Today, you can find only a few temples in India dedicated to Lord Vamana. Trikkakara temple is one such auspicious temple in Kerala dedicated to the fifth incarnation of Lord Mahavishnu. As the name suggests, Thrikkakkara literally means the foot of Lord Vishnu. It is believed to be in this place where the Lord placed his foot. Place can be generally linked to the story of Mahabali and Vamana or Trivikrama. Let's see the history of temple here.
We will start with the story of King Mahabali. Mahabali was an efficient Asura king with kingdom stretched all around the earth. Sura group of gods were really worried about the rule and popularity of Mahabali. Threatened gods of sura approached Lord MahaVishnu to tell their cause of grief. Realizing the sad condition of suras, Lord Vishnu took Vamana avatar and asked Mahabali for a piece of land with three paces wide.
Mahabali agreed it and asked him to take the land. At this time, Vamana grew up in size and grabbed the whole earth and heaven with two steps. There was no place for Vamana to put this third foot. To keep his promise, Mahabali showed his own head to Lord Vamana. He was then pushed to the place suthala. Before going to suthala, he requested Lord Vamana to allow him to visit Kerala once a year.
Lord Vamana accepted his request and allowed Mahabali to visit his country once a year. This day is then celebrated as Onam in Kerala. Another story related to Trikkakara appan is that of Kapila Maharshi. Rishi Kapila Maharshi did penance here and pleased with penance, Lord Vishnu appeared in front of him. This place is then known to be as Trikkakkara temple.
Festival in this temple starts during Onam season in Kerala. It will begin during the Atham day and will continue celebration till the thiruvonam day during Onam season. Thiruvonam day is believed to be as the birth day of Lord vamanamoorthy. People in these areas used to celebrate festival by offering special nivedyams to lord vamanamoorthy.
Athachamayam is one among the special triumphant marches conducted here during onam season. This march is conducted during kodiyettu ceremony in Trikkakara temple. On the whole, you can depict Onam as a festival of peace and equity. Onasadhya is another highlighting feature of festival in Trikkakara temple. Today, people cutting across the religious barriers are coming here to enjoy the feast offered during Onam season.
Deities in trikkakkarappan temple
You can find here two separate sreekovils in temple. One kovil is dedicated to Lord Vamana and the other is dedicated to lord Shiva. Five poojas conducted in this temple include ushapooja, ethruthapooja, pantheeradipooja, uchapooja and athazhapooja.
As this temple is historic, you can find here three sheevelis namely ethrutha sheeveli, ucha sheeveli and athazha sheeveli. Apart from Lord Shiva and Vamana, you can also find here kovils for sub deities like sree bhagavati, sastha, gopalakrishna and nagas. If you are in search of a historic temple to visit during Onam season, never hesitate to come to Trikkakkara appan temple.
More articles: Onam 2015