Vasudevapuram Sree Mahavishnu Temple
The temple is located at South Aduvassery in Aluva, about 20-km from Ernakulam. The deity is Vishnu. Wherever Vishnu is there, Mahalaxmi is also there in idol-less form to serve him, devotees firmly believe. Here the presence of Mahalaxmi is more felt, the devotees testify. The consecration of the temple was done by Parasuraman, the legend creator of Kerala.
There is a great legend. After consecration Parasuraman entrusted the temple responsibilities to the Brahmins of the area. The Brahmins suddenly rose to prosperity. Soon their interest in the temple diminished, causing interruptions in the day to day rituals. As a retaliation, a great punch to their wealth followed. Ignorance in the shrine activities caused fading of glory and fame of the temple.. During this time Vilwamangalam Swamikal, the great Vedic exponent, visited the temple when Mahalaxmi was in the service of Vishnu. As Vilwamangalam has the godly power to see and talk to the gods, goddesses and devils he brought to the attention of Mahalaxmi the poverty state of the people around and the loss of fame to the shrine. She said the temple administrators and the people in the region are not conducting proper rituals and hence she is busy serving the Lord and has no time to visit the people and look after their interest. Vilwamangalam replied that if people’s well-being is not guarded they will turn atheists and persuaded her to deliver prosperity to the people and guard their interests. She agreed and said that she will be in the shrine for 8 days in a year, starting from Akshaya Tridiya in the month of Vrischika. On these 8 days she is being worshipped in 8 forms - Veeralaxmi, Gajalaxmi, Santhanalaxmi, Vijayalaxmi, Dhanyalaxmi, Adilaxmi, Dhanalaxmi and Mahalaxmi.
The ritual of Thambula Samarpanam came into being in the temple after the face to face talk by Vilwamangalam. Betel leaves, arecanut along with money (a token amount) is placed before the deity which is called Thambula (betelnut, arecanut and token money) Samarpanam (placing).
Mahalaxmi is supposed to be the possessor of wealth. She is prayed mainly for prosperity.
Yet another important offering is Rice and Turmeric Para (a full measure). Rice Para offered to Vishnu for gaining prosperity whereas Turmeric Para is offered to Mahalaxmi for long and happy married life.
