Thrikkodithanam Divyadesam: The Lord of Wonders (Sahadeva’s Temple)

HOME | Thrikkodithanam Divyadesam: The Lord of Wonders (Sahadeva’s Temple)

The Athpudha Narayanan Temple (also known as the Thrikkodithanam Mahavishnu Temple) is a revered and architecturally significant shrine located in Changanassery, Kottayam district of Kerala. As the final temple in the “Pancha Pandava Kshetrams” cluster, it is traditionally believed to have been consecrated by the youngest Pandava, Sahadeva. This ancient temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and is a stunning example of the indigenous Kerala style of temple architecture.
🌟 Temple Identity and Divine Features
Detail Description
Location Thrikkodithanam, Changanassery, Kottayam District, Kerala. (Near Changanacherry Railway Station).
Architectural Style Traditional Kerala style architecture.
Moolavar (Main Deity) Athpudha Narayanan / Amrutha Narayanan (The Wonderful Lord)
Posture Standing Posture, facing East.
Thayar (Consort) Karpagavalli Nachiyar
Vimanam (Tower) Punyakoti Vimanam
Pushkarini (Holy Tank) Bhaskara Theertham / Amrutha Theertham
Kshetram Affiliation One of the 108 Divya Desams; part of the Pancha Pandava Temples (attributed to Sahadeva).
II. 📜 Sthala Puranam and Significance

  1. Consecrated by Sahadeva
    • Pancha Pandava Kshetram: Thrikkodithanam is the site where Sahadeva, the youngest of the Pandava brothers (known for his knowledge of astronomy and loyalty), is believed to have installed the deity after the Kurukshetra War.
    • The Wonderful Lord: The Moolavar’s name, Athpudha Narayanan (Wonderful Lord), refers to the awe-inspiring and miraculous nature of Lord Vishnu, symbolizing the Lord’s omnipresence and endless deeds (leelas).
  2. Architectural Grandeur
    The temple is celebrated for its imposing Kerala architecture, which includes:
    • Massive Structure: The temple complex is one of the largest in the region, featuring intricate wooden carvings and murals characteristic of Kerala’s sacred art.
    • The Flagstaff: The tall, beautifully covered Dhwajastambam (flagstaff) is a prominent feature.
    • Sanctity of the Well: The temple is known for its sanctity, and the water from its well is considered highly pure for performing the Lord’s Abhishekam.
  3. Glorification by the Azhwars
    The shrine is highly praised by the Azhwars in the Divya Prabandham, signifying its status as a timeless sanctuary of Vishnu worship.
  4. The End of the Pandava Pilgrimage
    As the final destination in the Pancha Pandava Kshetram pilgrimage, Thrikkodithanam provides a spiritual culmination, believed to grant devotees the blessings of final liberation and a path free from the cycle of rebirth.
    Thrikkodithanam Divyadesam stands as a monumental representation of ancient devotion, art, and the enduring spiritual legacy of the Mahabharata in Kerala.
    For personalized travel arrangements, customized pilgrimage itineraries, or immediate assistance, you are directed to:
  5. Thrikkodithanam Divyadesam: The Lord of Wonders (Sahadeva’s Temple) 04545 – 242236
    Rengaha Holidays
    • Website: https://renghaholidays.com/
    • Contact: 7708894141