Thirunavaya is located 8 km south of Tirur on the banks of the Bharathapuzha. This is a place of great historical importance. The Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, used be held here every 12 years. In this grand assembly the Emperor of Kerala was chosen.
Thirunavaya was once the capital of Perumpadapu Swaroopam. They were forced to move their capital from Thirunavaya to Thiruvanchikkulam, when the Samoothiri captured Thirunavaya. Between 1353-1361 AD, the Samoothiri Raja fought a series of small battles with smaller states called the Thirunavaya war. After Thirunavaya was captured, the Samoothiri proclaimed himself as the Rakshapurusha and announced that from then on, he had the sole right of conducting the Mamankam festival - a major Hindu festival of the Bhagvati deity held at Thirunavaya.
Famous poet Melputhoor Narayana Bhattapathar was born at Melputhoor Illam, located 3.5 km from Thirunavaya, on the northern banks of Nila river.
Thirunavaya Temple
Thirunavaya temple is an ancient temple on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river dedicated to Lord Shiva with the other deities of Lord Ganapathy, and goddess Lakshmi.
How to reach
Air : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 36 km from Malappuram.
