Adi Kesava Perumal Temple Thiruvattar

Temple Significance

The Sree Adi Kesava Perumal Temple in Thiruvattar is one of the 108 Divya Desams, praised in the sacred hymns of Nammalvar and Thirumangai Alwar. The temple stands on the banks of three rivers — Kothai, Pahrali, and Thamirabarani, forming a natural circle (in Tamil, “Vattam”), which gives the town its name Thiruvattar.

This Adi Kesava Perumal temple is one of the most ancient Vishnu temples in South India and is closely associated with the Thiruvananthapuram Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, as both deities are in reclining postures (Ananthasayanam form). The temple’s architecture blends Dravidian and Kerala styles, featuring beautifully carved wooden pillars, mural paintings, and copper-plated roofing.

Legend and History

According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu incarnated here as Adi Kesava Perumal to subdue the demon Kesi, who had become arrogant after receiving boons from Lord Brahma. After the victory, the Lord rested here in a reclining position, hence the name “Adi Kesava” (The First Kesava).

Devotees believe that visiting this temple along with Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram completes the sacred “Anantha Shayanam” circuit. The temple is also considered highly auspicious for those seeking peace, prosperity, and liberation from past sins.

Adikesava Perumal Temple Timings

• Morning: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• (Timings may vary during festival days.)

Festivals and Celebrations

• Vaikunta Ekadasi
• Brahmotsavam (10-day festival)
• Thirukalyana Utsavam
• Panguni Uthiram
• During these festivals, thousands of devotees visit the temple to witness the grand processions of the Lord and Thayar.

Distances:

• Nagercoil to Thiruvattar : 30 km
• Trivandrum to Thiruvattar : 50 km
• Kanyakumari to Thiruvattar : 55 km
• Madurai to Thiruvattar : 250 km
• Tirunelveli to Thiruvattar : 120 km
• Cochin to Thiruvattar : 270 km

Travel Tip

• For a peaceful darshan, visit early in the morning or evening. Combine your trip with nearby attractions like Padmanabhapuram Palace, Suchindram Temple, and Kanyakumari for a complete spiritual and cultural experience.:
• Suchindram Thanumalayan Temple
• Padmanabhapuram Palace
• Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil

How to Reach:

• The temple is well-connected by road and rail. Nearest railway station is Eraniel (7 km) or Nagercoil Junction (30 km). The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport (50 km).
• Tourists often include this temple in the Malainadu Divya Desam Tour Packages organized by Vishnu Travels, covering other sacred shrines like Thiruvazhmarban Temple (Thirupathisaram) and Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple (Thiruvananthapuram).