Ayinikkattu Mahavishnu temple

Ayinikkatttu Mahavishnu temple is an ancient temple that is lying in ruins at Challissery in Palakkad district of Kerala. The temple has a beautiful architecture. The sight of Lord Mahavishnu smiling amidst the ruins is enough for devotees to do whatever is required for restoring the temple and restarting worship at the temple site.

The temple ruins is in a region that was ravaged during the invasion of Tipu Sultan many centuries back. The temple compound bears visible marks of destruction. Another idol can be found in the temple site, which has been badly mutilated with the face and legs cut off using sharp weapons.

We have started the revival of the temple by lighting the lamp and prayers for Lord Mahavishnu. Agnisooktham was chanted along with another Mantra and ceremonial offerings were made as part of the Upacharas for Lord Mahavishnu.

As the news spread, the entire village has now come together for restarting worship at  the temple.

UgraNarasimha Charitable Trust has undertaken to restore the temple and revive worship at the temple site. As the temple resurrect from the ruins, this will also cause a revival of Dharma in the region.

UPDATES:

Restoration work

Restoration work started on 24.9.2020. Abhisheka was performed on Lord Mahavishnu and Lord Ganesha who were lying in ruins for decades. The entire premises were cleaned up.

Next stages

A temporary Garbagriha called Balalaya will be next built to house the Deities till the restoration of the temple is complete. The temple will be dismantled completely and foundation strengthened. The old stones at base will be reused if found intact or will be replaced where necessary.

Shifting of the Deity to temporary Garbagriha

The Deities Bhagavan Mahavishnu and Ganesha was shifted to a temporary Garbagriha on 8 Oct 2020. The pujas and all the rituals were performed as per the Agamas by the Chief Priest of the temple assisted by other priests.

Dismantling of the Garbagriha

The temple was completely dismantled after the Deities were shifted to the Balalaya. Each of the stones will be checked and reused if found intact and strong.

Shilanyas

The Shilanyas of the temple was conducted on 21 Oct 2020 . The rituals were performed by Chief Priest in the presence of Stapathis and devotees.

Foundation of temple redone

After Shilanyas, the foundation of the temple was strengthened. This was needed as the old temple structure had been weakened by roots of trees and other reasons induced by time.

Base of Garbagriha

As of now the work of the base of the Garbagriha is being done. The old stones are being checked, cleaned and reused if found strong. The broken stones will be replaced.

The stages ahead

After the base, the work of walls will start, also there are stone frames which needs to be newly made before that.

Walls of the temple completed

The second stage of restoration, ie the walls are complete. The Dwarapalakas were fitted back to the Garbagriha. The temple has a separate sanctum inside the Garbagriha and the work of sanctum is also complete. Next stage is the work of the ceiling which we are planning to start this month. We are trying our best to complete restoration of this temple at the earliest even if there are some pandemic related restrictions. Our vision is to develop this ancient temple as an institution which will cause revival of Culture and Dharma in the village. Also as an institution which will help the devotees during distress thereby ensuring social security as well.

Garbagriha structure complete, Namaskara Mandapa is being built

The structure of the Garbagriha is complete. Beautification and ceiling works are remaining which will be completed soon. The work of Namaskara Mandapa is going on now, which is opposite to the Garbagriha. This is the place where hymns and chantings are done on special occasions. The priests prostrate here before the Deity while entering and after exiting the Garbagriha. This temple complex will become a major spiritual centre in the region, because of the Deity, Lord Mahavishnu.

Ceiling work complete

We are very happy to share that the ceiling work of the Garbagriha of Ayinikkattu Mahavishnu temple is complete. Now only the polishing work of the stones of the Garbagriha remains. And also the work of the Namaskara Mandapa infront.

Revival of Ayinikkattu Mahavishnu temple is complete

We are very happy to announce the successful completion of the revival of Ayinikkattu Mahavishnu temple in Palakkad Kerala. This has been made possible due to the support and contributions from your end and we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for same. This is the fifth ancient temple successfully restored by us in the past four years.

Restoration of ancient temples and revival of worship of Deities has huge significance in a person’s life and karma. And we always believe that the Gods themselves select those who can be part of this noble deed.

This project has been completed and handed over to the committee.

This temple is part of the #ReclaimTemples project in Kerala to rebuild 300 ancient Hindu Heritage temples that are lying in ruins for decades and centuries. We believe the project will strengthen the society and along with their social, economic and cultural prosperity.
Completed projects

1. Alathiyur Subrahmanya temple: ketto.org/kl002

2. Malayambadi Narasimha temple: ketto.org/kl005

3. Challisserry Siva temple: ketto.org/kl007