Tavanur Sri Vasudevapuram Temple is one among the three ancient great temples (Maha Kshetram) on the Southern bank of the holy river Bharathapuzha. Sri Vasudevapuram Temple is situated to the east of the other two great temples viz. Maha Siva Temple and Brahma temple (these temples along with the famous Thirunavaya Maha Vishnu temple across the river forms the great trilogy in Sanatana Dharma) The area of Tavanur in which the temple is located is called Muvaankara (മൂവ്വാങ്കര). Since Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the presiding deities of the area, it was initially known as Muvalankara, which later became Muvaankara.