Thiruvanvandoor

Thiruvanvandoor is traditionally enumerated as number 85 among the 108 Divya Desams — the sacred abodes of Sri Maha Vishnu sung by the Alvars.

This divya desa in Malainadu is one amongst five associated with the Pandava princes. It is generally believed that Nakula did punarudharana (renovation) of the temple in this divya desa.

This divya desa is four miles to the north of Chengannur. The moolavar here is Pambanaiappan, known as also Kamalanathan. He is seen in a standing pose, facing west. The Goddess is known as Kamalavalli Nachiyar. The theertha is Papanasa theertha alias Pampa theertha. The vimana is Vedalaya vimana. The Lord appeared here to Markandeya and Narada.

Thiruvanvandur is situated on the banks of Pampa river. It is also said that the images of Vishnu and Gopalakrishna worshipped by Nakula, one of the five Pandavas were originally consecrated by Brighu Mahamuni. Some say that the place got its name after the Pandavas. Originally it was known as Thiru Pandava oor, as the Pandavas and Panchali stayed in and around that place during their agnatavasa. Further, the names of the few places in and around this town, as for example Pandava Nadu evoke in us an etymological interest, as it is apparent that the name is associated with the Pandavas. Some say that Nakula who was wandering about during Agnatavasa period was so impressed by the scenic beauty of this town that he asked the local residents the name of the place. They replied that in that place “Thiruvan undu”. In Malayalam it means that in that place the Lord Vishnu is residing! So the place came to be known as Thiruvan undu oor!

Among the 108 divya desas only three have the prefix “Van” attached to them. One is the divya desa in Chola nadu known as Thiruvan Purushothamam amongst a cluster of eleven divya desas known generally as Thirunangoor divya desas. In Thiruvan Purushothamanoor the Lord is seen facing east. The other divya desa with the prefix “van” is in Malai Nadu itself where also the Lord is seen ina standing pose and is known as Thirukuralappan. That place is known as Thiruvan Parisaram. The third divyadesa with “Van” as prefix is also in Malainadu. There also the Lord is seen in a standing pose, He is known as Pambaniappan and He is seen facing west i.e. Thiruvanvandoor.

As stated earlier, Nakula the youngest amongst the Pandava brothers is closely associated with this divya desa. Amongst the Pandava brothers, Nakula is noted for his beauty, Bhimasena is known for his strength and Arjuna for his heroism.