The Cochin Tirumala Devaswom (CTD) Gosripuram Temple, also known as the Keezhidam Navagraha Temple, is a prominent socio-religious centre for the Gowda Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community in Kerala. Located in Mattancherry, Kochi, this historic temple was established in the latter half of the 16th century, closely tied to the migration and settlement of the GSB community from South Konkan and Goa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkatachalapathy, whose idol was brought to Kochi by Swami Vijayendra Teertha during the community’s migration. Over the centuries, the temple has endured several hardships, including multiple invasions and destruction. In 1662, the temple was destroyed by the Portuguese, only to
more be rebuilt a year later under Dutch rule in 1663. A notable incident in the temple's history occurred in 1719 when the idol of Lord Venkatachalapathy mysteriously disappeared. It was later discovered on a beach and temporarily kept at the residence of the Dutch Governor before being ceremoniously restored to its rightful place in the temple. Today, the CTD Keezhidam Navagraha Temple remains a spiritual and cultural beacon for the GSB community, embodying resilience, devotion, and heritage.
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