Thuravur Maha Kshetram is the twin temple having Sri Narasimha and Sri Sudarshan as the prime Deities. This temple is situated near Cherthala, Kerala. This is one of the ancient temples in Kerala and is said to have references to Sri Adi Sankaracharya.
It is believed that the temple is atleast 1300 years old. There are a few legends pertaining to this temple.
The Vigraha of Sri Narasimha Swamy is said to have originated in Varanasi. It is believed that the Murthy was worshipped by Sri Padma Padha, one of the disciples of Sri Adi Sankaracharya. Sri Narasimha Murthy is worshipped as Sri Vadakkan Appan. The sanctum is in the northern side.
The other Vigraha is that of Sri Maha Sudarshana Murthy, the Chakrayudha of Bhagwan Sri Maha Vishnu. Sri Sudrashana Murthy is worshipped as Sri Thekkan Appan. The sanctum is in the southern side.
The main sanctums are in circular shape. As per the legend, it is believed that the temple could be in existence since Treta Yug or Dwapara Yug. The actual origin of the temples could not be ascertained.
Each of the shrines has a separate Dwajasthambam. The sight of the twin Dhwajasthambams is quite powerful.
Apart from the twin temples in the compound, there are a few other shrines. The sanctum of Sri Ganapathy is in the southern side of the inner courtyard. Sri Sastha Shrine and the shrine of Naga Devatha are in the south side of the compound.
Sri Bhagavathy Shrine is in the west side of the compound. A shrine for Brahma Rakshas in the form of Shiv Ling is in the northern side of the compound.
The elephant rostum called Anapandhal is said to be the largest in Kerala.
The puja rituals and vedic chants are rigorously and vigorously followed in the twin temples. Throughout the years, puranic discourses are constantly conducted. Annadhan is done to the devotees visiting the temple.
Bursting of crackers (Vedi Vazhipadu) is one of the ritualistic prayers offered by the devotees if their wishes are fulfilled. Chuttu Vilakku, the lighting of lamps around the sanctum is another ritual prayer offered by the devotees.
The main festival of the temple is celebrated in Thulam month and it is done for nine days. Deepavali is celebrated as Valiya Vilakku (big lamp) festival. Pathamudhayam is the festival celebrated to commemorate the first sighting of the Sri Narasimha Vigraha. It coincides with the birthday of the King Chithirai Thirunal Maharaja.
The other festivals of the temple are Ashtami Rohini (Sri Krishnashtami), Vijaya Dashami, Vrischika Dwadashi, Dhanu Dwadashi, Thiruvathira, Vishu, Sri Narasimha Jayanthi, Sri Makara Vilakku and Makar Sankranthi.
