Thirunavaya

(8 km south of Tirur) Situated on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha, this was one of the venues for Mamangam, a grand assembly of the rulers of Kerala, held once every 12 years. This extravagant festival was conducted for the last time in 1766. Today, Thirunavaya is the venue for the annual Sarvodaya Mela. The Thirunavaya Navamukunda Temple is also a famous pilgrim centre. During Karkidakavavu, people flock at the banks of River Bharathapuzha here, to perform the pithrukriya for the departed souls. The site of Melpatthur Illam, the home of the great poet, Melppatthur Narayana Bhattathiri; author of Narayaneeyam, is about 2 miles from here