Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kothamangalam, Kerala

Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple, Kothamangalam, Kerala

Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Kothamangalam Town in Ernakulam District in Kerala, India. The Temple is situated on the banks of Kothamangalam River. This Temple is considered as one of the 108 Shiva Temples created by Lord Parasurama. It is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage centres in Kerala. 

Legends

For brief details, please refer below link;

https://hindutemples-india.blogspot.com/2022/04/thrikkariyoor-mahadeva-temple-kothamangalam-legends.html

History

Thrikkariyoor is also known as Karuvoor or Karaorai in ancient times. It is believed to be the headquarters of ancient Chera dynasty. It is believed that Aryan Brahmins were settled here in Kothamangalam in the 1^st century AD. Heavy commercial activity happened between Pandyan Kingdom and Muzris in the ancient times. The  royal route of Madura – Alwaye passes through Kothamangalam. The place was abandoned due to Pandyan invasion in 8^th Century CE.

The Temple

This Temple is facing towards east and covers an area of about 4 acres. The Temple has entrance towers in the eastern and western side. Anakottil (Elephant Camp) and Flag mast can be seen immediately after the eastern entrance. The flag mast is made of teak and covered with copper. Balikkal Mandapam can be seen next to flag staff. The ceiling of Balikkal Pura have beautiful carvings of Ashtadikpalakas and Lord Brahma.

There is a large pond situated in front of the eastern entrance. The pond having entrance house it known as Eshwara Seva Palace. The Sanctum is two tiered and rectangular in shape. This is one of the largest rectangular Sanctum (Srikovil) in Kerala. It is adorned with beautiful frescoes and wooden sculptures. There are shrines for Ganapathy, Vanadurga, Saptamatrikas, Ayyappan, and Yakshi in the temple premises.

There is a Devi temple (Padinjattu Kavu Devi Temple), situated on the opposite side of the western entrance. The roof of the sanctum housing the deity is left open to sky. This Temple is also facing towards east. Thrikkariyoor Temple and Kothamangalam Cheria Palli is connected by a strong belief of the people in the vicinity. The church festivities would not commence until the para and lantern from Thrikkariyoor temple reach the church.

Contact

Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple,

Thrikkariyoor, Ernakulam,

Kerala – 682 011

Phone: +91 485 282 8746

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 3.5 Kms from Kothamangalam Bus Stand, 4 Kms from Kothamangalam, 17 Kms from Perumbavoor, 30 Kms from Cochin Airport, 32 Kms from Aluva Railway Station, 48 Kms from Ernakulam and 53 Kms from Cochin.  The Temple is situated on Aluva to Munnar Route.

Location