The ancient and one of the most revered Thirunavaya Temple is located at Thirunavaya in Malappuram. Since time immemorial it is known as a centre of excellence for Vedic teachings. Thirunavaya Temple is one of the 11 Tirupathis in Kerala from 108 Tirupathis from the Vaishnava sect of Hindu. It is believed that the temple was built about 5000 years ago.
Mythological stories state that Goddess Lakshmi and Gajendra, the king of the elephants, worshipped god Vishnu at the Thirunavaya Temple with lotus flowers from a lake. As the two devotees used flowers from the same source, its supply dwindled, and Gajendra appealed to Vishnu, who took Lakshmi by his side and accepted Gajendra's worship.
Thirunavaya Temple, in its current form, depicts Kerala style architecture.
Thirunavaya Temple is famous for a number of mythological tales associated with it.
The Mamankam festival celebrated in the Thirunavaya Temple is one of the most prominent festivals in Kerala since the Middle Ages. Maamankam stands for ‘Magha – Makam’ – 28 days from the Makam star that appears once in 12 years in the month of Maagha of Saka calendar. The occasion sees distinct forms of sports events, martial arts, intellectual contests, cultural activities, rituals and folk art performances. Pilgrims from far and wide gather to participate in this unique festival.
The Annual Festival) of the Thirunavaya Temple lasts for ten days. It is observed in April. There are ceremonial parades, various performances of religious theatrical arts and other traditional performing arts. Houses are decorated with hangings of woven tender coconut leaves.
Other Hindu religious festivals celebrated in the Thirunavaya Temple are Navamukunda Ekadasi, Ashtami Rohin, Navarathri and all other Vaishnav festivals.