Thrissur, October 14, 2013: After languishing for the past many years, the Thirumittakodu Anjumoorthy temple in Palakkad, a landmark in the annals of Kerala history, is set to get a major facelift.

The centuries old temple, located on the western bank of the Bharathapuzha river, will soon be declared as a place of archaeological significance with the State Archeology department proposing to take it over.

“The notification to take over the temple, a figurative testimonial of ancient architecture, will soon be issued”, confirmed a senior official with the Archaeology department.

According to him, the period of its construction is presumed from its architecture, the ancient scripts and sculptures carved on its pillars and the frescos depicting Lord Vishnu.

The move would enable the department to conserve and renovate the temple without disturbing its original design while also regulating the construction works in its vicinity, he added
Meanwhile, authorities said that the temple was established during the reign of the Chola kings and there was a reference to it in a song which figures in the ancient text of 4008 Holy Hymns’ by Kulasegara Azhvar, one of the Twelve Azhwars of Tamil Nadu.

Further, it is also one of the 108 temples established as part of the Vaishnava Hindu movement. “Even now, at least 100 of the daily visitors from the neighbouring states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are here to pay homage to their forefathers.

The footfalls from other states increases sharply during the Karakadaka Vavu period, said Prakashan, an employee here.The local legend is that the consecration of the five idols at the temple was carried out by Pandavas during their exile in the forest.

It is also believed that king Amabareesha, an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu as per classical Hindu mythology, attained salvation at this location.

Source: Deccan chronicle, October 14, 2013