Narasimha Swamy Mahakshetram, Thuravoor

In this temple, Lord Narasimha is worshipped as Vadakkunnappan, while Maha Sudarshana Murthy is worshipped as Thekkunnappan. The temple is located in the serene and picturesque village of Thuravoor in the Alappuzha district of Kerala.

Strict discipline and austerity are observed by the temple priests. The Melsanthi (chief priest) must maintain absolute celibacy, remain within the temple premises throughout his tenure, and follow a simple and disciplined lifestyle with a rigorous daily routine.

In this temple, the Deity is worshipped as Vadakkunnappan.

Sri Narasimha Murty worshipped here is the same Deity once worshipped by Swami Padmapada, one of the four principal disciples of Adi Shankaracharya, in Kashi during the 8th century.

In this temple, the Sudarshana Murty is worshipped as Thekkunnappan.

Sudarshana Murthy represents the personified form of the Sudarshana Chakra, the divine discus wielded by Maha Vishnu. According to tradition, this sacred weapon was used to sever the body of Sati Devi into 51 parts.

At that very spot, the priest dug into the ground and discovered a beautiful vigraha of Maha Vishnu, carved from Anjanakallu, a rare and precious black stone. It is said that the heavens rejoiced at this divine manifestation, with dazzling flashes of light illuminating the sky and thunderous sounds echoing across the land.

This sacred Deity of Vishnu was later worshipped as Sri Narasimha Murthy. Following traditional rituals, the priest consecrated the vigraha in a srikovil beside the Sudarshana murty.

Before the consecration of the Narasimha Murthy, the site was originally the abode of Goddess Bhagavathy. She was later relocated towards the west and continues to be worshipped there. Even today, a brass lamp placed in front of Lord Narasimha bears the symbol of a lion, the vehicle of Bhagavathy, signifying her earlier presence at the spot.

Owing to the believed presence of countless gods and goddesses, this sacred place came to be known as Surapuri.

The sanctums differ in shape, with one square and the other circular, reflecting diverse architectural traditions. The temple also has two gold-plated
Dwajastambhas and a large Anapandhal (elephant pandhal), adding to its grandeur.

Intricate carvings on the Namaskara Mandapam and detailed sculptural elements enhance its beauty, making the temple a fine blend of tradition, artistry, and spiritual significance.

Apart from the main deities, several other divine forms are also worshipped within the temple complex, including Lord Ganapati, Lord Sastha, the Naga Devatas, Goddess Bhagavathy, and Brahmarakshassu.

Pathamudhayam: It is celebrated on the tenth day of Medam masam, where the utsava murtis of Vadakunnapan and Thekannapan are taken out in a procession, till the spot where Deity of Narasimha Murty was found. The place is called as Sribhoothanilam.

Thuravoor Mahotsavam: It is a ten-day annual festival that begins with the ‘Kodiyettam’ (Dwajarohana), performed during the auspicious Abhijit Lagna, under Revati Nakshatra in Mesha Rashi. A notable ritual during this festival is the ‘Thitambu Nritham’, a unique ceremonial dance featuring the deities of Lord Krishna and Balarama at Pookoth Nada.

Chettukulangara Bhagavathy Temple: This is a vibrant Bhagavathy temple, located in Chettikulangara village in Alapuzzha district.

Sri Mahalakshmi Temple: This is a Mahalakshmi temple, located in Pallipuram, Alappuzha district. Kadavil Mahalakshmi is the presiding deity of the temple.

By Railway: The nearest railway station is Thuravoor railway station. From here, buses, auto can be hired. Even bus facility is also available.

By Road: This temple is connected by National Highways, NH-47. It is located just 25 km away from Kochin city. KSRTC bus stop is just 1 km away from the temple.