Sree Avanangattil Kalari Sree Vishnumaya Temple is a historic and spiritually significant temple located at Peringottukara (Kizhakkummuri), in Thrissur district, Kerala. The temple stands on a plot of roughly ten acres, surrounded by paddy fields and rural landscape giving it a tranquil, pastoral atmosphere that underscores its age‑old heritage.
The temple is dedicated to the deity Vishnumaya also known locally as “Chathan”. In this shrine, Vishnumaya is worshipped in a fierce (ugra) form: the idol faces east, and holds a kuruvadi (magical wand) in one hand and an amrutha‑kumbham (pot of nectar) in the other, while seated/riding on a water buffalo.
This iconography emphasises Vishnumaya’s nature as a powerful guardian deity one believed to wield protective and supernatural energies against evil, negativity and malevolent forces.
Historically, the site’s name reflects its origin: the area was once forested with “avanakku” (the Ricinus plant), which gave the place its name “Avanangattil Kalari.” “Kalari” refers to the traditional martial‑arts school (from the ancient art of Kalarippayattu) maintained by the ancestral family, the Panickers, who cleared the forest and established both a martial‑arts school and the shrine.
Legend has it that twin brothers from the Panicker family, after mastering martial arts, faced hostility from their rivals. Under intense pressure, they sought divine protection and were granted the favour of Vishnumaya. In gratitude and devotion, they consecrated a murti (idol) of Vishnumaya, giving rise to what is today the head temple (moolasthanam) of all Vishnumaya temples in Kerala, especially in the Malabar region.
The temple architecture is traditional Kerala style: a sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil), an enclosed veranda (nalambalam), two entrances (padipura) on east and west sides, a small temple pond (used as a well rather than for bathing), and ancillary structures including a bhagavathi shrine, sacred grove (Sarpakavu), and a samadhi‑shrine (Valliachan Kottil) under an ancient mango tree that holds legendary significance.
Rituals at the temple follow ancient Shakteya (Shakta‑tantric) traditions rare in many contemporary Kerala temples. Every day, an oracle called Vellichapad reportedly enters a trance (niyogam), believed to be possessed by Vishnumaya, and conveys the deity’s messages. Regular worship includes special poojas on full‑moon and new‑moon days. In earlier times, offerings sometimes included animal sacrifice (mostly birds). In recent times, devotees offer red‑dyed silk cloths instead.
An important annual festival associated with the temple is Vellattu Mahotsavam usually falling between February and March (in the Malayalam month of Kumbham). The festival lasts about ten days and involves special poojas, traditional processions, cultural events, art performances, and ritual drawing of sacred floor art (roopakalam) using natural colour powders. The festival draws devotees from across Kerala and beyond, culminating in deep religious fervour and communal celebrations.
Today, the temple continues to be revered as the principal or “original” shrine for Vishnumaya devotion in Kerala. Many devotees visit seeking protection, relief from difficulties, or blessings for prosperity and well‑being. For centuries, the temple has stood as a symbol of syncretic spiritual tradition blending martial heritage, regional folk‑deity worship, tantric rituals, and Kerala’s distinctive temple culture. Its secluded setting, historic origins, unique rituals and compelling mythology together make Sree Avanangattil Kalari Sree Vishnumaya Temple a deeply atmospheric place of faith, tradition and cultural memory.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Vellattu Mahotsavam
This is the main annual festival of the temple. It spans several days (often 10 days, with some descriptions saying 3–4 days core festival) and involves special poojas, processions, cultural programmes (arts & music), and ritualistic floor‑art (roopakalam). Devotees gather in large numbers.there are traditional rituals aimed at appeasing the deity and seeking blessings.
Kalampattu
Kalampattu involves ritualistic worship sometimes including art forms and singing. It’s part of the temple’s festival cycle, intended to honour the deity and invite blessings.
Kumbha Bharani
This day draws devotees from far and wide. On Kumbha Bharani, special offerings and rituals are performed, signifying devotion to the deity and seeking protection/blessings from Vishnumaya.
Contact Address: Sree Avanangattil Kalari Sree Vishnumaya Temple ,Peringottukara, Kizhakkummuri, Kerala 680642
Phone Number: 0487 227 0100
