Sri Anchumoorthi Temple, Thirumittakode – A Rare Divyadesam and Shivalaya

Location

Situated at Thirumittacode village, Pattambi Taluk, Palakkad District, Kerala.
Lies on the banks of the Bharathappuzha River, a sacred river often called Nila.

Main Deities

The temple is famous for its Anchumoorthis (Five Deities):

Subshrines

Shrines dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu in separate sanctums.
Lakshmi shrines alongside Vishnu, emphasizing divine consort worship.
Smaller shrines for guardian deities and local traditions, typical of Kerala temple complexes.

Temple Significance

Unique Syncretism: Worship of both Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities in equal reverence, symbolizing religious harmony.
Antiquity: Believed to be 2000–3000 years old, built in traditional Kerala temple architecture.
Pilgrimage Importance: A rare temple where devotees of both traditions converge, making it a spiritual bridge between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.

History

The temple is considered ancient (2000–3000 years old), built in traditional Kerala style.
Locally called Anju Moorthy Koil (temple of five deities).
It is one of the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala and also one of the 108 Divyadesams revered in Vaishnavism.
Historical references suggest it was a major pilgrimage stop along the Bharathappuzha river route.

Legends

Parasurama Legend: Tradition holds that sage Parasurama installed Lord Shiva here, making it part of the 108 Shivalayas.
Dual Worship: The temple uniquely enshrines both Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities, symbolizing harmony between traditions.
Pilgrimage Myth: A local legend mentions a Brahmin named Kasi Viswanathan, who after visiting Kashi, returned here for darshan, reinforcing its sanctity.

Architecture

Built in Kerala temple architecture, with tiled roofs, wooden structures, and stone sanctums.
Sanctums: Separate shrines for Shiva, Vishnu (Abhaya Pradhan & Uyyavantha Perumal), and Lakshmi (Padmasini & Vithuvakootuvalli).
Mandapams: Spacious halls for rituals and gatherings.
Riverbank Setting: Located on the Bharathappuzha River, enhancing its spiritual aura and making it a site for ancestral rites (pithrutharppanam).
The temple’s layout emphasizes simplicity and sanctity, typical of Kerala’s ancient shrines.

Rituals

Daily Poojas: Regular worship of Shiva, Vishnu, and Lakshmi in their respective sanctums.
Anchumoorthi Worship: Devotees offer prayers to all five deities, symbolizing harmony between Shaivism and Vaishnavism.
Ancestral Rites (Pithrutharppanam): Performed on the banks of the Bharathappuzha River, believed to purify and uplift ancestral souls.
Special Offerings: Vishnu Sahasranama chanting, lamp lighting, and abhishekam to Shiva are common practices.

Festivals

Thiruvonam Festival: Celebrated during Onam, with special Vishnu pujas and community feasts.
Vaikunta Ekadasi: Observed in the Tamil month of Thai (Jan–Feb), with grand Vishnu worship and temple festivities.
Shivaratri: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, with night-long abhishekam and chanting.
Other Observances: Annual temple rituals blend Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions, attracting devotees from across Kerala.

Beliefs

Dual Sanctity: The temple is revered as both a Divyadesam (Vaishnavite shrine) and a Shivalaya (Shaivite shrine).
Anchumoorthi Blessings: Worshipping all five deities together is believed to bring holistic prosperity, peace, and spiritual upliftment.
River Sanctity: Bathing in the Bharathappuzha River before rituals is considered purifying and auspicious.
Harmony of Traditions: Devotees believe the temple symbolizes unity between Shaivism and Vaishnavism, offering blessings from both traditions.

Temple Hours

Morning: 5:00 am – 10:30 am
Evening: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Best time for darshan is early morning when rituals are performed in all five sanctums.

Getting Here

By Rail: Nearest station is Pattambi Railway Station, about 1 mile away. Devotees cross the Bharathappuzha River and walk to the temple.
By Road: Well connected by buses from Guruvayoor (10 miles) and Shoranur.
By Air: The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, about 75 km away.

Tips

Unique Worship: Remember this is one of the rare temples where both Shaivite and Vaishnavite deities are worshipped together.
River Rituals: Many devotees perform ancestral rites (pithrutharppanam) on the Bharathappuzha riverbank—carry offerings if you plan to participate.
Festivals: Plan visits during Vaikunta Ekadasi or Shivaratri for vibrant celebrations.
Footwear & Dress: Traditional Kerala temples require modest attire; footwear must be left outside.
Stay Options: Lodging is available in Pattambi, Shoranur, or Guruvayoor.