Thrikkariyoor mahadeva Temple
Thrikariyoor is a village in Nellikuzhi panchayath in Ernakulam district in the Indian state of Kerala. Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple is situated 4 km from Kothamangalam. This is considered as the last pratistha of Parasurama. This temple deserves a special mention, as it is believed to have the spirits of Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva. The rites and rituals are based on those of the Arya Dravida traditions. It is also believed to be the capital of Chera Dynasty.
Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple – History
Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple, is declared as one of the 11 holy temples in Kerala. Thrikkariyur is believed to be the capital of ancient Chera Kingdom. It is believed that Aryan Brahmins were settled here in Kothamnagalam even in the 1st century AD. There existed tremendous commercial trade between Pandyan Kingdom and Muzris in the ancient times and it was through the royal route of Madura.
The Thrikkariyoor Shiva Temple is considered to be the last pratishta of Lord Parasurama. It is the last among the 108 Shivalayas consecrated by Parasurama. Legend goes that, Lord Parasurama (sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu) created the land between Gokarna and Kanyakumari. After many years of penance Parasurama invoked Lord Varuna (Lord of the Oceans) to absolve Himself of His sins.
Parasurama wanted to donate some land to the Brahmins and asked for this boon from Lord Varuna. Varuna gave Parasurama an axe and asked him to throw it as far as possible. The distance the axe covers from Gokarna will be given to him. The axe thrown from Gokarna landed in Kanyakumari, thereby creating the land (Kerala) for Brahmins. After this, Parasurama set about establishing 64 villages and consequently 108 Shiva temples in that stretch. Apparently Thrikkariyoor is where Parasurama attained Salvation.
Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple – Significance
It is also believed that THIS TEMPLE CONTAINS THE SPIRITS OF LORD SHIVA AND LORD KRISHNA. But there isn’t much info behind the reason for this belief. Another significance of Thrikkariyoor is that it is believed to be Capital of the Chera Dynasty. Some historians even claim that Thrikkariyoor is the modern Karur, although there is not much support for this theory.
Here, in all offerings & anushtana’s Siva and Vishnu will be praised. Ganapathy, Vanadurga, Saptamatrukkal, Ayyappan, Yakshi etc are Upadevas.
Thrikakariyur temple and Kothamangalam Cheria palli is connected by a strong belief of the people in the vicinity. The church festivities would not commence until the “para and lantern” from Thrikkariyoor temple reach the church.
Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple – Myth
After the construction of the Thrikkarior temple, Shiva was greatly enhanced to the devotees. The villagers managed to live up to their devotion. So all the bronze grains were grown there. It makes envy the evil spirits. Evil spirits, (monsters) planned to submerge the Trikkariyoor temple, whose presiding deity is Lord Shiva by making a dam in the Periyar river and flooding the area.
When this happens, the village and the temple will be destroyed. One night, monsters (bhoothathan – in Malayalam language) came near Periyar river and started dashing. Suspecting trickery, the omnipotent Lord Shiva, came up with a plan to deter them. He faked the approaching dawn by a rooster’s sound.
The demons fearing the arrival of light fled the place. Thus the village of Thrikkariyur escaped unhurt. The dam that was then thought to be built by the demons was later known as ‘Bhootathankettu‘. The Periyar flows on through the narrow space which the demons did not quite manage to dam up. There is a new dam here today. But there are ruins of the old dam.
Thrikkariyoor Mahadeva Temple Contact Number
Land phone: 0485 282 8746
Thrikkariyoor Devi Temple – Padinjattu Kavu Devi Temple
There is a Devi temple (Padinjattu Kavu Devi Temple) opposite to Siva temple. Padinjattu Kavu Devi Temple is a smalle temple, situated opposite direction of western gate of mahadeva Temple. Trikkariyur is having an agraharam on the way to the temple. There is ample parking space opposite to agraharam line. It is a small temple with medieval architecture. There is calmness about the temple that will put your mind at peace – The quietness and solitude of this holy place makes you feel a lot closer to God. Jaggery pudding (Sarkara payasam) is the main offering in the temple.
