The Vamanamurthy Temple at Trikakkara is an ancient one, located 14 km north east of
Irinjalakuda. The presiding deity at the temple is
Vamanamurthy. This temple is associated with the
Onam festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of
Chingam (Leo). The last day of Onam marks the incarnation of
Lord Vishnu as Vamana and the banishment of
Mahabali the demon king, to the netherworld. An image of Trikakkara Vamana, Trikakkarayappan, is symbolically used during Onam celebrations in several places in
Kerala.
There are subshrines to Lord Ayyappan and Mahalakshmi. This temple is characterized by its vritta (circular) vimana. A shivling in the temple is said to have been held in worship by King Mahabali. There are inscriptions, from the 10th century, the period of Bhaskara Ravivarma. This temple is said to have received many endowments from the Chera King Kulasekhara Perumal of the 9th century.
The annual festival of this temple extends for ten days. It is usually held in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September) and lasts till the asterism, Atham. The cultural programs such as Kathakali and Kurathiyattam are also organized on this festival. Valiyavilakku and Pallivetta are the main attractions, held during the night of the ninth day. The conclusion of this festival is marked by Arattu.
