Our Origin

During the Portuguese Inquisition in Goa, our Saraswat forefathers journeyed south safeguarding their beloved deities. Eight families reached the shores of Kerala and settled in Ernakulam. Guided by the respected Shri Devaresa Prabhu and the chief priest Shri Damodharachari, the community resolved to build a temple. With the benevolence of Cheranalloor Karta, land was granted in 902 M.E. (1727 CE). On the Uthrattaadi star day in the month of Mithunam, the shrine of Lord Sri Venkatachalapathi with Bhudevi and Sridevi was consecrated.

From Cochin Thirumala Devaswom (T.D.), the temple received the festival idol and Bali Vigraha. In the Sanctum Sanctorum, the Sthapana Vigraha (prime idol) is enshrined above, the Utsava Murti at the centre, and Sri Mahalakshmi below.

The Deity & Early Additions

Sri Mahaganapathy was installed at the Nirarthi corner.
In 928 M.E., the Mandavana family offered a Hanuman idol in the north-facing mandapa.
In 1000 M.E., the Kappashery Dasa Shenoy family installed Sri Mahalakshmi on the northern side of the mandapa.

The temple was renovated with agraharams and halls around the sanctum, and reconsecrated in 955 M.E. (1780 CE). The Dhwaja Prathishta was performed in 1008 M.E., followed by a grand Puna-Prathishta Mahotsavam in 1072 M.E. (1897 CE), blessed by Srimad Varadendra Tirtha Swamiji of Sri Kashi Math. The Maharaja of Cochin had darshan and admired the intricate wooden panels narrating the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Puranas.

Renewals & Milestones

1132 M.E. (1957 CE): Reconsecration with Sahasra Kalashabhishekam in the holy presence of Srimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji of Sri Kashi Math; the Eastern Gopuram was rebuilt in 1137 M.E. (1962 CE).
25 January 1977: 250th Anniversary celebrated under the guidance of His Holiness Srimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji; a new Gopuram with exquisite sculptures was raised.
1986: A Garuda shrine was consecrated (north-west, facing east).
1989: A Gold Garuda Vahana was dedicated for Garuda Vahana Pooja.
1997: Third Centenary celebrations; a Swarna Palanquin (gold palanquin) project was begun.
Over time, the temple pond mandapam, Yakshi temple, and pakashalas were renewed; an office complex and Satram with modern amenities were built for visiting devotees. The Devaswom also lovingly cares for its elephant, Gajendra.

Festivals & Sevas

The annual Arattu festival is held on the Revathi star in Makaram, drawing thousands for darshan and offerings. The approach from M.G. Road to T.D. Sannidhi Road bears a grand sculpted arch, dedicated on 10-02-2005 (festival day 5).

Processional Vahanams include:
Pushpakavimanam; Garuda (painted, silver, gold); Hanuman; Hamsa; Sesha; Airavata; Ashwa; Surya; and Palanquins (wooden & silver).

Important observances through the year include: Chaithra Sukla Prathipada (Samsarapadov), Aashada Ekadashi (Parab), Nagapanchami, Upakarma (Suthappunav), Ashtami Rohini, Agrayanam, Vinayaka Chaturthi, Anantavrata, Mahalaya Amavasya (Mahlu), Navaratri (Mannami), Vijayadashami, Shamipooja, Karthika Vritham, Deepavali, Karthika Anujnadasami, Uthana Dwadashi (Tulsi Pooja), Vanabhojanam, Karthika Pournami, Madhava Navami, Prathishta-dina Mahotsavam (Arattu), and Vasanthotsavam.

Our Spiritual Lineage

Ernakulam Thirumala Devaswom (Panjabjapuram/Anchikammal), consecrated in 1727, is a cherished Mahakshetra of the GSB community. The temple gained special eminence in 1944 when Sri R. Sadashiva Shenoy, from a Yogakara family here, was ordained as the shishya of Shrimad Sukratindra Tirtha Swamiji, Mathadhipati of Sri Kashi Math Samsthan. Initiated into sanyaasa as Shrimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji, he became Mathadhipati in 1949 and adorned the Peetha for over 65 years—the longest tenure in the Math’s history. Swamiji observed Chaturmasya Vrata at Panjabjapuram in 1961, 1978, and 1986. The Shashti Poorti (60th Janma Nakshatra) celebrations in 1986, followed by a grand Vasanthotsavam, remain an unforgettable blessing for the Kerala GSB community.

Under his divine guidance, several Kuladevata Mandirs were consecrated and numerous institutions—hospitals, colleges, a research institute, vruddhashramam, balakashramam, and other social projects—were established in and around Panjabjapuram. On 20 June 2002 (Jyeshtha Shukla Dashami), Swamiji initiated Shrimad Samyamindra Tirtha Swamiji as shishya on the banks of the holy Ganga at Haridwar. Shrimad Sudhindra Tirtha Swamiji attained Mahasamadhi on 17 January 2016 at Sree Vyasashram, Sadhubela, Haridwar.

Today, Shrimad Samyamindra Tirtha Swamiji guides the samaj on the path of dharma and bhakti, nurturing spiritual values and unity among the Mahajan of Panjabjapuram and inspiring the wider Vishva Saraswat community.

Today

Situated in the heart of Ernakulam—the commercial hub of Kerala—our temple welcomes devotees of all denominations. With the grace of Lord Sri Venkatachalapathi, daily worship, annual utsavams, seva opportunities, and community service continue in an atmosphere of serenity, discipline, and devotion.