Ayinikkattu Mahavishnu Temple in Challissery, Palakkad, lay in ruins in a region ravaged during the invasion of Tipu Sultan. Alongside Lord Mahavishnu, a second idol at the site was found badly mutilated, its face and legs cut off with sharp weapons — yet devotees still found the sight of Mahavishnu smiling amid the ruins reason enough to begin worship there again.
Restoration work began on 24 September 2020 with Abhisheka performed on the ruined Deities. The Deities were shifted to a temporary Balalaya on 8 October 2020, the old Garbhagriha was fully dismantled, and Shilanyas was conducted on 21 October 2020. The foundation, stone base, and walls of the Garbhagriha followed, along with the Namaskara Mandapam.
The revival of the temple was completed after roughly four years of work — the fifth ancient temple successfully restored by the Devaswom at that point.
This temple is managed independently by its local devotee committee. UgraNarasimha Devaswom no longer administers its worship or bookings — for puja enquiries, please contact the temple directly.
