Lord Kaatkarai Appan, ThiruKatkarai



About the temple

Thirukatkara (திருக்காட்கரை  அப்பன்) appan temple is situated in  thirukkakara near  Kochi , Kerala. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vamana.

The Moolavar of this sthalam is found in Nindra Kolam facing his thirumugham along the south direction. The lord is said to have given pratyaksha darshanam to Kapila Muni. Nammalwar has sung 10 pasurams in praise of the lord.

Since Lord Vamana is closely associated with the story of Mahabali , Onam is the main festivity celebrated in this templeAs per the legend, Lord Kaatkarai Appan  is said to have come here as Vamana Moorthy to end the troubles caused by King Bali. To mark this event, it is believed that Lord Vishnu visits this Divya Desam every year on the Thiruvonam day in Aavani. Lord  Katkarai Appan is seen with Conch, Chakra and Padma Hastam in this temple.
King Mahabali is said to have worshipped  Lord Shiva in this place.  We also see a Paramasivan Sannidhi  to the right of the Perumal Sannidhi, with Bali seen invoking the blessings of Sivan.

One devotee is said to have dedicated golden banana to the Lord as his fields were not yielding bananas. After the dedication , the devotees field is said to have yielded good results and the fruit names “ Nethiram pazham”




How to reach?

It is located 10 km north east of Ernakulam between Thrissur-Ernakulam highway (NH 47). Once can reach by bus from Ernakulam Town to this temple (Edapalli). One can also rake an auto/taxi from Ernakulam railway station.

Temple timings

5am-11am and 5pm-8pm

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