Kottayam Thirunakkara Sri Mahadevar Temple Kerala

Address

Kottayam Thirunakkara Sri Mahadevar Temple Kottayam, Thirunakkara, Kerala – 686001.

Deity

Mahadev (Shiva) Amman: Parvati

Introduction

• Name: Thirunakkara Mahadevar Temple
• Location: Kottayam city, Kerala, India
• Significance: One of the 108 revered Shivalayas in central Kerala, built by the Thekkumkoor Raja between 1103 and 1750 AD. The temple houses unique sculptures and murals and is believed that the idol of Shiva was installed by Sage Parashurama.
• Tutelary Deity: The Thekkumkoor royal family considered the idol as their paradevatha, known as “Thirunakkara Thevar.”

Puranic Significance

• Legend of the King:
  • A king from the Thekkumkoor dynasty was devoted to Lord Shiva, particularly to Vadakkumnathan in Thrissur. Despite having a nearby Shiva temple, he often traveled to Vadakkumnathan, which became difficult with age.
  • Lord Shiva appeared to the king in a dream, promising to manifest nearby for his convenience.
  • After meeting a poor Brahmin at the Vaikom temple, the king returned home and dreamt that Shiva would appear as a Swayambhoo lingam at Nakkarakkunnu, accompanied by an idol of Nandi and a white ixora plant.
  • Following the king’s dream, two servants from Swamiyar Madom discovered the Swayambhoo lingam in the forest while collecting wood. Upon realizing its significance, the king established a grand temple dedicated to Shiva, with Tharananelloor Nambothiri as the head priest and Perepparambu Namboothiri as the senior priest.
  • An interesting tale involves a Brahma Rakshas seeking revenge due to a tragic misunderstanding involving the king and his friend, leading to the construction of a separate temple for the Brahma Rakshas.

Special Features

• Architecture: The temple is designed in traditional Kerala architectural styles, occupying about 4 acres of land rich in diverse trees and plants.
• Temple Layout:
  • Entrance: Features a small temple for Lord Ganapathi.
  • Sacred Banyan Tree: Located on the holy steps leading to the main temple.
  • Kodimaram: A flagstaff built in 1960, standing 42 feet tall.
  • Balikkalpuras: Located beside the Kodimaram.
  • Koothambalam: One of the largest in Kerala is located in the southeast corner.
  • Sub-Deities: The temple has shrines for various deities, including:
    • Lord Ayyappa and Ganesha (southeast entrance)
    • Naga pratishtas near these shrines
    • Lord Subhramaniya and Durga (eastern section)
    • Installation of Brahmarakshas (northeast section), representing the soul of the priest assassinated within the temple.

Festivals

• Mahashivrathri: A significant festival celebrated with great devotion and rituals.

Century/Period/Age

1103–1750 years.

Managed By

Travancore Devaswom Board.

Nearest Bus Station

Thirunakkara

Nearest Railway Station

Kottayam

Nearest Airport

Kochi

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