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Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, located in the heart of Kottayam city in Kerala, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built around 500 years ago by the Thekkumkoor raja, the temple is considered the Paradevatha of the Thekkukkoor royal family. It is one of the 108 Shivalayas in central Kerala and has a rich history and heritage. Legend has it that the idol of Shiva here was installed by lord Parashurama himself, and the Thekkumkoor royal family considered him as their tutelary deity.
At a Glance
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple |
| Location | Kottayam, Kerala, India |
| Visiting Hours | 4 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM (daily) |
| Distance from Kottayam Railway Station | 2 kilometers |
| Distance from Cochin International Airport | 64 kilometers |
A Sacred and Historic Temple
The Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is located on Nakkarakkunnu, a small hill known as “the hill of stars”. It features unique sculptures and murals of Hindu deities that are considered some of the finest examples of Kerala art. The temple’s architecture is typical of Kerala, with a circular sanctum, conical roof, and rectangular hall. The main entrance faces east towards the rising sun. A special building called Koothambalam is used for cultural performances and is considered one of the best in Kerala due to its exquisite wood carvings and paintings.
The King of Thekkumkoor was a great devotee of the Thrissur Vadakkunnathan, and despite having a nearby temple, he would visit the Vadakkumnathan Temple once a month. When he became too old to travel, Lord Shiva appeared before him and promised to appear in a location closer to the King. On his way back from a visit to Vaikom Shiva temple, the King met a poor Brahmin named Perepparambu Namboothiri and helped him out. Later, the King had a dream in which Lord Shiva appeared and told him that he would appear as a Swayambhoo lingam on Nakkarakkunnu, a small hill a few miles away from the King’s palace, with an idol of Nandi and a white Ixora plant on his backside towards the left. The present temple is located at the site where the King found the Swayambhoo Shivalingam. The King built the biggest temple in his territory for his favorite deity and lived his life happily thereafter.
Festivals Celebrated
The annual 10-day festival at the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple culminates with a grand Arattu procession, in which nine splendidly adorned elephants take part. Along with this, folk arts such as Mayilattom (peacock dance) and Velakalietc are also performed in the temple compound, which captivates the audience in the evening. The festival is made even more delightful with the all-night Kathakali performances on the third and fourth days, which add to the traditional charm of the celebration.
Plan Your Visit
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple attracts thousands of devotees and tourists annually who come to experience its divine aura and artistic beauty. Open from 4 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM daily, it is located 2 kilometers from Kottayam railway station and 86 kilometers from Cochin International Airport. If you’re seeking a spiritual and cultural destination in Kerala, the Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a must-visit. Its traditional Kerala architecture and Koothambalam make it a unique attraction.
