Chuduvalathur Shiva Temple

Chuduvalathur, Shoranur, Dist. Palakkad.

Chuduvallathur Shiva Temple, located near the town of Shoranur in Palakkad district, is one of the oldest and most historically important Shiva temples in central Kerala. The temple stands in a peaceful setting, surrounded by the Bharathapuzha (Nila River) and green paddy fields. The main deities are Lord Shiva in the form of Kirathamurthy, depicting the episode in which He tested and blessed Arjuna and Goddess Parvathi. The temple is administered by the Malabar Devaswom Board, while its management is carried out by a trust led by members of four Namboothiri families: Moothedath Mana, Thekkepattu Mana, Pakshimana and Kookkampara Mana.

Based on its history and architectural features, Chuduvallathur Shiva Temple is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. The structure of the circular sanctum, the ancient wooden carvings and the traditional methods of construction suggest that the temple was built between the 9th and 11th centuries AD. Historians also believe that worship was taking place here even before the rise of the Kavalappara Swarupam. According to historical records, the Kavalappara Swarupam was established between AD 1102 and AD 1120, after the reign of the last Cheraman Perumal. Over the following centuries, this royal family ruled the 96 desams (local administrative regions) of present-day Shoranur and Ottapalam. By the late 15th century, during the rule of the Zamorin, the Kavalappara Swarupam had grown into a strong and independent ruling house. During this period, the temple became one of their important places of worship and received royal patronage and protection from the rulers of Palakkad. The circular sanctum, its fine wooden carvings and the traditional craftsmanship reflect the architectural excellence of that period. The temple and the surrounding region remained under the administration of the Kavalappara Swarupam until AD 1793, when the British East India Company took direct control of Malabar. After that, the administration of the temple gradually came under the management of the Ooralans (traditional trustees) and later the Malabar Devaswom Board. Over the centuries, the temple suffered damage due to foreign invasions and lack of proper maintenance. It was later restored in different phases through the efforts of successive rulers and the local community, helping to preserve its heritage and historical importance.

According to temple tradition, the Shiva Linga was consecrated by Khara Maharshi (Kharaprakasha Maharshi), a great devotee of Lord Shiva. It is believed that this sage, who is associated with the Ramayana, invoked the divine presence of Lord Shiva here through his deep penance. Because of this belief, the temple is regarded as one of the oldest Shiva temples in Palakkad district. Another important legend connected with the temple comes from the Mahabharata. Before the Kurukshetra War, Arjuna performed severe penance to obtain the Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva. To test Arjuna’s humility, Lord Shiva appeared before him in the form of a hunter, known as Kirata, accompanied by Goddess Parvathi. Pleased with Arjuna’s devotion and courage, Lord Shiva blessed him with the Pashupatastra. Lord Shiva in the form of Kirathamurthy, along with Goddess Parvathi, is worshipped as the main deity of the temple.

The temple is located at the centre of Chuduvallathur Desam and faces west. At the entrance, visitors first see the renovated temple tower and the entrance hall beside it. A strong compound wall built of black stone surrounds the temple. On the northern side are the marriage hall and the temple pond, while the cowshed and a small pond used for temple rituals are located on the southern side. After passing through the temple tower, a wide circumambulatory path leads to a large sacrificial stone (Bali Stone) placed in front of the main sanctum. The most distinctive feature of the temple is its circular sanctum, a style found in only a few temples in Kerala. The roof of the sanctum is covered with copper plates. Lord Shiva in the form of Kirathamurthy is consecrated on the western side of the sanctum facing west, while Goddess Parvathi is consecrated on the eastern side facing east. The sanctum is surrounded by a Nalambalam (inner cloister) and a traditional wooden lamp gallery. The pillars and roof of the sanctum and the mandapam are decorated with fine wooden carvings depicting scenes from the Puranas. Remains of ancient mural paintings can also be seen on the temple walls.

Apart from the main sanctum, a separate shrine for Goddess Karthyayani is located within the Nalambalam. According to local tradition, the divine presence of the Goddess was ceremonially invoked here from an older Karthyayani temple in the nearby area where worship had ceased. A shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha is situated at the south-west corner (Kannimoola) of the Karthyayani shrine. Outside the Nalambalam, on the southern side, is the shrine of Dharma Sastha with Poorna and Pushkala. A separate pedestal on the northern side houses the shrine of Lord Subrahmanya. At the north-west corner, within a sacred grove, is the Naga shrine dedicated to Naga Raja and Naga Yakshi.

The annual festival begins with the flag hoisting ceremony on the Uthrattathi star in the Malayalam month of Kumbham (February–March), following Maha Shivaratri. The eight-day festival concludes with the Aarattu ceremony on the Thiruvathira star. During the festival, traditional temple rituals such as Pallivetta, Utsava Bali and Kazhcha Seeveli are conducted. A variety of traditional cultural programmes are also organised by the Chuduvallathur Desaghosha Committee. Maha Shivaratri is one of the most important observances at the temple. On this day, devotees observe a fast and remain awake throughout the night and the Shayana Pradakshinam is performed as one of the main rituals. The consecration day is celebrated on the Rohini star in the Malayalam month of Meenam (March–April). The special Varamirikkal Vedic ritual is held every month on Pradosham. Other important annual observances include Thiruvathira in the month of Dhanu, Navaratri in the month of Kanni and the Mandala season.

The main offerings at the temple include Dhara, Shankhabhishekam, Koovalam Mala, Pushpanjali, Umamaheshwara Pooja and Mangalya Pushpanjali. Dhara and Shankhabhishekam are offered to Lord Shiva for mental peace and good health. Koovalam Mala and Pushpanjali are performed for long life, good health and the removal of sins. Umamaheshwara Pooja and Mangalya Pushpanjali are offered to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi together for marital harmony and the removal of obstacles to marriage. Among the offerings to the other deities, Theeyattu is offered to Dharma Sastha for the fulfilment of wishes, while Neerajanam and Ellu Vilakku are offered for relief from the effects of Shani. Ganapathi Homam and Karukappul Mala are offered to Lord Ganesha for the removal of obstacles and success in one’s endeavours. Payasam Nivedyam and Lalitha Sahasranamarchana are offered to Goddess Karthyayani for prosperity and overall well-being.

The temple is open daily from 05:30 AM to 09:30 AM and from 05:30 PM to 07:30 PM. The temple opens at 05:30 AM with Nirmalya Darshan, followed by the Usha Pooja. After the Ucha Pooja, the temple closes for the morning at 09:30 AM. It reopens at 05:30 PM and the Deeparadhana is performed in the evening. Following the Athazha Pooja, the temple closes for the day at 07:30 PM.

Key highlight :-

• Located 14 km from Ottapalam and 32 km from Thrissur.
• The nearest railway station is Shoranur Junction Railway Station, about 2 km away.
• KSRTC and local buses are available to the temple from Shoranur.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available in the nearby towns.
• Contact number 9809149669