Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple
One of Kerala’s oldest Shiva temples, associated with Parasurama and rich Vedic heritage.
Overview
Location: Kandiyoor, near Mavelikkara, Alappuzha district, Kerala
Main Deity: Lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy / Mahadeva
Temple Type: Ancient Kerala Shiva Temple
Architecture: Pure Kerala-style with circular sanctum
Special Features:
- Considered one of the 108 Shiva Temples consecrated by Sage Parasurama
- Ancient inscriptions and strong historical references
- Large temple tank and archaeological significance
- One of the oldest temple sites in Kerala with powerful sthala purana
The temple is deeply revered for its spiritual energy and is an important Saivaite pilgrimage destination.
Origin and History
Sthala Purana (Traditional Legend)
According to local belief, Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple is one of the temples established by Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Vishnu, who is said to have reclaimed the land of Kerala from the sea and consecrated 108 Shiva temples across the region.
Another tradition states:
- The temple site was once the location of a powerful Yaga (sacrifice), conducted by ancient sages.
- Lord Shiva manifested here as a result of the intense austerities performed in the region.
- The presence of multiple tirthas (holy water bodies) and sacred groves supports the temple’s deep spiritual antiquity.
Historical Significance
Kandiyoor Temple is considered one of the oldest temples in Kerala, with references in ancient Malayalam and Tamil literature. The temple’s structure, inscriptions and surrounding archaeological sites indicate that it existed during:
- Early Chera rule (possibly over 1200 years ago)
- Medieval Kerala kingdoms
- The era of Travancore influence
The temple was also associated with the Brahmin settlements of Kandiyoor, one of the earliest scholarly and ritual centres in Kerala.
Its historical layers make it a valuable site for understanding Kerala’s early Shaivite culture.
Architecture and Temple Layout
Architectural Style
The temple follows traditional Kerala-style architecture known for its:
- Sreekovil (sanctum) with a circular base (Vatta Sreekovil)
- Copper-clad conical roof
- Wooden carvings and stone inscriptions
- Nalambalam (inner courtyard structures)
- Deepasthambham (lamp pillar)
- Massive temple walls reminiscent of medieval Kerala fort style
The temple’s age is evident in its worn granite stones and woodwork, which maintain an aura of antiquity.
The temple has ancient inscriptions on its sanctum sanctorum and Balikallu.
The Deity – Mahadeva as Dakshinamurthy
The main deity is Lord Shiva, worshipped here particularly in the Dakshinamurthy aspect — the form of Shiva as the Supreme Teacher facing south.
The idol exudes a serene, meditative energy believed to bless devotees with knowledge, clarity, and spiritual awakening.
Other Shrines (Upadevatas)
- Lord Ganapathy
- Subrahmanya
- Sastha (Ayyappa)
- Chandikeswara
- Nagaraja (serpent deity)
- Bhagavathy
- Rakshasas and guardian deities
Multiple small shrines in the temple’s corridors reflect ancient Kerala traditions of housing a broad pantheon of deities.
Daily Worship and Ritual Practices
The temple follows traditional Tantric Kerala Shaiva rituals.
Major daily rituals include:
- Nirmalyam
- Abhishekam with water, ghee and tender coconut
- Usha Pooja
- Pantheeradi Pooja
- Ucha Pooja
- Deeparadhana
- Athazha Pooja
The temple is particularly known for the potency of:
- Mruthyunja Homam
- Rudra Abhishekam
- Swayamvara Poojas (for marriage blessings)
The atmosphere inside the inner courtyard is exceptionally calm and devotional.
Festivals
Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple celebrates several major festivals:
Shivaratri
The biggest festival, marked by:
- Night-long bhajans and poojas
- Lighting of thousands of lamps
- Devotees performing traditional fasts
- Special Abhishekam and homams
Mandala Pooja & Makaravilakku Season
Being close to Sabarimala route, the temple attracts large numbers of Ayyappa devotees during Mandala season.
Annual Temple Festival
Held in the Malayalam month of Kumbham, featuring:
- Flag hoisting
- Chenda melam
- Elephant processions
- Cultural performances
Pradosham
Every fortnight, Pradosham is observed ceremonially with special prayers for devotees seeking relief from obstacles.
Temple Timings
Morning: 5:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Evening: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Timings may vary on festival days.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Trivandrum International Airport – approx. 110 km
Kochi International Airport – approx. 130 km
Nearest Railway Station
Mavelikkara Railway Station – about 3 km from the temple
Nearest Bus Stand
Mavelikkara KSRTC Bus Stand – 2.5 km
Autos and taxis are easily available.
Road Access
Kandiyoor lies just off the Mavelikkara–Chengannur route, well connected by Kerala’s road network.
Accommodation
Pilgrims may stay in:
- Lodges and budget hotels in Mavelikkara
- Nearby towns like Chengannur, Haripad, and Kayamkulam
- Home-stay options are also available
Food / Vegetarian Options
Mavelikkara offers several vegetarian restaurants serving Kerala meals, tiffin dishes, and snacks. Local teashops and messes around the temple provide simple, traditional food.
Visitor Tips
- Best visited early morning or evening when the temple atmosphere is cooler and quieter.
- Dress modestly to respect temple customs.
- Photography is generally restricted inside the temple.
- The temple has a calming, spiritual environment — ideal for meditation and quiet prayer.
FAQ
1. Why is Kandiyoor Temple historically important?
It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala, associated with Parasurama and early Brahmin settlements.
2. Is the temple connected to Sabarimala?
Yes, many Ayyappa devotees visit the temple during the Mandala season.
3. What is the main offering?
Rudra Abhishekam, Dhara, and various homams are considered powerful here.
4. Is the temple suitable for seekers of education or spiritual clarity?
Yes. Since the deity is in the Dakshinamurthy form, devotees believe it enhances knowledge and wisdom.