The Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is one of the most important temples in Kerala. It is built in the traditional Kerala style of architecture and is believed to have been constructed during the Chera period. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Mahadeva, and Goddess Parvati, who is worshipped as Umadevi. Along with the main deities, the temple has 33 sub-deities, which is the highest number of sub-deities in any temple in Kerala.
This temple is also special because it is the only Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Kerala, meaning it is one of the temples mentioned in the ancient Tamil hymns (Thevaram) dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple holds great significance for the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadapu Swaroopam), as Lord Shiva became their family deity after they came to power following the fall of the Chera Empire.
Over the years, the temple faced attacks from various empires but was also renovated by different rulers. For centuries, it has been a major center for Shiva devotees. People visit the temple to perform pujas and rituals in front of Mahadeva, seeking blessings and a better life.
Aluva Mahadeva Temple Booking 2025: Tickets, Darshan and Sevas
Main Aspects of the Temple
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Thiruvanchikulam, Kerala, India |
| Main Deity | Lord Shiva (Mahadeva) |
| Consort Deity | Goddess Parvati (Umadevi) |
| Architecture Style | Traditional Kerala Style |
| Historical Period | Built during the Chera Dynasty |
| Unique Feature | Only Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam in Kerala |
| Sub-Deities | 33 sub-deities (highest in Kerala) |
| Significance | Family deity of the Cochin Royal Family (Perumpadapu Swaroopam) |
| Temple Timings | Morning: 4:00 AM – 12:00 PM; Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Major Poojas | Usha Pooja, Ucha Pooja, Deeparadhana, Athaza Pooja |
| Festivals | Maha Shivaratri, Thiruvathira, Karkidaka Vavu (Pitru Tarpanam) |
| Special Rituals | Shanka Abhishekam, Siveli (deity procession), Palliyara Pooja |
| Importance | A historic and spiritual center for Shiva devotees in Kerala |
What are the poojas available in the temple
Morning Rituals
- 5:00 AM – Nadathurappu: The temple doors open, marking the beginning of the day’s worship.
- 6:30 AM – Usha Pooja: The morning worship is performed to invoke the blessings of the deity.
- 7:00 AM – Siveli: A sacred procession of the deity takes place within the temple premises.
- 7:30 AM – Dara: A special ritual offering is made as part of the morning prayers.
- 8:00 AM – Panthirady: This mid-morning worship is performed with devotion and traditional rituals.
- 9:30 AM – Shanka Abhishekam: The deity is bathed using a conch shell, symbolizing purity and divinity.
- 10:30 AM – Ucha Pooja: The noon worship is conducted with sacred offerings and prayers.
- 10:45 AM – Siveli: Another divine procession of the deity takes place.
- 11:00 AM – Nada Adaikkal: The temple doors close, marking the end of the morning rituals.
Evening Rituals
- 5:00 PM – Nadathurappu: The temple doors reopen for the evening prayers.
- 6:30 PM – Deeparadhana: The evening lamp worship is performed, illuminating the sanctum with divine light.
- 6:45 PM – Athaza Pooja: The night worship is conducted with great reverence.
- 7:00 PM – Siveli: The deity is taken on a sacred procession inside the temple.
- 7:30 PM – Palliyara Pooja: A special worship is performed in the sanctum before the deity retires for the night.
- 8:00 PM – Nada Adaikkal: The temple doors close, concluding the day’s rituals.
What are the offeringa and their prices
- Pushpanjali (₹12): A simple flower offering made to the deity.
- Bhagya Suktham (₹36): A sacred chanting performed for prosperity and good fortune.
- Purusha Suktham (₹36): A Vedic chant invoking universal energy and cosmic balance.
- Mrithyunjaya Pushpanjali (₹36): A special flower offering dedicated to longevity and well-being.
- Aikyamathya Pushpanjali (₹36): A flower offering made to promote unity and harmony.
- Rogashanti Pushpanjali (₹36): A flower offering performed to seek divine blessings for healing and good health.
- Vilwa Dala Archana (₹36): A special offering made with Vilwa leaves, which are sacred to Lord Shiva.
- Vidhya Manthra Pushpanjali (₹36): A flower offering dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
- Swayamvara Pushpanjali (₹50): A ritualistic flower offering performed to seek blessings for marriage.
- Sahasranama Pushpanjali (₹50): A flower offering accompanied by the chanting of 1000 names of Lord Shiva.
- 1 Kudam Jala Abhishekam (₹25): A ritual bath of the deity performed using one pot of water.
- 5 Kudam Jala Abhishekam (₹125): A more elaborate Abhishekam using five pots of water.
- Ganapathy Homam (Small) (₹90): A fire ritual dedicated to Lord Ganesha for removing obstacles.
- Mrithyunjaya Homam (₹60): A sacred fire ritual performed for longevity and protection from untimely death.
- Karuka Homam (₹85): A ritual performed using Karuka grass for divine blessings.
- Navagraha Pooja (₹180): A worship ritual dedicated to the nine planetary deities for favorable influences.
- Vavu Pooja (₹150): A special ritual performed for the peace of ancestors.
- Padmaittu Pooja (₹120): A sacred offering made using lotus flowers.
- Rahu Pooja (₹85): A ritualistic worship dedicated to Rahu to remove negative planetary effects.
- Saneeswara Pooja (₹120): A special offering made to Lord Shani for protection against hardships.
