Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple - Lord Shiva

This region was the capital of Chera dynasty ruled here till the 13th century. The ancient seaport town Musiris and Kurumba Bhagavathy temple are the first things one notices in Kodungallur. This Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is believed to be built by Cheraman Perumal, a legendary Chera king. It has the oldest reference in history in Tamil Sangam literature. Shiva is worshiped as Mahadeva and his consort as Umadevi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars. It is the only temple in Kerala to be listed in the 276 Paadal Petra Sthalams.

Saint Sundaramoorthy Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal worshipped lord Shiva leading to eternal bliss. They reached Mount Kailash by riding on a 1000 tusked white elephant by Nayanar and on a blue horse by Perumal. Both of them have shrines in this temple. This event took place on Swati day in the month of Karkidakam (July/August) and special poojas are performed that time. The lingam here is said to have been self incarnated. The majestic gateway is decorated with carvings of elephants and sub deities. Inside the enclosure there is a porch with carvings dedicated to the characters of the great Hindu epic ‘Ramayana’.