Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam | 266th Shiva Sthalams(One of the Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalam) |
Region | Malai Naadu |
Malai Naadu | 1st Shiva Sthalam |
Pathigam | Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) |
HISTORY:
Thiruvanchikulam Siva Temple (medieval Thiruvanchaikkalam
Temple) is a Hindu temple situated in Kodungallur in Thrissur
district in the South Indian state
of Kerala in India. Constructed in the Kerala style of
architecture, the temple is
believed to have been built during the Chera period in
the 8th century. Shiva is worshipped as Mahadeva and his consort Parvathi as
Umadevi.
The
presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work,
the Tevaram,
written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars. It
is the only temple in Kerala in the list. As per Periyapuranam, Sundara Murthi
Nayanar,one of the four great saints in Tamil Shivism ascented to heaven from
this place. The temple is open from 4 am - 12 pm and 4-8:30 pm on all days
except during festival days when it is open the full day.
This
is the only Thevaram Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam in Kerala. Shiva is the family
god of the Cochin Royal
Family (Perumpadapu Swaroopam) after they came to
power following the decline of Chera Empire). The temple has very good mural
paintings and is a protected monument by the Archaeological
Survey of India. The temple has
the oldest reference in history in Thevaram Hymns sung by Sundara Murthi
Nayanar (also known as Sundarar in Tamil), one of the four Saiva Acharyas. The
images of Sundara Murthi Nayanar, and of Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar can also be seen in the temple premises. It is one of
the oldest Shiva temples in South India,
where Shiva is said to live along with his whole family.It was from here,
Sundara Murthi Nayanar reached Kailash by sitting on a white elephant, sent by
Lord Shiva on Adi Swathi day (July/August). He was followed on horseback by
Seraman Perumal Nayanar. On his way to Kailash, Sundara Murthi Nayanar sang a
Padhigam which was sent back to Thiruvanchikulam on his request. The temple is
associated with Chidambaram temple in Tamil Nadu.
The
capital city of the Kulasekharas, Mahodayapuram,
was built around the temple; it was protected by high fortifications on all
sides and had extensive pathways and palaces. This temple was attacked and
damaged during Tipu Sultan's invasion of Kerala; the copper roofing,
gold and jewels were looted. Tipu's Muslim soldiers
fled the temple complex only after the arrival of the Travancore Army of
Dalawa Keshavadas Pillai. The temple was rebuilt by Paliath
Achan of Kochi/Perumpadappu Swaroopam.
It
is believed that it the temple where Parasurama,
an avatar of Vishnu, worshiped Shiva to expiate his sin killing his
mother Renuka. Sundarar, a 7th-century Tamil Saivite poet,
venerated Mahadeva in ten verses in Tevaram,
compiled as the Seventh Tirumurai. As the temple is revered in Tevaram, it is
classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, one of the 276 temples
that find mention in the Saiva canon. The temple is believed to be the place
where Sundarar and king Cheraman spent their last days and believed to have
ascended to Kailasa in
a white elephant.
According
to the Sthala Purana, it is believed that the famous Shaiva Saint, Sundara
Murthy Nayanar began his journey towards Kailash (Lord Shiva’s abode) from
this temple. It was here in this temple that the saint mounted
a 1000-tusked white elephant which was sent by Lord Shiva to
reach Kailash. Sundara Murthy Nayanar was followed by Cheraman
Perumal Nayanar and He reached Kailash by riding on a blue horse. The
idols of both these two Nayanmars are there in the Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva
Temple. Since this event took place on Swati Nakshathira day in the
month of Aadi (July/August).
The
main offering in this temple is ‘Shankabhishekam’. During this pooja, ‘Shanku’
flowers will be dropped/poured on the idol of Lord Shiva. Also, another main
event in the Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple is ‘Dhambathi Pooja’ (couple
offering). During this, special pooja will be performed to Lord Shiva and the
Goddess Parvathy together. Later, they both would be led to the ‘Palliyarai’
(their personal bedroom).
SALIENT
FEATURE:
·
The temple is
built in Kerala style of
architecture with entrance
towers in all four sides. The sanctum occupies the centre portion of the
temple, which is fortified.
·
The flagstaff
has images of Asthavidyesavara.
·
The image
of Narasimha is
sculpted on the vimana.
·
The images
of Sundarar and
Ceramanperuman are maintained at Bhagavathi temple and brought to the temple
during Svati festival during July - August.
TEMPLE INFORMATION:
|
Moolavar |
Sri
Vanchikuleswarar, Sri Anjaikkalathappar |
|
Ambal |
Sri
Uma Devi, Sri Umaiammai |
|
Theertham |
Sivagangai
Theertham |
|
Sthala
Vriksham |
Sarakondrai |
BELIEF:
It
is believed that the ‘Palliyara Darshanam’ of the Divine Couple, gives them the
bliss for overcoming all the hurdles in the marriage and gives child fertility.
|
Tamil Month |
English Month |
Festival Name |
|
Vaikasi |
May-June |
Vaikasipournami
Brahmotsavam festival |
|
Karthikai |
Nov-Dec |
Thirukarthikai |
|
Maasi |
Feb-Mar |
Maha Shivrathri |
HOW
TO REACH:
Well
connected by KSRTC buses and private transport buses to Kochi (35 km), Thrissur
(38 km) and Guruvayur (45 km). Tourist buses from many cities including
Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, and Kozhikode to Kodungallur.The nearest
airport is Nedumbassery International Airport 35 km away. The nearest railway
station is Iringalakuda, 16 km away.
TEMPLE
ADDRESS:
Sri Mahadeva Temple,
Thiruvanchikalam,
Thirssur,
Kerala.
LOCATION:
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