Tiruvangad - Perumal Ambaalam 

This sacred shrine is very extensive and occupies about six acres of land. It has a massive prakara, and within it lies three shrines in add
to many mini-shrines and mandapas. In the vast courtyard outside the Srikoil there is a mini-shrine for Hanuman, called appropriately the junior assistant of Lord Hari, since Garuda is accorded the honorific title of senior personal assistant for remaining with Sri Mahavishnu always. The shrines of Subrahmanya and Ganapathi are lying to the south of the Srikoil. Another deity that wrings veneration here is the Porka6 Bhagawati lying in the wooden cage for a 'strange reason. It appears, she was seen restlessly moving about during the nights and was causing fear among the people visiting the temple, inclusive of people living nearby. The priests confined her to a wooden cage by a powerful mantra. Does this not. divulge the potency of the mantras and the limitations of the deities? This Bhagawati was ardently worshipped by artists and royal families prior to this incident and went by the name of Vaageswari, the patron deity of learning, and was held in high esteem.

Archamurthi

The august icon of the presiding deity although called Sri Rama, is a replica of Mahavishnu, the common pattern found in Kerala temples. It is adorned with four arms, holding conch, disc, mace in the three arms and the fourth arm revealing the abhaya mudra. Tradition says that Sri Rama assumed the very same form at the time of annihilating Khara and his demon hordes in the Dandakharanya. This belief is fortified by the disappearance of the actor playing the role of Khara during the play called 'Ktara Vadharri once played here. The actor who acted most superbly rather lived in that role, feared the consequences of his further stay and vanished. Since then Khara Vadham is not staged here. As the Lord of Tiruvangad is exceedingly merciful and liberal in granting boons, he is popularly known as Perumal.

The architectural beauty of this temple is one of supreme type. This two-storied Srikoil is rectangular in shape. It has copper plated roof. The walls around the Srikoil are embellished with several images of the principal Pouranic characters. And they are enhancing the imposing dignity of the architectural designs marvellously well. The mukhamandapa is adorned with wood carvings, depicting many episodes from the Ramayana. The craftsmanship, harmonizing the idealistic glory with artistic beauty is peeping out from every frame. It won the highest tributes from the world renowned art critics, who unequivocally praised the temple as the treasure house of arts.

It lies 35 Km off Guruvayur, the famous pilgrim town in Kerala, accessible by four wheelers.

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