Thirunavaya Temple

This temple was constructed about 5000 years back. Though it had undergone periodical renovations, the last and major renovation with the reconstruction of Sanctum Sanctorum was done by the legendary PERUMTHACHAN under the direction of the Vettath Raja about 1300 years back. The reconstruction had the typical ' Perumthachan touch ' making the rays of the rising sun fall on the idol on every Medam First ( in Uttarayana period, i.e. in April) and on Kanni First,(in Dakshinayana period i.e., in October).

The mamankam festival is the reason for this temple to be very famous. Maamankam stands for ' Magha - masam ' which denotes a period of 28 days from the Makam star that appears in the 'bright' phase of the moon (the fortnight when moon waxes) in the month of Maagha of Saka calendar. It occurs once in every twelve years. Whatever be its origin, the Kings, local Rulers and Chieftains from all over Kerala assembled here to discuss at length, during these 28 days, and decide the supreme ruler (the Perumal) of Kerala (Cheraman Perumal). During this occasion various forms of sports events, martial arts, intellectual contests, cultural activities, rituals and folk art performances were performed on every nook and corner of the vast and wide sandy shores of Bharathapuzha.
Pilgrims from distant places, trading groups and travellers from foreign countries like Arabia, Greece and China used to visit and participate in this unique festival. The contributions made by these visitors by exchanging vivid agricultural, architectural, as well as cultural innovations of their faraway lands have enriched the glory of this grand event. In the course of time the great 'Maagha makam' gradually became 'Maamaankam'!.



Getting there
Nearest railway station: Tirur Railway Station, about 11 km
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 44 km
Google map coordinates: VX7J+JV Thirunavaya, Kerala