Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
Sree Poornathrayesa temple (in Malayalam: ശ്രീ പൂര്ണ്ണത്രയീശ ക്ഷേത്രം) is a Hindu temple situated in Tripunithura, Kochi, the capital of the former Kingdom of Cochin, Kerala, India. The temple is considered among the greatest temples in Kerala and was the first among eight royal temples of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin. The presiding deity is Vishnu as Santhanagopala Murthy or Poornathrayeesa. He was the national deity of Cochin and protector guardian of Tripunithura. Poornathrayeesa is known for his love of elephants. Hence more than 40 elephants participate in his Vrishchikotsavam.
| Sree Poornathrayesa Temple | |
|---|---|
'Vrischikotsavam' which starts the festival season | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| Deity | Vishnu in the form of "Santhana Gopala Moorthy" |
| Location | |
| Location | Tripunithura, Kochi |
| State | Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Geographic coordinates | 9°56′42.1″N 76°20′32.0″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Kerala |
| Completed | Unknown (Believed to exist since Dvapara Yuga) |
| Website | |
| http://sreepoornathrayeesatemple.com | |
The temple is famous for its yearly utsavams or festivals. The main one is the Vrishchikoltsawam, which is conducted annually in the month of Vrishchikam (November–December), kicking off the Ulsava season in Kerala. It is an eight-day-long festival known for its grandeur of festivities and cultural programmes like Melam (percussion), Kathakali and music concerts.
It is believed that childless couples will be blessed with children on praying Poornathrayesan. Traditionally, Thrikketta Purappadu day (fourth day of Vrishchikotsavam) sees Sree Poornathrayeesa in opulent majesty, ensconced in a jewel-studded golden accoutrement atop a stately tusker surrounded by 14 elephants while devotees make their offerings in golden pots specially taken out from the temple’s kallara (treasure vault) for the occasion.