Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Thirunavaya, Malappuram

Situated on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river in Malappuram district, Thirunavaya attracts many for its religious, historic and cultural significance. Located about 8 km south of Tirur town, Thirunavaya finds mention many times in ancient texts like Keralolpathi (a text that deals with the origin of Kerala).

Thirunavaya is known as the land of Mamankam, a medieval cultural mega-event. Held every 12 years during the reign of the erstwhile Chera dynasty, the 28-day festival is characterized by trade fairs, sports events, martial arts, intellectual contests, cultural activities, rituals and folk art performances. There are a lot of historical places in the region that are associated with the Mamankam. Manikkinar (burial place), Nilapadu Thara (festival venue), Marunnara (explosive storage centre), Changampalli Kalari (training ground for soldiers) and Pazhukkamandapam (gallery for kings and queens to watch festival) are some of the places.

Thirunavaya is also an important place for Hindus as the 6,000-year-old Navamukunda Temple is located here. During Karkadakavavu, thousands converge here to perform obsequies to propitiate the souls of their near and dear ones. Exquisite sculptures can be seen around the sanctum sanctorum. These include sculptures of the 10 avatars (incarnations) of Lord Vishnu. One of the only two temples in the country dedicated to Brahma, the Creator, is at Thavanur lying close to Thirunavaya. Melppatthur Illam, the home of the noted poet Melppatthur Narayana Bhattathiri (author of Narayaneeyam) is located about 2 miles from the temple.

Othanmar madom, the Vedic centre for Namboothiri boys, is also situated in Thavanur near Thirunavaya. The palace of the 'Azhvanchery Thamprakkal', which is referred to in the puranas and legends, is situated five kilometres north of Thirunavaya. The place is also the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela, attended by Gandhians in Kerala. 

To watch a video of Navamukunda Temple, check : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3x0mojCczg

Getting There
Nearest Railway Station: Kuttipuram, about 7 km
Nearest Airport:  Karipur International Airport, about 45 km  

Contact
DTPC Malappuram
Ph : +91 483 2731504