Mithrananthapuram Trimurti Temple – Kerala

Address

Mithrananthapuram Trimurti Temple – Mithrananthapuram Street, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023

Deity

Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma

Introduction

• Location: Mithrananthapuram Trimurti Temple is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, on the western side of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
• Deities: The temple complex allows devotees to worship the three Trimurti deities:
  • Lord Brahma: Seated posture.
  • Lord Vishnu: Standing posture.
  • Lord Shiva: Also present.
• Sub-Deities: Includes Lord Ganesh and Nagaraja.

Puranic Significance

• Historical Context:
  • No definitive records exist regarding the temple’s origin.
  • Initially a subsidiary of Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
  • Constructed in its present form in 1168 A.D. (according to Syanandura Purana).
  • Renovated in 1196 A.D., with additional land granted to deities in 1344 A.D..
  • Further renovations carried out in 1748 by Maharaja Marthanda Varma.
  • Initially managed by Ettara Yogam, now overseen by the Travancore Devaswom Board.
• Temple Complex:
  • Located near Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Complex includes dedicated temples for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.
  • Priests of Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple reside in Mithrananthapuram.
  • Vedic pundits gather every 12 years for Murajapam (chanting of Vedic mantras).

Temple Layout

• Vishnu Temple:
  • Features a Garuda statue outside.
  • Idol of Vishnu in standing posture, holding conch, wheel, mace, and lotus.
  • Ashtami Rohini (birth of Lord Krishna) is celebrated here.
  • A small metallic idol worshipped by Sage Vilwamangalam Swamiyar is present.
• Shiva Temple:
  • Located adjacent to the Vishnu temple.
  • A Ganesha temple is in the southwestern corner, with Maha Shivaratri celebrated as the main festival.
• Nagaraja Temple:
  • Situated next to the Shiva temple.
• Brahma Temple:
  • Positioned behind the Vishnu temple.
  • Considered one of the few active Brahma temples in India.
  • Features a stone idol with one head instead of four, accompanied by a small Ganesha temple.

Special Features

• Legend:
  • Villwamangalath Swamiyar is said to have consecrated the idols.
  • The Trimurtis are believed to have conducted a fire yajna to the Sun God, giving rise to the name Mithrananthapuram (“the town which gave happiness to the Sun”).
• Holy Status: The presence of the three Gods makes Mithrananthapuram a sacred site.

Festivals

• Major Celebrations:
  • Ashtami Rohini (birthday of Sree Krishna).
  • Shivaratri, both celebrated on a grand scale.

Century/Period/Age

1168 A.D.

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Mithrananthapuram

Nearest Railway Station

Thiruvananthapuram

Nearest Airport

Thiruvananthapuram

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