Tirupuliyur Temple is one of the five ancient shrines in the Chengannur area of Kerala. The temple is associated with the great epic Mahabharata. The temple has been glorified by the Tamil hymns of Nammalwar of the 1st millennium CE. Another of the Alwars, Tirumangaialwar has mentioned Tirupuliyur in one of his verses in his Siriya Tirumadal.

Legend of Tiruppuliyur Temple
Tiruppuliyur Temple is associated with many legends. As per a legend Bhima, the second of the Pandavas built this temple and worshipped Lord Vishnu here. A great famine had occurred here several years ago. The temple is also associated with other local legends of the feudal warfare amongst the local rulers. It is believed that for almost 200 years the temple lay deserted without being worshipped. Much later the temple was repaired, consecrated and re-opened.

Offerings of Tiruppuliyur Temple
Tiruppuliyur Temple is known for its vast food offerings to the deity. Almost 400 measures of rice are used for the preparation of special offerings. It is done acknowledging the hearty appetite associated with Bhima who is the builder of the temple.

There is another temple located at Malanad near Kollam. The temple is dedicated to Duryodhana of the Kauravas of Mahabharata. A local community resides there that is known as Kauravas. They pray here and offer their worship at the Duryodhana temple. It is widely believed by the Kauravas that they would get rid of all troubles if they spent a night at Tiruppuliyur that houses the temple established by Bhima.

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