Cheruvathani Thevar (Narasimhamurthy) Temple, located near Kunnamkulam in Thrissur, is a serene spiritual center surrounded by coconut and areca plantations, with the annual temple festival celebrated with traditional rituals and performances.
Cheruvathani Thevar (Narasimhamurthy) Temple is located approximately 3.5 km west from Kunnamkulam, along the road leading to Althara, just past the Chiravakkazh bridge. The surrounding area is primarily agricultural, with coconut palms and some areca nut cultivation being the main crops. The western boundary features laterite soil transitioning from red to white, with coconut palms dominating the landscape and scattered other trees in some places. Near the temple premises, there are small cultivated patches, and the far end with white soil contains seating platforms and other minor structures. A post office is situated slightly west of the temple, in a region locally known as "Thekke Mookku." Beyond this lies the Anjoor area. The northern road from Cheruvathani ends at Punnappad, adjacent to a small grove that houses the Ayyappan Kavu, historically located under a Kanjira tree. The temple complex has been renovated, and an annual festival is celebrated, featuring rituals and traditional performances, particularly in the Kavu area. Although Cheruvathani hosts several temples, the focus is primarily on the Thevar Temple, with other shrines receiving less attention. The village extends up to the boundary of Vaduthala School, where local children, including past generations, received their education. On the way to Vaduthala School, the Erukulam pond is visible, which previously had seating platforms around it, though today the area is densely populated with houses.
Festivals
The Temple has a number of festivals. The important ones are :
Annual Temple Festival
The temple’s main annual festival is celebrated once a year usually spanning several days with elaborate rituals and ceremonies. The highlight of the festival is the Aarattu, the sacred bathing of the deity in a nearby water body, symbolizing purification and divine grace. During this time, devotees participate in various poojas, processions, and cultural events. Traditional melam (temple percussion ensembles) and Thalappoli rituals are also performed, creating a vibrant and spiritual atmosphere. This festival attracts devotees from nearby villages, fostering community devotion and religious fervor.
Narasimha Jayanti
Narasimha Jayanti commemorates the appearance of Lord Narasimhamurthy, the lion-headed incarnation of Lord Vishnu. On this day, special prayers, abhishekams (ritual bathing), and offerings are conducted at the temple to honor the deity and seek protection from evil. Devotees observe fasting, chant sacred hymns, and participate in devotional gatherings. The celebration emphasizes the triumph of good over evil and spiritual awakening, making it a significant event in the temple’s annual calendar.
Contact Address: Cheruvathani Thevar Temple, Attupuram-Kunnamkulam Road, Cheruvathani, Thrissur-680523, Kerala.
