
Every Saturday morning, there is a special pooja at this divya desam similar to the one at Thiruvanparisaram.
Deity : Thiru Vazhmarban, Srivallapan Kolapiran East Facing Standing Posture
Goddess : Selva Thirukozhunthu Nachiyar, Vaathsalya Devi
Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (1808-17, 2674(118) and
NamAzhvaar(3205-15) – 22Paasurams
Temple Time: 5am-1145am and 5pm-8pm
Priest : PK Unnikrishnan Pothi/ Govindan Namboodhari
Contact number : 0469 2700191
How to reach Thiruvalla:
By train: Thiruvalla is about 15 minutes by an express train from Kottayam. Get down at Thiru Valla Railway station. The temple is about 4kms from the railway station. An auto from the station to the Divya Desam will cost Rs.100/-
By bus: Buses every 5-10minutes from Kottayam on the Thiruvalla route.
Does Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple come under the 108 Divya Desams?