Thirumittacode Anchumoorthy - 69th Divyadesham

As part of main Guruvayur trip , decided what else could be included as nearby temples. This blog will cover first temple in the list and you can see each blog for specific  temples

Anchumoorthy temple , Thirumiitacode

This was first temple we decided to be made part of our travel . 30kms range from Guruvayur and 50 mins maz to reach . Car is a must here as the public transport doesn't have much  last leg connectivity  

Why this temple - 108 divya desham was one of the factors and very few temples were both Siva and Vishnu are worshipped together as main diety.  Yes, you heard it right . Interestingly this temple also fall in the list Shivalaya temples 

Connecting history - There are multiple updates about the temple and different explanation  on the name. Based on different reading and talking to people at the temple premise ,I have penned my understanding in a very concise manner.

Pandavas have lived here during their exile . Bharatapuzha river bank would have been geographical advantage.  Each of them constructed their own Vishnu deity for prayers. So five of them and Anchumoorthy would have been easier puzzle . However you can see inside the complex , Nakul and Sahadev have one single deity. So we have 4 Vishnu deities . So how did the fifth one come . 

In a different period, there was a sage who has been Kasi for praying to Siva His mother fell ill and he was coming to hometown to see mother along with Siva for protection. When they were near to this place(thirumitacode) Siva stopped.  This has made a new Siva deity to be constructed at the same place as people believed there is strong reason and divine power why Siva stopped exactly at the same location.  So lets tally the maths  4 Vishnu dieties by Pandavas and one Siva diety later on making to Anchumoorthy.  ( Anchu - means 5 and Moorthy means diety ). I was hearing another story ppl were telling about Anchumoorthy looking at how the offering counter has put their charges. It has been classified as Siva Poojas, Vishnu Poojas, Ganapathi poojas , Ayyapan Poojas and Naga poojas. So some were considering these as five dieties 😀

While entering first you see Siva diety . There is small barricade which you have to cross . Some elderly people were not entering inside the to this. Just want to let you know there is separate entrance without barricade . After worshipping Siva you have to climb steps to see big Vishnu deity constructed by Arjuna. Outside the main complex you can see Yudhistra,, Bheema  , Nalu/Sahadev deities separately. 

Interestingly , while returning  I saw they are providing breakfast for all devotees. It was upma and chukku coffee . One of the best coffee for my troubled throat. Really impressed that such a small temple in the village has managed to do such a good arenagements. 

Some photos attached will show the richness of the place 

If you are planning for a morning visit plan early as the temple closes by 10.30.