☸️ Srimate Ramanujaya Namaha • 108DivyaDesam Divya Desam #84 of 108 (Malai Nadu)
Thirunamam

108 Divya Desam

⬅ Back to All 108 Desams
Katkarai Appan (Vamanamoorthy)

Thirukkadalmallai / Thirukkatkarai (Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy) — Divya Desam #84

Divya Desam #84 • Malai Nadu (Central Kerala Cluster)
🚗 Get Directions
•••
The epic birthplace of the Onam festival in Kochi where Lord Vamana blessed Emperor Mahabali.

According to the Sthala Puranam and ancient Sri Vaishnava Agamas, Divya Desam #84 (Thirukkadalmallai / Thirukkatkarai (Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy)) is revered as a sacred kshetram in Malai Nadu. The presiding deity, Lord Katkarai Appan (Vamanamoorthy), graces devotees in Ninra (Vamana) posture facing South beneath the sacred Pushkala Vimanam, accompanied by Goddess Perஞ்செல்வ வல்லி (Vatsalyavalli). Holy dips or prostrations near the Kapila Theertham are believed to bestow peace, prosperity, and Moksha. Throughout the centuries, Chola, Pandya, Pallava, and Vijayanagara rulers contributed मंडपम्स (mandapams), gopurams, and stone inscriptions preserving the daily Pancharatra / Vaikhanasa Agama worship.
•••
🙏 Azhwars: Nammazhwar (11 Pasurams)
• Revered Azhwars who performed Mangalasasanam: Nammazhwar
• Total Divya Prabandham Pasurams sung: 11 Pasuram(s)

In the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, Nammazhwar praised the divine beauty (Saundaryam) and accessibility (Saulabhyam) of Lord Katkarai Appan (Vamanamoorthy) and Perஞ்செல்வ வல்லி (Vatsalyavalli) at Thirukkadalmallai / Thirukkatkarai (Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy). Reciting the Pasurams of this Divya Desam inside the sanctum (Garbhagriha) is considered the highest spiritual offering during a pilgrim's Yatra.
•••
• Annual Brahmotsavam: Celebrated with grand Vahana processions including Garuda Sevai, Hanumantha Vahanam, Surya/Chandra Prabhai, and Rathotsavam (Temple Car festival).
• Vaikuntha Ekadasi (Margazhi): Special Paramapada Vasal / Rapathu & Pagalpathu Utsavam with recitation of Naalayira Divya Prabandham.
• Panguni Uthiram & Thayar Thirukalyana Utsavam: Celestial wedding festival of Lord Katkarai Appan (Vamanamoorthy) and Goddess Perஞ்செல்வ வல்லி (Vatsalyavalli).
• Purattasi Saturdays & Monthly Thiruvonam / Ekadasi: Special Thirumanjanam (Abhishekam) and Vishwaroopa Darshan.
•••
• Travel Hub / Base Town: Central Kerala Cluster (Ernakulam District, Kerala)
• By Road (Bus / Car / Cab): Well connected by state highways to Ernakulam and nearby pilgrimage towns in Central Kerala Cluster. Auto-rickshaws and local taxis are readily available from the main bus stand.
• By Train (Railway Station): Nearest major railhead is in Ernakulam / Central Kerala Cluster junction, with frequent express trains connecting Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, and other major cities.
• By Air (Airport): Nearest domestic/international airport serves the Ernakulam - Kerala region (approx. 1 to 2.5 hours by cab via highway).
• Pilgrim Tip: Verify temple opening hours (6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:30 PM - 8:30 PM) before starting; afternoon closure is typically between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM.