Sree Vallabha Temple

Sree Vallabha Temple is located in Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala. The temple is one among the one hundred and eight vaishnava thirupathis in India, hence it is also one of the important pilgrim centers of the Vaishnavites (worshippers of Vishnu) all over the country. Incidentally, the temple finds mention in many of the Bhajans sung by the Alwars who are staunch Vaishnavites.

The temple complex enclosed in a large area in picturesque surroundings, holds the main sanctum dedicated to Lord Vishnu as well as smaller shrines dedicated to five other deities including Garudaswamy, Sathrusamharamoorthy, Ganapathy, Ayyappan and Kurayappaswamy. The sanctum sanctorum of the main shrine houses a six feet tall idol of Maha Vishnu. The temple is noted for it's exquisite carvings.The temple built in typical Kerala style architecture has fine carvings and murals and the main shrine is surrounded by ‘Anakottils’ on all four sides.

The main feature of the temple is its 50 feet tall flag post carved out from a single rock, with a massive idol of Garuda (the eagle vehicle of Lord Vishnu) on top, believed to be created by the ‘Perumthachan’, an ancient legendary master craftsman from Kerala. The bottom of the flag post is believed to be deep enough to touch the underground water level. The large tank enclosed in a one storied structure near the temple is believed to be formed naturally from a spring.

In earlier days, women are not allowed near main sanctum sanctorum except on the Vishu and Thiruvathira days. This temple is famous for the traditional Kathakali performances almost every night of the year and it is perhaps the only temple in Kerala where Kathakali is regularly performed as a ritual offering to a diety worshipped in the temple by the devotees after the evening Pooja. Any devotee may select and pay for the

The festivities of the temple arise twice a year, in February - March and in March – April. The temple is under the administration of the Travancore Devaswom Board.