Sri Maayapiran Perumal Temple, Thirupuliyoor, Chengannur

Overview

Sri Maayapiran Perumal Temple, located in Thirupuliyoor near Chengannur, is one of the sacred 108 Divyadesam temples revered in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alwars. The presiding deity here is Lord Vishnu, worshipped as Maayapiran, and his consort Goddess Porkodi Nachiyar (Lakshmi).

This ancient temple, nestled amid the lush greenery of central Kerala, is believed to have been built by the Pandavas during their exile. It is particularly associated with Bheema, the second of the Pandava brothers. The name Thirupuliyoor is derived from “Puli,” meaning “tiger,” as the place is linked to the legend of Sage Vyaghra Pada, who worshipped Lord Vishnu here.

Mythological Significance

According to legend, Bheema installed the idol of Lord Vishnu at this sacred site to atone for the sin of killing demons during their exile. The temple is said to represent Bheema’s devotion, making it one of the five Pandava temples in Kerala (Thirupuliyoor – Bheema, Thiruvanvandoor – Nakula, Thrikodithanam – Sahadeva, Thrichittatt – Yudhishthira, Thiruppuliyur – Arjuna).

It is believed that worshipping Lord Maayapiran here helps devotees overcome pride, ego, and sins committed knowingly or unknowingly.

Maayapiran Perumal Temple Timings

• Morning: 5:30 AM – 10:00 AM
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• (Timings may vary during festival days.)

Festivals and Celebrations

• Vaikunta Ekadasi : Celebrated grandly with special poojas and processions.
• Thiruvonam and Thiruvutsavam : Annual temple festivals featuring traditional Kerala art forms.
• Daily Poojas : Conducted as per Vaikhanasa Agama traditions

Distances:

• Nagercoil to Thiruvattar : 30 km
• Trivandrum to Thiruvattar : 50 km
• Kanyakumari to Thiruvattar : 55 km
• Madurai to Thiruvattar : 250 km
• Tirunelveli to Thiruvattar : 120 km
• Cochin to Thiruvattar : 270 km

Nearby Attractions

• Thiruvanvandoor Divyadesam (Nakula’s Temple) - 10 KM
• Thrikodithanam (Sahadeva’s Temple) - 40 KM
• Chengannur Mahadeva Temple
• Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple
• Sabarimala (Pilgrimage center) - 70 KM

How to Reach:

• Nearest Town : Chengannur (approx. 5 km)
• Nearest Railway Station : Chengannur Railway Station (5 km)
• Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport (120 km) or Trivandrum Airport (125 km)
• By Road : Well connected by buses and private taxis from Chengannur and nearby towns.