Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple – Kerala

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, nestled in the historic town of Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala, is a revered pilgrimage destination dedicated to Lord Shiva. With a legacy stretching back over two millennia, it holds a unique position in Kerala’s spiritual and cultural landscape. This temple is deeply connected to Shaivite traditions, Tamil saints, and Kerala’s rich architectural heritage. The following guide provides a comprehensive overview of the temple’s significance, travel details, nearby attractions, and facilities to assist devotees and travelers in planning a fulfilling visit.

Temple About

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and most revered Shiva temples in Kerala, with origins dating back over 2,000 years. It holds immense historical and spiritual significance, being associated with Tamil Saivite saints and the ancient Chera dynasty.

Temple Description

This temple is built in traditional Kerala style architecture with wooden carvings, sloping tiled roofs, and a beautiful sanctum (Sreekovil) dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex has shrines for Parvati, Ganapati, Subramanya, and other deities. It is one of the rare temples where devotees can perform "Uma-Maheswara" pooja – a ritual worshipping Shiva and Parvati together.

Temple Specialty

One of the rare temples where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are worshipped together

Associated with Chundara Nayanar and Cheraman Perumal Nayanar, two prominent Tamil Shaivite saints

Believed to be the only temple where Chundara Nayanar ascended to Kailasa (heaven) alive

108 Shiva Lingas are believed to be installed in and around the temple

One among the 108 Shiva temples of Kerala consecrated by Lord Parashurama

Temple Address

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple, Thiruvanchikulam, Kodungallur, Thrissur District, Kerala – 680664, India.

Temple Location (Longitude & Latitude)

10.2228° N, 76.1989° E

Temple Timings

Morning: 4:30 AM to 11:00 AM

Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Temple Sevas

Uma Maheswara Pooja

Mrithyunjaya Homam

Rudrabhishekam

Archana & Deepa offerings

Special poojas on Pradosham and Maha Shivaratri

Ashtami Rohini and Navaratri celebrations

Traveling Facilities

Well-connected by road, rail, and air

Regular KSRTC and private buses from major towns

Auto-rickshaws and taxis available from Kodungallur

Food Facilities

Local vegetarian restaurants near the temple

Prasadam is offered at the temple during festivals and special poojas

Stay Facilities

Lodges, hotels, and guesthouses available in Kodungallur and Thrissur

Budget and mid-range options suitable for pilgrims

Nearby Railway Station

Irinjalakuda Railway Station – approx. 20 km

Thrissur Railway Station – approx. 35 km

Nearby Airport

Cochin International Airport (COK) – approx. 40 km

Nearby Bus Station

Kodungallur KSRTC Bus Station – approx. 2 km

Bus Routes to Temple

Regular KSRTC and private buses from Thrissur, Kochi, Guruvayur, and Ernakulam

Direct buses to Kodungallur from nearby cities and towns

Train Routes to Temple

Trains to Irinjalakuda or Thrissur

From the station, taxis and buses connect to Kodungallur

Airways to Temple

Fly to Cochin International Airport (COK)

Take a taxi or KSRTC bus to Kodungallur (about 1 hour by road)

Nearby Cities to Temple

Thrissur – 35 km

Kochi – 40 km

Guruvayur – 45 km

Aluva – 30 km

Nearby Visiting Temples and Places

Kodungallur Bhagavathy Temple – 2 km

Cheraman Juma Masjid (oldest mosque in India) – 3 km

Muziris Heritage Site – 5 km

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple – 45 km

Athirapally Waterfalls – 60 km

Preferable Visiting Season

October to March – Pleasant weather and major festivals like Maha Shivaratri

Shopping Famous For

Traditional Kerala brass lamps and pooja items

Handloom textiles and coir products

Local spices, banana chips, and Ayurvedic items

Thiruvanchikulam Mahadeva Temple is not just a place of worship it is a profound spiritual experience steeped in history, devotion, and cultural grandeur. Whether you're a pilgrim seeking divine blessings or a traveler drawn by heritage and serenity, this ancient temple offers an enriching journey. With its sacred ambiance, easy accessibility, nearby attractions, and traditional Kerala hospitality, Thiruvanchikulam is a destination worth visiting throughout the year especially during festive occasions like Maha Shivaratri. Make sure to include this timeless gem in your Kerala pilgrimage itinerary.