Mayapiran Temple

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Overview

Mayapiran temple is located at Tirupuliyur in the Alappuzha district of the state Kerala. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi Devi. The presiding deity of this temple is Mayapiran Perumal and Thayar Porkodi Nachiar. The word ‘Perumal’ and ‘Thayar’ denotes Lord Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi Devi in Tamil, which used be the local language of this place in the ancient past. The temple is one among the 108 Divya kshetrams of Lord Vishnu. The Saptha Rishis or the seven holy sages of the Hindu Mythology are said to have visited this place to worship the Lord.

Legend and Stories

The Mayapiran temple in Tirupuliyur is one of the 108 Divya Desams which literally means the ‘Punya Kshetra’ or the divine abode of Lord Vishnu. Of the Perumal temples installed in Kerala, this temple is believed to have been built by Bheema, who was one among the Pandavas. The temple houses a huge club which is believed to have been used by the mighty Bheema. The temple architecture o the temple looks strong and sturdy and is constructed over a huge land area.

According to historical findings, the place Thirupuliyur was a part of the ancient TamilNadu. The poetic hymns of Nammazhwar, states that there used to be a big and bustling city around the region.

Tholkappiam, which is considered the oldest Tamil grammar text, mentions that Kuttanadu was one among the 12 ancient divisions of Tamilnadu. Even today, people call the place Kuttanadu Tirupuliyur. The deity in this temple appears in the standing position facing the direction east. The ‘Vimana’ or the tower above the sanctum sanctorum is known as Purusha Sukta Vimana. Saptha Rishis or the seven holy sages according to the Hindu Mythology, have said to have worshipped the Perumal in this temple.

There is yet another interesting legend attached to this temple. In the ancient past, this region was ruled by King Vrushadharbi who was the son Shibi Maharaja. King Vrushadharbi was suffering from a severe disease due to a curse. His kingdom is also said to have come under severe drought and famine. During this crucial period, the Saptha Rishis have said to have visited to the place and had called on the king. The king is said to have told the Rishis that he would offer them ‘Dhan’(donation) only on the condition that they help him eliminate the dangers faced by him and his kingdom. The Maha Rishis felt insulted and grew furious with the King’s statements. They also declined to accept any offerings from the King, saying that by doing so, they would b committing a willful sin. Yet, the king sent them lots of gold and fruits through his ministers which the Sages refused to accept. The angry King wanted to avenge the sages and so organized a ‘yajna’ to send an evil spirit for killing the Rishis. The Saptha Rishis have said to have prayed the Paramathma Bhagavan Sri Visnu for protection. The benevolent Lord sent Indira, in the form of tiger (Puli in Tamil) to destroy the evil spirit. Hence this place was rightly named Tirupuliyur based on this legend. The Rishis are said to have mentioned that the only real thing in this world is the ‘Paranthaman or the Lord’. Everything else is just a ‘Maya’ or an illusion. Thus the deity in this temple got to be called ‘ Mayapiran’.

Festivals

Kavadi festival is celebrated in the Tamil month of ‘Thai’ on its 1st day with much galore.

Significance

Devotees of Sri Mayapiran Perumal believe that those seeking relief from various health ailments, visit the temple to worship the lord who is said to have the divine powers to cure their ailments and sufferings.

How To Reach

Airport

The nearest airport is in Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The temple can be reached by hiring a cab from the Airport.

Railways

The nearest railways station is in Chenganur which is 4kms from Tirupuliyur.

Road

Tirupuliyur is well connected through roads with most of the nearby towns and cities. KSRTC buses as well as some private buses ply regular services from almost all districts of Kerala.

Temple Address