Adikesava Perumal Temple/Tiruvattaru temple

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Art & Culture

Why in News?

A Yali sculpture located at Sripalikal mandapam of the Tiruvattaru temple has been found damaged a few days ago.

It is dedicated to Lord Adi Kesava Perumal, an early and ancient form of Vishnu.

Location – Tiruvattaru, Kanniyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.
Rivers – The temple is surrounded by 3 rivers – Thamirabharani, Kothai and Pahrali.
Presiding Deity – Lord Vishnu is in the form of Ananthapadmanbhan or Adi Kesava Perumal and resides in a reclining position.
Unique feature
- Idol is 22 feet long, made of mustard, jaggery, and lime powder.
- Idol faces west, opposite to Padmanabhaswamy Temple idol in Thiruvananthapuram (facing east), symbolizing spiritual connection.
- The temple is also called the ‘Srirangam of the Chera Kingdom’.
- It is one of the 108 Vaishnavaite shrines, is sung in praise by Nammalwar.
The temple was once a part of the erstwhile kingdom of Travancore.
Architecture – It is built in authentic Kerala-style architecture, similar to the Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Its features includes murals, sculptures, and paintings that enrich the interiors.
Festivals – Vaikunta Ekadasi is one of the festivals celebrated in great pomp and glory in the temple.
Other important celebrations include Panguni Uthiram and Brahmotsavam.

Yali

Origin of Depiction – Began during the Pallava period and evolved through subsequent dynasties.
Literary Note – Historians said that the word Aazhi appears in Sangam literature, but it has no connection with Yali.
Types of Yali
- Simha Yali – Lion-like features.
- Vezha Yali – Elephant-like, with a proboscis (snout); gained prominence during the Nayak period.
Symbolism & Features – It is a mythical creature, considered more powerful than a lion, typically depicted with two horns above the eyeballs.
It represents strength, protection, and ferocity in temple architecture.

Yazi

References