Shiva (Mahadeva) temple · Kottappuram, Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala, India
Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu temple to Shiva at Kottappuram, about 6 km from Kodungallur on the Kodungallur–Ernakulam highway, in the Muziris Heritage area of Kerala (Muziris Heritage Project). It is praised in the Tamil Tevaram hymns of the saint Sundarar (Dinamalar).
Faith & Tradition
By tradition, the Shaiva saint Sundaramurthy Nayanar left the earth for Kailasa from this temple on a white elephant, accompanied by his friend the Chera king Cheraman Perumal; his last hymn was sung here (Dinamalar; New Indian Express). Many Shaiva pilgrims from Tamil Nadu visit for this reason (New Indian Express).
Unusually for Kerala, Shiva is worshipped here together with his consort Uma, and the temple has a palliyara for them; 'dampathi pooja' for a long, happy marriage is a sought-after offering, and palliyara pujas are attended on full-moon nights (New Indian Express; Muziris Heritage Project).
Heritage
The temple in its present form dates from the 18th century and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India; in 2023 the New Indian Express reported that its murals, roof and gopuram statues were in poor condition despite annual repairs.
A Namaskara Mandapam with 16 pillars stands before the sreekovil (Muziris Heritage Project).
Plan Your Visit
The annual festival includes an elephant race; confirm dates with the temple.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 6 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Annual festival with an Aanayottam (elephant race) (Muziris Heritage Project).
Location
The temple's western entrance is on the Kodungallur–Ernakulam highway, about 6 km from Kodungallur (Muziris Heritage Project).
Location: Kottappuram, Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala, India 680664
More in Hindu temples in Kerala · Shiva (Mahadeva) temples · Temples in Thrissur District
Questions
At Kottappuram, about 6 km from Kodungallur, Kerala, in the Muziris heritage area.
By tradition, Sundarar left for Kailasa from here, and he praised the temple in his Tevaram hymns.
An offering by couples for a long, happy marriage, as Shiva and Uma are worshipped together here.
In Kumbham (February–March), including Maha Shivaratri and an elephant race.
It was built in its present form in the 18th century.
Further reading: Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kodungallur on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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Pilgrim Circuit
