Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple is located in Thrikkakara, about 10 km northeast of Kochi in Ernakulam district, Kerala. The temple is well connected by road and is close to Edappally and Kalamassery. The name “Thrikkakara” comes from the words “Thiru-kal-kara”, which means “the holy place of the divine footstep,” referring to Lord Vamana’s sacred step on King Mahabali’s head.
This is one of the oldest temples in Kerala, believed to be more than 2,000 years old. Historical records and inscriptions show that the temple has been a major center of worship for centuries. Thrikkakara is also considered the birthplace of the Onam festival.
The main deity is Lord Vamana Moorthy, the fifth avatar of Lord Vishnu. The idol shows Vamana in the form of a dwarf Brahmin boy, holding an umbrella and a staff. This represents the moment before he transformed into Trivikrama and measured the universe with his cosmic steps.
There are also sub-shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Ayyappa (Sastha) within the temple complex.
The temple follows the style of traditional Kerala temple architecture. The sanctum (sreekovil) is circular in shape, which is typical for Vishnu temples in Kerala. The structure has sloping tiled roofs to withstand heavy monsoons. The sanctum is surrounded by a nalambalam (rectangular outer hall).A spacious temple compound with a temple tank and tall banyan trees adds to its spiritual atmosphere. Wooden carvings and mural paintings inside the temple highlight Kerala’s ancient art forms.
The temple is said to have been established by the Chera kings in ancient times. Copper plate inscriptions prove its existence in early medieval Kerala. It was the royal seat of Onam celebrations, and rulers of Kochi and Travancore patronized it for centuries. Devotees from across Kerala gathered here to celebrate Onam, a tradition that continues even today.
The legend of this temple is linked with the Vamana avatar of Vishnu and the story of King Mahabali.
Mahabali was a noble and generous king, deeply loved by his people. However, the gods feared his growing power and influence. Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and came to Mahabali’s yajna at Thrikkakara. He asked for three paces of land. Mahabali, known for his generosity, agreed.
Vamana then transformed into Trivikrama and, with one step, covered the earth; with the second, he covered the heavens. For the third step, Mahabali offered his own head. Lord Vishnu placed his foot on Mahabali’s head and pushed him to the netherworld (Sutala). But, moved by Mahabali’s devotion and selflessness, Vishnu granted him a boon – that he could return once a year to visit his people. This yearly return is celebrated as Onam, and the Thrikkakara temple is believed to be the sacred spot where this event happened.
The main festival at Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple is Onam, celebrated for ten days with special pujas, cultural programs, grand processions, and the famous Onam Sadya feast for thousands of devotees. Other important occasions include Vamana Jayanti, the annual utsavam with traditional Kerala temple arts like Kathakali and Chenda melam, and Vishnu-related festivals such as Vaikunta Ekadashi.
