History of the place

Due to error in the conduct of a yajna by Lord Brahmma, two demons appeared from the fire - Kesan and Kesi, who caused troubles to Sages and Devas. Lord Vishnu killed Kesan and used Kesi as pillow for His bed. Kesi's wife called Rivers Ganga and Tambiraparani to help her to wash off the Lord. Mother Earth raised the ground level where Perumal was reclining. Both Rivers went round the Lord and continued to flow round as two garlands. As the Lord killed demnon Kesan, He is known as Kesava Perumal. Kesi tried his best to escape from the Lord with his 12 hands. Lord put 12 Rudrakshas in his hand and foiled his escape bid. 12 Shiva temples came into being through these Rudrakshas around Thiruvattaru.

Saints who worshiped

Mangalasasanam by Nammazhwar. This is the 77th temple among the 108 divya desams.

Speciality of this temple

This Perumal is in reclining position facing west along with Mother Maragathavalli. The idol of Perumal is made of a mixture of materials called Kadu Sarkarai Yogam with 16,008 Salagrama stones (stones with Narayana forms). The devotee has to worship Perumal through three entrances. Setting rays of the Sun fall on the Lord from 3rd to 9th of Panguni and from 3 - 9 in the month of Purattasi. It is advised to see this Perumal before one proceed to worship Anandapadmanabaswami in Thiruvananthapuram.

Pariharam

The Lord grants all that the devotees ask for. It is believed that whoever worship this Perumal would have no further births.

Pariharam Procedure

Devotees perform Thirumanjanam to Lord and Mother. During Shivratri, devotees run to cover all the 12 Shiva temples and end the prayer with Lord Shiva at the feet of Adikesava Perumal. The practice continues even today.