Tirunavaya (Tirunaavai) – Sacred Shores of Bharathapuzha
Divya Desam 76 of 108 | Region: Malainadu
Located on the serene banks of the Bharathapuzha River near Shoranur in Kerala, Tirunavaya (also called Tirunaavai) is a revered Divya Desam that holds great spiritual significance. This sacred site is easily accessible via the Chennai-Calicut railway line, making it an important pilgrimage stop in Kerala.
Divine Highlights
- Presiding Deity (Moolavar): Naavaai Mukundan (also called Narayanan)
- Consort (Thayar): Malarmangai Nachiyar
- Theertham: Sengamala Saras
- Vimanam: Veda Vimanam
- The main deity’s idol is unique — only the portion above the knees is visible, as the rest is believed to be concealed within the earth.
- A distinctive sannadhi (sanctum) is dedicated exclusively to Thayar, unique among Malainadu shetrams (temples of the Western Ghats region).
Sacred Legends & Spiritual Significance
According to legend, nine yogis worshipped at this holy site and attained salvation, highlighting the temple’s spiritual potency. Both Goddess Lakshmi and Gajendra (the elephant king) are believed to have worshipped Lord Vishnu here with lotus flowers. When the supply of flowers ran low, Lord Vishnu, honoring Gajendra’s devotion, took Lakshmi by His side and accepted the flowers offered by Gajendra.
The temple and its surroundings are regarded with great reverence, considered as sacred as Kasi (Varanasi). The banks of the Bharathapuzha River witness important rites like shraddha (ancestor offerings), emphasizing its sanctity in ritual practices.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Tirumangai Azhwar: Pasurams 1520, 1856
- Nammaazhwar: Pasurams 3634-3644
These revered hymns from the Naalaayira Divya Prabandham glorify the deity of Tirunavaya, cementing the temple’s significance in Vaishnavite tradition.
Visiting Tirunavaya
Pilgrims visiting Kerala can easily include Tirunavaya in their spiritual itinerary, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere by the Bharathapuzha River while soaking in the divine presence of Lord Naavaai Mukundan and Malarmangai Nachiyar.
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