Thiruvanchikkulam Mahadeva Temple, 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.