Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple is a prominent Hindu temple situated in Kottayam, Kerala, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Revered as one of the 108 Shivalayas in Kerala, the temple's origins are traced back to the Thekkumkur royal dynasty, with tradition suggesting its construction by the Maharaja of Thekkumkur approximately five centuries ago. The temple is not only a significant place of worship but also a repository of art and culture, housing a collection of sculptures and murals that depict various Hindu deities.

History and Legend

The establishment of Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple is intertwined with the devotion of a King of the Thekkumkoor royal dynasty. The king, a devout follower of Lord Shiva at the Thrissur Vadakkumnathan Temple, found himself unable to travel the long distance due to old age. According to lore, Lord Shiva appeared in a dream, promising to manifest in a more accessible location. Following this divine guidance, the king encountered a Brahmin named Perepparambu Namboothiri, who was experiencing financial hardship but was devoted to the deity. Later, the king dreamt again, this time of Shiva appearing as a Swayambhoo lingam on Nakkarakkunnu, a hill near the palace, accompanied by an idol of Nandi and a white ixora plant. Upon investigation, servants of a nearby monastery discovered a bleeding stone, confirming the divine manifestation. The king, overjoyed, commissioned the construction of a grand temple on the site, establishing it as a major spiritual center and making Tharananelloor Nammbothiri its head priest and Perepparambu Namboothiri its senior priest.

Architecture and Features

The temple adheres to the traditional architectural styles prevalent in Kerala, blending seamlessly with its natural surroundings. The complex is spread across approximately 4 acres, rich with various trees and plants. A notable feature is one of the largest Koothambalams (temple theatre) in Kerala, located in the southeast corner. The Sreekovil, the inner sanctum, is a two-storeyed square structure crowned with a golden finial. Within the Garbhagriha, the sacred Shiva Linga idol is enshrined, alongside an idol of Goddess Parvati made of Panchaloha. The walls of this sanctum are adorned with intricate murals illustrating tales of Lord Shiva and the Dashavathara. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to subordinate deities such as Ganapathi, Ayyappan, Subramanyan, Durga, and Naga sculptures.

Religious Significance and Festivals

Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple holds significant religious importance, particularly for the Thekkumkur royal family, who considered the deity their tutelary god. The presence of the Shiva Linga is believed to embody Lord Shiva in his most peaceful form, contributing to the prosperity of Kottayam. The temple is also known for its annual ten-day festival, which culminates in the 'aaraattu' ritual. This celebration commemorates Shiva's divine wedding to Parvati and involves a grand procession of nine decorated elephants. During the festival, traditional Kerala art forms, including Mayilattom, Velakali, and Kathakali, are performed, drawing large crowds of devotees and art enthusiasts.