HISTORY

A Glimpse into History

Thirumittacode Anchumoorthy Temple, located on the banks of Bharathapuzha (Southern Ganga), traces its origins to the Dwapara Yuga. It is one of five sacred "TIRU" temples along the river and is unique for housing five deities—four forms of Lord Vishnu and one of Lord Shiva.

According to legend, during their exile, the Pandavas reached this site. Arjuna, sensing divine presence, informed his brothers. They crafted four Vishnu idols and installed them here. Later, a Pandya king built the temple complex.

About 2000 years ago, a Brahmin from Thirumittacode, who was at Kashi, dreamt of Lord Kasi Viswanatha accompanying him home due to his mother's illness. Upon returning, as the Brahmin bathed, Lord Shiva emerged from his umbrella placed on the Balikkallu, splitting it into four and revealing a Jyothirlingam. Thus, the temple came to be known as the Anchumoorthy Kshetram (Temple of Five Deities) and also as Southern Kashi.

The temple, facing east and touching the river, is also called Chakra Theertham. It holds great spiritual significance, being a rare site where Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped in the same sanctum—a symbol of unity between Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Its design, similar to Kashi’s layout, makes it ideal for performing Pitru Karmas (ancestral rites).

Among the 108 Divya Desams (holy Vishnu temples), 11 are in Kerala, with Thirumittacode being one. Devotees from across South India, especially on new moon days of the Malayalam months, visit for rituals. Daily worship is also offered to Lord Ayyappa, Sage Vedavyasa, and Dhikshimonthy.

This temple stands as a 2000-year-old testament to spiritual unity and heritage.