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| Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva (Shiva) Temple, Kerala photo-gallery#lg |
Located i2 km from Kodungallur in Thrissur district of Kerala state, is an ancient Shiva temple which is believed to have been built during the Chera period. Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple is a popular place of worship where the God is worshipped as Mahadeva; his consort being Parvathi as Umadevi. The presiding deity is in the form of lingam which is a symbolic representation of the formless Universe. The oval-shaped stone symbolizes the Universe, and the bottom the Supreme Power that holds the entire Universe in it. Lingam is a formless reality; an abstract or aniconic representation of the Hindu god Shiva in Shaivism.
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| Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kerala astrolika.com |
Considered as an important and only Paadal Petra Sthalam in Kerala, this temple was glorified by Tamil Saivite saints Nayanmars in their 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work called Tevaram. This kshetram is one among the 276 temples that find mention in their devotional work. It is said to be the oldest reference in the history of this temple. Periyapuranam, a fine devotional work in Tamil mentioned that Sundara Murthi Nayanar, one of the four great Tamil Shavite saints ascended heaven (Kalilash) through the grace of god of this place. He reached Kailash by sitting on a white elephant (Ayiravatam), sent by Lord Shiva on Adi Swathi day (July/August). Surprisingly, as per legend, Seraman Perumal Nayanar followed him on horse back. While on the way to Kailash Tamil saint sang a Padhigam in praise of the God and sent it back to Thiruvanchikulam on his request. The images of Sundarar and Ceraman peruman that are being maintained at Bhagavathi temple near here are brought to the temple during Swati festival between July - August. Sundara Nayanar's last devotional hymn was ''Thalaikku Thalai''. There are two temple tanks in the temple and are in the second prakara. The prakara is not square in plan, instead it in the form of a circle. All sub deities are enshrined in the prakara. Here goddess graces with Lord Shiva in the same sanctorum in Sadashiva form.
The temple has close links with Thillai Nataraja temple (representing Akash) of Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu. God Mahadeva was the family deity of Chola rulers and it is mentioned the idol was specifically brought from Chidambaram temple to be consecrated here in 1801 CE. As to the beautiful mural paintings of this temple its origin and artist are unknown. The ASI - the Archaeological Survey of India is managing the temple as it is an ancient one. As for temple administration pujas, festivals, etc., the Thiruvanchikulam Devaswom under the Cochin Devaswom Board is in charge of it..
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| Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kerala tripadvisor.com |
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| Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kerala tripadvisor.com |
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| Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kerala trip.com/travel-guide |
The Cochin Royal ruling family members were patrons of God Shiva. After the decline of Chera Empire, Perumpadapu Swaroopam family became the rulers of this region and they considered God Shiva as the family deity. The tutelary deity was very much revered by the rulers. An interesting historical fact is there is a link between the national anthem of erstwhile kingdom of Travancore and this temple. Vanchi Bhumi refers to the deity of this temple, the official deity of imperial Chera Empire from whom the former claim lineage.
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| Location of Thiruvanchikulam, Kerala varnam.org/ |
Once the capital city Mahodaya puram of the Kulasekharas, with palaces, pathways and streets was well fortified around the temple against enemy attacks. Unfortunately, when Tipu Sultan of Mysore raided this place in the 18th century, there were extensive damages to the copper roofing on the sanctum, etc; apart gold jewels, etc were looted by Tip's army. This place was saved from Tipu's army upon the arrival of the Travancore Army of Dalawa Keshavadas Pillai. The damaged temple was rebuilt by Paliath Achan of Kochi/Perumpadappu Swaroopam.
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| Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Kerala myoksha.com |
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Thiruvnchikulam temple wood carving in the ceilingalamy.com
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Like other temples of Kerala, this one was built in native architecture using mostly quality wood. Laterite stones are used for foundation, etc ., with slanting terracotta tiled roof supported by wooden frames consisting of beams and cross beams. . The temple being fortified has four tall towered entrances in cardinal direction. Srikovil/sanctum which is at the center of the temple can be accessed from the flagpole - Dwajasthambam. The entrance tower, flag pole and the deity in the garbagriha/srikovil form a strait axis - a feature common in all Hindu temples irrespective of regions. The flagstaff has images of Asthavidyesavara. A well carved stone Nandi (bull) is seen in front of Srikovil. It is said unlike Tamil Nadu or elsewhere, here devotees are not allowed to touch the Nandhi idol, Shiva's Vahana. Touching the Nandi and passing on the wishes by devotees through his ears to God Shiva has been a tradition in some temples of Tamil Nadu. The temple has small shrines sannadhis for deities Vinayaka, Iyyappa Swamy, Sathi Devi, Durga Devi and lord Vishnu. through out the temple there are intricate wooden carvings of deities and other images done with special care.
Normally the temple is open from 4 am - 12 pm and 4-8:30 pm on all days and on festival days it is open the full day. As for daily puja protocol 4 - kala puja is held. The important festival is ten-day Vaikasipournami Brahmotsavam that falls in Edavam (May - June) of Malayalam calendar. The primary offering to god here is "Shankabhishekam" (pouring "Shanku" flowers on the symbol, (Clitoria ternatea; "Aparajitha" in northern India). 'Dhambathi Pooja' (offering by couple) to Shiva- Parvathy deities is done here by lots of couples. Part of the ritual is taking the venerated divinity to the "Palliyara" ( well decorated bed room) for night's rest. The belief has been that 'Palliyara Darshanam' of Shiva-Parvathy gives marital happiness and bliss, and help the couple overcome unexpected obstacles in their lives. This kind of ritual is quite popular in Sri Thiyagaraja Swamy temple of Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu. Here the deities are taken to the Palliyara to the accompaniment of music, etc.
It is said the shrine dedicated to Shiva's consort Parvathi is opened for 12 days only every year and lakhs of devotees in November and December visit this temple to get blessing from Lord Shiva and Parvathi.
https://myoksha.com/thiruvanchikulam-shiva-temple
https://www.astrolika.com/temples/thiruvanchikulam-temple.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thiruvanchikulam_Temple
https://www.ishtadevata.com/temple/mahadeva-temple-thiruvanchikulam-thrissur
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