Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple: The Lord in the Circle of Rivers (The Kshethram of Dialogue)

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• November 27, 2025
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Temple Identity and Divine Features
Detail Description
Location Thiruvattar, Marthandam, Kanyakumari District. (6 km north-east of Marthandam).
Moolavar (Main Deity) Sri Adikesava Perumal
Posture Reclining (Ananthasayanam) on His Serpent Couch (Adiseshan).
Unique Feature The Moolavar and the idol of Sree Padmanabha (of Thiruvananthapuram) are installed to face each other.
Thayar (Consort) Marthanda Bhairavi Nachiyar
Utsava Perumal Adi Kesavan
Vimanam (Tower) Ashtanga Vimanam (or Kethaka Vimanam)
Pushkarini (Holy Tank) Rama Theertham, Chakra Theertham.
Sampradayam Follows the unique blend of Kerala and Tamil religious traditions.
📜 Sthala Puranam: The Lord in the Whorl (Thiruvattar)
The name Thiruvattar itself is derived from the geography of the place:
• Vattaru (The Whorl): The temple is situated at the confluence, or whorl (Vattam), formed by the two rivers, Kothaiyar and Pahrali. This setting, where the rivers merge and circle the shrine, gives the place its sacred identity.
🐍 The Magnificent Ananthasayanam Darshan
The Moolavar, Sri Adikesava Perumal, is enshrined in a majestic reclining form that offers a unique devotional experience:
• The Idol’s Posture: The Lord is seen reclining on His snake couch (Adiseshan), a classic form of Ananthasayanam.
• Three-Door Darshan: Due to the massive size of the idol and the architectural tradition, the Lord can only be viewed in three sections through three different doors of the temple:
o Door 1: Darshan of the Head (Lord Shiva is seen near the head).
o Door 2: Darshan of the Body (The central portion).
o Door 3: Darshan of the Feet (The concluding portion of the body).
• Presence of Lord Shiva: Lord Shiva is seen near the Adikesava Perumal in the main Sannidhi (sanctum), symbolizing the complete unity of Vishnu and Shiva worship in this region.
🏰 The Dialogue of the Divine Twins
A highly significant and unique feature of the Thiruvattar temple is its spiritual relationship with the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram:
• Facing Idols: It is a deeply held belief that the idols of Sri Adikesava Perumal in Thiruvattar and Sree Padmanabha in Thiruvananthapuram are installed in such a way that they face each other in a state of eternal dialogue.
• Elder Brother: Adikesava Perumal is considered the elder brother of Padmanabhaswamy. Pilgrims often visit both temples as a pair, completing a comprehensive Southern Kerala/Tamil Divyadesam tour.
🌊 The Miracle of the Kaveri (Thiru Kaveri)
While not widely publicized, there is a belief that the rivers Kothaiyar and Pahrali are akin to the sacred Kaveri (Thiru Kaveri), emphasizing the sanctity of the water surrounding the temple.
The Adikesava Perumal Temple stands as a masterpiece of spiritual architecture and legend, drawing devotees to witness the unique three-part darshan of the reclining Lord and experience the sanctity of this ancient riverside shrine.

Sri Adikesava Perumal Temple: The Lord in the Circle of Rivers (The Kshethram of Dialogue) 0435 – 2454421
For personalized travel arrangements, customized pilgrimage itineraries, or immediate assistance, you are directed to:
Rengaha Holidays
• Website: https://renghaholidays.com/
• Contact: 7708894141