DIVYADESAM refers to the 108 holy abodes or temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. These temples are spread across different regions of India, particularly in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.
Malainadu Divyadesam refers to a group of temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu that are located in the Malainadu region of Tamil Nadu, India. The term “Divyadesam” refers to the 108 sacred Vishnu temples mentioned in the ancient Tamil literature called the “Divya Prabandham,” which is composed by the 12 Alvars, the poet-saints of the Vaishnava tradition.
In Kerala, there are eleven DIVYADESAM temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu. These temples are considered sacred by Vaishnavites and are visited by devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Here are the eleven DIVYADESAM temples in Kerala:
- Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple, Chengannur: This temple is located near Chengannur in Alappuzha district and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Thiruppuliyoor Mahavishnu Temple, Kayamkulam: Situated in Kayamkulam, Alappuzha district, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Parashurama worshiped Lord Vishnu.
- Thiruvanparisaram Sri Krishna Temple, Mavelikkara: Located in Mavelikkara, Alappuzha district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its exquisite architecture.
- Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple, Chengannur: Situated in Chengannur, Alappuzha district, this temple is believed to have been installed by Lord Brahma.
- Thiruvanvandoor Perumal Temple, Chengannur: This temple, also located in Chengannur, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the important DIVYADESAM temples in Kerala.
- Thiruvaaran Vilai Divyadesam, Thiruvalla: Located in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 DIVYADESAM temples.
- Thiruvallavazh Maha Vishnu Temple, Thiruvalla: Situated in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its annual festival called “Aarattu.”
- Thiruvalla Uthayana Perumal Temple, Thiruvalla: Located in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered a sacred DIVYADESAM temple.
- Thirumittacode Perumal Temple, Palakkad: Situated in Palakkad district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Parasurama.
- Thiruvaranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Thiruvalla: This temple, located in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is known for its annual snake boat race called “Arattu Vallamkali.”
These temples are significant pilgrimage sites for devotees of Lord Vishnu and offer a chance to experience the rich cultural and religious heritage of Kerala.