Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple
The Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, located in Thrissur District, Kerala, India, is a significant Shiva temple believed to have existed since the origins of Kerala. It is renowned as one of the 108 Shiva temples in the region and serves as the central temple for the historical Peruvanam village. The temple complex is noteworthy for its main shrine dedicated to Shiva, also known as Erattayappan, and its association with the ancient Peruvanam Pooram festival.
Key Facts
- ›It is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala.
- ›The temple is situated on a 7-acre ground surrounded by a compound wall.
- ›The main deity is Shiva, also referred to as Erattayappan, due to the presence of two Shivalingas on the pedestal.
- ›Goddess Parvati is worshipped in the same sanctum sanctorum, behind Erattayappan.
- ›A 120-foot tall Sreekovil is dedicated to Madathilappan.
- ›The temple hosts the ancient Peruvanam Pooram festival, where 19 deities from other temples pay homage.
Shiva, Parvati
One of the 108 Shiva Temples In Kerala, Main Temple of the Old Time Peruvanam Village, Site of the Ancient Peruvanam Pooram Festival
Peruvanam Pooram
About Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple
The Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, located in Peruvanam of Thrissur District, Kerala, India, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Kerala, with its origins believed to be intertwined with the very advent of the region and the sage Parashurama. The temple is recognized as one of the famous 108 Shiva temples in Kerala and holds the distinction of being the main temple for the historical Peruvanam village.
Temple Complex and Deities
The temple complex is spread across a 7-acre area, enclosed by a compound wall. The main shrine, known as the Shrikovil, features a square-type architecture. The principal deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of Erattayappan, a name derived from the presence of two Shivalingas on the same pedestal, with one being larger than the other. Goddess Parvati is also venerated within the same sanctum sanctorum, positioned behind Erattayappan. Additionally, a prominent 120-foot tall Sreekovil is dedicated to Madathilappan.
Cultural and Religious Significance
The Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple is a site of considerable cultural and religious importance, most notably for hosting the ancient and famous Peruvanam Pooram festival. This grand festival sees 19 deities from neighboring temples converge to pay their respects to Erattayappan, underscoring the temple's central role in the regional religious landscape. The temple's surroundings also feature other shrines, including Bhadrakali and Subramanya temples to the west, a Sastha temple to the north, a Vishnu temple to the east, and a Durga temple to the south, indicating a vibrant spiritual ecosystem.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the name Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple?
The temple is named Peruvanam because it is believed that a sage named Puran did penance here. The region was a forest, known as 'vanam', and the prefix 'peru' signifies its greatness, thus forming 'Peruvanam'.
Who are the main deities worshipped at Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple?
The primary deity is Lord Shiva, who is also known as Erattayappan because there are two Shivalingas on the same pedestal, one larger than the other. Goddess Parvati is also worshipped within the main sanctum sanctorum, situated behind Erattayappan.
What is the Peruvanam Pooram festival?
The Peruvanam Pooram is a famous and ancient festival celebrated at the temple. During this festival, 19 deities from surrounding temples gather to pay respects to Erattayappan, highlighting the temple's central importance in the region.
What is the architectural style of the main shrine?
The structure of the Shrikovil, which is the main shrine, is described as being of a square type.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Taraknath Temple
The Taraknath Temple, located in Tarakeswar, West Bengal, India, is a significant Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Tarakanatha. Constructed in 1729, it features a distinct Bengal architectural style with an 'atchala' structure and an adjacent 'natmandir'. The temple is renowned for its belief that a dip in the nearby Dudhpukur tank fulfills prayers and is considered one of the 64 Jyotirlingas.
Tanot Mata Temple
The Tanot Mata Temple is a significant Hindu shrine located in the Jaisalmer district of Rajasthan, India, near the Pakistan border. Revered as a form of Goddess Hinglaj Mata, the temple is famously associated with the Indian victories in the Indo-Pakistani Wars of 1965 and 1971, with local folklore attributing the successful outcomes to divine intervention. The Border Security Force of India now manages the temple complex, which also includes a victory tower and a war museum.
Thriprayar Temple
The Thriprayar Temple, also known as the Shree Ramaswami Temple, is a significant Hindu temple located in Triprayar, Thrissur district, Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu, who is depicted with four arms holding a conch, discus, bow, and garland. The temple's origin story involves the idol being worshipped by Krishna in Dwarka, later immersed in the sea, and eventually found by fishermen.