Venkatachalapathy Temple, Kerala

Venkatachalapathy temple is positioned in Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram district in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is about a minute walk from the southern gate of the famous Sri Padmanabhaswamy temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathy, a form of Lord Vishnu. This temple is also known as Srinivasar kovil, Perumal Kovil, Iyyengar Kovil or Desikar Sannidhi.

History
Puja Timings
Vimanam
Sannidhi
Festivals
Special Rituals
How to Reach
Videos

The history says that the idol was installed by Sree Ranganatha Satagopa Yateendra Mahadesikar. According to the records, Jeer, the eldest son of the Mahadesikar family has been the main priest of the temple and also in charge of the temple’s administration for almost three generations.

The temple is open for devotees from 6 AM to 10 PM and from 5.30 PM to 8.30 PM.

Though the spiritual origin of the temple can be traced to Tamil Nadu, the temple does not have a ‘Gopuram’. However the temple cannot also be said to be according to the Kerala style as the Sreekovil is plain construction, devoid of the intricate carvings so common in Kerala temples. The temple had a terrace(another feature of the Tamil style).

The temple’s main deity in the Garba Gruham is Sri VenkatachalapathyPerumal. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of Alamelu Mangai Thayar and Padmasini Thayar. There are also shrines for the deities Navaneetha Krishna (Santhana Gopalan), Peria Thiruvadi, and Garudar.

The temple also has an installation of the idol of Kulasekhara alwar, who ruled over this land many centuries ago. As a mark of respect to the king who was a devout Vaishnavite, a sannidhi has been constructed where along with the idol of Kulasekhara Alwar the idols of Nammalwar, Thirumangai alwar, Bashyakarar (Ramanujar). Are also consecrated Vishwarksenar (is said to be the escort of Sree Venkitachalapathy).

The major festival celebrated in the temple is the Vaikunta Ekadasi. Other festivals celebrated in this strict Vaishnava temple include Thiru Aadi Pooram, Aadi Swathi, Janmashtami and Alwar Thirunakshatram. Other general festivals such as Diwali, Vishu and Onam are also celebrated in a grand manner.

The daily rituals in the temple are being carried out according to the Vadakalai System.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

The presiding deity of the temple is Sri Venkatachalapathy along with his consorts Alamelu Mangai Thayar and Padmasini Thayar. Other deities in the temple include Lord Navaneetha Krishnan, Peria Thiruvadi and Lord Garuda.

By Road

Pazhavangadi is 4 kms from Thampanoor. The temple is positioned in the major city in Kerala, hence well connected by roads. The Thiruvananthapuram city bus station is located at walkable distance from the temple.

By Rail

The nearest railhead is the Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway station at a distance of 1 km from the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport at a distance of 7 kms from the temple.