Sri Imayavaramban Temple

Sri Imayavaramban Temple at Thiruchengunrur is a sacred Divya Desam in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, praised in the Divya Prabandham. The deity's name "Imayavaramban" is rich with meaning — "Imaiyavar" refers to the Devas (celestials who do not blink), and "Aramban" means "Lord" or "King," so Imayavaramban is "the Lord and King of the Devas." Some interpretations connect the name to "Imayam" (the Himalayas), signifying the Lord whose sovereignty extends to the highest peaks. The temple is a fine example of Kerala temple woodcraft, with ornate carvings on the nalambalam (surrounding pillared hall) and a traditional sreekovil with a beautifully tiered copper roof. Kulasekhara Azhwar, as the Chera king deeply devoted to Vishnu, is traditionally associated with the worship at this and surrounding Malai Nadu shrines, and the temple continues the distinctly Kerala practice of serving elaborate nivedyam (food offerings) prepared in traditional uruli vessels.