Thrippuliyoor Mahavishnu temple is located 6 km west of Chengannur Railway station on the Mavelikara State Highway in Alappuzha district and is one of the five Vishnu temples associated with the five Pandava brothers, the principal characters of the Mahabharata. It is believed that Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers, performed penance at this place. It is one of the 'Divya Desams', the 108 temples of Vishnu reverred by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars.
According to mythologies, King Sibhi’s son Vrishadarbi faced personal illness and his kingdom experienced drought. He wanted the Saptha Rishis (seven holy sages) to help him out of his troubles, in return for which he promised to fill their coffers. Unhappy with this move to tempt them with money, the Rishis not only refused the money but also decided against helping him out.
Not to be outdone, and angry with their refusal to relieve him of his problems, he undertook a Yagna out of which appeared demon whose task was to kill the Rishis.
Fearing for their lives, the Rishis invoked the blessings of Lord Mahavishnu, who directed Indra (King of Demi-Gods) to protect them. Indra came riding a Tiger and killed the demon. Hence, this place is called Puliyoor (Tiger is called as Puli also in Malayalam).
Not to be outdone, and angry with their refusal to relieve him of his problems, he undertook a Yagna out of which appeared demon whose task was to kill the Rishis.
Fearing for their lives, the Rishis invoked the blessings of Lord Mahavishnu, who directed Indra (King of Demi-Gods) to protect them. Indra came riding a Tiger and killed the demon. Hence, this place is called Puliyoor (Tiger is called as Puli also in Malayalam).
According to legends, During Mahabharata war, Bheema underwent penace worshipping the lord here. Bheema was the powerful among the five brothers and this temple is large indicating his largess. Also the Gada (Club), the weapon used by Bheema, is present in the temple. The temple is having a copper flag mast and a majestic Aanappandal (elephant portico). The sanctum sanctorum is circular with the principal deity Lord Mahavishnu can be seen in a standing posture facing East. The idol is chathurbahu (having four arms) which carries Conch, discus, club as well as Lotus.
Earliest references to this temple appear in the poems and hymns composed by the greatest of Alwar saints - Nammalwar, in 800 AD. Stone inscriptions in the temple date it back to the Second Chera Empire (800 - 1102 AD).
The temple is in Kerala style of architecture and the important festivals are Brahmotsavam which falls on Makaram month on the Atham star and Kavadiyaattam (the famous Thrippuliyoor Kavadi festival) on Thiruvonam.
