| Description Tiruvamundur is
one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala, connected with the
Mahabharatam. (Chengannur - Yuddhishtra, Tiruppuliyur - Bheema, Aranmula
- Arjuna, Tiruvamundur - Nakula and Tirukkadittaanam - Sahadeva). It has been
glorified by the tamil hymns of Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE. It is located 6 km
north of Chengannur on the Ernakulam Trivandrum railroad. The temple:
This temple has a circular vimanam - a namaskaramandapam and a gopuradwaram. Much of the
present structure dates back to the 14th century CE.
The deity Kamalanathan is portrayed in a standing posture; the name Pambaniyappan which
also refers to Kamalanathan arises from the fact the river Pampa cicrles the town (Pampa
nadi appan). There is also a shrine to Gopalakrishnan here.
This temple dates back to the period of Kulasekhara Perumaal and was renovated by the
Travancore kings (Moolam Tirunaal) in early 20th century. The image of Gopalakrishna was
lost many years ago and was rediscovered in the 1960s and reconsecrated.
Legend has it that Nakula the Pandava prince built this temple. Narada
is believed to have been blessed here with the duty of preaching the truth to humanity.
Vishnu is said to have created a text describing the protocol to be adopted for
worshipping him, at this shrine. |
