About Kachamkurissi Perumal Maha Vishnu Temple
An ancient shrine at Payyallur, at the foot of the Nelliyampathy hills
Thiru Kachamkurissi Maha Vishnu Temple stands at Payyallur, at the foot of the Nelliyampathy hills of the Anamalai range of the Western Ghats, edging the township of Kollengode in Palakkad district, Kerala. The temple sits at a kind of cultural crossroads - close to the triangle formed by Palakkad in Kerala and Pollachi in Tamil Nadu - and the surrounding area has long carried the character of a frontier town shaped by two traditions.
The place name itself carries meaning: Payyallur derives from Dravidian roots referring to a land of green surroundings, and tradition holds that centuries ago, before the forest receded, the shrine stood deep within woodland once known in legend as the Forest of Understanding. Large parts of Payyallur still remain green and pastoral to this day.
The temple's name traces back to Sage Kashyapa, who according to temple tradition undertook deep meditation on the nearby hill of Govindamala. As a result of his penance, Maha Vishnu is said to have appeared before him and agreed to remain in that calm, idyllic setting - and the idol now enshrined in the temple is said to have been consecrated by Kashyapa himself. The temple's name, “Kachamkurissi,” is understood to derive from Kashyapan-Kurissi - the Hill of Kashyapa - and devotees continue to honour the sage's presence at the Elanji Thara before entering the temple itself.
Why Visit Kachamkurissi Temple
Few temples in this part of Palakkad combine such a layered legendary history with a setting this immediate to the Western Ghats. The temple's association with Sage Kashyapa, the nearby Govindamala hill where pilgrims still undertake an arduous annual climb, and its proximity to the legendary Sitharkund waters connect this shrine directly to the landscape around Kollengode and Seetharkundu - making it a natural addition to any heritage-focused visit from the resort.
The Deity and the Legend of Kashyapa
A wooden idol, a sage's penance, and a hillside spring
The presiding deity, venerated as Perumal, is Chaturbahu Mahavishnu - shown seated on the coils of Ananta in a regal, Chakravarthy posture, holding the Sankhu (conch), Chakra (wheel), Gada (mace), and Padma (lotus). Devotees have approached him over the centuries both as Lord Narayana and as Sri Rama, and the temple is also referred to by the name Venkatesa.
An unusual feature of the idol is its material: it is carved from sacred wood (Daaru Vigraham) - a rarity among Kerala temple images, most of which are stone or metal. On the same pedestal, visible to devotees only through reflective mirrors positioned within the sanctum, sit the images of Sridevi and Bhoodevi, the consorts of Vishnu - surrounded by carved figures of Devas and Rishis attending the divine court.
Up on the steep hillock of Govindamala, where Kashyapa is said to have undertaken his penance, faint impressions resembling footprints and a holy conch mark what tradition holds to be the site of his vision. Close by, a mountain spring is said to surge with renewed force each January when pilgrims undertaking the arduous annual climb stand before it and call out “Govinda!”
Local temple tradition also connects this site to Sitharkund, a legendary lake associated with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita on their journey south, and to the holy river Ikshumathy said to have originated from it - a thread of legend that links Kachamkurissi to the very waters that give Seetharkundu its name.
Historical and legendary detail drawn from the temple's official website (kachamkurissi.com) and regional temple chronicles; some elements are devotional tradition rather than verified historical fact.
Daily Puja Schedule
The temple's twice-daily ritual cycle
Morning Session
| Time | Ritual |
|---|---|
| 5:00 AM | Nada Thurakkal (opening of sanctum) |
| 5:30 AM | Ganapathy Homam |
| 5:30 – 6:00 AM | Abhishekam |
| 6:00 – 6:50 AM | Usha Puja & Seeveli |
| 8:00 – 9:00 AM | Pantheeradi Puja |
| 9:30 – 10:20 AM | Ucha Puja & Seeveli |
| 10:30 AM | Nada Adakkyal (closing of sanctum) |
Evening Session
| Time | Ritual |
|---|---|
| 5:00 PM | Nada Thurakkal (re-opening of sanctum) |
| 6:00 – 6:40 PM | Sandhya Deeparadhana (timing follows sunset) |
| 6:40 – 7:30 PM | Athazha Puja & Seeveli |
| 7:40 PM | Tripugha & Nada Adakkyal (closing of sanctum) |
Evening timings shift slightly with the sunset through the year. Seetharkundu Resorts can confirm the current schedule before your visit.
Visiting Kachamkurissi Temple
Etiquette and practical guidance for a respectful visit
Kachamkurissi is an active place of worship, not a monument, and visitors are welcome provided they observe the customary etiquette expected at any Kerala Hindu temple. Our guides at Seetharkundu Resorts brief all guests on this etiquette before any temple visit.
Remove footwear: Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises, typically at a designated area near the entrance.
Dress modestly: Traditional, modest clothing covering shoulders and legs is expected. Men are traditionally expected to remove shirts before entering the inner sanctum area, as per local custom; women generally wear sarees, salwars, or long skirts.
Maintain quiet: Speak softly within the temple grounds, particularly during active pooja rituals. Mobile phones should be silenced.
Photography restrictions: Photography of the inner sanctum and active rituals is generally not permitted. Photography of the outer courtyard and architecture is usually acceptable - always ask temple staff first.
