Annamanada Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur – The Temple

Annamanada Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur – The Temple

This temple is facing towards east, but the main entrance is from the western side. There is a low Valiya Balikkal in front of the Agramandapam on the eastern side and a Bali Peetha equal in height of the basement of the Sri Kovil. The sopana with carved Hasti-hasta railings on either side provides access to the square Mukha Mandapam. The doors on the south and the west lead to the shrines of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati respectively.

The Mukha mandapam and the Sri Kovil have dvi-tala structure, which is covered with copper sheet. The main sanctum (Sree Kovil) is majestic in rectangular form and is two storied without Namaskara mandapa. The spacious mukha mandapa with wooden slat enclosure has two Dwara Palakas just outside the inner sanctum. The sikhara of the sanctum has unique carvings of Hindu pantheon.

The wooden carvings in the Sree Kovil (sanctum), Mukhamandapam and Ceilings of two Dwara Gopurams deserve special mention. There are two Thidappallis forming part of the Nalambalam on either side of the main sanctum. Both the structures have tiled roof. The courtyard is enclosed by a tall compound wall,  pierced by openings in the four cardinal directions, of which those in the east and west natas are decorated with dwaragopuras with dvi-tala tiled roof and with carved ceilings.

Presiding Deity is housed in the sanctum in the form of Shiva Lingam. He is facing east. The Shiva Linga is almost four feet tall. It is considered as the Kirathamurthy in a pleasing mood while giving Pasupathastra to Arjuna. The Sanctum is square in shape. This temple is special for its deity positioning. Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathy sit face to face here on same platform. Ganesha is also present in the sanctum.

Lord Vishnu Shrine is situated on the northern side of the Nalambalam. There are shrines of Vishnu, Gosala Krishnan, Narasimha, Durga, Bhadrakali, Nagas and Sastha in the temple premises. There is a tank and the oottupura in the north-east corner in the outer prakaram of the temple premises.

The Annamanada river flows by facing the eastern facade at a distance of around 500 metres, wherein the Aarattu of the Lord takes place on the concluding day of the annual festival. The Devaswom office is located on the west nata beyond the dvaragopuram on the north-west side. This temple is famous for Karimbu Thulabharam.