- Bhagavath Seva (₹120): A devotional service performed in honor of the deity.
- Vell Nivedhyam (₹30): An offering of rice made to the deity.
- Kuttu Payasam (₹75): A traditional offering of mixed Payasam (sweet dish).
- Pal Payasam (₹100): A special offering of Payasam made with milk.
- Special Ghee Payasam (₹180): A premium Payasam offering prepared with ghee.
- Pizhinja Payasam (₹300): A unique offering of squeezed Payasam.
- Appam (₹90): A ritualistic offering of rice cake.
- Avil (₹50): An offering made with flattened rice.
- Ada (₹120): A special rice-based offering made to the deity.
- Panakam (₹180): A sweet jaggery drink offered to the deity.
- Nira Mala (A) (₹1800): A grand garland made of Nira, offered in devotion.
- Nira Mala (B) (₹900): A smaller version of the Nira garland offering.
- Chandanam Charthal (₹240): A ritualistic application of sandalwood paste on the deity.
- Thali Pooja (₹60): A sacred worship ritual involving the offering of a holy thread.
- Mala Pooja (₹25): A ritual dedicated to garland worship.
- Vehicle Pooja (₹360): A special worship performed for vehicles to seek divine protection.
- Thulabharam Thatthu Panam (₹60): A weight-based offering made as part of the Thulabharam ritual.
- Peridal (₹180): A traditional naming ceremony performed in the temple.
- Choroon (₹120): A rice-feeding ceremony conducted for infants as a sacred ritual.
- Marriage (₹600): A traditional wedding ceremony performed at the temple.
- Video Fees (₹720): A fee for video recording of temple ceremonies.
- Kuvvala Mala/Karuka Mala (₹25): A garland made of Kuvvala or Karuka leaves, offered to the deity.
- Vidyarambham (₹60): A sacred ritual marking the initiation of a child’s education.
- Kettunira (₹36): An offering of tied rice made as a form of devotion.
- Abhishekam (₹50): A ritual bath of the deity using sacred offerings.
- Adima Kidathal (₹240): A special offering associated with temple traditions.
- Mala (₹15): A simple garland offering made in devotion.
- Ennai (₹9): An offering of sacred oil.
- Keda Vilak (₹85): A ritualistic offering of a sacred lamp.
- Ghee (₹16): An offering of clarified butter to the deity.
- Nei Khindi (₹120): A special offering of ghee stored in a pot.
- Thatta (₹60): A ritualistic offering made using a sacred plate.
- Ellu Kizhi (₹10): An offering of sesame seeds.
- Niranjanam (₹60): A ritualistic offering of sacred ash.
- Kumkumam (₹10): An offering of vermilion, used in traditional worship.
- Manjal Podi (₹12): A sacred offering of turmeric powder.
- Velli Avayavam (₹40): An offering of silver body parts as part of temple traditions.
- Thottil (₹120): A cradle ceremony performed for infants.
- Upadevanmarku Nivedhyam (₹990): A grand offering made to 33 sub-deities of the temple.
Special Poojas and Offerings
- Swayam Parvathy Pooja is a special worship dedicated to Goddess Parvathy, performed by devotees for blessings, and it costs ₹6000.
- Aikyamathya Pushpanjali is a flower offering ritual performed to promote unity and harmony among individuals, and it costs ₹36.
- Palliyara Pooja is a sacred worship conducted inside the sanctum, seeking divine grace and protection, and it costs ₹270.
- Dampathy Pooja is a special ritual performed for married couples to seek blessings for a happy and prosperous life together, and it costs ₹270.
- Swayamvara Pooja is a worship ceremony conducted to receive divine blessings for marriage and a suitable life partner, and it costs ₹270.
What are the Dress code for the temple
At the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, the dress code is quite specific to maintain the sanctity of the place. Here are the guidelines:
- Men: Preferred dress is a shirt and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth.
- Women: Traditional attire such as saree, salwar kameez, or a long skirt with a blouse is recommended.
How To Contact The Temple and the contact Info
- Address: Kodungallur- Ernakulam Highway, Kottappuram, Sringapuram, Kodungallur, Kerala 680664
- Phone: 098998 01029
Sure! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple in simple English:
FAQs
Q: What is the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple?
A: It is one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in Kerala, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Q: Where is the temple located?
A: It is located in Kodungallur, Kerala, on the Ernakulam Highway.
Q: What is the dress code for visiting the temple?
A: Men must have shirts and trousers, dhoti, or pyjamas with an upper cloth. Women must have sarees, salwar kameez, or long skirts along with blouses.
Q: What is the visiting time?
A: It is open on all days in the temple from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM at night.
Q: Which of the festivals are the major ones celebrated in the temple?
A: Many festivals are celebrated in the temple, including the famous Thiruvathira.
Q: Am I allowed to click photos inside the temple?
A: Photography is permitted in certain places, but it’s advisable to seek specific instructions from the temple authorities.
Q: Are there any special rituals or offerings?
A: Yes, the temple performs daily pujas, abhishekams, and other rituals. Devotees may also make offerings such as flowers, fruits, and sweets.
Q: Is there a sacred pond in the temple complex?
A: Yes, there is a sacred pond named Ayyappankavu, which is said to have healing properties.
Q: How can I contact the temple for more information?
A: You can call them at 098998 01029 or visit their official website.