Sringapuram Sree Mahadeva Temple

Sringapuram, Kodungallur, Dist. Thrissur.

Sringapuram Sree Mahadeva Temple is an ancient place of worship located in Kodungallur town in Thrissur district. One of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala, its main deity is Lord Shiva, facing east. The temple stands next to the Kodungallur Kovilakam and historical records state that it was built by King Rajarajashekhara during the Second Chera dynasty. According to legend, the Shiva idol here was installed by Lord Parasurama, who is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

The temple was built during the Second Chera dynasty, which ruled with Mahodayapuram (present-day Kodungallur) as its capital. Historical records state that it was built by the Chera king Rajarajashekhara, who ruled from AD 820 to 844. He was also known as Cheraman Perumal Nayanar and during his reign Sringapuram was an important administrative centre. Sringapuram was one of the four main thalis (administrative centres that handled the affairs of the Brahmin villages) in ancient Kerala. Historical records also mention that councils which advised the kings on the administration of the Kodungallur kingdom met at such thalis. The temple is located next to the palace complex of Kodungallur Kovilakam, the royal family of Kodungallur and remained under the supervision and protection of the royal family for many centuries.

The temple walls contain several inscriptions and carvings dating from the 10th and 11th centuries. These inscriptions provide information about the social and economic life of medieval Kerala. About 200 years ago, a major fire at the temple caused minor damage to the main Shiva lingam, according to historical records. The damage was later repaired and the Shiva lingam was completely covered with a bronze covering for protection.

As the temple is located next to the palace complex of the Kodungallur royal family, its daily affairs and properties were managed in earlier times by officials appointed by the royal family and local Uranmas. At present, Sringapuram Sree Mahadeva Temple is part of the Thiruvanchikulam Group under the Cochin Devaswom Board. The temple’s daily activities, rituals and festivals are managed jointly by the officers appointed by the Devaswom Board and the Temple Advisory Committee elected by devotees.

According to legend, Rishyasringa Maharshi, mentioned in the Ramayana, came to this region, performed penance for a long period and installed Lord Shiva. As the sage performed penance and installed the Shiva idol here, the place was first known as ‘Rishyasringapuram’, which later became ‘Sringapuram’. Another legend says that after learning about Sati Devi’s self-immolation during the Daksha Yaga and killing Daksha, Lord Shiva remained alone in Rudra Bhava, grieving over Sati’s death and meditating here. This is said to be the reason why Parvati Devi is not present here, unlike in many other Shiva temples. According to the legend associated with the origin of Kerala, Sringapuram is one of the 108 Shiva temples in Kerala believed to have been installed by Lord Parasurama, who reclaimed the land of Kerala. The temple also has four sub-deity installations at its four corners and according to local tradition, all four represent different forms of Lord Shiva.

Sringapuram Sree Mahadeva Temple is located next to National Highway 17 in Kodungallur town. The temple does not have a large gopuram. From the road, the main features visible are the large laterite stone compound wall and the traditional entrance gate known as the padippura. The east-facing temple has a large tiled-roof eastern entrance pavilion divided into three sections. The remains of the historic Kodungallur Kovilakam palace complex can also be seen next to the temple. On entering through the padippura, there is a tall copper flagstaff, with the Balikkalpura, an entrance pavilion with a large bali stone, behind it. The outer walls of the Nalambalam have a wooden-panelled vilakkumadam, where lamps are lit during festival days. Along the pradakshina path, four small Shiva temples can be seen at the four corners of the temple complex.

One of the main architectural features of Sringapuram Sree Mahadeva Temple is its square, three-tiered (Tri-Tala) Sreekovil. This type of Sreekovil is rare in Kerala. The roofs of all three tiers are covered with copper sheets, with a gold-plated finial at the top. A wide mukha mandapam is attached to the front of the Sreekovil, with old wooden carvings on its pillars and roof. The black stone steps leading to the mukha mandapam have carved yali figures on both sides. The outer walls of the Sreekovil contain 10th-century Vattezhuthu inscriptions that provide information about the history of medieval Kerala. Inside the garbhagriha, Dakshayanivallabhan is worshipped in the form of a Shiva lingam facing east. The Shiva lingam is completely covered with a bronze covering. The Sreekovil is built using stone, lime and sand and retains remains of old paintings and carvings.

The main festival of the temple is the eight-day annual festival held in Kumbham (February–March), beginning with the flag hoisting ceremony. The festival ends with the arattu on the day of Maha Shivaratri, which falls on the new moon day of Kumbham. Special poojas held throughout the night, vilakkezhunnallippu and arattu are the main ceremonies on Shivaratri. As a Shiva temple, Thiruvathira in Dhanu (December–January) is also observed as an important occasion. On Pradosham days every month, Rudrabhishekam, Jaladhara and other special poojas are conducted. Thiruvonam in Chingam and Vishu in Medam are observed with special offerings. The 41-day Mandalam period, from Vrischikam 1 to Dhanu 11, is also observed at the temple. During Karkidakam, the Ramayana month, special Ganapathi Homam and Bhagavathi Seva are conducted daily.

One of the main offerings at the temple is Swayamvara Pushpanjali. According to local belief, it is performed to appease Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as being alone without Devi after the Daksha Yaga. Devotees also offer Swayamvara Pushpanjali for seven consecutive days seeking relief from obstacles to marriage. The 1001 Kudam Dhara and Jaladhara are performed to cool Shiva’s Rudra Bhava and heat, with water continuously poured over the Shiva lingam while mantras are chanted. Ksheeradhara and Ghrithadhara are performed using milk and ghee respectively and are offered seeking relief from illness and good health and longevity. Idichu Pizhinja Payasam, prepared with jaggery and coconut milk, is offered seeking relief from difficulties. Rudrabhishekam, performed with the chanting of mantras, is offered seeking prosperity, career advancement and removal of obstacles. Kalabhabhishekam, in which the deity is covered with sandalwood paste on special days, is performed seeking mental peace and fulfilment of wishes. Koovalamala, a garland made from Bilva leaves, is also one of the main daily offerings to Lord Shiva.

The temple is generally open for darshan from 05:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM. The morning rituals begin at 05:00 AM with the opening of the temple and Nirmalya Darshan. Abhishekam and Malar Nivedyam are performed at 05:30 AM, followed by Ushah Pooja at 06:15 AM. Ethettu Pooja and Sheeveli are held at 07:00 AM, followed by Pantheeradi Pooja at 08:15 AM. At 10:30 AM, Uchapooja is performed, followed by Sheeveli and the temple closes at 11:00 AM. The temple reopens at 05:00 PM, with Deeparadhana held around 06:30 PM, at sunset. Athazha Pooja and the evening Sheeveli are conducted at 07:30 PM, followed by the closing of the temple at 08:00 PM. Darshan and pooja timings may change on special days and during festivals.

Key highlight :-

• Located 12 km from North Paravur and 22 km from Irinjalakkuda.
• 20 km from Irinjalakkuda railway station.
• KSRTC and local bus facilities are available to the temple.
• Private vehicles can be parked in the temple’s parking area.
• Accommodation and food facilities are available near the temple.
• Contact number +91 487234858.