DSC_0083, Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur, kerala
DSC_0083, Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur, kerala

Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple, Thrissur, kerala

Date built:12th century
Deity:–
Architectural style: Architecture of Kerala
Major festivals–
Locale:Peruvanam, Thrissur
District::Thrissur
Address:Cherpu, Thrissur, Kerala 680561
Phone09847849283

Located in Peruvanam, Thrissur, the Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The opulent temple comprises of two shrines namely ‘Irattayappan Temple’ on the North and ‘Maadathilappan Temple’ on the South of the main temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The dual Shivalinga is the unique feature of the Irattayappan Temple which is the reason why its prime deity is also known as Irattayappan denoting the duality. Madathilappan Temple’s sanctum is considered to be the tallest one in South India. One of the most famous festivals which are celebrated in the temple is the Peruvanam Pooram. The Archaeological Survey of India has been protecting the temple since 1982.

As per legends, after Saint Parashurama reclaimed Kerala from the sea, 64 Gramams were set up by him out of which Peruvanam Gramam was the most important one. Pooru Vanam, who was the son of the King of Hasthinapura Yayathy, is believed to have created the temple. It is also thought that while a Shivalinga was being transported after receiving it at a lake near Badrinath, it got stuck on the branch of a tree after which the Madathilappan Temple, which stands today, was built at that spot.

The temple which sprawls over 7 acres of land and is surrounded by a compound wall follows the Kerala style of architecture. The sanctum sanctorum follows a square structure which is rarely seen in Indian temples. Also, the inner courtyard can be reached from two sides, i.e. east and west while the main entrance lies on the east. The Irattayappan shrine has been built on a circular base. Also, the Matatthilappan Temple is situated on the south and consists of three stories. Being one of the most prominent temple structures in Kerala, it should be given a visit. One is likely to get awestruck by the beauty of the temple and the peace that the surroundings provide.

See also  Choorakkottukavu Devi Temple, Thrissur, Kerala

Architecture

Legend / Local stories

Legend has it that the Saint Parashurama established 64 Gramams or sections after reclaiming Keralam from sea and Peruvanam Gramam is the 1st and most important among them. It is said that the temple was created by ‘Pooru Maharshi’, the son of the Hasthinapura King Yayathy after propitiating the Load Shiva with rigorous penance and the name of the place derived from the word “POORU VANAM”. Further it is believed that while transporting a beautiful, big Shivalinga received from a lake near Badarinath to this place, it happened to stuck in the branch of a tree and the present Madathilappan Temple has been constructed at this place. Shiva in dual linga form is the main feature of the temple and Lord is called “IRATTAYAPPAN” which denote the duality. The Sricovil of Madathilappan is considered to be the tallest Sricovil in South India. Four Sastha temples at Akmala, Kuthiran, Edathiruthy and Oozath are located on the boundaries of Peruvanam Gramam and Thiruvullakkavu Sastha Temple is located at the centre of the Gramam. Irattayappan is the ‘Gramadhipathi’ and Thiruvullakkavu Sastha is considered the ‘Gramaraskhakan’. Now the temple is under the joint administration of Cochin Devaswom Board and TravancoreDevaswom Board. There is a vast area of land and an office called ‘Cherikalam’ are existed near the south ‘Gopuram’ of this temple. It is important and rare that the Maharaja of Travancore had interest in this temple and therefore, the expenses for ‘Utcha Pooja’, ‘Prodhosha Nivedhyam’, ‘Nira Puthiri’, ‘Koothu’ are borne by him.  It still continues.

See also  Mannarasala Temple, Alappuzha, kerala

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How to Reach:

The Peruvanam Mahadeva Temple is situated at a distance of 10 kilometres from the Thrissur railway station which takes about 12-15 minutes to cover by car. You can hire a taxi to reach the temple.

Contact Details

Official Address

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