Non-leather items: As with most Kerala temples, leather items such as belts or bags are traditionally not carried into the temple premises.
Offerings: Voluntary offerings are welcomed as per local custom but are never compulsory. Our guides can advise on customary practice if you wish to participate.
Festival Calendar
The annual Arattu festival and other significant observances
Arattu Festival (Medam)
The principal ten-day festival, beginning on Attam day with flag-hoisting and concluding on Thiruvonam day with the ceremonial Arattu bathing of the deity. Includes Pallivetta and elephant processions.
Annual Govindamala Pilgrimage
Every January, devotees undertake an arduous climb up Govindamala, calling out "Govinda!" before the mountain spring associated with Sage Kashyapa's vision.
Vrischikam Mandala Vaaram
A 44-day observance during the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, marked by the chanting of Veda mantras alongside the temple's regular puja cycle.
Monthly Thiruvona Vaaram
Observed every month, with Paal Payasam offered to the deity on Thiruvonam days - a recurring devotional rhythm throughout the year.
Festival dates follow the Malayalam calendar and vary year to year. Seetharkundu Resorts can confirm current festival dates before your visit.
Photography at Kachamkurissi Temple
Capturing architecture and atmosphere respectfully
Traditional Architecture
The temple features the classic elements of a traditional Kerala shrine - dwajastambam (flagpole), mukhamandapam, namaskaramandapam, sreekovil, and the surrounding chuttambalam - each offering distinct architectural detail worth photographing from the outer courtyard.
Evening Lamp Photography
The Sandhya Deeparadhana lamp-lighting ritual creates a warm, golden atmosphere across the courtyard at dusk. Always photograph from the courtyard periphery, never the inner sanctum.
What Not to Photograph
The inner sanctum, the wooden Perumal idol, and active ritual moments should never be photographed without explicit permission. When in doubt, ask a temple staff member or your guide before raising a camera.
The Temple Tanks
The temple precincts include a kokarni (well) and a temple tank, both of architectural and devotional interest. These outer water features are generally appropriate to photograph respectfully from a distance.
How to Reach Kachamkurissi Temple
From Seetharkundu Resorts, Palakkad, and beyond
From Seetharkundu Resorts
~10 km, approximately 20 minutes by vehicle. Seetharkundu Resorts arranges guided visits to Kachamkurissi Temple, often combined with other Kollengode heritage and nature stops. Inform our team in advance if you wish to time your visit around a specific puja or festival.
From Palakkad Railway Station
The temple's official sources list Palakkad Junction as the nearest railway station, approximately 30 km away, with taxi and bus links available.
From Coimbatore Airport
Coimbatore is the nearest airport, approximately 90 km away, with taxi and bus connections; train connections are also available from Palakkad.
Local Bus Station
Kollengode Main Bazaar serves as the nearest bus station, about 3 km from the temple, with auto-rickshaw and taxi services onward to the temple.
Book a Guided Heritage Visit
Seetharkundu Resorts arranges guided visits to Kachamkurissi Temple and other Kollengode heritage stops, with a local team member who can explain customs and legendary history.
Rooms from ₹ 3,999 per night including breakfast.
Book Your StayNearby Attractions
Combine Kachamkurissi Temple with these Kollengode & Palakkad attractions
Seetharkundu Waterfalls
Steps from resort - the waterfall linked in legend to the Sitharkund of Rama and Sita
View →Frequently Asked Questions
About Kachamkurissi Perumal Maha Vishnu Temple, Payyallur
The temple is located at Payyallur, at the foot of the Nelliyampathy hills near Kollengode, Palakkad district, Kerala. It is approximately 10 km from Seetharkundu Resorts, around a 20-minute drive, 30 km from Palakkad Railway Station, and 90 km from Coimbatore Airport.
The presiding deity is Chaturbahu Mahavishnu, worshipped as "Perumal," depicted seated on Ananta in a regal posture holding the conch, wheel, mace, and lotus. The wooden idol is traditionally believed to have been consecrated by Sage Kashyapa, and devotees worship the deity both as Narayana and as Sri Rama; the temple is also known by the name Venkatesa.
The sanctum opens at 5 AM for morning rituals including Ganapathy Homam, Abhishekam, Usha Puja, Pantheeradi Puja, and Ucha Puja, closing around 10:30 AM. It reopens at 5 PM for evening Deeparadhana, Athazha Puja, and Seeveli, closing for the day around 7:40 PM. Evening timings shift slightly with sunset.
The ten-day Arattu festival is held in the Malayalam month of Medam (mid-April to mid-May), beginning with flag-hoisting on Attam day and ending with the ceremonial Arattu on Thiruvonam day. The festival includes Pallivetta, elephant processions, and traditional Kerala art forms. Dates follow the Malayalam calendar and vary year to year.
Modest, traditional clothing is expected - shoulders and legs covered. Men are traditionally expected to remove shirts before entering the inner sanctum area, and women generally wear sarees, salwars, or long skirts. Footwear must be removed before entering the temple premises, and leather items are traditionally not carried inside.
Visit Kachamkurissi Temple - Part of Your Kollengode Heritage Trip
Stay at Seetharkundu Resorts and let our team arrange a guided visit to Kachamkurissi Perumal Maha Vishnu Temple and other Kollengode heritage stops.
Rooms from ₹ 3,999 per night including breakfast.