Thiruvanchikulam Temple

Thiruvanchikulam Temple

The Thiruvanchikulam Siva temple is located at Thiruvanchikulam 2 kilometers from Kodungallur in Thrissur district, Kerala. The presiding deity is Lord Siva in ‘Sada Siva’ (calm) form. The place Thiruvanchikulam itself have both religious and historical significances. It was the capital of Chera dyanasty ruled here till the 13th century. The ancient seaport town Musiris (the lost city) and the Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy temple are the first things one notice in Kodungallur.

The temple is believed to be built by Cheraman Perumal, a legendary Chera king. It is also believed that Cheraman Perumal (also called as ‘Kulasekhara Perumal) and his minister and friend Sundaramoorthy Nayanar left their life in the temple. There are two idols in this temple, considering as two ‘upadevas’ (sub gods), of them. This is the temple having the largest number of Upadevas in Kerala.

The temple is located in a place namely ‘Cheraman Parambu, and is believed to be the ancient palace spot of the Cheras. The main event in the temple is ‘Dhambathi Pooja’ (couple offering), in which worships the Siva-Parvathy dual and lead them to the ‘Palliyara’ (symbolically their personal bed room). It is believed that the ‘Palliyara Darshanam’ give bliss for overcome hurdles in good marriage and child fertility. The temple is well stored with ancient murals, woodcarvings and ‘Salabhanjikas’ (sculptures), which are worth seeing.

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 old Tamil Sangam literature, references to Sundara Murti Nayanar, and Ilango Adikal, the Chera prince who was the brother of Cheran Chenkuttavan can also be seen in the temple premises. The temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India where Lord Shiva is said to live along with his whole family.

This temple has got a healthy relation with Chidambaram temple in Tamil Nadu. Capital city of Kulasekharas, Mahodayapuram was built around the temple and was protected by high fortress 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 and gold and jewels were looted. Tipu's Muslim soldiers fled the temple complex only after the arrival of Travancore Army of Dalawa Keshavadas Pillai. This temple was rebuilt by Paliath Achan of Kochi/Perumpadappu Swaroopam.