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Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple

Kodungallur, Ernakulam, Kerala
Lord Shiva
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Type

Hindu Temple

Deity

Lord Shiva

Pincode

680664

An ancient Shiva temple in the historic port city of Kodungallur (the former capital of the Chera kings). One of the 108 Shiva temples glorified in Tamil literature. The temple is associated with Cheraman Perumal, the legendary Chera king who is said to have sailed to Mecca. The nearby Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple is equally famous.

History & Significance

History

Kodungallur (ancient Muchiri/Muzuris) was one of the greatest trading ports of the ancient world — trading with Greeks, Romans, Arabs, and Chinese. The Thiruvanchikkulam Shiva temple has existed since at least the 9th century CE. It is closely associated with the Chera dynasty who ruled Kerala from Kodungallur.

Plan Your Circuit

Nearby Temples

Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.

Bhagavathy

One of Kerala's most ancient and powerful Shakti temples, dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali in her most fearsome form. Famous for the unique Bharani festival — where devotees sing crude folk songs (Bharanippatu) to provoke the Goddess's anger and power. Considered one of the original 18 Shakti shrines of Kerala.

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple

Kodungallur, Kerala1 km
Goddess Bhagavathy

Devi

One of only two temples in India dedicated to Bharata — the loyal younger brother of Rama from the Ramayana. Bharat is worshipped here as 'Koodalmanikyam' (Manikyam of the confluence). The temple also has a unique tradition: the deity Bharata is worshipped facing Ayodhya (north), always looking toward his elder brother Rama.

Koodalmanikyam Temple

Irinjalakuda, Kerala13 km
Goddess Devi

Bhagavathy

A revered shrine of Goddess Bhagavathy near Kochi, worshipped across three sequential forms through the day — as Saraswati in the morning, Bhadrakali at noon, and Durga in the evening. The temple is also known for rituals believed to offer relief from mental distress, drawing devotees from across Kerala.

Chottanikkara Temple

Chottanikkara, Kerala33 km
Goddess Bhagavathy

Bhagavathy

One of the two principal temples of the world-famous Thrissur Pooram festival. Goddess Paramekkavu is brought out in procession on 30+ caparisoned elephants on Pooram day (Thrissur Pooram). The 'Kudamattam' (umbrella exchange between the two Pooram groups) is one of the most photographed events in Kerala's culture.

Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple

Thrissur, Kerala33 km
Goddess Bhagavathy