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| Thiruvanchikulam Shiva temple Kodungallur, Thrissur dist,Kerala commons.wikimedia.org, |
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| Shiva temple Kodungallur, Thrissur dist, Kerala bluebirdtravels.in |
The 11th century Hindu temple built by the Chera dynasty near their capital. The regional tradition attributes it to Rajasekhara, the successor of Kulasekharavarman. The site is likely older because it is mentioned in the Tamil classic Tevaram (the only Kerala site). Between the 12th and 20th century many structures were added and restored as confirmed by several Malayalam inscriptions from the 19th century.
Historical and Mythological Significance: Ancient Origins: Built during the reign of the Chera rulers in the 8th century, this temple is the only Paadal Petra Sthalam in Kerala, one of the 276 temples revered in the Tamil Saivite canonical hymns, Tevaram, composed by the Nayanmars.
Saint Sundarar’s Salvation: The temple is famously associated with the Tamil saint Sundarar (Sundara Murthi Nayanar), who attained Mukthi (salvation) at this site. On Adi Swathi day (July-August), Lord Shiva is believed to have sent a celestial white elephant to take Sundarar to Kailash, followed by Cheraman Perumal Nayanar on horseback. Sundarar composed a Padhigam during his journey, which was sent back to the temple.
Connection to Parasurama: It is believed that Parasurama, the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu, worshipped Shiva here to atone for the sin of killing his mother, Renuka.
Kulasekhara Dynasty: The temple was central to the ancient capital of the Kulasekharas, Mahodayapuram, which was fortified and surrounded by palaces.
Tipu Sultan of Mysore as part of his land expansion and military expedition into the Malabar region in the 18th century caused damages to the Hindu temples The credit goes to Paliath Achan of Kochi (Perumpadappu Swaroopam) who took serious efforts to rebuilt the damaged temple..
Architectural Features: The oldest shrine of the temple was built from laterite, has a square floor plan, a mukhamandapa and a namaskara mandapa.
The vimana has two storeys (dvi-tala), while the wall is divided into bhadras and karas.
Kerala Style of Architecture: The temple, no doubt, showcases classic Kerala temple architecture with: Entrance towers (Gopurams) on all four sides. A central sanctum (Srikovil) aligned with the flagstaff (Dwajasthambam), maintaining the traditional axial alignment. Murals depicting Hindu mythology. Temple Tanks:Two tanks are located in the second pradakshina (circumambulatory path).
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| Thiruvanchikulam shiva temple shrine, Kerala sannidhi.net/ |
Deities and Worship Main Deities: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Mahadeva, and his consort is Parvati (Umadevi). Images of Sundarar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar are housed nearby and brought to the temple during the Svati festival. Association with Chidambaram Temple: The temple has links to the Chidambaram Nataraja Temple in Tamil Nadu, one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams (representing sky).
Cultural and Religious Importance: The temple is notable for its 16th and 17th century murals which are a part of national heritage protected by the ASI. These include the Nataraja, Rama avatara of Vishnu, and Devi panjakshari.
Royal Patronage: Shiva is the family deity of the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadappu Swaroopam), who maintained the temple after the decline of the Chera Empire.
Festivals: The ten-day Vaikasipournami Brahmotsavam in May-June is a major celebration. The Adi Swathi festival in July-August commemorates Sundarar’s journey to Kailash.
Administration: Like many temples of Kerala, this famous temple is being managed by the Thiruvanchikulam Devaswom under the Cochin Devaswom Board.
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| Location Map. Kodungalur, Kerala state.weather-forecast.com |
Located just 3 km from the Kodungallur Bhagavathi Temple, another prominent shrine in the region, this popular temple is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
For those seeking spiritual solace and a glimpse into Kerala's ancient Saivite heritage, the Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple offers a unique and tranquil experience.
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