Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple is best Pilgrimage in Kerala

Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple is situated at the center of Thirunakkara in the Kottayam district in Kerala, India. It is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It is one of the 108 Shivalayas of Kerala. The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture, which features traditional Kerala temple style with intricate wooden carvings and mural paintings.

The temple is considered one of the most attractive religious and cultural places in Kerala. Devotees and visitors from all over the world visit this temple.

Attraction

Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple is a temple with a rich historical background. It is believed that the temple is about 500 years old, and the Shiva idol was installed by Parshurama. The temple’s rich history draws visitors towards it.

The temple is not only a religious site. It also depicts Kerala’s rich culture and heritage. The eye-catching Kerala-style wooden carved erection of the temple bears the art significance of Kerala.

Thirunakkara Arattu is the temple’s annual festival. It is a ten-day-long festival and a major highlight of Kerala. It is observed on the occasion of Shiva-parvati’s wedding day. It features a procession of nine elephant decorations and traditional Keralan dances such as Mayilattom and Velakali. It is an outstanding opportunity to experience India’s world-famous dance form, Kathakali, in its original flavor.

Mural paintings of the temple are another prominent attraction. This is a heaven for art lovers. There are rarely such places to experience the pleasure of art and divinity together.

Moreover, the tranquil atmosphere of the temple provides a peaceful environment for meditation and reflection.

History

Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple has a very rich history that dates back several centuries, and its origins are linked to local legends and historical narratives. The temple was built by a royal family from the region.

According to legends, there was a king in the Thekkumkoor royal dynasty; he was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Though a nearby Shiva temple was located in his palace, he couldn’t satisfy his soul without visiting the Thrissur Vadakkumnathan, a revered temple of Shiva. But being aged, he became unable to visit this temple. The king felt deep grief in his mind for that. Then Lord Shiva came to his dream and said He would appear in a place that is easy for his devotees to travel to.

After that, two servants of a monastery found the Swayambhoo Lingam in the deep forest. They went there to collect wood, and they scraped their sickle in a stone. Suddenly, the stone started to bleed. By that, they confirmed that it was a Swayambhoo Lingam. The news reached the king, and he quickly came to visit. He noticed all that Lord Shiva said in his dream. By watching the Nandi idol with the Lingam, a white ixora plant, and the exact location of the Lingam, the king confirmed that Lord Shiva truly appeared there for his pure devotion. He can’t control his emotions. He built a large temple for his adorable God. Also confirmed were all supplies needed for a Mahashetra.

Inside/Outside Views

The whole temple area is about 4 acres. The Temple complex has a very tranquil and peaceful atmosphere because of the many trees and plants. Being situated in the heart of Kottayam city, it features the traditional architectural styles of Kerala. It is a square-shaped two-story building in golden color. Its Sreekovil features three rooms. One is Garbhagriha, where the main deity Swayambhoo Shiva Lingam predominates; one of the rooms is for Devi Parvathy, and another one is for mural painting which depicts the stories of Shiva and Parvathy.

A small but nice entrance welcomes visitors inside, where a Ganpathy idol is installed. Besides the main deity, there are also some other deities installed and worshipped. They are Ayyanppan, Subhrmaniyan, Naga, Durga, Bramharakhshas, Ganapathy, and Vadakkumnathan (Another manifestation of Lord Shiva, presiding deity at the Vadakkumnathan Temple in Thrissur).

Opening Hours

Thursday 4.00 AM – 11.00 AM

5.00PM – 8.00 PM

Friday 4.00 AM – 11.00 AM

5.00 PM – 8.00 PM

Saturday 4.00 AM – 11.00 AM

5.00 PM -8.00 PM

Sunday 4.00 AM – 11.00 AM

5.00 PM – 8.00 PM

Monday 4.00 AM – 11.00 AM

5.00 PM – 8.00 PM

Tuesday 4.00 AM – 11.00 AM

5.00 PM – 8.00 PM

Wednesday 4.00 AM – 11.00 AM

5.00 PM – 8.00 PM

How to Reach

By Air: Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple.

By Train: Kottayam Railways Station is the nearest railway station to reach Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple, which is only 1 kilometer away from the temple.

By Road: Kottayam is easily accessible by road. Bus services are available from nearby towns.

Tips for Travellers

Wear modest clothes. Choose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees.
Try to make a visit during Thirunakkara Arattu.
Carry necessary medicine and other things.
Put off your footwear before entering the temple.
Respect that temple’s rules. Check out opening hours before making a visit.
Respect the site’s cultural and religious activities.
Combine your visit with other nearby attractions.
You can click some photos outside the temple.
Leave only footprints behind.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes. This place is safe to visit.

Que-02: Is photography allowed inside Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple?

Ans: Photography inside the temple is not allowed.

Que-03: Is there any dress code for this temple?

Ans: Visitors are instructed to dress modestly. Traditional Indian wear is preferable. Men need to remove their upper garments, and women should cover up their shoulders and knees.

Que-04: What is the best time to visit Thirunakkara Sree Mahadeva Temple?

Ans: You can make a visit at any time that is convenient for you. But we recommend making your visit during Thirunakkara Arattu, a ten-day-long annual festival of the temple.