Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in Kottayam, Kerala, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the prominent temples in the region. The temple is believed to have been built during the 16th century and holds great religious significance for devotees.
The architectural style of Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is typical of Kerala temples, characterized by intricate wood carvings, traditional designs, and steep gopurams (entrance towers). The temple complex includes a sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha) where the main deity, Lord Shiva, is worshipped. The temple also houses shrines dedicated to other deities like Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa, and Goddess Parvati.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple is renowned for its annual festival called Thirunakkara Arattu, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. During the festival, the idol of Lord Shiva is taken in a grand procession around the temple premises, accompanied by traditional music, dance performances, and cultural programs.
Visitors to the temple can witness the unique customs and rituals of Kerala’s traditional temple culture. The temple is open to people of all faiths, and devotees can offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple located in the heart of Kottayam, dedicated to Lord Siva is famous for the grandeur of its traditional architecture. Built by Thekkumkoor Maharaja, this beautiful temple dates back to 500 years ago. This great temple is situated in the middle of the city in a huge open ground called Thirunakkara Maidanam.
Sri Parameswara is the presiding deity. The main offerings in trhis temple are ‘Chathu-satha’ and Dhara. The speciality of this temple is that, the Brahmin Ladies will not enter here and the people of a particular caste ‘Moosad’, will not carry the idols of the God.
The annual ten-day festival at the temple draws to a close with the Aaraattu ceremony. Folk arts like Mayilattom, Velakali etc, are presented in the temple premises in the evening. Another major attraction is the Kathakali performances during the festival.
There are three major festivals in this temple in the month of Thulam (October – November), Meenam(March-April) and Mithunam.(June-July) Out of these the festival in the month of Meenam is the most important.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kottayam, about 3 km.
Nearest airport: Cochin International Airport, about 83 KM