Happy Onam: Thrikkakara isn’t the only place in Kerala with a Vamana temple; other fascinating shrines

Mahabali often hogs all the spotlight in Kerala's Onam celebrations, but it's Vamana, the so-called 'villain' of the story, who changed the course of the legendary story with his three steps. The little avatar responsible for the 'plot twist' is also called 'Thrikkakarayappan' in Kerala, thanks to Thrikkakara's renowned Vamanamoorthy Temple. It is believed that the duo met here, after which Vamana sent Mahabali to the netherworld by placing his leg on his head. Thrikkakara Temple is also often credited as one of the few Vamana temples. However, other Vamana temples in Kerala are also ancient and have fascinating histories. Let's get to know them better on this Onam day. 

1. Vamanaswamy Temple, Velloor
This ancient temple, perched majestically on the banks of the scenic Muvattupuzha River, approximately 100 feet above sea level, is highly revered for its unique rituals, including the grand Thiruvona Oottu feast and the sacred Bhumi Pooja. Locals believe Perumthachan, the legendary master craftsman of Kerala, built it. 

The sacred feast of Thiruvona Oottu
One of the most defining traditions of the Velloor Vamanaswamy Temple is the Thiruvona Oottu, a sacred community feast hosted on the Thiruvonam asterism of every Malayalam month. The elaborate feast draws thousands of devotees who partake in this blessed meal. 

No elephants or fireworks
Unlike most major temple festivals in Kerala, marked by the majestic presence of caparisoned elephants and deafening pyrotechnic displays, the festival at Velloor Vamanaswamy Temple is remarkably quiet and serene. Apparently, because the deity is worshipped in his youthful, celibate form, both elephants and fireworks are strictly prohibited. 

How to reach the Velloor Vamanaswamy Temple
The temple is situated just 200 metres from the Velloor bus stand in Kottayam's Thalayolaparambu. Regular bus services connect Velloor to nearby major towns like Thalayolaparambu and Vaikom. For those travelling by train, the nearest railway station is Piravom Road, which is located just one kilometre from the temple, making it an easy commute by foot or local transport.

2. Vamanamoorthy Temple, Vamanapuram
Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram has a village and its river named after Vamana - the renowned 'Vamanapuram,' which also made it to the title of a movie starring Mohanlal. The Thiruvamanapuram Temple in Vamanapuram village is characterised by the many 'olakkudas' (ancient umbrellas made of palm leaves, once used by Brahmins) that devotees see upon entering the premises, donated to the shrine as offerings. It's not clear when it was built, but local people say it is at least a thousand years old. The idol stands on one leg, the pose the avatar is believed to have struck after pushing Mahabali down to the netherworld. 

Where is it located?
The temple is in Anakkudi, Vamanapuram, next to the Vamanapuram River near Venjaramoodu in Thiruvananthapuram. 

3. Vamanamoorthy Temple, Thrivikramangalam 
Though the name of this temple is Thrivikramangalam Mahavishnu Temple, the deity worshipped here is in the form of 'Thrivikrama' or the 'one who made three strides,' which is the dwarf Vamana. According to Kerala Tourism, this ancient temple dates back to the 11th or 12th century CE and is a protected monument under the Archaeology Department. It is believed that the Chola Kings built it. The idol here is the 6-foot-tall Chaturbahu (one who has four hands) Vamana. 

Onam day festivities
The temple's main ceremonies are held on Onam day. Ekadesi is also another main occasion for devotees to visit the temple. 

Where is it located?
The temple is located in Thamalam near Karamana, on the banks of the Karamana River in Thiruvananthapuram. The nearest railway station is Thiruvananthapuram Central. 

4. Vamana Temple, Mithranandapuram 
Another ancient temple, this shrine is believed to be about 1,800 years old and features Vamana in the form of a student. The temple also has a 'Nakshatravanam' or sacred astrological grove, which has 27 plants and trees that correspond to the lunar constellations in Vedic astrology. This temple is also known for its 'olakkuda' offertory for blessings. It is also one of the few in Kerala which stages the 'Othukoottu' yajna every three years. Every month, the 'Thiruvonam oottu' feast is held in the temple for those praying to have a child. 

Where is it located?
The temple is located in Peruvanam on the Thrissur-Thriprayar route. It is just about 10 km from Thrissur town. 

5. Vamana Temple, Kodavalam
This temple in Kasaragod, known best as the Kodavalam Mahavishnu Temple, has Vamana as its main prathistta (idol). It is apparently the only Vamana temple in the Malabar region. The temple is believed to have been built around the 10th century CE and is known best for the 1000-year-old 'Kodavalam Sasanam, which is kept specially in the shrine. It is a stone inscription which dates back to the 58th Chera King and records ancient tax records in 'vattezhuthu,' an old syllabic alphabet used in South India. 

Where is it located?
It is located in Kodavalam, on the Kanhangad-Panathoor route. Get down at the Ollur bus stop and take the left road for two km to reach the temple.