Thirunakkara Mahadev Temple

Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple in Kottayam (celebrated across southern India as the premier Saivite royal sanctuary of the Kingdom of Thekkumkur, constructed in the early 16th century AD atop the sacred hillock of Thirunakkara by King Thekkumkur Veerakerala Varma, world famous for its circular two tiered sanctum sanctorum / Dwithala Sreekovil, exquisite 500 year-old painted murals depicting epics from the Mahabharata and Shiva Purana, one of Kerala's finest traditional wooden temple theaters / Koothambalam, and the grand 10 day annual Phalguna Aaraattu festival featuring caparisoned elephant pageants), located on Temple Road in Kottayam in Kerala, stands as the spiritual crown of the land of letters.

Dating back over 500 years, ancient temple chronicles relate that when King Veerakerala Varma returned from a pilgrimage to the revered Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Lord Shiva manifested on this peaceful hillock in Kottayam, prompting the pious monarch to construct this sprawling laterite temple complex.

It's the home of the sacred Swayambhoo Shiva Lingam installed in the inner sanctum facing east toward the rising sun, the intricately carved wooden rafters and stone pillars illustrating the 24 postures of Shiva and cosmic dances of Nataraja, the classical Koothambalam theater renowned for its acoustics and timber carvings where traditional Kathakali, Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal dance dramas have flourished under royal patronage, the expansive outer courtyard flanked by ancient banyan trees and brass oil lamp pillars (Deepastambham), and an intensely tranquil, classical spiritual atmosphere where evening Deeparadhana illuminates hundreds of flicker lit stone lamps.

It represents a rich Thekkumkur royal dynasty legacy, 16th century Kerala temple woodcraft, and rich Malankara cultural traditions where Saivite worship, classical Koothambalam theater, Aaraattu elephant pageantry, and Kottayam heritage unite in Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple.

Located in the center of Kottayam town on Temple Road, it sits just 2 km from Kottayam Railway Station (KTYM), 1 km from KSRTC Central Bus Station, 14 km from Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary and Backwaters, and 85 km from Cochin International Airport (COK), easily accessible by walking or auto rickshaw from anywhere in the city.

16th Century Thekkumkur Royalty & Sreekovil Murals

King Veerakerala Varma established the temple as the presiding royal deity of Thekkumkur, commissioning master artists to adorn the circular sanctum walls with vegetable dye murals.

The murals depict the divine wedding of Shiva and Parvati, the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan), and Kiratarjuniya episodes with exceptional artistic finesse.

Truth is, circumambulating the wooden Sreekovil during evening twilight while temple oil lamps glow softly against the painted frescoes is deeply uplifting.

Classical Koothambalam & 10 Day Annual Aaraattu

The Koothambalam: Considered one of the three most architecturally perfect temple theaters in Kerala, staging all night Kathakali and Chakyar Koothu performances.

Thirunakkara Aaraattu: A 10 day festival in Meenam (March/April) featuring 9 caparisoned tuskers, traditional Panchavadyam ensembles, and the holy holy bath procession.

Kottayam Heritage & Backwater Circuit

City Heritage Walk: Sits just 2 km from St. Mary's Orthodox Church Cheriapally, 2.5 km from Valiapally, and 3 km from Thazhathangady Juma Masjid.

District Day Tour: Connects smoothly with Thiruvarpu Krishna Temple (6 km), Panachikkadu Saraswathi Temple (10 km), and Kumarakom Backwaters (14 km).

After offering prayers at Thirunakkara Mahadeva Temple, explore St. Mary's Cheriapally, cruise Kumarakom Backwaters, or tour Kottayam.