Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple in Kodungallur Kerala

Here is Some information about Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple in Kodungallur Kerala India.

Location: Methala Panchayat, south of Kodungallur Municipal town
Built in: 9th century
Dedicated to:Lord Shiva
Entry: Free
Photography:Allow
Temple Timing: 4.30 am to 10.00 am and from 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm.
Significance: One of the most temple
Visiting Timing: 30 Mins
Best time to Visit: Aug to March
Nearest Railway Station:Iringalakuda
Nearest Air Port: Kochi

About Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple

The Thiruvanchikulam Siva temple is located at Thiruvanchikulam 2 kilometers from Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala. It is one of the major Siva temples in Kerala. The presiding deity is Lord Siva in ‘Sada Siva’ (calm) form. The place Thiruvanchikulam itself have both religious and historical significances. It was the capital of Chera dyanastyu ruled here till the 13th century. The ancient seaport town town Musiris (the lost city) and the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy temple are the first things one notice in Kodungallur. The temple is believed to be built by Cheraman Perumal, a legendary Chera king. It is also believed that Cheraman Perumal (also called as ‘Kulasekhara Perumal) and his minister and friend Sundaramoorthy Nayanar left their life in the temple. There are two idols in this temple, considering as two ‘upadevas’ (sub gods), of them. This is the temple having the largest number of Upadevas in Kerala. Lord Ganapathy, Cheraman Perumal, Sundaramoorthy Nayanar, Brangiradi, Sandhyavelakkal Sivan, Palliyara Sivan, Sakthi Panchakshari, Bhagavathy, Goddess Parvathy, Lord Parameshwara, Prodhosha Nrithya, Sapthamathrukkal, Rishabham, Nandikeshan, Unni Thevar, Lord Ayyappan, Lord Hanuaman, Nagaraja, Lord Pashupathi, Nadakkal Sivan, Lord Subramanyan, Goddess Durga Bhagavathy, Goddess Ganga, Konnakkal Siva, Kottarathil Thevar, Nagayakshi, Dakshinamoorthy, Althara Gopudan Swamy etc are worshipped here along with Lord Siva. The temple is located in a place namely ‘Cheraman Parambu, and is believed to be the ancient palace spot of the Cheras. This temple had undergone several invasions in the flow of time. The Dutch and The Tipu Sulthan of Mysore are the prominent ones, who demolished this temple during their invasions. The temple is renovated in 1801 AD, and is believed that the main idol of worship, Siva linga is brought from Chidambaram Rameshwara temple, the most popular Suva temple in South India. The main offering in the temple is ‘Shankabhishekam’ (pouring ‘Shanku’ flowers on the idol, where is ‘Shanku’ is Clitoria ternatea also known as ‘Aparajitha’ in northern India). The main event in the temple is ‘Dhambathi Pooja’ (couple offering), in which worships the Siva-Parvathy dual and lead them to the ‘Palliyara’ (symbolically their personal bed room). It is believed that the ‘Palliyara Darshanam’ give bliss for overcome hurdles in good marriage and child fertility. The temple is well stored with ancient murals, woodcarvings and ‘Salabhanjikas’ (sculptures), which are worth seeing. There is ‘Kanikkonna’ (Indian Laburnum) in the temple premise, which blooms every season. Daily 5 poojas are offered to the deity including one ‘Sreeveli’. The annual festival of this temple falls on ‘Kumbham’ (February-March), lasts 8 days and celebrated with great enthusiasm. The festival ends with the ‘arattu’ in Periyar River, in a new moon day. The temple is located 2 kilometers away from Kodungallur and is easily accessible. There are frequent buses from Thrissur to Kodungallur. The coastal highway NH 17 connecting Ernakulam and Mumbai passes through this town. The nearest railway station is Irinjalakuda, 15 kilometers away and the nearest airport is Cochin International airport, 35 kilometers away. The Kollam-Kottappuram waterway III ends up in Kodungallur. The temple permits only Hindus.

How to Reach Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple

By Air: The nearest airport to Kodungallur is at Nedumbassery International Airport at Kochi, at a distance 35 km away. Taxi services are available from Kochi to Kodungallur costing about Rs 500. Kochi airport is well connected to all major airports in India and also connected to many foreign cities. Direct flights are available to Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

By Rail:The nearest railhead to Kodungallur is located at Iringalakuda, at a distance of 16 km away. Iringalakuda is well connected with other major railway stations. It is in the main route connecting Kochi and Palaghat. Taxi services are available from railway station to Kodungallur at a fare of about Rs 300.

By Road: Kodungallur is well connected by KSRTC buses and private transport buses. The city is connected to Kochi (35 km), Thrissur (38 km) and Guruvayur (45 km). Tourist deluxe luxury buses are available from many cities including Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum and Kozhikode to Kodungallur.

Picture Gellery of Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple