Thirunavaya Divyadesam: The Lord of Nine Mouths (Navamukunda Temple)

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• November 26, 2025
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Temple Identity and Divine Features
Detail Description
Location Thirunavaya, Tirur, Malappuram District, Kerala. Near Kuttippuram.
Age Approximately 5000 years old.
Moolavar (Main Deity) Navamukunda Perumal (The Lord of Nine Faces/Forms)
Posture Standing Posture, facing East.
Thayar (Consort) Malarmangai Nachiyar (Lotus Goddess)
Vimanam (Tower) Vimanavedha Vimanam
Pushkarini (Holy Tank) Senatheertham (Bharathapuzha River)
Kshetram Significance One of the 108 Divya Desams; Site of historical rituals.
II. 📜 Sthala Puranam and Significance

1. Navamukunda (The Lord of Nine)
   The name Navamukunda (Nine Mukundas) is linked to a profound spiritual legend:
   • The Nine Sages: It is believed that nine sages, including the famous Bhrigu and Markandeya, worshipped Lord Vishnu here. Each sage installed a different idol, but the first eight idols were absorbed into the earth. The ninth idol, installed by a sage, remained firm, leading to the name Navamukunda.
   • Worship of Lakshmi and Ganapathi: In a rare combination, the idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganapathi are prominently worshipped together in the temple complex.
2. The Unique Idol (Moolavar)
   The Moolavar idol is believed to be made of salt (Uppu) and is perpetually covered with a thick coat of plaster (lepam), with only a few specific sections being opened for Abhishekam (sacred bath). This fragile nature underscores its antiquity and unique sanctity.
3. Thirunavaya and the Mamankam Festival
   Historically, Thirunavaya was immensely significant as the venue for the great Mamankam festival, a massive gathering held once every 12 years on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River.
   • Political and Cultural Hub: The festival was a grand political and cultural event attended by rulers from across South India, where the Zamorin of Calicut traditionally presided. This history solidifies the temple’s role as a major cultural and spiritual center.
4. Glorified by the Azhwars
   As a celebrated Divyadesam, Thirunavaya has been glorified by the Vaishnava Azhwars in the Divya Prabandham, confirming its ancient heritage and spiritual importance in the Malai Naadu region.
   Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple offers a unique blend of antiquity, history, and spiritual devotion, particularly revered for the long-standing manifestation of Lord Vishnu as the

Thirunavaya Divyadesam: The Lord of Nine Mouths (Navamukunda Temple) 08524 – 288883

Temple Identity and Divine Features
Detail Description
Location Thirunavaya, Tirur, Malappuram District, Kerala. Near Kuttippuram.
Age Approximately 5000 years old.
Moolavar (Main Deity) Navamukunda Perumal (The Lord of Nine Faces/Forms)
Posture Standing Posture, facing East.
Thayar (Consort) Malarmangai Nachiyar (Lotus Goddess)
Vimanam (Tower) Vimanavedha Vimanam
Pushkarini (Holy Tank) Senatheertham (Bharathapuzha River)
Kshetram Significance One of the 108 Divya Desams; Site of historical rituals.
II. 📜 Sthala Puranam and Significance

1. Navamukunda (The Lord of Nine)
   The name Navamukunda (Nine Mukundas) is linked to a profound spiritual legend:
   • The Nine Sages: It is believed that nine sages, including the famous Bhrigu and Markandeya, worshipped Lord Vishnu here. Each sage installed a different idol, but the first eight idols were absorbed into the earth. The ninth idol, installed by a sage, remained firm, leading to the name Navamukunda.
   • Worship of Lakshmi and Ganapathi: In a rare combination, the idols of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Ganapathi are prominently worshipped together in the temple complex.
2. The Unique Idol (Moolavar)
   The Moolavar idol is believed to be made of salt (Uppu) and is perpetually covered with a thick coat of plaster (lepam), with only a few specific sections being opened for Abhishekam (sacred bath). This fragile nature underscores its antiquity and unique sanctity.
3. Thirunavaya and the Mamankam Festival
   Historically, Thirunavaya was immensely significant as the venue for the great Mamankam festival, a massive gathering held once every 12 years on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River.
   • Political and Cultural Hub: The festival was a grand political and cultural event attended by rulers from across South India, where the Zamorin of Calicut traditionally presided. This history solidifies the temple’s role as a major cultural and spiritual center.
4. Glorified by the Azhwars
   As a celebrated Divyadesam, Thirunavaya has been glorified by the Vaishnava Azhwars in the Divya Prabandham, confirming its ancient heritage and spiritual importance in the Malai Naadu region.
   Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple offers a unique blend of antiquity, history, and spiritual devotion, particularly revered for the long-standing manifestation of Lord Vishnu as the \

Thirunavaya Divyadesam: The Lord of Nine Mouths (Navamukunda Temple) 288885, 288886

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