Thiruvanchikulam Temple
Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple, also known as Thiruvanchaikkalam Temple, is a significant Hindu temple located in Kodungallur, Kerala, India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, it is renowned for its veneration in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canon, Tevaram, and is the only temple from Kerala mentioned in the list of Paadal Petra Sthalams.
Key Facts
- ›It is the only Paadal Petra Sthalam in Kerala, a designation for temples mentioned in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canon, Tevaram.
- ›The temple is believed to have been built during the Chera period and is constructed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture.
- ›Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mahadeva, and his consort Parvati as Umadevi.
- ›It is historically significant as the place from which Saint Sundara Murthi Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal, the legendary king of Kerala, are believed to have ascended to Kailasa.
- ›The temple complex features well-preserved mural paintings and is recognized as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- ›The Mahashivaratri festival in February-March is the most prominent among the temple's four daily rituals and three yearly festivals.
Shiva, Mahadeva, Parvati, Umadevi
- Paadal Petra Sthalam
- Ascension site of Saint Sundara Murthi Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal
- Historical capital city of the Kulasekharas built around it
- Family deity of the Cochin Royal Family
- Protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India
Chera, Cochin Royal Family
Mahashivaratri, Brahmotsavam, Adi Swathi
Copper, Gold
Chera Rulers, Paliath Achan, Cochin Royal Family
Mural Paintings, Images of Sundara Murthi Nayanar, Images of Cheraman Perumal Nayanar, Image of Narasimha, Images of Asthavidyesavara
About Thiruvanchikulam Temple
Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple
Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple, historically known as Thiruvanchaikkalam Temple, is a significant Hindu temple situated in Kodungallur, within the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Mahadeva, and his consort Parvati, revered as Umadevi. The temple's profound religious and historical importance is highlighted by its inclusion as the sole temple from Kerala in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, and its classification as a Paadal Petra Sthalam. This designation marks it as one of the 276 temples celebrated in the Saiva canon.
History and Architecture
The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Chera period and exemplifies the distinctive Kerala style of architecture. It is historically significant as it was located within Mahodayapuram, the capital city of the Kulasekaran dynasty, which was fortified and featured extensive pathways and palaces. The temple has suffered historical damage, notably during Tipu Sultan's invasion of Kerala, during which its copper roofing, gold, and jewels were looted. It was subsequently rebuilt by the Paliath Achan of the Paliam Swaroopam. The temple is also recognized for its excellent mural paintings and is designated as a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Religious Significance and Worship
Thiruvanchikulam Temple holds immense religious reverence. It is believed to be the place where Saint Sundara Murthi Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal, the legendary king of Kerala, ascended to the heavenly abode of Kailasa. Sundara Murthi Nayanar, one of the four great saints of Tamil Shivism, is said to have reached Kailash from this temple premises on a white elephant sent by Lord Shiva. The temple priests conduct daily rituals four times a day, along with weekly, fortnightly, and monthly observances. The most prominent annual festival is the eight-day Mahashivaratri festival, celebrated in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March), with Brahmotsavam in Edavam (May–June) also being a major event.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary deity worshipped at Thiruvanchikulam Temple?
The primary deity worshipped at Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple is Lord Shiva, revered as Mahadeva. His consort, Goddess Parvati, is worshipped as Umadevi. The temple is notable for having 33 sub-deities, the highest number recorded in Kerala.
What is the architectural style of Thiruvanchikulam Temple?
Thiruvanchikulam Temple is constructed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture. It features entrance towers on all four sides and a fortified sanctum at the center, approached through a flagstaff.
When was Thiruvanchikulam Temple believed to have been built?
The temple is believed to have been built during the Chera period. Its historical significance is underscored by its mention in the 7th-century Tamil Saiva canonical work, Tevaram.
What is the religious significance of Thiruvanchikulam Temple?
Thiruvanchikulam Temple holds significant religious importance as it is the only Paadal Petra Sthalam in Kerala. It is believed to be the site where Saint Sundara Murthi Nayanar and King Cheraman Perumal ascended to Kailasa.
What are the main festivals celebrated at Thiruvanchikulam Temple?
The temple celebrates four daily rituals and three yearly festivals. The most prominent is the eight-day Mahashivaratri festival, observed in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March). Brahmotsavam in Edavam (May–June) is also a major festival.
Has the temple suffered any damage historically?
Yes, Thiruvanchikulam Temple was attacked and damaged during Tipu Sultan's invasion of Kerala. Its copper roofing, gold, and jewels were looted before the arrival of the Travancore Army. The temple was later rebuilt by Paliath Achan.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple
The Thirumoozhikkulam Lakshmana Perumal Temple, situated in Kerala, India, is a significant Hindu temple revered in the Sri Vaishnava canon. It is dedicated to Lakshmana Perumal and is part of the 108 Divya Desams, holding particular importance for its association with the Ramayana legend and the Nalambalam Yatra pilgrimage.
Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple
Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Kottayam, Kerala, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is recognized as one of the 108 revered Shivalayas in Kerala and is believed to have been built by the Maharaja of Thekkumkur approximately 500 years ago. The temple is known for its traditional Kerala-style architecture, preserving numerous sculptures and murals of various Hindu deities.
Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple
The Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple is a Hindu temple in Kerala, South India, dedicated to Vishnu, specifically as Mahavishnu. It is renowned for its Kerala-style architecture and its mention in the early medieval Tamil canon, the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, recognizing it as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Krishna. Legend also connects it to the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, with Sahadeva believed to have built the shrine.