Kodungallur Attractions - Tourist Places To Visit In Kodungallur

Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temples in South India, is located in the south of Kodungallur. Gopuram Thevar, Dakshinamoorthy, Pasupathy, Natakkal Shivan, Sandhyavela Shivan, Palliyara Shivan, Unni Thevar and Konnakkal Shivan are the major representations of Shiva found in this temple.

The temple carries a history of about 2000 years and is best known for these manifestations of Lord Shiva. The temple attracts the attention of many as it hosts a very rare event, namely Anayottam or the elephant race. This event, held as part of the annual temple festival, draws travellers from far and wide.

One of the chief festivals celebrated in the temple is Maha Shivaratri. The temple complex contains many minor shrines dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses. The temple has earned a reputation on account of its spectacular mural paintings. Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple is a monument protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Mar Thoma Shrine, also known as Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, is a historical church in Kodungallur. The shrine is located in Azhikode where Saint Thomas was believed to have landed. The history behind this shrine dates back to the early days of Christianity in Kerala and thus carries historical as well as religious significance.

Built in Indo-Persian style, the shrine displays excellent craftsmanship and architectural beauty. Ancient relics of St. Thomas are housed within the altar and are displayed to the public on certain selected occasions. A short video demonstrating the life of Saint Thomas is shown to the visitors.

A huge statue depicting the event of Saint Thomas acknowledging the risen Christ is displayed at the front of this shrine. A marvellous painting portraying the arrival of Saint Thomas is yet another attraction of this shrine. The chief festival of the church is observed on November 21 every year.

Cheraman Juma Masjid is one of the most renowned religious destinations in Kodungallur. This mosque was built by Malik Bin Deenar in 629 AD and is regarded as the oldest mosque in India. It also holds the record of being the second oldest mosque in the world.

According to history a flood in 1341 AD destroyed this mosque considerably. The Cheraman Juma Masjid we see today is the renovated one. The architecture of the mosque is noteworthy since it follows the style and design of a Hindu temple. An oil lamp is kept burning at the centre of this mosque.

People regardless of their religions and faiths bring oil for the lamp on auspicious occasions. Brass oil lamps kept inside the Masjid add to the beauty of its architecture. There is a rosewood pulpit which is covered with marvellous carvings.

A block of white marble believed to have been brought from Makkah is placed inside the mosque. Cheraman Juma Masjid plays a significant part in the history of Islam in India and is a must-see destination for travellers who visit Kodungallur.

Keezhthali Mahadeva Temple is one of the most visited religious spots in Kodungallur. Located in Thrissur district, this temple enjoys a history that dates back to centuries. The temple is attractive in its architecture and is ancient.

Lord Shiva, also known as Mahadeva is the presiding deity of this temple. People from all sides of Kerala visit Keezhthali Mahadeva Temple to pay their honours to the deity. The prime attraction of this temple is a large Shivalingam that is installed in the sanctum sanctorum.

This Shivalingam is believed to be of centuries old. It is 8 ft high and has a radius of 7.5 ft and is regarded as one of the biggest Shivalingas in India. The temple with lighted lamps against the backdrop of sunset is a charming sight. The temple is located on the top of a hill and offers a panoramic view to visitors.

Koodalmanikyam Temple, one of the most visited temples of Kerala, is situated close to Kodungallur. It is located in Iringalakuda, around 20 km away from the city of Thrissur. The temple gathers massive attention from devotees all over the country, it being the one and only temple in India that is dedicated to Bharatha, the brother of Lord Rama.

The temple is best known for its architectural grandeur and splendid craftsmanship. The temple complex comprises of a round shaped sanctum, a Chuttambalam, magnificent murals on the interior walls and four ponds in and around the temple.

Attached to the temple premises is a Koothambalam where traditional temple arts like the Kathakali and Koothu are regularly performed. The major annual festival is observed for ten days each year during April-May. The grand procession during the festival time, accompanied by caparisoned elephants and Panchari Melam (sacred music), offer a marvelous sight to spectators.

Kurumbakavu Temple is another religious attraction in Kodungallur, the presiding deity of which is the warrior goddess Bhagavathi. The temple has a spectacular idol of Bhagavathi whose eight arms are equipped with weapons. The head of Daruka (a demon), bells, an anklet and a vessel of blood decorate the idol of this Goddess.

The temple premises contain two more idols of Vasoorimala and Tavittumurthi. This ancient temple attracts hundreds of devotees during the festival seasons. The chief festival observed in the temple is the Bharani festival, also known by the name Kavutheendal.

Kurumbakavu Temple is rich in myths and legends. Kannagi Charithm (story of Kannagi) and Daruka Nigraham (annihilation of Daruka) are the two major legends associated with this temple. An air of devotion and chants of prayers linger in the surroundings of the temple, soothing the minds of those who visit it.

Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple is a well known Shiva temple located close to the town of Kodungallur. The name Sringapuram (translated as Land of Sringa) is derived from a myth according to which Sage Rishyashringa installed the Shiva idol in this temple.

What makes this temple different from other Shiva temples is that Lord Shiva is enshrined here without Goddess Parvati. The idol of Shiva depicts a sorrowful mood indicating the grief after the self-immolation of Sati.

The artistic inscriptions on the walls are marvellous, dating back to 10th and 11th centuries. The temple complex comprises of a Nadapandal with tiled roof, Dhwajastambha (flag post), Prakaram (outer courtyard) and a sanctum.

Shivarathri is the most noted annual festival of this temple which attracts a good number of devotees from different parts of Kerala. Located on the Kodungallur-Paravur road, Sringapuram Mahadeva Temple is easily accessible by road.

Triprayar Sri Rama Temple, situated on the banks of Thriprayar river, is one of the prominent religious destinations in Kodungallur. It is located at Thriprayar, about 26 km from Kodungallur town. Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the deity worshipped in this temple.

Myths and legends revolve around this small scenic temple and according to legends the idol installed in the temple was found by a local chieftain from the seashores. This idol is believed to contain the elements of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva and hence is worshipped as Trimurthy.

This temple is famed for its significance in the Arattupuzha Pooram celebration. The temple complex comprises of a sanctum and a Namaskara Mandapam which has scenes from Ramayana, wooden carvings depicting the Navagrahas and ancient murals. Triprayar Sri Rama temple hosts regular performance of traditional art forms like the Koothu (drama).