Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple
The Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple is a significant Hindu temple located in Vazhappally, Kerala, India, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to have been constructed by the first Chera king and with its idol installation legendarily performed by Parasurama, it is one of the 108 Shiva temples established by him. The temple is notable for its historical inscriptions, including the earliest known Malayalam inscription, and intricate wood carvings.
Key Facts
- ›Believed to be constructed by the first Chera king of Kodungallur.
- ›Legend suggests the idol of Mahadeva (Shiva) was installed by Parasurama.
- ›It is one of the 108 Shiva temples established by Parasurama.
- ›Features two nalambalams and two flag-masts, a rarity in Kerala.
- ›Contains 17th-century wood carvings depicting epic figures.
- ›The Vazhappally copper plate, the earliest Malayalam inscription, originates from this temple's administration.
Shiva, Mahadeva, Parvati
- Historical significance due to the Vazhappally Copper Plate, the earliest Malayalam inscription.
- Religious significance as one of the 108 Shiva temples established by Parasurama.
- Architectural uniqueness with dual Nalambalams and flag-masts, and 17th-century wood carvings.
Chera Dynasty, Thekkumkur, Travancore
Stone, Granite, Wood
First Chera King of Kodungallur, Parasurama, Cheraman Perumal, Rajasekhara Varman
- 17th-century wood carvings depicting figurines from epics
About Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple
The Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in Vazhappally, near Changanassery in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. Administered by the Travancore Devaswom Board, the temple holds significant historical and religious importance, particularly for its association with the Chera dynasty and the sage Parasurama.
Legends and Origins
According to local legends, the temple was constructed by the first Chera king of Kodungallur. It is also believed that the idol of Lord Mahadeva (Shiva) was installed by Parasurama himself, making it one of the 108 Shiva temples attributed to him. The temple's origins are further intertwined with a legend involving the conversion of the Neelamperoor Shiva Temple into a Buddhist monastery, leading to the relocation of its Shiva Linga to Vazhappally by ten Brahmin families.
Historical Significance
The Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple is renowned for housing the Vazhappally copper plate, which is the earliest known inscription in the Malayalam language, dated to the early 9th century CE. This inscription records a temple committee resolution made in the presence of the Chera king Rama Rajasekhara, providing invaluable insights into early Malayalam script, language, and temple administration during the Chera period. The temple also witnessed periods of rule by the Thekkumkur and Travancore kings, surviving numerous conflicts.
Architectural Features and Worship
Architecturally, the Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple is distinctive for being one of the few temples in Kerala to possess two nalambalams (inner courtyards) and two flag-masts. It also features intricate seventeenth-century wood carvings (daru silpas) that depict various figurines from Hindu epics. The temple is an active place of worship dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, with a shrine for Parvati also present, reflecting the Ardhanariswara concept mentioned in its legends.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple constructed?
The temple is believed to have been constructed by the first Chera king of Kodungallur. A Vattezhuttu inscription indicates that repairs were completed in 1665 CE, suggesting ongoing maintenance and possibly earlier construction phases.
What is the significance of the Vazhappally copper plate?
The Vazhappally copper plate, dated to the early 9th century CE, is the earliest available inscription in the Malayalam language. It records a temple committee resolution in the presence of the Chera king and is crucial for understanding early Malayalam and temple administration.
Who is believed to have installed the idol at Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple?
Legends suggest that the installation of the idol of god Mahadeva (Shiva) was performed by Parasurama himself. It is considered one of the temples established by him.
What makes Vazhappally Maha Siva Temple architecturally unique?
The temple is notable for being one of the few in Kerala that features two nalambalams (inner courtyards) and two flag-masts. It also contains seventeenth-century wood carvings depicting figurines from epics.
What historical events are associated with the temple?
The temple was popular during the second Chera dynasty and later came under the rule of Thekkumkur and Travancore kings, witnessing many conflicts. Despite these, it is believed to have been saved from destruction.
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