Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

Introduction to the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple (or) Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple is a legendary Shiva temple situated in the middle of Kottayam district, Kerala. There is a strong belief that visiting all three temples, including Vaikom, Ettumanoor, and Thaliyil Mahadeva, the same day before noon will bring prosperity and the blessings of Shiva. The Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple is situated next to the Ernakulam-Ettumanoor road.

Legend of the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

The Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple's legend is closely associated with the epic, Ramayana. According to the legend, a demon named Khara, mentioned in the Ramayana, performed severe penance to please Siva. Shiva was pleased by his penance and blessed him with a boon and three Shiva Lingas. He started moving south by carrying one in each hand and a third in his mouth. Finding the Lingas heavy, he decided to take rest for a while. The demon kept the Linga, which he carried in his right hand, on the ground. When he resumed his journey, he tried to lift the Linga but could not move it. So, he left that Shiva Linga in Vaikom and resumed his journey. After traveling for a while, Khara installed the Shiva Linga in his left hand in Ettumanoor, and the one that he carried in his mouth was installed in Kaduthuruthy (Kadichu – bite, thuruthy – to be placed), the middle place between the two places.

History of the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

The Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple was under the Vadakkumkoor dynasty. It is said that 300 years ago, the temple had a huge fire accident. Except for the Mandapam and its carvings, all got destroyed. The chief priest safeguarded the idol by clasping it to his chest when the fire spread in the temple. Eventually, he died protecting it.

The king of the Vadakkumkoor dynasty used to worship at Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom, and Ettumanoor on the same day. Since he was aging, he could not travel to all three temples at a time. Hence, he arranged for the replicas of the deities at Ettumanoor and Vaikom and installed them at the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple.

The Architecture of the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

The Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple was built in the 10th century. Pandya Kings were the main patrons of this temple. The temple’s courtyard spreads over eight acres of land.

The temple premises have been leveled with river sand. Massive compound walls protect the temple, and there are four towers on all four sides. There is a protected platform near the eastern tower. A pipal, a mango, and a jackfruit tree grow on the platform. The golden flagstaff is the pride of the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple.

Thalikotta is a fort surrounding the temple. "Kotta" means 'fort' in the local language; that is how the temple got its name. Visitors reach the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple by ascending 11-15 steps. It has a Mukha Mandapam and a sacred temple tank. The Mandapam before the shrine's sanctum displays an exotic collection of wood carvings depicting the story of "Karthaveerarjuneeyam." Shiva is the presiding deity of the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple. Devotees can worship a three-foot Shiva Linga in the sanctum. It is the smallest Shiva Linga that Khara installed, and it faces the east.

Visitors can see Ettumanoorappan and Vaikathappan, the sub-deities, at the south and north gates. There is an idol of Sree Ganapathy on the southern side. Dharma Sastha and Durga also have separate shrines. An idol of the priest who lost his life in the temple fire can be seen in the northern part of the temple complex. There is no Nandi here, which is a rarity.

It is believed that devotees can attain abundant blessings by praying to the Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom, and Ettumanoor deities together at this Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple.

Festivals in the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple

The Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple celebrates a 10-day annual festival between April and May. The deity is taken out for a procession on decorated elephants. It is a ritualistic way of honoring Shiva, the temple's presiding deity. Various rituals and ceremonies take place during the annual celebration.

Shivratri and the annual Prathishta day are other festivals celebrated in the Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple.