Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura (Vrischikolsavam)

About this event

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple in Tripunithura is one of the prominent Vishnu temples of Kerala and an important landmark in the former royal town of Tripunithura, the historic capital of the erstwhile Kingdom of Cochin. The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu worshipped as Santhaana Gopala Moorthy, traditionally associated with the protection of infants and the well-being of children. The deity is depicted seated on the serpent Ananthan, a distinctive iconographic feature highlighted by Kerala Tourism. The temple’s architecture follows the traditional Kerala style, incorporating copper-plated roofs, wooden panels, granite elements and richly decorated areas around the sanctum. Its two-storeyed gopuram includes a mandapam supported by carved wooden pillars, while the sanctum has brass-covered sidewalls featuring representations of deities and a copper-plated roof. The temple attracts both pilgrims and visitors interested in Kerala’s religious architecture and cultural traditions. Its annual festival calendar includes several important observances, with Vrischikotsavam being the best-known celebration. Kerala Tourism describes Vrischikotsavam as an eight-day annual festival featuring the ceremonial procession, or Ezhunnallippu, accompanied by fifteen decorated elephants and Pancharimelam. The festival also showcases traditional temple arts and percussion traditions, including Panchavadyam, Thayambaka, Madhala Pattu, Kombu Pattu and Kuzhal Pattu. The procession and musical performances are central features of the celebration, and the festival programme also includes forms of traditional performing arts such as Kathakali, Ottanthullal and other cultural presentations. The fourth day is associated with Thrikketta Purappaadu, an important procession connected with the temple’s traditions and the belief that the divine presence of Poornathrayeesa is especially manifested in the ceremonial procession. The temple’s cultural significance extends beyond its principal festival. Its location in Tripunithura places it within a historic urban landscape associated with the former Cochin royal family and Kerala’s courtly traditions. The combination of worship, architecture, ritual music, processions and performing arts makes the temple an important destination for those exploring Kerala’s temple culture. Visitors attending during festival periods can witness traditional rituals and performances in a setting where religious observance and the cultural heritage of central Kerala remain closely connected. Festival programmes and timings vary according to the annual calendar and should be confirmed before visiting.

🚆 Railway: Tripunithura Railway Station – approximately 2 km from Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple.

✈️ Airport: Cochin International Airport – approximately 33 km from the temple.

🚌 Bus: Tripunithura is well connected by road and regular bus services with Ernakulam and other parts of Kochi; the temple is located in the central Tripunithura area.

🏨 Stay: Hotels and other accommodation options are available in Tripunithura and across the wider Kochi–Ernakulam area.

✅ Notes: Vrischikotsavam is an eight-day annual festival featuring Ezhunnallippu, decorated elephants, Pancharimelam and other traditional temple arts. The Cochin Devaswom Board also publishes the annual temple festival calendar; current festival dates and programmes should be checked before visiting.