Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple or the Thaliyil Shiva Temple is one amongst the trio of most legendary Shiva Temples in Kerala. The Mahadeva temple was installed by the demon Khara (of the Khara Dhooshana demon duo mentioned in the famous epic Ramayana) along with Ettumanoor and Vaikom temple shrines. The idols at Vaikom and Ettumanoor temples are believed to be installed at the same time by the demon Khara. As there are replicas of Vaikom & Ettumanoor Shiva shrines in the temple, it is believed a visit here before noon is as good as a visiting all the three important Shiva temples (Vaikom, Ettumanoor, and Thaliyil Mahadeva) on the same day at the same time. Visiting the three Shiva temples at Vaikom. Kaduthuruthy and Ettumanoor on a single day will bring prosperity and the blessings of Shiva. Karthaveerarjuneeyam – the mythological story is depicted in carvings at the temple.
This is a complete guide with lots of useful information. You can jump straight to these sections to touch on the specifics.
The legend behind Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
The legend of the Kaduthuruthy temple is linked with the great epic Ramayana. As per legend, Kharasura – mentioned in Ramayana installed the Shiva lingam. An ardent devotee of Shiva he performed strict penance at Chidambaram. Impressed by his Tapasya Shiva granted him a boon & 3 Lingams. He traveled southward & carried one in each hand and the third in his mouth. Overcome by the weight of the Lingams, he tried to rest at Vaikom & then at Ettumanoor and the Lingams got installed at each place. The last Shiva Lingam installed was from his mouth & the site got the name “Kadichiruthy Prathishta.” (Kadichu – bite, thuruthy – to be placed). Hence it is believed that darshan of all three Lingams before noon on a single day fulfills wishes.
History of Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple was under the jurisdiction of the Vadakkumkoor dynasty. It is said that nearly 300 years ago the temple was consumed by fire, but the mandapam, with its beautiful carvings, was spared. As the fire was spreading out, the chief priest of the temple clasped the idol at his breast and gave up his life to protect it. The idol of this chief priest is erected at the northern part of the shrine to commemorate the event.
A Rajah of the Vadakkumkoor dynasty used to worship the three deities at Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom, and Ettumanoor on the same day but as he became old, he could not continue it. Hence, he arranged for the replicas of the deities at Vaikom & Ettumanoor to be installed at the Kaduthuruthy temple. It is believed that by worshipping the deity at the Kaduthuruthy temple, the devotees will get the benefit of visiting both Vaikom & Ettumanoor temples.
When the place was under the reign of Vadakkumkoor dynasty a festival lasting for twenty-eight days was celebrated at the temple. Soon it gradually came to an end. Maharani Sethu Lekshmi Bai revived the festival and enforced orderliness and punctuality in the temple observances. Later the Vadakkumkoor dynasty merged into Travancore & the family deity fell into misfortune for about a century. The priests found it hard to meet with the daily expenses of the temple, but two families Mangalathur (Panicker) and Thazhathu (Kaimal) came forward with financial help to maintain the decorum of the temple. Today Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple has risen to be one of the major temples under the Travancore Devaswom Board.
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Physical Structure of Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
Architectural elegance marks the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple! At the temple, you can find medieval Kerala Temple architecture at its best! The mandapam in front of the shrine has on display a fantastic collection of wood carvings depicting the story of “Karthaveerarjuneeyam.”
Prathishta at Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
The presiding deity of the Kaduthuruthy temple is Lord Shiva. The Sivalinga at the temple is only 3” tall & is the smallest of the three Sivalingas that was installed by Kharasura. It faces to the east.
Upadevatha (Sub Deities) at Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
The deity of Ettumanoorappan is placed at the southern gate and Vaikathappan at the north. Hence by worshipping the deity at the Kaduthuruthy temple, it is believed that the devotees will get the triple benefit of praying at Kaduthuruthy, Vaikom & Ettumanoor. On the southern side, an idol of Sree Ganapathy is placed. Deities of Dharma Sastha & Goddess Durga are also there at the temple complex along with the idol of the priest who lost his life in the temple fire.
Festivals at Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
A ceremonial 10-day celebration is conducted at the temple every year in December with much pomp & splendor. The temple is lit up with lamps and the deity is taken out in a procession of elephants.
