Sree Vallabha Temple

Sreevallabha temple is positioned in Thiruvalla, Pathanamthitta district in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sreevallabha and Lord Sudharsanamoorthy. The temple is now administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board.

Sree Vallabha Temple, Thiruvalla,Kerala

Architecture
History
Puja Timings
Festivals
Special Rituals
How to Reach
Videos

The temple is built in the beautiful architectural style. The temple is surrounded on all sides by 12 ft tall red granite compound walls with a two-storied tower. This huge wall was built in 57 BC and is believed that it was completed in a single night by bhoothagana of The Lord. Also, there is a big pond covering 1.5 acres with a copper flagstaff on its southern bank. The position of kshethra palan or temple guard which is strictly built in all temples on northern side is found here just in front of Ganapathy’s shrine. North east to pradakshina veethi, a self originated pond called Jalavanthi or Khandakarna theerthem which is believed to contain 64 hidden idols of the Lord is seen. It is for only the use of priests. Constructed in the 57 BC, a 3 feet massive idol of Garuda is placed on the top of it facing the main sanctum. Two namaskara mandapam are built against both doors of sanctum-sanctorum and only Brahmins are allowed there. The eastern mandapam is 24 feet long square building and stands on 12 wooden and 4 stone pillars. All these are well known for their fine carvings. No other temples ever have enshrined Lord Vishnu and Lord Sudarsana under same roof.

The temple had governed a Vedic school with around 1500 students and 150 teachers. Veda, Vedanta, Tarka, Mimasa, Jyothista, Ayurveda and Kalaripayattu were taught here. The first ever prose work in Malayalam is the Thiruvalla inscriptions dated first half of the 12th century AD. Other works that glorified the temple are Sreevallabha Ksethra Mahathmyam of the 10th century AD, Sreevallabha Kavyam, Thukalasura Vadham Kathakali, Sreevallabha Charitham Kathakali, Sreevallabha Vijayam Kathakali, Sreevallabha Suprabhatham, Sreevallabha Karnamritha Sthothram and Yajanavali Sangrham. From the date built, the temple was under control of thiruvalla pattillathil pottimar.

The temple is open for devotees from 4 AM to 11.30 AM and from 5 PM to 8 PM.

The major festival celebrated in the temple is Uthra Sree Bali. During this festival, all the three goddesses Alumthuruthy, Karunatukara and Padappadu are taken to the ensign where Goddess Alumthuruthy goes inside the temple to invite Lord Sreevallabha and Lord Sudharsanamoorthy. Then the gifts sharing ritual happens within the gods. The major ritual performed during this festival is Garudamadathara.

Palli Unarthal, Nirmalaya Darshanam, Pantheeradi pooja, Ucha pooja and Nalam pooja are some of the important poojas performed in the temple.

Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity

The presiding deities of the temple is Lord Sreevallabha and Lord Sudharsanamoorthy. The deities are in a standing posture. Lord Sreevallabha faces the east while Lord Sudharsanamoorthy faces the west. Other deities present in the temple include Lord Ganapathy and Lord Ayyappa.

By Road

Thiruvalla is 30 kms from Pathanamthitta. Buses, auto-rickshaws and taxis are available almost all the time to reach the temple.

By Rail

The nearest rail head is the Kavumbhagom Railway station at a distance of 500 mts from the temple.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport at a distance of 118 kms from the temple.