Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple, Tripunithura - श्री पूर्णत्रयेसा मंदिर, त्रिपुनिथुरा

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tripunithura, Kochi, the capital of the former Cochin Kingdom of Kerala state, India. This temple is considered one of the greatest temples of Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Vishnu, the presiding deity is Vishnu Santhangopala Murthy or Poornatrayisa. The god is the national deity of Cochin and the patron of Tripunithura.

History and Architecture of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Tripunithura
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is built in traditional Kerala style architecture with copper plates, wooden panels and granite tiles. Bhagwan Vishnu seated on the serpent Ananta is the deity here, and he is worshiped as Santhana Gopala Murthy (savior of infants). The western side of the Purnatrayesa temple has a gopuram which is very old, built in the 11th and 13th centuries.

According to local folklore, it is said that Arjun and Krishna requested Bhagwan Ganesh to proceed with them and select a suitable place for the consecration of the idol. Bhagwan Ganesh traveled far and wide and finally reached a divine place, the abode of the Vedas in their entirety known as 'Purna Veda Puri', which later became Tripunithura. Bhagwan Ganesh was so pleased with this place that he chose a holy place and seated himself there. When Arjun reached Tripunithura, he saw Bhagwan Ganesh sitting at the place where he was to place the idol of Bhagwan Vishnu. He requested Bhagwan Ganesh to please leave from there so that he could install the idol there. Bhagwan Ganesh said that he could not move from there. Since he could not place the idol anywhere on the ground other than the designated place, Arjun had no other option and it is said that he gave a kick to Bhagwan Ganesh due to which Bhagwan Ganesh turned towards the south and hit the idol. Kept it there. Purnatrayesa temple is the only temple where Bhagwan Ganesh faces south. In all other temples the idols traditionally face east and/or west.

Behind the temple in the outskirts there is Venkateswara temple and you also see temple elephants who have trunks.

Visiting Timings of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Tripunithura
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is open throughout the week and darshan timings are from 4 am to 8:15 pm.

Major Festivals in Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Tripunithura
Vrischikotsavam is the major festival of Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Thrippunithura. It is a seven-day festival when Thrippunithura itself celebrates. Every day of the festival the audience is treated to several classical Carnatic music performances. Purnatrayisa is known for his love for elephants. Hence more than 40 elephants participate in their Vrischikotsavam.

Sri Poornathrayisha's birthday falls on the \"Uthram '' nakshatra of the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March), which is preceded by the Para Utsavam, where people make special offerings to the temple. Every year in August-September, another festival called Mooshari Utsavam is celebrated in the memory of the sculptor who molded the divine image of Sree Poornathrayeesan. It is believed that the sculptor himself merged with the divine to give life to the wonderful mold of Purnatrayesha, which is still used in the sanctum sanctorum. Lakshmi Narayana Vilakku, Uthram Vilakku and Thulam Ombath Utsavam are the other main festivals every year.

How to reach Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Tripunithura
Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple is located in Thrippunithura, Kochi, Kerala. This place is very well connected to other cities by road, railways and airways. The nearest railway station is Ernakulam Junction Railway Station which is 8 km from the temple.

Things to Keep in Mind before Entering to Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple
❀ Male devotees have to take off their shirts before entering the gopuram and the same applies to male children.
❀ In Front of the temple so many shops are there selling flowers and tulsi mala.

Sree Poornathrayeesa Temple Experience
❀ Poornathrayeesa Temple is a peaceful place inside, you can see the deepotsavam in the evening which starts at 6 PM everyday, which is just breathtaking.
❀ Walking around the temple barefoot in the rain is one of the best feelings you had from here.