Tirunavaya Temple

Tirunavaya Temple sits on the northern bank of the Bharathapuzha River and displays traditional Kerala architecture with fine wood carvings and stone work. The structures include several courtyards and religious spaces laid out in the classical South Indian temple design.

The shrine was founded several centuries ago and served as the venue for Mamankam festivals, major gatherings held every twelve years. These festivals drew warriors and pilgrims from across the region, making the site an important meeting place.

The shrine honors Vishnu and holds special meaning as a sacred site in South Indian faith traditions. You can observe how the local community integrates river rituals into their worship and how the sanctuary spaces are arranged.

Visitors should arrive early in the morning or late afternoon, since the best times to explore are before midday and after sunset. The grounds are accessible by foot, and there are resting spots in the courtyards.

Unlike most temples of this kind, this shrine has a separate sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi, which is rarely arranged this way. All religious ceremonies use water drawn directly from the river, reflecting a deep connection between the temple and the natural surroundings.