This
is a Stone Temple is on the banks of river Bharatapuzhai. This Kshetra
is considered as holy as Kashi and Shraddhas in Kashi are performed
here. This place was originally called "Tiru navayogi ( as
nine yogis performed Yagna here) which in course of time became
Itrunavai. This is the only temple in Malai Nadu (Kerala) where
there is separate Sannadhi for Thayar(Lakshmi).
The Moolavar is Naavaai Mukundan, Narayanan seen in standing posture
facing east. On the other bank of the Bharathapuzai river, there
are temples for Siva and Brahma. Devotees perform the annual rites
for their ancestors at this sthalam. Nine yogis once performed yagam
here and hence the place came to be called Thirunavayogi (nava-nine),
which later became Thirunaavaai. This is one of the few temples
in Kerala with separate sanadhi for Lakshmi.
Mahalakshmi and an elephant were
both worhsipping the Lord with the lotus flowers from a tank. At
one time, the elephant could not find any flowers & he prayed
to the Lord to show him a way. Lord Vishnu asked Lakshmi to be seated
by his sie & the elephant now had enough flowers & happily
worshipped the Lord along with Lakshmi.
Thaayaar - Malarmangai Naachiyaar, Sirudevi.
Theertham - Sengamala Saras.
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