Thiruvalla Temple
Thiruvalla is near Kottayam. The deity Vishnu here is also known as Vallabha or Kolappiraan. The carvings of Dakshinamoorthy and Shiva (Yogiswara) are noticed in the temple walls. There are a Namaskaramandapam, an Agramandapam, a Gopuramandapam and a Mukthamandapam in front of the sanctum sanctorum. Only prominent temples have such Mandapams. The god Viswesera is also accommodated in a sub shrine.
Thew image of Vallabha bears a conch, a discus and a lotus. Through the west door of the sanctum sanctorum a Sudarsana Chakram is noticeable. Sacred ash called Vibhooti in Malayalam is given as Prasadam (god’s divine food) at the Sudarsana Chakram outlet, whereas sandalwood paste is given at Vallbha shrine as Prasadom.
The flagstaff crowning an image of Garuda (eagle) is of 50 ft height made of black granite.
The devotees who wish to have accomplished their wishes or got accomplished used to sponsor Kathakali as an offering to the deity.
The one day festival conducted in the month of Medam (April/May) has a speciality. The icons of the nearby three temples – Kavil, Padappad and Alamthuruthu – brought here with great gaiety. They are returned with new clothes. These images are entered through the northern door of the shrine and it is only for this purpose this door is opened.
