Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple

Tirunavaya Temple (in full Tirunavaya Navamukunda Temple) is an ancient Hindu temple at Tirunavaya, central Kerala, India, on the northern bank of the Bharatappuzha (River Ponnani), dedicated to Navamukundan (Narayana-Vishnu).

Quotes

• This is a rare temple that has Vishnu along with his wife Lakshmi is worshiped as idols. As the temple has Brahma and Siva, which contributes to the Trimoorthi Sangamam, in the south bank of the temple, the temple is also known as Dakshina Kasi (South Kasi). The temples age is not yet confirmed. But documents that prove the presence of the temple in the 8th Century are available as told by famous historian Dr. M G S Narayanan. It is assumed that the temple is 3000 years old.
  • Tirur Dinesh, Destroyed temples of Kerala Vol 1 (Tirur Dinesh)

• There are many myths on the origin of the temple. Hari, Kavi, Avir Hothran, Chamasan, Dhumilan, Pippalayanan, Prabhudhan, Anthareekshan and Ghara Bhajanan are sons of Rhishabharaj Rishi. The newly formed saint’s spiritual Journey took them to the banks of the ‘sangama sthana’ of Bakdathi River and Gandaki River, which is at Nepal. While taking a dip in the river Kavi got a Salagrama (Purest form of Sivalinga). He travelled throughout India to install this Salagrama in the most sacred place for the purpose of wellness of the people.... Finally Ghara Bhajanan also got a Salagrama. He also took this to Northern Bank. While taking bath before installing the same, he got enlightened about the fact that the other Salagrams was not installed properly hence they were all immersed in soil. Following this he took water from Nila and considered this as Mukthidayaka Nava Mukundhan and reinstalled all the Salagramas. He ordered rituals like, ghee lamp, lotus flower for Pooja and Palpayasam as Nivedhyam. After Mukthidhayaka Nava Mukunda was evoked here a lot of saints happened to come and perform Yaga here. This temple got the name Nava Mukunda temple because it was the young saints who did the Prathishta. The place where the temple situated was called Thirunavaya. As Brahma and Siva temples were already present, this Nava Mukunda Prathishta was done to complete the Thrimoorthy sangama. The Nava Mukunda idol relays with the Goddess Lakshmi.
  • Tirur Dinesh, Destroyed temples of Kerala Vol 1 (Tirur Dinesh)

• It is also believed that Gajendra Moksham also happened here. Both these myths are interconnected. Indra Dhyumnan, King of Pandya, who worshipped Vishnu as his idol went to the forest giving away his powers to his son. In the forest he was in silent meditation. Then the Agasthya Muni comes along with his followers. As IndraDhyumnan was continuing with his silent meditation he didn’t welcome or answer any questions Agasthya Muni asked him. Misunderstanding this as disrespect Agasthya cursed Indra Dhyuman to become an elephant. Indra Dhyumnan transformed into Gajendra. Later the followers convinced Agasthya Muni that Indra Dhyumnan did not do it purposefully but he was in his silent meditation. When asked for a solution Indra Dhyumnan was advised to go to Chenka Saras and chant for God Vishnu. Chenka Saras is in Thirunavaya Temple. Gajendra reached Chenka Saras and starting worshiping God Vishnu. At Chenka Saras there was Hu Hu , the Gandharva who was cursed and transformed into a crocodile by Devala Muni. One day while taking bath in the Saras the crocodile bit in Gajendra’s leg. He cried out of pain and Vishnu his God came and killed the crocodile by chopping the head off with his Sudharsana Chakra. When Sudarsana Chakra touched the crocodile, Hu Hu, the Gandharva got Moksha and attained his normal form. Vishnu gave a permanent place for Gajendra at his left side. Everyday Gajendra woke up early in the morning and plucked Lotus flowers from the Sara for his God Vishnu. One Ekadasi day, when he went he couldn’t get any flowers. Gajendra was worried and complained about this to God. Vishnu understood that Lakshmi, the Goddess plucked out all the flowers in jealousy towards the love and care Vishnu her Husband was showing to Gajendra. He consoled both of them and gave Lakshmi , a place at his right. That’s how the sub-shrines of Lakshmi and Gajendra idols were evoked. These sub- shrines were formed later. Lakshmi’s idol is made of five metals.
  • Tirur Dinesh, Destroyed temples of Kerala Vol 1 (Tirur Dinesh)

• There are stories about Sree Sankaracharyar visiting the temple. As the Salagramas evoked by young saints were immersed in soil, Sankaracharyar took sacred rounds in the temples on his knees so that he wouldn’t step on the Salagramas with his legs. Stories are there that people around laughed at this and Acharyar cursed the people of the village.
  • Tirur Dinesh, Destroyed temples of Kerala Vol 1 (Tirur Dinesh)