The Thirumullavaram Sri Mahavishnu Temple, one of the major Lord Vishnu shrines in Kollam, is located near Thangasseri in Kollam district and is approximately 6 km from Kollam city.
The temple is famous for the Karkidaka Vavu Bali, the offering for the departed souls to attain salvation. During the Karkidaka Vavu season, lakhs offer oblation to the manes in Thirumullavaram beach. The temple pond associated with Sri Mahavishnu temple is located very close to the Arabian sea. It is very rare in Kerala to see temple ponds so close to the sea. In Varkala Janardhana Swamy temple also we can see the temple pond not far from sea. In Thirumullavaram, alhough the temple pond is so close to the sea (just 25 to 30 meters separates the two water bodies), the water is absolutely pure and crystal.
It is also famous for the Kadal Pooram (Pooram in Sea) which is part of
the annual temple festival which falls in the month of April. It is the second biggest pooram in Kollam
district, after Kollam Pooram which is also in the month of April. The famous Kadal Pooram will take place in the evening at Thirumullavaram beach as part of the annual festival culmination of Thirumullavaram temple. The Kadal Pooram is unique of its kind in Kerala and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists to Kollam City. As a part of the temple festival, I never even heard about a Kadal Pooram before, and hence is another rarity of Thirumullavaram temple.
Kollam city is in festive mood as two big poorams are taking place within 10 days. The fireworks at night with the sea in the backdrop is one of the most fascinating scenario of the Kadal Pooram. At the twilight after the sun set, the fireworks presents an absolute splendor at the sky and the sea and is an absolute feast for the eyes.
