Ernakulam

As per the history, this temple initially belonged to the Royal Namboothiry family. As their empire declined, the ownership of this temple was given to the Viswakarma society and is presently administered by a trustee of Anchumana Viswakarma Dharmodharana Samajam. There are twenty-two branches at the Districts of Kottayam, Ernakulam and Alapuzha. The deities of God Ganapathy, God Ayyappa, God Subramanya, God Nagadevatha, God Hidumba Swamy, God Hanuman, God Brahmarakshas, God Arukola and God Khandakara Swamy are enshrined and worshipped at this temple.

The devotees offer various kinds of gifts to the deities in the temple. A prayer called Vivahasooktha Pushpanjali is conducted in the temple in front of God Annapurna Swamy on every Monday to help discard obstacles in marriages of girls. Another prayer called Guruthi Pushpanjali is conducted on every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday as a penance for devotees facing problems in their daily life.

The history of the shrine is linked with the history of the city. As per the legend, it was one of the 7 royal temples of Kochi Maharajas but now it is controlled by administration of Cochin Devasom Board. It is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala dedicated by Lord Parasurama.

Once upon a time, in Dwapara Yuga, a brahmana’s wife gave birth to a child. Unfortunately, however, just after being born and touching the ground, the child immediately died. The brahmana father took the dead child and went directly to Dwaraka to the palace of the King. The brahmana was very upset because of the untimely death of the child in the presence of his young father and mother. Thus his mind became very disturbed. Formerly, when there were responsible kings, up to the time of Dwapara-yuga, when Lord Krishna was present, the king was liable to be blamed for the untimely death of a child in the presence of his parents. Similarly, such responsibility was there during the time of Lord Ramachandra.

The temple belongs to Koramboor Mana family.The temple is run by Sree Dhanwanthari Moorthi Seva Trust. On the southern side of the temple there is a small stream which flows towards the east. The practice is to have bath in this stream and then enter the temple for Darshan. It is believed that problems due to Vatha, Pitha and Kafa get cured if the devotees stay here and meditate. Doctors practicing Ayurveda also come to the temple for Bhajana (Pooja, meditation). ‘Krishna Tulasi’ is the favourite of Dhanwanthari.

Maharshi Parasurama consecrated the idol of Mahavishnu in such a concept that the Lord is embracing Goddess Mahalakshmi. After the consecration the Maharshi entrusted the temple responsibilities to some local Brahmins. These Brahmins became prosperous of wealth by the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi. But later they became indifferent to the activities of the temple which brought about their downfall. The temple also lost its wealth and glory in the course of time.

After a long period Vilwamangalam Swamikal, a great disciple of Lord Guruvayoorappan visited the temple. He had the vision of Mahalakshmi engaged in the service of Lord Mahavishnu.