Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple

Located at Kodungallur, about 30-km from Thrissur. The temple is of many centuries standing and is located in a peaceful setting.

The saint Sundarmoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal (both were close-friends) worshipped Lord Shiva leading to eternal bliss. They reached Kailas (the abode of Shiva) by riding on a 1000-tusked white elephant by Nayanar and on a blue horse by Perumal. Both of them have shrines in the temple. This event was taken place on Swati day in the month of Karkidakam (July/August) and special Poojas are performed in these shrines.

There is yet another story winding the temple. Umamaheshwara once appeared in this place where Vasuki (serpent God and holy Nagas (serpents)) stood guard. The Lingam here is said to have been self-incarnated. It is of 4-inch length, 12 inch diameter and in semi-circle form. There is water around as synonymous to Ganga.

The majestic gateway is decorated wiith carvings of elephants, gods and goddesses.Only the left side of the entrance there is a stone carving of Shiva and Parvathi as right and left respectively. Inside the enclosure there is a porch with carvings dedicated to the characters of the great Hindu epic of Ramayana. The inner santum houses a plain stone lingam.

There is a scar mark on left side on the top of the head. This marking is attributed to a story. When Shiva and Parvathi appeared before Arjuna in the form of Kiratha and Kirathu (hunter and huntress) Arjuna hit on the forehead of Kiratha which caused the mark. This was due to mistaken identity.

A Brahmin had taken away Vasuki who stood guard to Umamaheshwara (Uma and Maheshwara – Parvathi and Shiva) in a palm-leaf umbrella to his Mana (home) for worship with the blessings of Umamaheshwara. This Brahmin family later became rich and their Mana famed as Pampummekkatt (serving of snake) Mana. This Mana is about 6-km east of Mahadeva temple. It is very famous for serpent Gods. People from all over Kerala and beyond visit here for the solution of problems connected with serpents.

The main festival in Mahadeva temple is Shivarathri day in the month of Kumbam (February/March).

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