Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple is situated in the middle if Kottayam city centre and 1.5 km away from the railway station. Nearest railway stations is Kottayam railway stations and the nearest Airport is Nedumbassery International Airport in Cochin. This temple can be reached by road from all the major cities and towns in the state.
Pilgrim
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
About Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple
Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple has a history of it own and it is said that the ruler of Thekkumkoor family was accompanied by Lord Shiva to Kottayam and on the way he met a Bharmin belonging to Pereparambu family who accompanied the king to Kottayam. During the journey the Bharamin came across a Shiva lingam buried in the earth and on his advice the King Built a temple at that spot. This temple has many sub deities like Lord Subramaniya, Lord Ganesh, Goddess and Lord Ayyappa. There are separate temples for Vadakkunathan, Durga and Brahma Raksas in the vicinity of Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple. The steed of Lord Shiva Nandi is given big importance in this temple. The annual 10 day festival of this temple is the Phalguna Utsavam in which folk arts like Mayilattom and Velakali is performed during the evenings. Kathakali is performed during the night which last till early morning. Mural paintings depicting stories from the epics adorn the inner walls of the temple. The main offerings to the deity in this temple are Chathu-satha and Dhara.
History or Myth
Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple is situated in the heart of Kottayam town on an elevated hill and considered as one the most sacred temple in Kerala. It is one of the 108 shivalayas installed by Lord Parasurama. The deity here is dedicated to Lord Shiva in form Shiva lingam. The present day structure of the temple was constructed 500 years ago by the then ruler Thekkumkoor Raja as per the traditional architecture style of Kerala. A unique specialty of Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple is that Brahmin Ladies are not allowed to enter the temple and devotees of a certain caste Moosad is not allowed to carry the idol.
Tips or precaution
- Take directions from a temple staff before entering the sanctum of the temple.
- If you are new to Kottayam city ensure that you take directions from a police aid post or tourism centre to reach the temple.
How to reach
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BY AIR
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is only 90 Kilometres away from the Cochin International airport(Nedumbasserry). If coming by Air at Nedumbassery International Airport take a train to Kottayam and an auto to the Temple or take a direct taxi from the Airport. -
BY TRAIN
You can reach by train from any part of India. From Kottayam Railway station it is just walking distance to the temple or you can take an auto to the temple. -
BY ROAD
Bus service is available from all the places in Kerala and luxury buses are available from most of the South Indian cities. Thirunakkara Mahadeva temple is well connected by road from all cities in the state.
Highlights or specialities
- Mural paintings of ancient epics
- Phalguna Utsavam
- Mayilattom and Velakali folk dance
- Kathakali
- Arratu procession
- Chathu-satha and Dhara offerings