Vishnu Maya is also referred to as Chathan or Kuttichathan. His rides in buffalo and known for his Maya (illusions). Vishnu Maya (Kuttichathan) born in the union of Lord Siva and a tribal girl called Koolivaka. Koolivaka was a tribal Chandala (outcaste) girl and was forced by Lord Siva to mate. Koolivaka, who was a true devotee of goddess Parvathy asked help from Devi to escape from the embarrassment. Parvathy Devi then advised her to stay away and took the form of her. The reason behind this was the pre-ordained fate of Koolivaka. She was one of the servants of Parvathy Devi in her previous birth. One day Devi happened to see her breastfeeding Vinayaka. Parvathy Devi could not control her anger and cursed that she would be born on earth as an outcast girl. In reply to her apology and request for getting out of this situation, goddess Parvathy Devi blessed her and told that she would be getting an opportunity to feed Lord Siva’s son in the next birth.
Another intention behind Vishnu Maya’s birth was to kill the asura called “Jalandhara“. Once Narada revealed to Chathan the secret behind his birth and intention, Chathan went to see his parents in Kailasam. He took the form of Vishnu and bluffed Nandikeshwara while entering Kailasam. Lord Siva thus named Chathan as Vishnu Mayam the one who took the form of Vishnu as Maya (illusion).
List of Sree Vishnumaya Temples in Kerala:
Avanangattu Kalari, Thrissur
Chunanghi Bhagavathy
Kanadi Kuttichathan Kavu, Thrissur
Karanayil Madom, Thrissur
Karinkutty Temple, Thrissur
Peringottukara Devasthanam Sree Vishnumaya Bhuvaneswary Devi Temple