Aamamangalam Sree Mahavishnu Temple is located at Kakkur, along the Balusseri–Kozhikode Road in Kozhikode district, Kerala.
The presiding deity is Lord Mahavishnu, worshipped here in the rare and sacred form of Koormavatharam (Kurma Avatar). In this incarnation, Lord Vishnu took the form of a divine tortoise to support Mount Mandara during the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). Devotees affectionately call the Lord “Aamamangalam Appen” and worship him with deep faith.
Along with Lord Mahavishnu, the temple has shrines for Sree Bhadrakali, Lord Ganapathy, Lord Ayyappan, and Lord Dakshinamurthy.
According to local belief and temple tradition, Aamamangalam Sree Mahavishnu Temple is more than 3000 years old. The temple is considered one of the ancient Vishnu temples of Kerala and is believed to have been established during the early period of temple consecrations in the Malabar region.
The temple follows the traditional Kerala style of architecture. The sreekovil (sanctum sanctorum) houses the Koormavathara form of Lord Vishnu and reflects simplicity and spiritual depth. Like many ancient Kerala temples, the structure focuses on ritual purity and sacred energy rather than elaborate ornamentation.
Temple tradition connects Aamamangalam Sree Mahavishnu Temple to Lord Parashurama, who is believed to have established many temples across Kerala after reclaiming the land from the sea. This temple is considered part of a sacred group of Dashavatara Vishnu temples, with Aamamangalam representing the Koorma Avatar. In ancient times, Namboothiri families played a key role in performing temple rituals and preserving their spiritual traditions.
According to the sthalapurana, this region was once a serene forest where Gautama Maharshi performed intense penance seeking the blessings of Lord Vishnu. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Mahavishnu appeared before him in the Koormavatharam, symbolising stability, patience, and protection of the universe.
It is believed that after supporting Mount Mandara during the Samudra Manthan, the Lord rested at this sacred spot, making the land spiritually powerful. Later, following divine guidance, Lord Parashurama consecrated the deity here as part of the sacred Dashavatara temple tradition of Kerala.
The area around the temple was rich in medicinal plants, and worship here was believed to cure ailments related to digestion and chronic aamavatham, from which the place came to be known as Aamamangalam. Devotees firmly believe that sincere prayers offered here bring success in new beginnings, health, marriage blessings, children, prosperity, and inner peace.
The most important celebration of the temple is the Annual Utsavam, held during the Dhanu month (December–January).
Karkidaka Pooja is observed during the monsoon month with special prayers for health and well-being.
Navaratri is celebrated with devotion and traditional rituals.
Special poojas are also conducted on Rohini Nakshatra days, especially during Mithuna and Dhanu months. Devotees also visit the temple on auspicious Vishnu days such as Ekadashi.
