The Anchumoorthi Temple, located near Pattambi town in Thirumittacode gram panchayat of Palakkad district, Kerala, holds a unique and ancient significance. According to local tradition, it is believed that the Pancha Pandavas, the legendary five brothers from the Mahabharata, consecrated this temple around 5000 years ago. Visitors to the temple can still see the idols consecrated by each of the Pandava brothers: Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva.
The temple is revered for its historical importance, as it is said that during their exile (vanavasa), the Pandavas visited this sacred place and installed the idols of Mahavishnu. Lord Shiva’ Prathishta is believed to be installed by Parasurama.. Additionally, there are idols dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and Vedavyasa within the temple premises. The name “Anchumoorthi” come from four pratishtha of Vishnu and one pratishtha of Shiva. The Anchumoorthi Temple stands as a testament to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and religious traditions, drawing devotees and visitors who seek to experience its ancient aura and spiritual resonance.
It is a rare temple in Kerala where the idol of Vedavyasa is enshrined.
Anchumoorthi Temple is situated on the southern bank of the Bharathapuzha, the second longest river in Kerala. Uniquely, the river flows in an east-west direction but turns northward upon reaching the temple. Devotees draw parallels between this temple and Kashi, believing in many spiritual similarities.
Anchumoorthi Temple, one of the 108 Shivalayas and among the 108 Divya Desams, uniquely integrates worship of both Shiva and Vishnu. The Vaishnava poet-saints, the Alvars, have composed hymns in praise of this temple. All festivals and rituals here honor both deities equally, with Shivratri and Sree Krishna Jayanti being major celebrations.
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