Offerings timings
Nirmalyam: 4:00 AM to 4:30 AM
Pantheeradi Pooja: 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM
Uccha Puja: 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Deeparadhana: 6:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Darshan timings at Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
Morning: 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM
On the day of the Udayasthamana Pooja, closing at 11.30 P.M. as there are 21 poojas on that day.
Dress code and entry rules
Men: Mundu & Veshti, and boys can wear shorts.
Women: Sarees, Skirt or Salwar suit.
Location
The Kaduthuruthy Temple is located in scenic surroundings at the backdrop of the picturesque Vembanad Lake and on the top of a small hill. The temple is situated mid-way between Vaikom and Ettumanoor.
Getting to Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple
- By Air – Nedumbassery Airport is 63 km away.
- By Rail- Kottayam Railway Station is 25 km away.
- By Bus – There are many direct buses from the Kottayam bus stand.
Contact details
Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple
Kappumthala Rd, Kaduthuruthy,
Kerala 686604, India, Kochi
Now that you know more details about Kaduthuruthy Mahadeva Temple which might have triggered your interest, if you are planning to visit the same do let us know. You can explore places around Vadakkunnathan in Trichur at your leisure. Don’t forget to customize your Kerala tour package with Blue Bird Travels for an incredible holiday experience.
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Nearby temples
Vaikom Mahadeva Temple
Renowned as the Kashi of the South, the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple is one of the oldest and famous Shiva Temples in Kerala. As per legends, the Shivalinga was consecrated by Kharasura. The temple is significant as it is believed that if a devotee prays at Vaikom Mahadeva Temple, Kaduthuruthy Thaliyil Mahadeva Temple and Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple on the same day, before Ucha Pooja, his wish will be fulfilled by Lord Shiva. Vaikathashtami Festival is the main festival celebrated at the Vaikom Mahadeva Temple.
Ettumanoor Shiva Temple
A great temple dedicated to Lord Shiva! Kharasura installed the idol along with that of Vaikom & Kaduthuruthy temples. It is believed that the Pandavas and the sage Vyasa worshipped the Lord at this temple. After consecrating all the three divine idols on the same day, Khara transformed into a deer, and Lord Shiva held the deer in his hand to bless it, and the name Ettumanoor (The place where the deer was lifted) came into being.
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy Temple
Chottanikkara Bhagavathy temple is a most sacred temple in Kochi near the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple. The temple has two main deities – Rajarajeswari is presiding in Melkkavu & Bhadrakali in Keezhukavu. The Bhadrakali is considered powerful to cure mental illness & other maladies. Hundreds of devotees visit the temple daily.
The Sun Temple
The second Sun temple in India and the only Sun Temple in Kerala is located at Eravimangalam, 3 kilometers away from Kaduthuruthy. The ‘Sreekovil’ of the temple is circular in shape & the idol faces west in a meditative posture. The idol is made of a special kind of stone that absorbs oil.
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Places to Visit in & around the Kaduthuruthy Shiva Temple
Marari Beach, Alleppey
Enjoy the Golden beach of Marari on your holiday! The beach located in a quiet village Mararikulam is one of the most beautiful beaches in India and a popular tourist attraction. The green coconut trees swaying to the breeze from the Arabian Sea on the white beach continues to amaze you.
Kerala Folklore Museum, Kochi
A treasure trove of artifacts celebrating Kerala and its rich cultural heritage! The museum is built combining the architectural styles of Malabar, Cochin, and Travancore. Theyyam, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and Mohiniyattam, paintings, masks, sculptures, instruments, utensils, manuscripts and jewelry, and more than 4000 artifacts are on display, some dating back to the stone age. Take time out to check out the ceiling made from 60 different frames. A beautiful performance theatre is another attraction here.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary
A bird haven located on the banks of the Vembanad Lake! Spread across 14 acres, the Kumarakom bird sanctuary is a favorite habitat of migratory birds like the Siberian Stork, Egret, Darter, Heron, and Teal coming from faraway lands. A visit to the Bird Sanctuary amidst greenery & wooded area is a memorable experience for all.
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