The Navamukunda temple on the banks of Bharathapuzha is one of the oldest temples in Kerala. Said to be renovated by Vettath Rajah, a chieftain of Tanur region, 1300 years ago, it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the deity worshipped as Navamukunda Perumal. The temple has come under attack several times in history, including by the troops of Tippu Sultan during his invasion of Kerala and then by the rebels during the Moplah Rebellion.
The architectural style of the temple is the key highlight. Enclosed by a rectangular wall with built-in gateways, the outer pavilion within the temple walls is called chuttambalam. With the main temple or sri kovil located centrally, the roof of the temple and its walls have wood carvings depicting stories from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The idol of Navamukunda is placed facing East with only the portion above the knee visible and the rest concealed underground.
The idol is made of stone, covered in panchaloha and is 6ft tall. The 28-day long Mamankam festival is conducted once every 12 years in the premises of the temple. A stage called pazhuka mandapam was used by the monarch of Kozhikode known as the Zamorin and his family members to view the festival when Kerala was still a princely state. The annual 10-day festival of the temple is held during the month of April. Both festivals attract devotees from all over Kerala.
All days: 05:00 AM - 11:00 AM
05:00 PM - 7:30 PM
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