Thirukkodithanam Temple
Thirukkodithanam is near Changanasseri. The deity is Vishnu who is also known as Amrita Narayanan. This shrine is one of the five connected with Mahabharatam. The other four are Yuddhishtira of Chengannur, Bheema of Tiruppuliyur, Arjuna of Aranmula and Nagula of Tiruvamundur. This temple is believed to have been built by Sahadeva of the Pandavas. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum portray the images of various moods and acts of various gods. Narasimha and Dakshinamurthy have got the privilege of getting sub shrines.
The wood carvings and murals are of centuries old and inscriptions from 10th century (Bhaskara Ravi Varman rein period) are noticed.
The surrounding wall of the temple is gigantic like a fort. The joints of the stone are so close to close, making it rather difficult to identify the joints. Such workmanship cannot be noticed anywhere else. There is an elephantine pond covering an area of more than 2 acres outside the temple. Such a big pond is extant only here. A pillar with a granite human figure hanging from the top is there on the bank of the pond as near to the temple gate. The hanging human figure wears a crown and sacred thread in addition to a conch in the hand.
A festival called Deepa Mahotsavam (festival of light) is celebrated in Vrischikam (November/December). For Deepa (light) a bonfire is created in a specific manner. Dried plantain leaves get piled like pyre to which lighted torches are tossed in. At this time musics from percussion instruments flow. It is said the Deepa Mahotsavam is held to commemorate the self-immolation of Madri, the mother of Sahadeva. The festival is attended by large number of people.
