Trivikrama temple at Thirukovaloor.

The Trivikrama temple at Thirukovalur is not only a divyadesam but also one of the 5 krishna kshetras.

This is the place that can verily be called the birthplace of Nalayara divya prabhandham ----4000 hymns sung in praise of Narayana.

Since it was in this very place that the early Aazhwars known as Mudal Aazhwars sought refuge in a small room from a raging storm on a dark night, meeting each other for the first time . They were in a tight squeeze and felt further squeezed by a spiritual presence seeking their company ,making them realise that it was none other than Narayana , which made them burst forth in 100's of hymns in his praise.Like those starting with the hymns we are familiar with,

'Vaiyama thagalia' of Poigai Aazhwar,

'Anbe Thagaliya' of Bhoodat Aazhwar,&

'Thiru kanden pon meni kanden' of Pei Aazhwar.

The presiding deity is Trivikrama. It is a huge idol depicting the gigantic growth of the dwarf like Vamana avatar, assumed by Vishnu to trim the pride and ego of the ruler Mahabali , by measuring the entire universe in two strides and thus humbling the powerful ruler.

Thirumangai Aazhwar as well as Sri Desikan have visited and worshipped at this place by a garland of hymns in 9 th cent and 13 th cent respectively.

The Gopuram at entrance is very attractive in its symmetry. It leads into a fairly large temple., with Vishnu as main deity , in a standing position , towering,with one leg held high , with the feet worshipped by Brahma.Mahabali's son is seen worshipping the sacred feet at the ground. The idols of the 3 Aazhwars are within the sanctum , at one side.

In the outer prakaram are Pushpavalli thayar's and Andal's sannidhi,on the right and left hand side of the Moolavar,respectively..The hall at front of Thayar sannidhi is wide. Its width is notable as it is second only to the hall at Sri Mushnum. So said the young priest.The kalyana utsavam ofPerumal and Thaayar are performed in this hall during Bramhostavam by placing the deities on the huge jhoola at the centre.

There are also separate sanidhi's for Laksmi Narayana, Varahar , Narsimhar and Viswaksena.

The Vimanum is quite invisible from the circumbulatory passage.A very small portion is visible only from one corner , that is from, near Vishwaksena's sannidhi.

Photos.Top. The vimanam of Trivikrama temple at Thirukovaloor at front of the back gopurum .

Below. The Gopuram at the entrance to the temple.