Vilwadrinatha temple, also known as Vilwadrinath Kshetra, is one of the major temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Rama and his brother Lord Lakshmana. This ancient temple stands on the top of a hill in the center of Thiruvila village. It’s one of the significant temples with a major historical essence that adds value to Indian mythology.

Here are some enthralling facts about this temple to glance at the richness of Hindu culture and history.

• Devotees climb about 50 steps to reach the temple, where they are welcomed by the little idols of Garuda installed on each side of the main gate.
• On the temple’s east and west sides are the remains of two huge gopurams. But the reason behind this destruction is still unknown.
• A daily ritual of the procession of deities of the temple is called Seeveli, carried out on the stone-carved circumambulation path of the Vilwadrinatha temple.
• The Lord Rama idol in the West facing shrine is a Swayambhu, which makes Vilwadrinatha Kerala’s only temple with Lord Rama’s self-born image.

• Punarjani Guha (cave) near the temple is considered a mystical site that opens up only during Guruvayur Ekadashi.
• Every year, devotees participate in the Punarjani Noozhal, the crawling ritual from the narrow passage of the cave.

Feature Image Credit: Photo by Ramakrishnan Nataraj on Unsplash. (free for commercial use)