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Most of the ancient temples in India have some mythology narrating its origin. Likewise, Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple near Mavelikara has numerous legends connecting to its popularity to this day. Most prominent legend is that it is one of the Shiva temples of Kerala established by Lord Parashurama.
Kandiyoor Shree Mahadeva Temple
Photo Courtesy: RajeshUnuppally
As we go back in time, Kandiyoor Sree Mahavdeva Temple has had a lot of prominence in the history of Kerala. Interestingly, an era named 'Kandiyoorabdam' was created in 823 AD as a reminder of the formation of this shrine. And this name was in use for a long time.
Another famous legend is about the tales of Rishi Mrikandu, the father of Rishi Markandeya. The story is that once Rishi Marikandu found an idol of Shiva in a fierce form. To install this idol, he began searching for a holy place and came to the banks of Achankovil in Kerala. Upon looking at the picturesque vistas around Achankovil, Rishi Mrikandu decided to install the deity of Mahadeva.
Kandiyoor Shree Mahadeva Temple
Photo Courtesy: RajeshUnuppally
It is only later the Lord Parashurama is said to have renovated the temple and given special powers to a particular family to look after the management of the shrine.
Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Lord Kandiyoorappan in this temple. The East facing God is placed in a two-tiered sanctum in Kirathamoorthy Form (a fierce form). In fact, it is not just mythology which talks about the temple but also numerous historical records.
Many historical tales are there indicating to the prominence of Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple near Mavelikara. One famous historical tale is about the battle which took place between the Odanad Kingdom and Kayamkulam dynasty. It is said that the King of Kayamkulam dynasty lost in the war. Later, he entered the temple to surrender his sword to the God and escaped through a rear door of the shrine. It is from then on this rear door remains closed, and it is followed even to this day.
Kandiyoor Shree Mahadeva Temple
Photo Courtesy: RajeshUnuppally
A speciality of the shrine is that Lord Shiva is worshipped in three different forms. He is worshipped as Dakshinamoorthy (hence the temple is called as the Kashi of the South) in the morning, as Umamaheswaram in the afternoon and as Kirathamoorthy in the evening.
Along with the presiding deity, there are many other Gods in the temple. Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple with such amazing history and several legends remains one of the popular Shiva temples in Kerala.
Kandiyoor Sree Mahadeva Temple is near to the town of Mavelikara which is known for being an important place for the Onam festival in Kerala. Mavelikara is the place where King Mahabali knelt down for placing the feet of Vamana (Vishnu).
How to Reach Kandiyoor Mahadeva Temple
Kandiyoor is just 1km from Mahadeva Temple, and it is around 8km from NH47. Kandiyoor is around 15km from Chengannur.
Mavelikara Railway Station is the nearest railway station in Kerala.
