തിരുനക്കര മഹാദേവക്ഷേത്രം
Shiva (Mahadeva) temple · Kottayam, Kerala, India
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple to Shiva at the heart of Kottayam town, Kerala. According to Kerala Tourism it is about 500 years old and was built by the erstwhile Thekkumkoor rulers; it is administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board (Times of India).
Faith & Tradition
Kerala Tourism describes its murals as among the finest in the state, its layout as a model of Kerala temple architecture, and its Koothambalam (temple theatre) as among the best in Kerala.
By the temple's founding legend, recounted by Kerala Tourism, an aged Thekkumkoor king prayed to Vadakkumnathan of Thrissur to accompany him to Kottayam, and the temple was established after a dream.
Heritage
The temple elephant Thirunakkara Sivan, bought by the Travancore Devaswom Board from the Kodanad elephant centre in October 1990, turned 60 in March 2026 after 35 years at the temple, Onmanorama reported. In 2013 the temple was brought under CCTV surveillance under a Janamaithri police project (Times of India).
Kerala-style temple with mural paintings and a Koothambalam (Kerala Tourism).
Plan Your Visit
Follow Kerala temple dress customs; confirm timings with the Devaswom before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Travancore Devaswom Board before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Ten-day festival from 1 Meenam with Kathakali, Mayilattom and Velakali, the Pakalpooram with caparisoned elephants, and the closing Arattu (Kerala Tourism; Times of India).
Location
The temple is in the centre of Kottayam town, Kerala.
Location: Kottayam, Kerala, India
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Shiva (Mahadeva) temples · Temples in Kottayam District
Questions
In the centre of Kottayam town, Kerala.
The Thekkumkoor rulers, about 500 years ago, according to Kerala Tourism.
A ten-day festival from the first day of Meenam (March–April).
The temple theatre used for traditional performing arts.
The Travancore Devaswom Board.
Further reading: Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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